Roff will take the top job in August and replace Phil Greenwood who is retiring after seven years with the medical charity.

"The John James Foundation is a leader in its field," he said. "The Foundation undertakes incredible work that benefits our community and much further afield but is often unsung. I am excited to be joining an organisation that makes a positive difference, of which Canberra can be proud."

In the coming weeks he looked forward to leveraging his relationships within the community to build on the strong partnerships and programs that already existed at the non-profit.

Beyond his enviable profession career as a fullback and winger, Roff has been involved in the stewardship of community organisations for two decades.

Prior to his current role heading up the University of Canberra Union, he was the director for Workforce and Development at Lifeline Australia, an ambassador of Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, RUOK and White Ribbon.

John James Foundation uses income from its land holdings to fund medical education activities and provide opportunities for clinical placements for medical students.

In 2016 the foundation opened the $7 million John James Village opened providing short term residential accommodation for the families of people undergoing treatment for blood cancer and related diseases.

John James Foundation chair professor Paul Smith congratulated Joe Roff on his appointment and thanked Phil Greenwood for what he has achieved during his tenure.

"Phil Greenwood has led John James Foundation from a fledging charity to a prominent backer and instigator of local, interstate, and international activities. It now has credibility in Canberra as a supporter and funder of many highly valued projects," he said.

Mr Greenwood said Roff was well placed to lead the foundation, and said he too would experience teh great satisfaction of working with" dedicated staff who really work miracles."