Providence Village appoints Laurie French as President and CEO
The Board of Directors of Providence Village Inc. (PVI) and the Catholic Health Sponsors of Ontario have announced the appointment of Laurie French as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PVI Inc., effective Monday, Apr. 18, 2022.
According to a release from Providence Village, French is an accomplished leader who brings more than 25 years experience in regional health system delivery, partnership and innovation. A registered nurse by profession, French also has a Certificate in Advanced Health Leadership from the Rotman School of Executive Management, and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Queen’s University. Providence said that she brings a unique mix of senior leadership in the health, community and education sectors and well-established roots in community governance to her new role.
Community leadership and engagement are woven throughout French’s career, according to the release. Most recently, as the Regional Director of Transitional Care with Providence Care, she played a key role in the development and delivery of the new Providence Transitional Care Centre which is aimed at providing vulnerable citizens in the region with the supports they need to strengthen and avoid acute care hospitalization. As Director of Home and Community Care with the former South East Local Health Integration Network, PVI said that French provided operational leadership of home care services regionally and led provincial initiatives focused on quality improvement.
“This incredible opportunity brings together my commitment to public service and care through my healthcare leadership and community governance experiences,” said French. “The Sisters (of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul) have provided our community with a visionary gift – spaces that will provide hope, belonging and wellbeing to those in need. I look forward to working with many people and organizations across our region to ensure Providence Village delivers on the Sisters’ legacy.”
As part of her role as President & CEO of Providence Village, French will also oversee operations for the Motherhouse at 1200 Princess Street, home to the Sisters of Providence, as well as the Congregation of Notre Dame Sisters and the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph.
“This spring will mark the start of construction for Providence Village, and we are fortunate to welcome Laurie French into the new role as President and CEO,” said Brian Hogan, Chair, Providence Village Board. “Laurie’s experience and strategic vision, as well as her work in governance, accountability and engagement will be key in helping create our neighbourhood of people helping people, inspiring hope and delivering on our values of compassion, respect and integrity.”
In addition to her healthcare leadership, French has served as a Public School Board Trustee since 2000 and is presently the President of the Canadian School Boards Association. She’s also a member of the Limestone Learning Foundation Board of Directors and is a past president of the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation for Lennox and Addington County. Further, she is a member of the Board of Directors for the Food Sharing Project, serving all schools in the Limestone and Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic District School Boards.
According to the release, Providence Village, in keeping within the values of compassion, respect and integrity, will be a neighbourhood of people helping people, inspiring hope, fulfillment and care of the Earth while being mindful to:
- Uphold a spirit of humility, simplicity and charity
- Demonstrate responsible stewardship of resources, create opportunities to connect, innovate and collaborate
- Be open, welcoming and supportive
- Foster holistic life and wellness
To learn more about Providence Village, visit ProvidenceVillage.ca