EKO Seeks Volunteer Board of Directors Candidates

Background

Empowered Kids Ontario-Enfants Avenir Ontario (EKO) is seeking volunteer leaders to join our Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning November 2026.

EKO is a federally incorporated, registered charitable member organization dedicated to kids with disabilities living their best lives. A founding member of the Children’s Health Coalition, EKO represents a growing membership of publicly supported child development and rehabilitation agencies, and is the provincial voice for evidence-based insights on policy, programs and investment in the sector.

Dedicated to the association’s mission, our Directors' champion exceptional board leadership. In addition to the standard roles and responsibilities of board directors, EKO board members are active advocates and ambassadors for both the association and sector.

EKO is seeking exceptional individuals from across Ontario who bring legal, information technology, and/or government & government relations experience to join the Board of Directors of this leading vibrant and impactful association. Those with relevant experience in areas such as academic leadership, life sciences, business intelligence, the broader public service and/or with a legal background, are encouraged to apply.

Prior board experience and understanding of leading governance principles and practices gained as a senior executive and/or Board member is highly desirable. Candidates meeting these requirements who bring diversity of living experience to the Board are also of interest.

If you are interested in joining the EKO Board of Directors, please complete this application by 5 pm Friday, June 12, 2026.

Questions? Please email Caroline Davidson - cdavidson@empoweredkidsontario.ca

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* 1. Your first and last name

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* 2. Your email address

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* 3. Your phone number

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* 4. Preferred method of contact

Phone call

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* 5. Do you have personal or professional experience with kids with disabilities and developmental differences? If so, please explain.

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* 6. Rank the following skills # 1 through # 14 (1 being the skill you have highest level of knowledge / experience and 14, the least).

Governance & Boards – prior board or committee experience and awareness of roles and responsibilities, including governance policy, issues, trends

Government & Government Relations – prior knowledge and awareness of the political environment and what is required to engage elected officials and decision makers

Special Needs / Disability Sector – experience in and understanding of the sector and in particular of children and youth with special needs and their families

Child Development & Rehabilitation Systems & Government Policy – knowledge and understanding of the Ontario system of child development and rehabilitation and the relationship to social policy and/or health policy and/or education policy

Child & Youth Services Sector – prior knowledge, experience and understanding of the child and youth services sector, including transition from the pediatric to adult systems in Ontario

Strategic Planning – the ability to think strategically and experience in participating in or leading an organization in planning for its future

Entrepreneurial / Business Management – experience in and knowledge of business practices and principles and/or social enterprise

Public Relations / Communications – experience in and knowledge of development and oversight of public relations and communications campaigns

Information Technology – familiar with health sector technologies with awareness of technological risks (i.e. cybersecurity, privacy, confidentiality) and the use of technology for working on Board and committee matters and operations

Innovation and/or Digital Expertise – Knowledge of strategic digital technologies to improve business operations, enhance client interactions, and the creation of products of services to meet evolving market demands

Legal – understanding of and experience in governance requirements of the not- for profit sector

Stakeholder Engagement & Related Activities – ability to understand and ensure the effective oversight of engagement and communications with members, the public, government, and other key stakeholders

Finance / Accounting / Audit – accounting credentials and/ or experience in preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluation of financial statements. A strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements and their application

Human Resources – experience as a human resource professional with a strong understanding of organizational structure, human resources oversight including compensation, recruiting assessing and succession planning.

EKO Seeks Volunteer Board of Directors Candidates

Background

Question Title

* 1. Your first and last name

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* 2. Your email address

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* 3. Your phone number

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* 4. Preferred method of contact

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* 5. Do you have personal or professional experience with kids with disabilities and developmental differences? If so, please explain.

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* 6. Rank the following skills # 1 through # 14 (1 being the skill you have highest level of knowledge / experience and 14, the least).

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* 7. Please upload your Expression of Interest here.

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* 8. Please upload your CV here.

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* 9. Do you have any further comments you would like to add?