Get to know our leaders

Malcolm Berry
President & CEO

Since March 2021, Malcolm has led the team at BC Children’s Hospital Foundation as president & CEO—bringing with him a proven track record of philanthropy and leadership accomplishments in pediatric health care, and an unwavering focus on the value of people, purpose and connection.

Malcolm previously served as chief development officer at St. Louis Children’s Hospital in Missouri and spent over 10 years at SickKids Foundation in Toronto in many roles—including vice president of major gifts, overseeing major gifts, gift and estate planning, stewardship and donor relations.

As an active industry leader and volunteer, Malcolm is a board member of The Woodmark Group, a North American organization of premier children’s hospitals; Canada’s Children’s Hospitals Foundation (CCHF), a collective of 13 children’s hospital foundations from across Canada that are dedicated to improving health care for children; and former board member and past chair of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners. He has presented and consulted in the philanthropic space across North America.

Malcolm has a Bachelor of Science from Queen’s University, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Business Administration from McMaster University. Malcolm is a devoted dad and husband who finds joy and renewal exploring nature’s playground—hiking, cycling and seeking adventure with their dogs, Scout and Chaos.

“I’m driven to ensure that our province’s children not only receive the care they deserve to be healthy today—but also, to champion work that changes the trajectory of our population’s health for decades to come.”

Matthew Boydston
Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

Matthew has over 25 years of finance and leadership experience in the private and public sector. Prior to joining the Foundation, he spent six years at the University of British Columbia—most recently providing leadership to the financial planning & analysis, financial reporting, capital financial management and operations/human resources finance teams.

Before that, Matthew held roles as both the vice president, finance and controller during a 12-year tenure at Seaspan Shipyards. While there, he worked with the finance teams to implement a new organizational structure and improved technology, processes and procedures to support the large-scale ship building program awarded in 2011.

Matthew received his Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia. He then went on to complete his Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation (and subsequently CPA). Outside of work, Matthew enjoys travelling to destinations steeped in history, and spending time with his partner, their golden-doodle, family and friends.

“I am honoured to work alongside a dedicated team to help ensure the maximum amount of funding flows to BC Children’s Hospital. Being able to see how this support directly improves the lives of our province’s children and families isn’t only motivating, but it’s incredibly rewarding as well.”

Raquel de Munain
Vice President, People & Culture

As vice president of people and culture, Raquel is responsible for leading a broad range of human resource functions. She also leads many innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing the culture at the Foundation—which has been named one of BC’s Top Employers for over 14 years in a row.

Prior to joining the Foundation in 2010, Raquel gained broad industry experience having worked in human resource leadership roles in financial services, retail and hospitality.

Raquel has a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management. She is also a member of the Charted Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) Management Association and holds a CPHR designation. Raquel has a passion for food (especially truffle fries), fashion and a love of all animals.

“A strong culture is integral to advancing our quest to transform the lives of kids and families through exceptional care—and I’m honoured to lead this work.”

Christopher Melonie
Vice President, Business Intelligence & Information Technology

Chris is an experienced technology leader with a proven track record in driving digital transformation. In his role at BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, he leads the teams responsible for data and analytics, information technology and prospect development.

Chris previously served as the senior director of IT at BC SPCA, where he modernized IT operations, implemented business intelligence capabilities and established a digital transformation program. He has also held roles as the vice president of technology at Prospera Credit Union and Westminster Savings Credit Union, as well as IT leadership positions at RBC and JPMorgan.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Brunel University in the UK and has been a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) since 2009. Chris values quality family time, and enjoys playing golf, sailing and supporting Liverpool Football Club.

“As a father, I know there is no greater priority than our children as they are our future. It’s a real honour to lead our technology and data journey, amplifying our impact to secure a better future for BC Children’s Hospital.”

Surina Sproul
Vice President, Brand Strategy

Surina joined BC Children’s Hospital Foundation in 2016 and oversees brand strategy and stewardship, driving public awareness and engagement to advance support for one of the most recognized and highly regarded institutions in the province. She leads a team of passionate strategists, marketers, communicators and creatives.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Surina spent over a decade in advertising at Wasserman & Partners. While there, she played an instrumental role in strengthening the brands of many iconic BC-based companies—with a focus on marketing to drive positive social change—from road safety to recycling. She also has a background in event fundraising and management through her previous work with the Canucks For Kids Fund and at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.

Surina holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing from the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia. She is a food-lover, travel-seeker, and is easily delighted by beautiful words and forest walks.

“We have the privilege of sharing the stories of what happens at BC Children’s—both the extraordinary people working to advance research and care, and the families whose lives are forever changed by it. I am humbled and inspired by the tenacity and the resilience of both.”

Rita Thodos
Executive Vice President Philanthropy

Rita joined BC Children’s Hospital Foundation in 2015. She currently oversees all fundraising teams, as well as the event experience and donor experience teams.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Rita was the vice president of fund development at Pacific Autism Family Centre, where she oversaw the completion of their capital campaign for their Family Autism Hub and Centre of Excellence. Before that, she served as national director of development & operations at Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Canada, where she was responsible for overseeing the operations of the fundraising teams nationally and providing strategic leadership to achieve all fundraising and new business development goals.

Rita is a YWCA Women of Distinction Award Nominee, a multiple JDRF National Award winner and an active member of her community. She has served as a member of the Canadian Diabetes Strategy Review Committee and is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals as an e-Career mentor. Rita holds a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation. She is an occasional backyard gardener, recent dog lover, and dreams of frequent travel to Sardinia.

“What an incredibly rewarding place to work. Every single day, there is remarkable work being done on this campus that is transforming healthcare outcomes for the kids we serve. When we can align a donor’s passion to the work or specific project taking place at the hospital—magic happens.”

Joanne Waxman
Vice President, Strategic Partnerships

Joanne joined the Foundation in 2014 and helped to establish the Strategic Partnerships team, which provides the vital conduit that translates the Hospital and Research Institute’s boldest ambitions into opportunities for philanthropic realization.

Joanne and her team work closely with world-leading clinical, research and operations leadership and partners at BC Children’s to understand the areas or initiatives where philanthropy can play a role and are responsible for creating fundraising opportunities that inspire support and mobilization in transforming children’s health. They also monitor donor-funded initiatives to ensure impeccable donor accountability and stewardship that foster long-term committed partnerships.

Joanne has more than 25 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector. Prior to joining BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, she spent eight years with VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation where she was the director of strategic partnerships & projects. Joanne finds joy in long trail walks with her dog, global travel adventures and annual jaunts to Salt Spring Island.

“The incredible work that is done each and every day to advance and transform child health by the dedicated experts at the Hospital and Research Institute is truly inspiring. It is a privilege to help bring their vision to life through the generosity of donors and see the incredible impact on the lives of children and families today and for generations to come.”