St. Joe’s Elizabeth Buller to retire as president & CEO

HAMILTON, Ont. – The board of directors of St. Joseph’s Health System (SJHS) announces that after almost 40 years of leadership in health care, Elizabeth Buller (pictured) has decided to retire as president and chief executive officer of St. Joseph’s Health System, effective April 1, 2025. Liz is recognized for her exceptional contributions to healthcare as a health system leader at both the provincial and national levels at prominent health care organizations across British Columbia and Ontario.

She has led multiple health system integrations, built extraordinary teams, mentored the health leaders of the future, and has never wavered from her commitment to accelerate clinical excellence and innovation.

Wherever Liz has worked she has led with compassion and grit and is known for her progressive, collegial, and inclusive leadership style that consistently “got things done.” At SJHS, Liz has brought the same passion and dedication to the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph, driving SJHS to new heights.

Under her leadership, the current strategic plan has accelerated SJHS’ ability to drive change, support teams and advance care beyond boundaries. Liz’s numerous achievements have positioned us on a path to enhance our mission with continuous growth, a strong focus on our people and those we serve.

Before joining SJHS, Liz was president and CEO of the Scarborough Health Network and served as President and CEO of St. Joseph’s Health Centre Toronto, where she was instrumental in the voluntary merger of three hospitals to create Unity Health Toronto.

Her extensive background in healthcare leadership also includes the position of executive vice president Clinical Operations & Chief of Nursing and Professional Practice for the William Osler Health System. In 2019, she was recognized by WXN (Women’s Executive Network) as one of Canada’s top 100 most powerful women.

Liz is looking forward to spending more time with her beloved grandson, Freddie, and daughters. We wish her all the joy, happiness, and good health she so richly deserves.

We are also pleased to announce, in collaboration with the Joint Boards of Governors, and with the approval of the Diocese of Hamilton, the appointment of Michael Heenan, PhD, as the interim president and chief executive officer of St. Joseph’s Health System, effective April 1, 2025. Mike will retain his current role as President of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.

Mike has done an outstanding job as president of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, improving performance in quality metrics, recruitment and retention, workplace safety, education and research, and community integration, to name just a few.

As many of you are aware, Mike started his career at St. Joe’s before moving to various leadership positions in other large health care organizations, as well serving as assistant deputy minister of health for Ontario. Mike is staunchly devoted to the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph; he has shown it daily as he leads St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.

Rooted in our strategic plan and legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph, we will continue to explore opportunities to serve and further our mission. In doing so, we will continue to adapt and pursue unmet health and social needs that will promote our ability to do so with compassionate care, faith, and discovery.