Theodora Foundation Sets Course for the Future: Leadership Change on 1 June 2026
12.02.2026 | from Theodora Foundation
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12.02.2026, 33 years after the founding of the Theodora Foundation, the founders Jan and André Poulie are preparing the handover of the life's work to which they have devoted themselves with great commitment over decades. From 1 June 2026, a team of three internal leaders will take over the management of the foundation. Patricia Bohle will be appointed Managing Director, supported by Miriam Bass Costantini, Deputy Managing Director for Mission and Development, and Verena Herger, Deputy Managing Director for Resources.
To secure the future of the Theodora Foundation, Jan and André Poulie have opted for internal succession and appointed three experienced employees. With this decision, the foundation consciously relies on continuity and ensures a leadership that knows, shares, and lives the values and mission of the Theodora Foundation.
"The foundation, which was established in honour of our mother Theodora, stood at the centre of our commitment for more than 30 years. Now the time has come for us to pass on operational responsibility. We do this with great confidence in a team that knows the foundation from the inside and continues our mission with conviction", explains André Poulie.
After 33 years in which they have shaped and allowed the Theodora Foundation to grow, Jan and André Poulie will closely accompany this handover process. The year 2026 is planned as a carefully structured transition phase. The goal is to gradually transfer responsibilities while ensuring stability and quality. For partners, hospitals, and donors, the activities of the foundation remain unchanged: The Dream Doctors continue their visits across Switzerland, bringing valuable moments of joy and relief to children in over 60 hospitals, specialised institutions, and children's hospices.
From 1 June 2026, Patricia Bohle, currently Head of the Programmes Department, will assume the management of the Theodora Foundation. She will implement the strategic guidelines of the board of trustees, specifically further develop activities, and ensure the quality and impact of services.
"I take on this new task with humility, great responsibility, and deep gratitude. Together with the Dream Doctors and the office teams, we will resolutely continue the mission of the Theodora Foundation in a collegial trio leadership, ensuring responsible and sustainable development", explains Patricia Bohle, future Managing Director of the Foundation.
On 31 December 2026, the two brothers will fully transfer their tasks to the new management but will remain closely connected to the foundation as dedicated volunteers. "An important chapter of our journey ends this year. We take this step with melancholy but also with great confidence in the future: Theodora is in very good hands", says Jan Poulie.
Media inquiries to:
Verena Herger, Head of Communication
verena.herger@theodora.org, 079 769 39 84
Communication
kommunikation@theodora.ch
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Theodora Foundation
THE HOSPITAL CLOWNS Each hospital clown is a professional artist who is commissioned and trained by the Theodora Foundation under strict guidelines for work in hospitals. The intensive basic training is continuously supplemented with mandatory further training. The team meets regularly for training on subject-specific topics, both in the artistic and psychological and medical fields. In this way, it can also be ensured that cooperation with doctors and nursing staff runs optimally.
The Theodora Foundation also always provides professional psychological support for the hospital clowns and helps them to deal with the often strong emotional strain.
Note: The "About Us" text is taken from public sources or from the company profile on HELP.ch.
Source: Theodora Foundation, Press release
Original article published on: Stiftung Theodora stellt die Weichen für die Zukunft: Führungswechsel per 1. Juni 2026