Nicole Boutilier new president & CEO of NS Health

HALIFAX – Dr. Nicole Boutilier (pictured) has been appointed the new president and CEO of Nova Scotia Health. Dr. Boutilier, was formally the executive vice-president of NS Health. She is a highly respected physician and healthcare executive who has helped shape the delivery of healthcare across Nova Scotia.

Raised in Pictou County and a graduate of Dalhousie Medical School, she is a family doctor who has practiced in a variety of settings in rural Nova Scotia while leading major initiatives to strengthen physician engagement, drive innovation and support healthcare transformation.

“I am thrilled Dr Boutilier has taken on this role and I look forward to working with her in this capacity. She will begin her new role July 1, 2026,” said health minister Michelle Thompson.

Dr. Boutilier is replacing Karen Oldfield, who led Nova Scotia Health as Interim CEO since 2021. Ms. Oldfield guided the organization through a transformational period and spearheaded initiatives that will have a lasting impact on people’s access to healthcare both in hospital and in community.

“Her accomplishments are many and I am grateful for the work she has done to improve healthcare and modernize the healthcare system in Nova Scotia,” said Thompson.

Karen Oldfield will begin a new role as CEO of Accelerate Nova Scotia – a new agency dedicated to commercializing health technology, services and products.