OTTAWA, ON – July 10, 2026 — Carefor Health & Community Services today announces the retirement of President & CEO Steve Perry after 28 years with the organization, including nearly 10 years as Chief Executive Officer. Carefor also announces the appointment of Emma Tibbo as Acting Chief Executive Officer while the Board of Directors conducts a search for a permanent President and CEO.
Steve Perry has accepted the role of Executive Director of the Petawawa Centennial Family Health Centre (PCFHC) and will remain with Carefor until August 2026 to support a smooth leadership transition.
“Steve’s impact on Carefor and the broader health and community care sector has been extraordinary,” said John MacKenzie, Chair of Carefor’s Board of Directors. “His leadership, vision and unwavering commitment have helped position Carefor as one of Ontario’s most respected healthcare organizations.”
During Perry’s tenure, Carefor successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, workforce shortages and significant sector change while continuing to grow and innovate. Under his leadership, the organization modernized key systems and processes, achieved Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada, and strengthened its role in shaping healthcare modernization across the province.
Steve led the organization through the alignment of Carefor’s diverse programs and services offered across Eastern Ontario. He oversaw the standardization of care practices at Carefor’s retirement homes in Pembroke and Ottawa, and our Hospice in Cornwall, home care services in Ottawa and community support services in Ottawa, Eastern Counties and Pembroke-Renfrew County.
“On behalf of the Board and the entire Carefor team, we thank Steve for his decades of service and wish him every success in this next chapter,” added MacKenzie.
To ensure continuity during this transition, the Board has appointed Emma Tibbo as Acting CEO.
Tibbo recently joined Carefor as Vice-President, People, Strategy & Growth and brings extensive leadership experience across healthcare, home care and community services. Most recently, she served as CEO of The Glebe Centre and Abbotsford House, leading complex organizations through strategic growth and transformation.
Her career includes senior leadership positions with The Ottawa Hospital, Queensway Carleton Hospital, BDO Canada, and ParaMed Home Healthcare, with expertise in strategic planning, operational excellence, financial stewardship and organizational performance.
In addition to her executive experience, Tibbo brings a strong understanding of Carefor through her previous service on the organization’s Board of Directors.
“Emma’s proven leadership, healthcare expertise and knowledge of Carefor make her exceptionally well-positioned to guide the organization during this transition,” said MacKenzie. “The Board is confident in her ability to provide stability, advance key priorities and support Carefor’s long-term success.”
The Board has initiated a formal recruitment process for Carefor’s next President and CEO.
About Carefor Health & Community Services
Carefor is Eastern Ontario’s largest and longest serving home and community care not-for-profit supporting over 20,000 seniors and people living with disabilities to live with choice and dignity. To learn more about Carefor visit www.carefor.ca
For more information:
Trevor Eggleton
Director, Communications, Marketing & Fundraising
Carefor Health & Community Services
teggleton@carefor.ca 833-922-2734 x 2021