A New President for Max Bell Foundation

Calgary, AB  16th May, 2016

“I am pleased to announce that Allan Northcott will succeed David Elton as President when he retires on December 31, 2016,” Carolyn Hursh, Chair of Max Bell Foundation, announced today.

Allan joined Max Bell Foundation in 1998 as a Program Officer responsible for working with grant recipients in health care, education, and environment. He became Secretary of the investment committee in 2007, and in 2008 became the Director of the Foundation’s Public Policy Training Institute. Allan was appointed Vice President in late 2012.

Prior to joining Max Bell Foundation, Allan had been a member of the academic staff at the University of Illinois and the University of Calgary, and had worked on the research staff at Canada West Foundation.

In addition to his work within the Foundation, Allan has advised and served on the boards of a number of Canadian charities. He has been the Chair of the Canadian Environment Grant Makers Network, and is currently a Director of both Imagine Canada and Philanthropic Foundations Canada.

“We believe Allan’s in-depth knowledge of the Foundation’s operations, mission, and strategic priorities will provide the Foundation with dynamic leadership that will further enhance the Foundation’s contributions to Canadian society,” Ms. Hursh said.

Ms. Hursh noted that “David Elton is among the most respected leaders in Canada’s philanthropic community. When he joined Max Bell Foundation in 1997, he already had two distinguished careers. As a political scientist, Dr. Elton taught at the University of Lethbridge for over 25 years. From 1980 to 1997, he served as President of Canada West Foundation.”

During his tenure as President of Max Bell Foundation, David has overseen the development of the Foundation’s focus on public policy. He has worked with dozens of grant recipients who have undertaken innovative research and demonstration projects that have improved the quality of public policy throughout Canada.

In 2014, Dr. Elton was named a Member of the Order of Canada for his lifelong dedication to civic engagement, political reform, and effective philanthropy. “We’re delighted that David will stay on as a special advisor to the Foundation,” Ms. Hursh added.

Max Bell Foundation is a Canadian independent grantmaking foundation established in 1972 by the late Mr. George Maxwell Bell. We encourage the development of innovative ideas that impact public policies and practices with an emphasis on health and wellness, education, and the environment.