Chris Phillips named executive director of new Senators Community Foundation
Posted Aug 12, 2020 03:03:00 PM.
Long-time Ottawa Senators defenceman Chris Phillips will head up the hockey club's new charitable arm, the Senators Community Foundation.
The announcement was made outside of Brewer Arena, Wednesday morning.
Phillips says taking on the new role of executive director feels seamless in one sense, because he's been doing charity work through the Sens for so long. On the flipside, the ongoing pandemic is making things difficult for just about everyone in the not-for-profit community.
“It's certainly an entirely different landscape right now than what would be a typical scenario than I'm used to,” explains Phillips. “I think it would be similar to saying [it feels like] a Game 7 in a different sport other than hockey.”
The former d-man says his goal is to bring together the entire Ottawa Senators hockey club, from executives to players and alumni, and have everyone on the same page, pulling toward the same goals. He's also looking forward to getting a few of his old teammates more involved with the charity.
“We are extremely proud to have Chris Phillips lead our foundation as he personifies what a community leader is all about,” said Senators Owner Eugene Melnyk. “From being our first overall pick in 1996, to his 17 remarkable seasons that led to his jersey retirement earlier this year, he’s a natural fit for this role. His energy, enthusiasm and his community involvement will take our Foundation to a whole new level.”
The Senators Community Foundation is expected to support causes such as CHEO, the Roger Neilson House, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Ottawa and many others.
All children getting COVID-19 tests at Brewer Arena Wednesday are going home with a Chris Phillips bobblehead.
The former Ottawa Senators Foundation announced its split with the hockey club after more than 22 years back in June. It has since rebranded itself as the Ottawa-Gatineau Youth Foundation.
