Mauro Chies announced as AHS president, CEO

EDMONTON – Dr. John Cowell, the Official Administrator (OA) for Alberta Health Services (AHS), is pleased to announce the appointment of Mauro Chies (pictured) as the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of AHS, effective immediately. Chies has been serving as the interim president and CEO of AHS since April 2022.

A selection panel led by the Official Administrator that included the former AHS Chair of the Board of Directors and others, and supported by an international executive search firm, reviewed many highly qualified international and national candidates that resulted in Mauro being chosen and promoted to the permanent position.

Chies began his extensive career in healthcare with the Capital Health Region and has worked with AHS since the organization’s inception in 2009. He has gained the respect and confidence of AHS employees, partners, and subsidiaries, as well as that of the organizations’ many external stakeholders.

Chies has held previous executive leadership roles, including board chair of Alberta Precision Laboratories; vice president of Cancer Care Alberta & Clinical Support Services; and senior operating officer, Diagnostic Imaging Services.

“I am absolutely delighted that Mauro has agreed to take the permanent position as president and CEO of Alberta Health Services,” said Dr. Cowell. “Having worked closely with him these past few months, I know we have a shared vision and focus on the major improvements to our healthcare system that make the most significant difference to the people of Alberta.

“In combination with his extensive experience, Mauro also brings a desire to drive innovation and change that will help employees and all Albertans experience a healthcare system that is more accessible, effective, efficient, and accountable – advanced by an organizational culture built on safety and trust. He has my full support and I look forward to continuing to work alongside him as we make measurable progress.”

“I am extremely pleased to be given the opportunity to continue to serve in the capacity of president and CEO at AHS,” said Chies. “It is a source of pride and a great privilege to work alongside Dr. Cowell and the Advisory Board, our dedicated executive leadership team and our incredible staff, physicians, and volunteers, all of whom are committed to providing exceptional healthcare to the people of this province. Under Dr. Cowell’s strategic direction and with his support, we will continue to move forward on the changes that ensure improved healthcare experiences for all Albertans.”

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait-times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.