After much careful thought and consideration, Carol Annett has shared her intention to step down from her position as VHA’s President and CEO in February of 2021. Over the past 20 years at VHA, Carol has passionately focused on making our vision a reality: High quality care delivered with great heart – for every person, every time, everywhere. It is a testament to her leadership that VHA is well known for its great care, for being a valued collaborative partner, a trailblazer in innovative programs and research activities, a thought leader and a champion of amplifying the voices of clients and families in care design and delivery.

Under Carol’s leadership, VHA has become a force of positive change in Ontario’s health and home care sector. The organization has grown in leaps and bounds over the years with impressive additions to our programs and countless quality and research initiatives driving our commitment to service excellence. The number of people we serve has grown tenfold and Carol has been their relentless champion throughout, ensuring client and family engagement is embedded in all aspects of our work. She has also fiercely advocated for our staff and service provider teams, trumpeting the work they do and the important impact they have on people’s lives. We will miss Carol’s commitment and energy, positivity and sense of humour, warmth and kindness, focus and wise counsel.

We will recognize and celebrate Carol’s contributions more fully in the coming months, but for now on a personal note, I would like to express my deep appreciation for the many leadership qualities Carol exemplifies that not only benefit the organization but the people who work with her, from front-line staff throughout the organization to me as Board Chair. I have benefited from our relationship and am stronger for it. Carol’s deep knowledge and understanding of healthcare, her foresight and her collaborative approach have helped us effectively navigate and thrive amid an ever-changing landscape. While we will miss her greatly, I know that she has built a strong and vibrant organization and has ensured we are well positioned for the future.

VHA’s Board is acting quickly to launch a recruitment process for our new CEO. I’m pleased to say that Carol is committed to staying on to ensure a smooth transition. I know she is looking forward to exciting new adventures, as well as part-time work/volunteer opportunities. Whatever her future holds, there is no doubt that Carol will remain a huge supporter of VHA and its exemplary team of staff, service providers and volunteers, and the clients and families we are proud to serve.

Karen Singh
VHA Home HealthCare’s Board Chair