Ontario Hospital Association announces new president, CEO
Thursday November 8, 2007 -- Natalie Miller
The Ontario Hospital Association’s board of directors announced yesterday (Nov. 7) it has hired a new president and CEO.

Tom Closson will join the OHA on Jan. 14, 2008.

Closson replaces long-time OHA employee and current president and CEO Hilary Short, who will retire at the end of this year.

“Tom has an outstanding track record of leadership and accomplishment in health care,” said board chair Mark Rochon in a media release. 

“His career as a healthcare CEO and government executive and his depth of knowledge and expertise make him ideally suited to serve as our new president and CEO.”

Closson has previously served as president and CEO of three of the nation’s leading healthcare organizations — the University Health Network, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto and the Capital Health Region in Victoria, BC. He is a professional engineer, holds a master’s degree in business administration and has extensive experience in healthcare management and governance, leadership and facilitation, change management, strategy development and e-health implementation, the OHA says.

“This is a time of tremendous change in Ontario’s heath care system,” said Rochon. “Our board believes that Tom will provide outstanding leadership to the OHA and its members during this time of change and transformation.”

Short, who announced her retirement earlier this year, has served as president and CEO of the OHA for the past five years and has worked for the organization for more than three decades.

During the OHA HealthAchieve event in Toronto Nov. 5 to 7, Short had the opportunity to gather with colleagues during a retirement reception in her honour held Nov. 6 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

The announcement of her replacement was made public yesterday. Closson said he was pleased to join the OHA.

“I believe in the vision of the Ontario Hospital Association and am excited about the opportunity to help lead its efforts to make our healthcare system even better for the patients it serves,” said Closson.

“Collaboration is the key to improving healthcare.  The OHA can continue to play a compelling leadership role in developing solutions by building even stronger health system partnerships with the Ministry, LHINs, associations and providers.”

View the articles linked below for more information about Short's career and accomplishments with the OHA.

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