The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC), a leading advocate for safe gambling practices in Canada, has appointed Sarah McCarthy (pictured above) as its new Chief Executive Officer. McCarthy’s extensive background in social impact, strategic planning, and accessibility will guide the RGC towards its mission of promoting responsible gambling and reducing gambling-related harm. She officially assumes her role on 6 January 2025, succeeding Shelley White, who served as RGC’s CEO for over seven years.
Sarah McCarthy’s transition to RGC
McCarthy’s transition to the Responsible Gambling Council marks an exciting new chapter in her career. Her leadership background in social impact and programme implementation positions her to bring fresh perspectives to the responsible gambling industry, where her skills can further RGC’s mission.
Sarah McCarthy has over 15 years of experience in executive leadership roles that span social impact, innovation, and inclusivity. In her most recent position as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at the Rick Hansen Foundation, McCarthy was instrumental in advancing accessibility and inclusivity across Canada.
One of McCarthy’s signature achievements at the Rick Hansen Foundation was the launch of the RHF Accessibility Certification programme. This initiative evaluated approximately 2,000 buildings, establishing a new standard for accessibility in public and private spaces. Prior to her time with the Rick Hansen Foundation, McCarthy served as Executive Director of the International Society for Nurses in Cancer Care. As she steps into her role at RGC, McCarthy will likely focus on enhancing responsible gambling practices and reducing the risks associated with gambling.
Yvon Lemire, Board Chair of the Responsible Gambling Council, expressed optimism about McCarthy’s appointment. He acknowledged White’s transformative leadership while extending a warm welcome to McCarthy, highlighting the board’s confidence in her ability to advance RGC’s mission.
Lemire commented, “Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Sarah in her new role. We look forward to her contributions and leadership in achieving our strategic objectives and furthering our mission.
“As Sarah McCarthy steps into her new role as CEO, we pause to honour and express our profound gratitude to Shelley White for her distinguished tenure at the Responsible Gambling Council. Shelley’s leadership has been transformative, steering the RGC through significant initiatives that have expanded our reach and deepened our impact. Her strategic foresight was instrumental in launching groundbreaking programmes that have set industry standards in responsible gambling.”
RGC’s mission and objectives
The Responsible Gambling Council is committed to advancing responsible gambling practices in Canada. McCarthy’s appointment is anticipated to bring a renewed focus on the organisation’s strategic objectives, including harm reduction and industry accountability.
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