Ontario’s Responsible Gambling Council names new CEO
Sarah McCarthy appointed as new chief executive as Shelley White prepares for retirement after seven years at the helm of the RGC
The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) has appointed Sarah McCarthy as the organization’s new CEO.
McCarthy’s reign will officially begin on January 6, 2025 as the RGC prepares to bid farewell to current CEO Shelley White, who has spearheaded the firm since 2017 and will step down at the end of the year.
The RGC, founded in 1983, is a non-for-profit organization attempting to minimize gambling-related harm within the Ontarian gambling market, as well as provide the province with educational programs.
Prior to her start at the RGC, McCarthy’s most recent role saw her serve as vice president of strategic initiatives at the Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) from September 2015, an organization working towards a more inclusive society for those with disabilities.
During her nine-year spell there, she was tasked with overseeing operational planning and program implementation.
McCarthy was also responsible for a team that oversaw four different departments in accessibility certification.
These included accessibility advisory services social enterprise, school program and marketing communications, as well as leading the expansion of the RHF school program to ensure it reached more than 270,000 children since 2016.
Before RHF, McCarthy served as executive director for the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care from February 2008 to September 2015, among other non-profit roles she occupied concurrently.
McCarthy is also a member of the strategy committee for the Accelerating Accessibility Coalition at Urban Land Institute Toronto, as well as previously holding membership status at the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Task Force.
Taking to LinkedIn to reflect on news of her new title, McCarthy wrote: “I am very pleased to share the exciting news that I will be joining the excellent team at Responsible Gambling Council in January 2025.
“This was a big decision as I have truly enjoyed working at RHF over the past 9 years. I am so looking forward to this new endeavor!”
McCarthy’s appointment signals the end of White’s tenure ahead of her retirement.
An ex-YMCA general manager, White joined the RGC seven years ago after 14 years as CEO of social services organization the United Way of Peel Region.
As part of her exit announcement, White opted to herald the work that had been completed during her reign as she described the “honor” of occupying the title of RGC CEO.
“I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to work with such an outstanding board of directors, staff team, and stakeholders, over the years,” White remarked.
“Together we have advanced RGC’s vital mission, vision, and values. Today, RGC is a global leader that is having a profound impact on creating a responsible gambling ecosystem. I feel so fortunate to have been involved in this worthwhile, exciting, and fulfilling journey.
“There is so much more to do to advance safer gambling, prevention education, and player health and wellbeing within Canada and internationally.”
As part of the company’s confirmation of McCartney’s appointment, the RCG also opted to express its “profound gratitude” for White’s “transformative” leadership.