Carefor Health & Community Services has announced the retirement of President and CEO Steve Perry after 28 years with the organization, including nearly a decade as chief executive, while naming Emma Tibbo as Acting CEO during the search for a permanent successor.

Perry has accepted the role of Executive Director of the Petawawa Centennial Family Health Centre.  “Steve’s impact on Carefor and the broader health and community care sector has been extraordinary,” said Board Chair John MacKenzie. “His leadership, vision and unwavering commitment have helped position Carefor as one of Ontario’s most respected healthcare organizations.”

During Perry’s tenure, Carefor navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, workforce shortages and major changes across the healthcare sector while achieving “Exemplary Standing” with Accreditation Canada and modernizing its operations. Under his leadership, the organization also grew by 50 per cent over the past nine years. That growth included expanded services at Carefor Hospice Cornwall, where community programs have more than doubled the number of palliative clients supported annually. Perry also oversaw the alignment of Carefor’s programs across Eastern Ontario, including the standardization of care practices at the Cornwall hospice, retirement homes in Ottawa and Pembroke, home care services and community support programs. The Board has appointed Tibbo to lead the organization on an interim basis while a formal recruitment process is underway. “Emma’s proven leadership, healthcare expertise and knowledge of Carefor make her exceptionally well-positioned to guide the organization during this transition,” MacKenzie said. “The Board is confident in her ability to provide stability, advance key priorities and support Carefor’s long-term success.”

Tibbo had recently joined Carefor as Vice-President, People, Strategy & Growth after serving as CEO of The Glebe Centre and Abbotsford House in Ottawa.