Behind every successful Foundation Board of Directors is a team of passionate community members who give their time, expertise, and heart.

This profile features Josef Frank, a long-serving director and Past Chair whose financial expertise, thoughtful leadership and commitment to the Stratford community have helped guide the Foundation's work since 2017.

Josef Frank

Josef Frank has spent more than 25 years working in financial services, including the past 12 years with RBC Wealth Management as a Portfolio Manager and Investment Advisor. Throughout his career, he has focused on helping clients navigate important life decisions and financial planning opportunities.

He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Master of Business Administration and the Chartered Investment Manager designation.

Josef and his wife have called Stratford home for 25 years, raising their two children and establishing deep roots in the community.

With nearly a decade of service to the Foundation, Josef has witnessed firsthand the generosity of the Stratford community and the impact of investing in local healthcare. In the Q&A below, he reflects on what inspired him to get involved, the accomplishments that have made him proud and his hopes for the Foundation's future.

What inspired you to join the Stratford General Hospital Foundation Board of Directors?

I joined the Board because I recognize healthcare as foundational to our community's well-being and prosperity.

The hospital has consistently been there for my family during some of our most important moments. A strong hospital doesn't just serve immediate healthcare needs. It also makes our community an attractive place for businesses and families to put down roots.

The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance - Stratford General Hospital delivers a level of care that is remarkable for a community of our size, and I wanted to be part of supporting that.

Why is supporting local healthcare important to you?

Supporting local healthcare is about investing in the fabric of our community.

Our hospital brings together professional excellence and personal connection. The people providing care are often our friends and neighbours, and the hospital is there for us through life's challenges and celebrations alike.

What excites you about the future of healthcare in our community?

I'm optimistic about what lies ahead. Advances in medical equipment and technology are creating new opportunities to support patient care, and our community has demonstrated its commitment to making those investments possible.

As Stratford continues to evolve and grow, ensuring our hospital remains equipped to deliver excellent care is essential.

How has your professional experience shaped your approach to serving on the Board?

My background in financial services has given me a strong understanding of financial management, risk and long-term planning, all of which are important to Foundation governance and responsible stewardship.

But I also recognize the value of the diverse expertise and perspectives my fellow Board members bring to the table. We each contribute different skills and experiences, and I believe that combination strengthens our discussions and helps us make thoughtful, informed decisions.

How do you hope to continue contributing to the Foundation’s work?

I want to continue helping guide the Foundation's financial strategy and fundraising priorities.

One thing that shaped my perspective early on was learning how much hospitals rely on community fundraising to purchase essential equipment. Understanding that provincial funding doesn't typically cover these purchases reinforced just how important the Foundation's work is.

With my background in financial services, I hope to continue contributing to the thoughtful stewardship of the resources entrusted to us by our donors.

Can you share a moment when you felt especially proud of the hospital or Foundation?

Absolutely. Seeing our community exceed the ambitious goal of the In Our Hands Campaign was an incredibly proud moment.

At the outset, the $30 million goal seemed daunting. But watching Stratford come together to raise over $31 million for local healthcare demonstrated the true character of our community.

That achievement speaks volumes about who we are and our shared commitment to supporting exceptional healthcare close to home.

What do you love most about this community?

I love Stratford's sense of connection. People genuinely care about one another, and there's a collaborative spirit that shows up when it matters most.

Over the past 25 years, I've watched this community rally around shared goals and support one another through challenges.

It's a place where you belong.

What does Stratford General Hospital mean to you and your family?

The hospital is woven into our family's story. It's been there during some of our most vulnerable and most joyful moments.

Beyond healthcare, the hospital is an important part of our community. It's a major employer, a place where people come together and a reflection of Stratford's commitment to caring for one another.

What do you hope the Foundation will accomplish in the next five years?

I hope the Foundation continues to build on the generosity of our community as we invest in priority equipment and technology for Stratford General Hospital.

My hope is that we remain strategically focused on supporting the hospital's ability to deliver exceptional healthcare as Stratford continues to grow and evolve.

I also hope my financial expertise continues to contribute to the responsible stewardship of Foundation resources, helping ensure our hospital has the equipment and technology it needs to serve our community, both today and for generations to come.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

When I'm not working, I'm happiest spending time with my family or travelling.

When exploring a new city or country, I'm the person who rents a car and seeks out the less-travelled roads and hidden gems. There's something exhilarating about navigating unfamiliar places and discovering what others might overlook.