AHFMR News

Dr. Kevin Keough resigns as President and CEO of Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research

(August 30, 2007, Edmonton) The resignation of Dr. Kevin Keough as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) was announced today by Dr. Keough and the Foundation's Board of Trustees. Dr. Keough, who has served as President and CEO since 2004, was AHFMR's third President in the Foundation’s 27-year history.

"It was a privilege to serve as AHFMR's leader and I am very proud of the results achieved by the Foundation during my tenure," Dr. Keough said. "I have been particularly honoured to have worked with the dedicated staff of AHFMR and its network of outstanding researchers across Alberta in their pursuit of health research excellence."

Gail Surkan, Chair of the Board of Trustees of AHFMR acknowledged Dr. Keough's contributions to the Foundation and to Alberta's health research community. "Kevin's dedication and experience were valuable assets to AHFMR. He was committed to the goals of the Foundation and put his skills and energies to the pursuit of world class health and biomedical research here in Alberta. We appreciate the leadership he has provided to AHFMR at an important time in its history and wish Dr. Keough every success in his future endeavours. The Board will be seeking a leader who will work with the Board to maximize AHFMR's future strategic opportunities."

Dr. Keough is a biochemist by training. He served as the first Chief Scientist at Health Canada and has held senior academic positions in his home province of Newfoundland and Labrador as well as key advisory positions on the boards of national and provincial health research organizations.

The Board of Trustees will be acting immediately, together with a professional search firm, to conduct an international recruitment for a new President and CEO of AHFMR. In the meantime, Dr. Jacques Magnan, current AHFMR Vice President of Programs, will serve as Interim President and CEO.

For further information call:

Kathleen Thurber, AHFMR Director of Communications, at 780-423-5727