Steve Perry to lead Petawawa Centennial Family Health Centre after retiring from Carefor

PETAWAWA — After nearly three decades with Carefor Health and Community Services, including almost 10 years as president and chief executive officer, Steve Perry is stepping into a new leadership role with the Petawawa Centennial Family Health Centre. The Petawawa Centennial Family Health Centre (PCFHC) has appointed Perry as its new executive director, while Carefor [...]

Article content PETAWAWA — After nearly three decades with Carefor Health and Community Services, including almost 10 years as president and chief executive officer, Steve Perry is stepping into a new leadership role with the Petawawa Centennial Family Health Centre. The Petawawa Centennial Family Health Centre (PCFHC) has appointed Perry as its new executive director, while Carefor announced Friday that he is retiring as president and CEO after 28 years with the organization. Perry will remain with Carefor until August to help ensure a smooth leadership transition before taking over at the Petawawa health centre.

Recommended Videos The move keeps one of the region’s longest-serving healthcare leaders in Renfrew County. Perry succeeds longtime PCFHC executive director Judy Hill, who is being recognized by the board for her years of service leading the organization. “The board is extremely pleased to welcome Steve as our new executive director,” said Paul Moreau, chairman of the Petawawa Centennial Family Health Centre board of directors.

“We are very fortunate to have found someone from our local area with such extensive health care experience. Steve’s leadership will play a key role in guiding the health team and ensuring the continued growth and long-term success of the Petawawa Centennial Family Health Centre.” According to the health centre, Perry brings 28 years of experience in community health care, system leadership and collaborative practice, along with extensive knowledge of the regional healthcare system.

As executive director, Perry will oversee the overall leadership and operations of the not-for-profit primary care organization, working with a multidisciplinary team that includes physicians, nurse practitioners, registered practical nurses and allied health professionals, while also strengthening partnerships with community organizations. Established in 2005, the Petawawa Centennial Family Health Centre now serves more than 9,000 active patients and is home to more than 17 physicians, five nurse practitioners and a range of allied health professionals. The centre also provides space for several community-based healthcare services, including the Diabetes Education Outreach Team from Pembroke Regional Hospital, Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre (VTAC) Community Assessment Centre, among others.

The board also thanked outgoing executive director Judy Hill for her leadership, noting she helped develop innovative programs, including the Integrated Virtual Care Program, while advocating for improved access to healthcare throughout Petawawa and Renfrew County. At Carefor, Perry’s departure marks the end of a tenure that saw the organization expand and strengthen home and community care services across Eastern Ontario, including Pembroke and Renfrew County. “Steve’s impact on Carefor and the broader health and community care sector has been extraordinary,” said John MacKenzie, chairman 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 time as CEO, Carefor navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, workforce shortages and major changes in the healthcare sector while modernizing operations and earning Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. He also oversaw the alignment of Carefor’s programs and services across Eastern Ontario, including the standardization of care practices at the organization’s retirement home in Pembroke and community support services throughout 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. Carefor has appointed Emma Tibbo as acting chief executive officer while the board conducts a formal search for Perry’s permanent successor. Tibbo recently joined Carefor as vice-president of people, strategy and growth after serving as chief executive officer of The Glebe Centre and Abbotsford House.

Her previous leadership experience includes senior positions with The Ottawa Hospital, Queensway Carleton Hospital, BDO Canada and ParaMed Home Healthcare. She also previously served on Carefor’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.” (Catch up on what is happening in Pembroke and the Upper Ottawa Valley with our weekly newsletter. Click here to sign up for the free newsletter, which will be delivered to your inbox every Thursday.)