Ron Gagnon to lead Waterloo health network

KITCHENER, Ont. – The Waterloo Regional Health Network board of directors is proud to announce the appointment of Ron Gagnon (pictured) as the inaugural president and CEO of the newly merged hospital network, effective April 1, 2025.

In preparation for the April 1, 2025, merger of St. Mary’s General Hospital and Grand River Hospital, Ron Gagnon was unanimously selected by the board to lead the new organization, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren), through this historic transformation.

A seasoned leader with over 25 years of executive experience, Ron brings a combination of expertise, vision, and a deep personal connection to his work.

“Ron Gagnon is the right leader at the right time,” says Tim Rollins, co-chair of the WRHN board of directors. “His track record of driving growth, innovation, and meaningful partnerships makes him uniquely equipped to guide WRHN into a bold and unified future.”

Ron joined Grand River Hospital (GRH) in 2018 after a 12-year tenure as president & CEO of Sault Area Hospital (SAH).

His experience with the building of a new greenfield hospital and the completion of the integration of two hospital corporations has shaped his leadership during the merger and capital development process locally. A CPA, CMA with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from Laurentian University, Ron’s passion for healthcare is rooted in his personal journey.

“Being with my mother through a long battle with cancer changed my life,” said Ron Gagnon, president and CEO of WRHN. “The care and support we received from the healthcare community had a profound impact on my family and me. It inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare, with the hope of making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

“I was drawn to, and feel at home here in Waterloo Region, largely because of the welcoming, innovative and “find a way” spirit. I am dedicated to working together with the community, our many partners, the board, and the great team of people at WRHN, to build a stronger, more connected healthcare network – one that delivers compassionate, innovative care to every person in the communities we serve.”

Throughout his career, Ron has delivered results across every aspect of hospital operations. Under his leadership, both GRH and SAH achieved Accreditation with Exemplary Standing – the highest possible recognition for quality and safety.

He has led initiatives that have expanded and integrated services, enhanced medical education, modernized hospital systems, and improved patient experiences. Most recently, Ron led, in partnership with St. Mary’s General Hospital, the successful joint master planning work to build a new hospital at the University of Waterloo (UW), the development of the Care Next innovation collaborative with UW and facilitated the journey to successful merger.

“Ron Gagnon’s impact on our region has already been profound,” said Sandra Hanmer, co-chair of the WRHN board of directors. “He has championed innovation, forged collaborative care models, and led our organizations through major transformation with empathy and focus. We’re excited for what’s ahead under his continued leadership.”

About Waterloo Regional Health Network
Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) represents the merger of St. Mary’s General Hospital and Grand River Hospital into a single, integrated healthcare organization. Building on over 90 years of partnership, WRHN brings the strengths of both hospitals together and is home to seven regional programs and comprehensive healthcare services to meet the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond. WRHN is redefining the healthcare experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered community-driven healthcare. At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities. Learn more at WRHN.ca.