CCHL Staffing Updates and Appointments

The Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL) is pleased to share several recent leadership updates. These changes reflect our continued commitment to building organizational capacity in key areas, including enhanced services for Francophone and Indigenous communities. They also respond directly to feedback gathered from more than 35 focus groups held throughout the spring and summer. In addition, these appointments recognize the excellence and contributions of our team members, while supporting their continued growth and development within the College.

Welcoming New Team Members

Dan Gibson – Vice President, Business Development and Corporate Affairs
Dan Gibson joins the College as Vice President, Business Development and Corporate Affairs. A seasoned medtech and healthcare executive, Dan brings over 20 years of experience leading strategic initiatives, driving operational excellence, and fostering sustainable growth. His career has focused on developing innovative solutions that meet the needs of diverse stakeholder groups, including technical founders, clinicians, healthcare leaders, patients, caregivers, and families.

Jesse Sam – Coordinator, Marketing and Communications
Jesse Sam joins CCHL as Coordinator, Marketing and Communications. He holds a Doctor of Medicine (MBBS) and recently completed a Master’s in Health at York University. Jesse brings a unique blend of clinical, research, and administrative expertise. As a Research Assistant at York, he led community engagement initiatives, managed project logistics, and contributed to knowledge dissemination—particularly through social media and outreach communications.

Celebrating Staff Promotions

Stéphan (Steve) Plourde, CHE – Chief Operating Officer
Stéphan (Steve) Plourde, CHE, has been appointed Chief Operating Officer. Steve had originally joined the College on July 1 as Vice President, Corporate Services. He will continue to lead key initiatives, including the College’s Indigenous and Francophone strategies, as well as the Professional & Leadership Development portfolio.

Christine Gilmour – Senior Director, Professional & Leadership Development
Christine Gilmour has been promoted to Senior Director, Professional & Leadership Development (PLD). In this role, she will provide strategic and operational leadership to the PLD team, ensuring high-impact service delivery and alignment with the College’s mission. Christine is deeply committed to advancing health leadership capacity across the sector.

Rachel Zygmunt – Manager, Professional & Leadership Development Programs
Rachel Zygmunt, who joined CCHL in September 2024, has been promoted to Manager, Professional and Leadership Development Programs. In her new role, she will oversee the College’s suite of offerings, including LEADS Leadership Foundations, LEADS Lite, and Achieving Strategic Priorities with LEADS.

Kevin Poulton, MBA – Manager, Strategy
Kevin Poulton, MBA, has been appointed Manager, Strategy. This newly created role supports the CEO, COO, and Board of Directors in advancing effective governance, strategic execution, and organizational performance. Kevin previously served as Coordinator, Marketing and Communications since 2019.