The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) has settled on its replacement for retiring CEO Shelley White.

After an extensive search process, the RGC has appointed Sarah McCarthy, the former Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at the Rick Hansen Foundation. McCarthy will start work officially on Jan. 5, 2025.

In a memo to stakeholders, the RGC described McCarthy as “a collaborative executive leader with 15 years of experience in leading teams to build and deliver social impact through the development of innovative solutions to complex challenges.”

At the Rick Hansen Foundation, a charity dedicated to raising awareness, changing attitudes, helping create accessible spaces, and liberating the amazing potential of people with disabilities, McCarthy’s responsibilities encompassed strategic and operational planning, program implementation, and the stewardship of impactful business development strategies.

Under her leadership, the organization successfully launched and implemented the RHF Accessibility Certification, an innovative program that has rated almost 2,000 buildings and trained over 2,600 professionals, promoting inclusivity across various sectors.

Her strategic direction also facilitated the development of Accessibility Advisory Services, a social enterprise that advises on accessibility improvements, reflecting her commitment to building inclusive communities. She also spearheaded the expansion of the RHF School Program, which has reached over 270,000 children since 2016, educating young people about diversity and accessibility.

The RGC noted that her ability to lead her team in securing and executing on over $20 million in government funding for Accessibility Certification “exemplifies her prowess in forging substantial government and corporate partnerships, further enhancing outreach and impact.”

McCarthy is also the former Executive Director at the International Society for Nurses in Cancer Care and other notable non-profits. She is a member of the Strategy Committee for the Accelerating Accessibility Coalition at Urban Land Institute Toronto and was previously a member of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. She has also been on committees at the Canadian Standards Association and People for Education.

White retiring after 8 years

The RGC had announced in June that White would retire in December after eight years in the position.

In its job listing for her successor, the RGC said it was looking for a new leader who could not only lead and execute the organization’s strategic plan for the remainder of the decade but lead with conviction in the rapidly evolving digital-first gambling industry.

“Shelley’s leadership has been transformative, steering the RGC through significant initiatives that have expanded our reach and deepened our impact,” said the memo announcing McCarthy’s appointment. “Her strategic foresight was instrumental in launching groundbreaking programs that have set industry standards in responsible gambling. Her passion for advocacy and her commitment to our cause have not only enriched our organization but also the broader community we serve.

“As Shelley embarks on her well-earned retirement, we reflect on her legacy of innovation and leadership, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for her years of dedicated service.”

The Responsible Gambling Council was founded in 1983 as an independent non-profit focusing on helping to prevent problem gambling and protect players by reducing risks through education and information. It provides its own accreditation, RG Check, for operators that meet its criteria.