Laura Salisbury, Chief Executive Officer of Nucleus Independent Living, has been named as this year’s recipient of the Canadian College of Health Leaders, GTA Chapter, Healthcare Leadership Award for outstanding contribution to her organization, community and health system in 2022.

“We are so very, very pleased and unanimously chose Laura this year,” noted the CCHL chapter nomination committee. “As CEO of Nucleus Independent Living, Laura embodies integrity, passion, trust (and a great sense of humour). She drives those around her to always aim higher and think bigger, while remaining highly-action oriented. Her vision as an organizational leader is to create a culture where barriers are viewed as problems yet to be solved and that the art of possible lies in every staff member. In Laura’s mind, no idea is out of reach, no question is too wild.”

Since taking over as CEO in September 2020 (following her 11-year tenure with the Mississauga Halton and South West Local Health Integration Networks), Laura has already accomplished what many attempt to do in a decade. She has galvanized staff towards the common focus of modernization and culture transformation, quality improvement, overhauled Nucleus’ digital assets, including the implementation of a new electronic health record and eReferral, improved client experience by 15.6%, increased base funding for programs and services by 18% ($3 million), and re-imagined the administrative structure that has halted staff turnover – all in two and a half years!

“I am truly honored, humbled and a bit speechless to be receiving this award,” says Laura. “Healthcare is a true passion of mine and I am so appreciative to the Nucleus Board of Directors for taking a chance on me, the first CEO to be recruited externally in 40 years, as well as to my exceptional team for supporting and realizing our vision towards the art of possible for clients and staff. Thank you so very much.”

Laura received the award at the CCHL (GTA Chapter) Annual General Meeting on May 17, 2023. She will also be recognized at the CCHL National Conference in Toronto on June 4, 2023.

“The Board is thrilled to have Laura leading the organization. She is a high-energy, impact-oriented leader who is putting a well-thought-out strategy into action,” says Yves Bélanger, Nucleus’ Board Chair.

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About the Canadian College of Health Leaders

The Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL), a national member-driven non-profit association, is the connected community that develops, supports, and inspires health leaders across Canada. The College strives to provide the leadership development, tools, knowledge and networks that members need to become high impact leaders in Canadian healthcare. Learn more about the GTA Chapter.