Compassionate Ottawa is pleased to announce the appointment of Paula Ruiz Campbell as our first Executive Director, effective September 1, 2026.

For the past ten years, Compassionate Ottawa has been led by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors working alongside staff, volunteers, and community partners to build a more compassionate community. As the organization has grown in both its reach and impact, the Board has recognized the importance of transitioning to an Executive Director model – allowing the Board to focus more fully on governance, strategy, and long-term sustainability while supporting strong operational leadership.

Paula joined Compassionate Ottawa in 2018 and quickly became an integral member of the team. Over the past eight years, she has taken on progressively broader leadership responsibilities, helping to guide the organization’s operations, strengthen its financial and administrative foundations, support grant development, cultivate community partnerships, and lead staff and volunteers. She has also become a familiar face in the community, facilitating workshops, representing Compassionate Ottawa at community events, and working alongside partners to advance conversations about serious illness, caregiving, grief, and compassionate communities.

During Paula’s time with the organization, Compassionate Ottawa has expanded its educational programming, strengthened relationships with health and community partners, secured significant new funding, and increased its capacity to serve communities across Ottawa. Most recently, the organization has begun developing innovative, community-led initiatives that build on years of relationship-building with diverse cultural communities throughout the city.

As Executive Director, Paula will lead Compassionate Ottawa into its next chapter – building on the organization’s strong foundation while continuing to expand opportunities for people to learn, connect, and support one another through serious illness, caregiving, grief, and loss.

Reflecting on her appointment, Paula shared:

“It is such a privilege to step into this role at an organization that has meant so much to me over the past eight years. Compassionate Ottawa has shown what is possible when communities come together to support one another through some of life’s most difficult experiences. I look forward to working alongside our volunteers, staff, Board, partners, funders, and community members as we continue building a more compassionate Ottawa.”

Please join us in congratulating Paula on her appointment as Compassionate Ottawa’s first Executive Director. We look forward to this exciting new chapter together.