It’s the end of a nearly three-decade journey for Carefor CEO Steve Perry and the beginning of a new chapter in the organization’s healthcare story for incoming Interim CEO Emma Tibbo.
Perry is set to retire as President and CEO after 28 years with the organization, including nearly 10 years as Chief Executive Officer. He has accepted the position of Executive Director at the Petawawa Centennial Family Health Centre (PCFHC) and will remain with Carefor through August 2026 to help ensure a seamless leadership transition.
Steve says simply that he feels the time is right for a change.
During Perry’s tenure, Carefor navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, workforce shortages and sweeping changes across the healthcare sector while continuing to expand and innovate. Under his leadership, the organization modernized key systems, earned Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada and strengthened its leadership role in advancing healthcare modernization across Ontario.
Emma Tibbo is no stranger to the role she is about to fill, bringing to the table senior leadership experience with The Ottawa Hospital, Queensway Carleton Hospital, BDO Canada and ParaMed Home Health Care. She also has expertise in strategic planning, operational excellence, financial stewardship and organizational performance.
As Tibbo puts it, she has some big shoes to fill. Perry has overseen significant growth at Carefor over the years, and Tibbo intends to build on that success during her tenure.
Tibbo is certainly no stranger to the Carefor family, having served on its Board of Directors. She also brings a strong understanding of the vital role healthcare plays in the lives of clients and their families.
Perry says one of the accomplishments he is most proud of is helping expand Carefor’s assisted living facilities, as well as playing a role in establishing a region-wide non-urgent patient transfer initiative.
Tibbo says her time on the Board has given her valuable insight into the needs of the clients and families Carefor serves, but she is careful to say she wants to approach the role through a fresh and innovative lens.
While Tibbo settles into her role as Interim CEO, the Board will undertake a formal recruitment process for Carefor’s next President and CEO.
(Written By: Richard Evans)
