Shirlee Sharkey stepping down from SE Health

MARKHAM, Ont. – After 30 years of breakthrough leadership, Shirlee Sharkey (pictured) has announced her intention to step down as the CEO of SE Health in spring 2022.

Shirlee has spent the last three decades shaping SE Health into a thriving not-for-profit social enterprise that creates shared value through its business of caring, social impact and strategic investments.

Under her leadership, the 113-year-old organization has grown exponentially – from a small local visiting nursing association of 300 people, to a diversified national healthcare enterprise with 8,000 staff and a bold vision to forever impact how people live and age at home across Canada and around the world.

“My time at SE Health has been intensely inspiring, challenging and rewarding, beyond my wildest dreams. It is truly humbling to be part of an organization and team that has stood the test of time and continues to tackle tough problems and forge the future. After more than a century of service and impact, our vision and values remain more relevant today than ever before,” said Shirlee Sharkey, CEO.

“The global pandemic has really reinforced the strength of leadership that exists across SE Health and the organization’s readiness to embark on an exciting new chapter. On a personal level, working collaboratively to co-author a book about the future of aging has also allowed me to reflect on my own journey and a few of the aspirations that are still on my bucket list.”

Since taking the helm in 1992, Shirlee has continuously invested in the people, tools and technologies that power transformative new approaches in healthcare. The organization works with governments, hospitals, regional health authorities, the seniors’ living sector, community organizations and consumers to meet the life care needs of Canadians and help them to age with health, vitality and dignity. This includes partnering with health systems to design and deliver new programs that offer modern community-based alternatives to institutional care.

Through all its growth and success, Shirlee has ensured that SE Health’s client-centred mission, pioneering spirit and caring values continue to live on. Together with the Saint Elizabeth Foundation and diverse partners, SE Health has invested millions in social impact initiatives and facilitated transformative solutions in areas such as aging, Indigenous health and end of life care.

A recruitment process for our new CEO is underway and we will be working closely with Shirlee and the SE Health team over the next several months to ensure a smooth transition.