Sarah Downey is a senior healthcare leader whose career spans 25+ years across a broad range of hospitals including community, academic, and complex multi-institutional organizations. In 2022, Sarah was appointed President and CEO of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Canada’s largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital and a world leading research centre in this field. For seven years prior, Sarah served as President and CEO of Michael Garron Hospital, a large community teaching hospital in Toronto, where she was responsible for a $500M redevelopment project and played a key role in East Toronto Health Partners, one of the first Ontario Health Teams.

Sarah has held progressive leadership positions at CAMH, University Health Network, and The Ottawa Hospital. She has made numerous contributions to health care in Ontario through her leadership of cancer and mental health programs, capital and strategic planning, workplace safety and wellness, and community building.

Sarah has served on many provincial and national committees and Boards. She is currently serving on the Ontario Hospital Association Board of Directors as past Chair. Sarah is also the recipient of the Trudeau Medal, the highest honour awarded by the UOttawa Telfer School of Management to its alumni.

Sarah has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of New Brunswick and a Master of Health Administration from the University of Ottawa. She holds a Certified Health Executive designation with the Canadian College of Health Leaders and is fluently bilingual in French and English.

Sarah joined the VHA Board in 2023.