Effect Hope Names Dr. Anna Wickenden as New CEO
News related to:Effect Hope · 1 min read
Effect Hope, a Canadian Christian global health organization with over 130 years of partnership with communities affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), is undergoing a significant leadership transition. Kim Evans, the current CEO, will retire at the end of January, and Dr. Anna Wickenden will take over as the incoming CEO.
Under Evans' leadership, the organization has transformed from its historic roots in leprosy to a broader, people-centered approach to NTDs. This shift focuses on strengthening health systems, promoting equity, and ensuring sustainable access to care. During her tenure, which began just six months before the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented global disruption, Evans has kept Effect Hope grounded in its mission to serve those most affected by NTDs.
Dr. Anna Wickenden, who has been an integral part of Effect Hope's work for 18 years, will step into the role of CEO. Wickenden has contributed significantly to the development and implementation of Effect Hope's International Programs. With over 20 years of experience in health systems strengthening and NTDs, she has helped shape the organization's strategic direction, strengthen international partnerships, and advance advocacy and policy engagement globally.
Wickenden's academic background includes a PhD in Global Health from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, where her research focused on integrated strategies for sustainable and equitable NTD programming and health-system resilience in fragile and conflict-affected settings. She currently chairs the World Health Organization’s Skin NTD Advocacy and Communications Group and serves on the steering group of the Canadian Network for NTDs.
As Wickenden steps into this role, she does so with the full confidence of the Board and a deep understanding of who Effect Hope is and what it is called to do. This is a moment of continuity and of possibility, as the organization continues working toward a world where no one is neglected because of disease.