Job Description

Acute Care Alberta

Acute Care Alberta (ACA) is a provincial health agency established as part of Alberta's health system transformation. ACA's mandate is to oversee and coordinate the delivery of acute care services across the province, ensuring faster access, higher quality, and better integration of care. Its creation marks a shift from a centralized model (AHS as sole authority) to a sector-based governance structure, focused on:

Efficiency

- Reduce delays and improve patient safety.

Accountability

- Direct reporting to the Ministry of Hospital and Surgical Health Services.

Innovation

- Invest in technology and mobile diagnostic services for rural communities.

ACA provides care during emergencies or serious illness and injury, encompassing hospitals, urgent care centres, emergency rooms, surgeries, cancer care, laboratory services, clinical operations, and emergency medical services (EMS). ACA collaborates with service providers such as AHS, Covenant Health, Lamont Health Care Centre, and chartered surgical facilities to streamline patient flow and improve outcomes. Its centralized oversight is designed to transform patient experience, reduce systemic bottlenecks, and ensure sustainable delivery of high-quality care.

The Opportunity

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Acute Care Alberta (ACA) will play a pivotal role in redefining the future of healthcare delivery across the province. This is a rare opportunity to lead transformative change and drive innovation in acute care services, ensuring that every Albertan has timely access to high-quality, patient-centered care.


Reporting directly to the Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services, the CEO will shape policy, influence service delivery models, and optimize resource allocation to create a more integrated and responsive acute care system. This leader will champion ACA's mission to coordinate services, manage resources effectively, and continuously adapt to meet evolving healthcare needs.


As the head of Alberta's provincial health agency for acute care, the CEO will hold health corporations and service providers accountable for delivering on ACA's mandate. Acting as a strategic interface between ACA and the Government of Alberta, the CEO must demonstrate exceptional political acumen and the ability to navigate complex, high-stakes relationships at ministerial and deputy ministerial levels, aligning operational priorities with government objectives.


This role demands a proven track record in transformational leadership and large-scale organizational change. The CEO will lead ACA's establishment as a new entity and oversee the realignment of acute care within Alberta's broader health system, driving a multi-year change agenda with clarity and conviction.


The successful candidate will position ACA as an innovative, collaborative, and impact-driven organization, focused on delivering fast, efficient, and compassionate care. Key priorities include improving access, reducing wait times, and fostering seamless integration across provincial health agencies to ensure continuity of care and system-wide collaboration.

Ideal Candidate

Senior Leadership Experience

- Demonstrated success in executive-level roles within the healthcare sector or significant public sector organizations preferred, with a strong track record of strategic planning, organizational leadership, and performance management.

Strategic Vision and Planning

- Proven ability to develop and implement comprehensive strategic plans that align with organizational objectives and drive transformative change in care delivery.

Stakeholder Engagement

- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare providers, community organizations, and advocacy groups.

Financial Management

- Strong financial acumen and experience in budgeting, resource optimization, and fiscal accountability.

Regulatory Compliance

- Deep understanding of healthcare legislation, regulatory frameworks, and governance standards.

Change Management

- Proven ability to lead organizational change initiatives, navigate complex healthcare landscapes, and anticipate and address emerging challenges and opportunities.

Team Leadership and Development

- Skilled in fostering an inclusive, high-performance culture that attracts and retains top talent.


Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis.