Hope Air’s growth over the past four decades has been shaped by leaders who recognized both the immense need for the organization’s services and the potential to expand its impact across Canada. Doug Keller-Hobson is one of those leaders.

As Hope Air celebrates 40 years of service, we are proud to recognize Doug Keller-Hobson as a Hope Air Patron, the highest distinction awarded by our charity. This honour reflects Doug’s extraordinary leadership, dedication, and lasting contributions to ensuring that Canadians can access the medical care they need, regardless of where they live or their financial circumstances.

Doug’s journey with Hope Air began in 2003 when he joined the Board of Directors at the encouragement of a friend and fellow board member. Inspired by the passion of Hope Air’s founders, volunteers, and supporters, he quickly recognized both the importance of the organization’s mission and the opportunity to strengthen and expand its reach. In 2005, Doug stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer, leading the organization for the next 15 years.

During his tenure as CEO, Hope Air experienced a period of remarkable growth and transformation. Annual flight assistance increased from just over 2,100 trips in 2006 to more than 13,000 by 2019, while annual revenue grew from approximately $500,000 to $5.6 million. The organization’s staff team expanded significantly, creating the capacity needed to support more patients and families across the country.

Under Doug’s leadership, Hope Air evolved from a largely volunteer-driven, founder-led organization into a nationally recognized charity with a strong operational foundation and a clear growth strategy. He championed key initiatives that helped modernize the organization, including the development of HealthNet, Hope Air’s proprietary technology platform, which transformed patient travel coordination from a paper-based process into a streamlined digital system.

Doug also helped broaden Hope Air’s vision of what patient support could look like. In addition to air travel assistance, the organization began expanding into accommodations and ground transportation, laying the groundwork for the travel support programs that patients rely on today.

As we celebrate 40 years of impact, we extend our sincere gratitude to Doug Keller-Hobson for his vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Hope Air’s mission. His contributions have helped shape the organization’s history and continue to influence its future.