KBHN promotes Kim van der Hoek to Chief Operating Officer

Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) is pleased to announce the promotion of Kim van der Hoek to Chief Operating Officer. Kim, who served as the Director of Operations and Administration since 2021, will continue to lead KBHN’s strategic operations, accelerating the implementation of solutions that support kids with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families.

Kim had been pivotal to the success of the Strategic Science Fund application that transformed KBHN’s approach. With this promotion, she will oversee the Network’s operational execution towards advancing leading-edge projects crucial to the early identification of neurodevelopmental disabilities and improved support for families.

“Kim’s dedication, energy and ability to deliver results have been evident since she joined the Network,” said KBHN CEO Geoff Pradella. “Her exceptional work with the Strategic Science Fund application and the transition from the Networks of Centres of Excellence have demonstrated her ability to perform at a COO level successfully, and so it was time to have the role match her talent and contributions to KBHN’s value and progress.”

As the Network’s inaugural COO, Kim brings extensive experience building programs into innovation centres and leading multidisciplinary teams. In her previous role as the Director of Operations and Administration, she spearheaded initiatives focused on enhancing operational efficiency and cultivating partnerships.

Commenting on her promotion, Kim said, “I am honoured to step into this new role and continue collaborating with KBHN members, families, experts and leaders. As a member of the leadership team, I am committed to expanding the Network to include more individuals and organizations that share our vision of helping all kids with neurodevelopmental disabilities live their best lives.”

When asked what drew her to KBHN, Kim expressed interest in increasing research impact and providing solutions to families. She aims to leverage her expertise to streamline operations and create a high-performing team by harnessing the members’ strengths.

As a national network, KBHN has invested over 60 million into projects that are making a real difference in families’ lives. The award from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada through the Strategic Science Fund enables KBHN to mobilize resources towards our mission of improving health outcomes.

“For the past 15 years, KBHN has established itself as a leader in bridging the gap between science and families,” said Kim. “I look forward to building on this success and delivering value as we scale and spread our projects with support from the Strategic Science Fund.”

As the Network’s inaugural COO, Kim is committed to expanding the Network to include more individuals and organizations that share our vision of helping all kids with neurodevelopmental disabilities live their best lives.