Arla Gustafson
Arla Gustafson has been the CEO of The Royal University Hospital Foundation since May 2007. Working closely with and engaging donors and volunteers in healthcare through philanthropy, Arla and her team have raised and invested $55 million since 2007 to advance research, education and patient care at RUH.
Arla had a rewarding and meaningful 15 year career in the United Way movement. From 2001 to 2007, she was the Vice President of United Way of Canada-Centraide Canada. She joined the United Way of Saskatoon in 1992 as their Executive Director, embracing the role of redefining UW’s role in the community and United Way of Saskatoon received the United Way of Canada Collaboration Award in 2004 in recognition of this success. Under her leadership, the community campaign grew year over year and established itself as a community building organization with strong and effective partnerships with business, community stakeholders, labour and government. Together with five other agencies, Arla cofounded The Saskatoon Community Service Village in 2001, a social purpose business that has received international recognition. Arla began her career in 1985 in the not for profit sector as the Executive Director of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan. She spent seven years working to assist women in conflict with the law. Her interest in this organization arose from earning a B.A. majoring in criminology. She has been active as a volunteer in many local and provincial organizations and has received numerous awards including Outstanding Fundraising Professional from AFP Saskatoon in 2014, SaskBusiness Women of Influence in 2011, Canada’s 125 Medal, the Lieutenant Governor’s Saskatchewan Centennial Medal, YWCA Women of Distinction and Saskatoon’s Centennial 100 people Award. She has just completed her term as Chair of the Association of Fundraising Executives-Saskatoon.
Arla believes in working collaboratively to strengthen local capacity and establishing new shared learning, mentorship and networking opportunities. Arla’s enthusiasm for and commitment to the important role of voluntary sector leadership in community decision making and planning is evident in everything she touches.
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