The Board of Directors of Drug Free Kids Canada (DFKC) is pleased to announce that Tom Kennedy, Chairman and Senior Managing Director of Kensington Capital Partners has been appointed Chair of the Board of Directors effective January 2, 2023, taking the place of outgoing Chair Paul Allison, who has been in this role for the last five years.
Tom is a respected, experienced private equity investor with an impressive track record. Well-known as a market innovator, he launched Kensington Capital Partners in 1996 as a response to evolving markets.
Tom is a strong advocate for and contributor to fundraising for Kensington funds and portfolio companies. He has also been an active volunteer for many years. In 2015, he received the Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association’s Ted Anderson Community Leadership Award and in 2017, he was honoured with the TIGER 21 Philanthropy Award.
Prior to joining the DFK Board of Directors, he was involved in the Boards of several charitable organizations including the Regent Park School of Music, the RPSM Foundation, and the predecessor to LOFT Community Services. He was also appointed to the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network Board by the Ontario Minister of Health.
“As parents, we all share similar concerns and questions as our children grow into adulthood. I am keenly aware of the challenges that families face when it comes to the mental health and well-being of youth. In our business endeavours, we see the damage that drugs have caused to young people across the country. The impact on our society is harsh and it can be changed. DFKC is here to help, support and empower parents and I’m proud to be this organization’s new Chair.”
“ I continue to be impressed by the extent of what Drug Free Kids Canada has accomplished. Working alongside the dedicated Board and staff at DFKC, I want to support the incredible work of the DFKC team and my predecessor Paul towards the DFKC vision, to ensure that all young people can live their lives free of the harms of problematic substance use and addiction” said Tom Kennedy, DKFC Board Chairman
“ We look forward to working with Tom and benefiting from his experience in the business world, as well as his successful work with charitable organizations.” said Chantal Vallerand, Executive Director, Drug Free Kids Canada.
” We are grateful for Paul Allison’s incredible contribution to our organization. Paul has played a pivotal role in the evolution of DFKC. His time as our Chair is highlighted by his full commitment to the cause, his marked enthusiasm, his notable generosity, and his steady leadership. Paul will continue as an active member of the Board of Directors.” said Chantal Vallerand.
About Drug Free Kids Canada
Drug Free Kids Canada is a private sector, non-profit organization that creates and disseminates drug education and prevention messages with the help of their partners in advertising, research, and media. DFKC also offers parents valuable information, tools, and practical tips on how to start the conversation with their kids, along with access to the Parent Support Hub, a free support service for families, at DrugFreeKidsCanada.org.
For more information:
Chantal Vallerand
Executive Director
cvallerand@dfk-jsd.org