The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is proud to announce Barbara McConnell as the recipient of the 2026 Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award (LFDSA).
Barbara was honoured during the Foundation’s Annual Meeting held June 25, 2026, at the Royal Canadian Legion in Wellington. The award was presented by former Board Chairperson, Leo Finnegan and Executive Director Shannon Coull in recognition of Barbara’s exceptional volunteer leadership, dedication, and service to the Foundation and the future of healthcare in Prince Edward County.
Named in honour of its inaugural recipient, Leo Finnegan, the award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to philanthropy, volunteerism, donor stewardship, and community leadership in support of PECMH Foundation’s mission.
Barbara’s involvement with the Foundation spans more than a decade. What began as volunteer support with communications and speech writing evolved into a leadership journey that included serving as a strategic advisor, Board Director, Vice Chair, Chairperson, donor, and champion for local healthcare.
A communications professional and founder of McConnell Weaver Strategic Communications, Barbara has an extensive background in strategic planning and implementation. For example, she was instrumental in rolling out and advancing the successful blue box and electronics recycling programs in Ontario and across Canada. Barbara brought a thoughtful and collaborative approach to governance, strategic planning, and community engagement to the Foundation. Her leadership helped guide the Foundation through a period of significant change, including healthcare system restructuring, the approval and planning of the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital, and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Barbara’s contributions to the Foundation extend far beyond any title she has held,” said Coull. “She brought wisdom, strategic insight, and an unwavering commitment to our community. Her leadership helped strengthen our Foundation during some of the most important years in our history, and her impact will continue to be felt for generations through the new hospital project she helped advance.”
Barbara joined the Foundation Board in 2018, became Vice Chairperson shortly thereafter, and assumed the role of Chairperson in 2019. During her tenure, she helped keep the Foundation focused on its mission while navigating unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Colleagues describe her as a thoughtful leader who consistently brought people together around a shared vision for healthcare in Prince Edward County.
“Barbara has a remarkable ability to help people find common ground and move important work forward,” said Peggy Payne, chairperson of the PECMH Foundation Board of Directors. “She led with integrity, generosity, and optimism, always keeping the needs of our hospital and community at the centre of every conversation. We are honoured to recognize her contributions with this award.”
Beyond her work with the Foundation, Barbara has been an active community volunteer. She served as volunteer editor of the South Marysburgh Mirror, helping preserve an important local publication and strengthen community connections. She has also been recognized with both the South Marysburgh Citizenship Medal and the Murray Clapp Citizenship Award for her volunteer service.
“Barbara’s leadership and advocacy played an important role in helping move the vision of a new hospital forward,” said Finnegan. “She brought passion, experience, and a deep belief in the importance of local healthcare. Prince Edward County is stronger because of her contributions.”
“I am both moved and honoured to be presented with this award. It was Leo who first got me involved in the work of the hospital foundation, and for that I am grateful. Having the opportunity to make a contribution to advancing health care in our community through the Foundation’s work and the building of this new, great hospital is indeed a hallmark for me,” Barbara said.
The PECMH Foundation extends its sincere congratulations and gratitude to Barbara McConnell for her outstanding service and lasting contribution to healthcare in Prince Edward County.
About the Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award
The Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals whose volunteer leadership, philanthropy, donor stewardship, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation and the health of the community it serves. An archive of past recipients can be found here – https://www.pecmhf.ca/distinguished-service-award.
