Sandra Wilson appointed President & CEO of ROM Governors as Janice Price announces retirement

TORONTO, November 12, 2026 — ROM Governors, the Foundation responsible for generating philanthropic support for the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and its mission, today announced a leadership transition as President & CEO Janice Price plans to retire following a distinguished career in arts, culture, and philanthropy leadership. Seasoned fundraising executive Sandra Wilson, the Foundation's Chief Operating & Financial Officer, has been appointed its next President & CEO. Price will conclude her tenure on December 31, 2026.

Over more than two years, Price strengthened ROM Governors as a vital partner to the Museum while advancing philanthropic support for key institutional priorities. Under her leadership, the Foundation established the ROM Immortal Gala, which debuted in 2025 with The Art of Fashion and returned on November 2, 2026, with the successful Forces of Nature event. Following a five-year hiatus on fundraising galas, the ROM Immortal Gala has quickly become a signature annual event for Toronto's philanthropic and cultural communities.

Price also helped to secure philanthropic support for OpenROM, the Museum's ambitious revitalization project – including the newly expanded James and Louise Temerty Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs, which reopened in December 2025, as well as the forthcoming Hennick Entrance and Hennick Court, scheduled to be unveiled in May 2027.

Working closely with Museum and Board leadership, Price also participated in the search and recruitment process that culminated in the appointment and onboarding of Nicholas R. Bell as ROM's new Director & CEO in 2026.

“The Board is deeply grateful to Janice for her leadership and contributions during an important period of growth and momentum for ROM Governors,” said Jeff Willner, Chair of the ROM Board of Governors. “Janice brought tremendous experience, energy, and vision to the organization, strengthened relationships across the ROM community, and helped elevate philanthropy in support of the Museum's mission. We wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.”

Price has enjoyed a career spanning more than 40 years in arts and cultural leadership across Canada and the United States. Earlier this fall, she was recognized with the 2026 Peter Herrndorf Award for Arts Leadership from Business / Arts, honouring her outstanding contributions to Canada's cultural sector and a career encompassing leadership roles at some of the country's most prominent arts organizations. 

The award marked the latest in a series of distinctions for Price, including being named to WXN’s list of Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100 in Arts, Sports, and Entertainment in 2018; receiving the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022; and being recognized on CEO Magazine’s list of Top 50 Women over 50 in 2025.

The ROM Board of Governors has appointed Sandra Wilson, CPA, as President & CEO, effective January 1, 2027. Wilson currently serves as ROM Governors’ Chief Operating & Financial Officer and has played a key role in strengthening the organization's fundraising strategies, operations, financial stewardship, governance, and strategic priorities over the past four years. 

Prior to joining ROM Governors, Wilson spent close to 35 years in philanthropy, executive administration and operations roles spanning the education, healthcare, finance, technology, and not-for-profit sectors. Over 15 years with Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation – including a decade as Vice-President, Philanthropy – she helped build one of Canada's leading healthcare philanthropy programs. During her tenure, Wilson helped to develop and lead a high-performing team to raise more than $325 million through major and transformational gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate sponsorship, community events, and campaign initiatives.

Since joining ROM Governors four years ago, Wilson has worked closely with Board members, major donors, volunteers, and Museum leadership to advance the Foundation's operations and articulate its fundraising priorities. She also served as Interim Co-President & CEO for one year prior to Ms. Price's appointment, providing stability and leadership to the staff, board, and stakeholders during a period of transition.

“Sandy's appointment reflects the Board's commitment to thoughtful succession planning and strong leadership,” said Jeff Willner. “She brings an exceptional combination of fundraising expertise, operational leadership, and institutional knowledge. Her proven track record of building community trust in mission-driven institutions and her deep understanding of ROM Governors make her uniquely qualified to lead the organization into its next chapter.”

“It has been a privilege to serve ROM Governors and work alongside such dedicated volunteers, donors, and colleagues,” said Janice Price. “The passion and generosity of this community continue to inspire me. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that Sandy's leadership will build on that momentum and guide the organization to even greater success.”

“I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead ROM Governors and continue working in close partnership with ROM Director & CEO Nicholas Bell,” said Sandy Wilson. “ROM is one of Canada's great cultural institutions, and philanthropy plays a vital role in realizing its ambitions. I look forward to working with donors, volunteers, Board members, and colleagues to build on the strong foundation already established and help shape the Museum's future.”   

“Janice's impact on the global cultural sector has been profound, and I am grateful for her partnership during this important period in the Museum's history,” said Nicholas R. Bell, ROM Director & CEO. “We wish her happiness and good health in her well-deserved retirement. Sandy is an outstanding and tireless leader whose decades of fundraising experience, operations expertise, and deep knowledge of the organization make her the ideal person to lead ROM Governors. I look forward to continuing our close partnership as we advance the Museum's mission and ambitions.”

As ROM continues to strengthen its role as a leading Museum of art, culture, and nature, ROM Governors remains focused on fostering philanthropy that supports research, collections, exhibitions, education, community engagement, and physical renewal. The organization is committed to building on recent momentum and ensuring a strong future for the Museum and the communities it serves.

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CONTACT:
For more information: media@rom.on.ca