MedicAlert Canada Announces Leadership Transition

Leslie McGill takes over from Françoise Faverjon-Fortin as President & CEO

TORONTO, June 15, 2020 /CNW/ - MedicAlert Foundation Canada's Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Leslie McGill to President & Chief Executive Officer. The Board made the decision to promote Ms. McGill as successor to Françoise Faverjon-Fortin following a rigorous selection process.

"Leslie steps into her new role at a time when MedicAlert's mission is more vital than ever," said Doug Craig, Chair of the MedicAlert Board of Directors. "COVID-19 has taught us what it truly means to have life-saving information available for first responders. Canadians are being re-introduced to MedicAlert and the important work that we do. Leslie is a true innovator and entrepreneurial leader. She will continue to build upon Françoise's legacy, and lead MedicAlert to continued growth."  

Leslie is a veteran of the health care sector both nationally and globally. Over the past 30 years, she has worked with a diverse range of companies, mission-based organizations, leading hospitals and innovative health-tech start-ups. Some of the dozens of organizations and companies she has worked with during her career include: Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Merck, Astra Zeneca, Loblaw, Health Shared Services Ontario, Heart and Stroke, the Canadian Cancer Society, Diabetes Canada, SickKids, University Health Network, CAMH, Sunnybrook, and the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

"I am delighted to be taking on the role of President and CEO for MedicAlert. I have been a subscriber since the age of 16 and understand first-hand the need for first responders to have access to critical health information at their fingertips. To lead this iconic organization and work directly with the first responder community on behalf of our subscribers is an honour. We have a steadfast mission and ambitious goals to protect as many Canadians as possible. I am looking forward to seeing our ideas come to life."

The Board of Directors would like to acknowledge the outstanding contribution made to the organization by Mme. Faverjon-Fortin. Her unwavering leadership over the last 11 years as Board Director, Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer, has propelled MedicAlert to new heights as Canada's leading emergency health information services charity. She leaves the organization in a strong position for the future. 

"Leaving an organization you love is always difficult," said Faverjon-Fortin. "It is harder still when your colleagues both at the board table and at the office are so dedicated and talented. It has been a tremendous journey and privilege to serve as CEO and Chair. From spearheading MedicAlert's transformation to consolidating our national and international presence, I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished and the culture we have created. I believe in our mission, and I have full confidence in our new CEO, Leslie McGill, and the dedicated MedicAlert team.  I look forward to seeing the MedicAlert family continue to succeed in protecting Canadians as well as assisting first responders and health professionals in these unprecedented times and beyond."

SOURCE MedicAlert