Kingston, ON, September 3, 2026 – The Providence Village (“the Village”) Board of Directors announced today that the organization’s President & CEO, Laurie French, plans to retire at the end of December 2026, after a successful and fulfilling career in health care and community development.
Laurie joined Providence Village as President & CEO in 2022, following years of experience in regional health system delivery, partnership, and innovation, including senior roles with Providence Care and the former South East Local Health Integration Network, as well as local and national governance leadership in education and the community. As President & CEO of Providence Village, Laurie has been responsible for overseeing operations of the Providence Motherhouse and the delivery of high-quality, compassionate care for the Sisters in residence there, while simultaneously advancing the development of the Providence Village sublease community.
As President & CEO, Laurie has championed the vision of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul to create a vibrant and growing nonprofit hub and community of care. She has led the development of a sustainable business and operational model to position the organization for continued growth and impact. During her tenure, Providence Village has welcomed diverse subtenant organizations, bringing together a complementary mix of partners that provide care and support services to the community, fostering connection, collaboration and shared purpose.
“Thanks to Laurie’s exceptional leadership, passion, and commitment, Providence Village is being transformed from a vision into the community of care taking shape today,” said Bhavana Varma, Chair, Providence Village Board of Directors. “Laurie has led with purpose, grounded in the organization’s mission and values and a deep commitment to carrying forward the legacy of the Sisters. The Board of Directors is deeply grateful to Laurie for all that she has done and continues to do for the Village.”
“Serving as President & CEO of Providence Village has been the honour of my career and has brought together so many areas I am deeply passionate about — community health, education and systemic collaboration,” added Laurie French, outgoing President & CEO, Providence Village. “Working alongside the Sisters, the Board, our staff team, and our subtenant and community partners, I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and grateful to have played a part in stewarding the Sisters’ remarkable legacy into the future. I will leave this role with enormous confidence in the Providence Village team and what they will continue to accomplish.”
The Board of Directors has begun the recruitment process for the Village’s next President & CEO. Laurie will serve in this role until a new leader is in place and will continue to work with the Board of Directors, senior leadership, and staff to deliver on Providence Village’s mission, strategic priorities, and its continued growth and evolution.
For further information, please contact:
Cory Angeletti-Szasz
Communications Consultant, Providence Village
Cory.angeletti-szasz@providencevillage.ca
647.273.2795
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About Providence Village (“The Village”)
Located in Kingston, Ontario, Providence Village is a welcoming community at 1200 Princess Street, which brings together diverse partners in a village-like setting to offer complementary care, health and wellness services to people across the region. Guided by the spirit and vision of its founders, the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul, Providence Village fosters a sense of hope, belonging, and wellbeing for all who visit. A charitable organization sponsored by the Catholic Health Sponsors of Ontario, Providence Village is dedicated to upholding the values and enduring legacy of the Sisters through community-centred care and services that drive meaningful social change. providencevillage.ca.
Facebook: facebook.com/PVIVillage
LinkedIn: Providence Village Inc.
Instagram: @ProvidenceVillageYGK