The Board of Directors of Providence Village Inc. (PVI) and the Catholic Health Sponsors of Ontario are pleased to announce the appointment of Laurie French as President and Chief Executive Officer effective April 18, 2022.
Laurie brings more than 25 years’ experience in regional health system delivery, partnership and innovation. A registered nurse, Laurie also has a Certificate in Advanced Health Leadership and a master’s degree in Public Administration. She brings a unique mix of senior leadership in the health, community and education sectors and well-established roots in community governance to her new role.
Community leadership and engagement are woven throughout Laurie’s career. As the Regional Director of Transitional Care with Providence Care, she played a key role in the development and delivery of the new Providence Transitional Care Centre. As Director of Home and Community Care with the former South East LHIN, Laurie provided operational leadership of home care services regionally and led provincial initiatives focused on quality improvement.
Laurie will also oversee operations for the Motherhouse at 1200 Princess St., home to the Sisters of Providence, as well as the Congregation of Notre Dame Sisters and the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph.
“This incredible opportunity brings together my commitment to public service and care through my healthcare leadership and community governance experiences. The Sisters (of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul) have provided our community with a visionary gift – spaces that will provide hope, belonging and wellbeing to those in need. I look forward to working with many people and organizations across our region to ensure Providence Village delivers on the Sisters’ legacy,” says Laurie.
“This spring will mark the start of construction for Providence Village, and we are fortunate to welcome Laurie French into the new role as President and CEO,” says Brian Hogan, Chair, Providence Village Board. “Laurie’s experience and strategic vision, as well as her work in governance, accountability and engagement will be key in helping create our neighbourhood of people helping people, inspiring hope and delivering on our values of compassion, respect and integrity.”
In addition to her healthcare leadership, Laurie has served as a Public School Board Trustee since 2000. She is presently the President of the Canadian School Boards Association. She’s also a member of the Limestone Learning Foundation Board of Directors and is a past president of the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation for Lennox and Addington County. Further, she is a member of the Board of Directors for the Food Sharing Project, serving all schools in the Limestone and Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic District School Boards.