Closing the Gap Healthcare Taking the Next Step to Strengthen Its Executive Leadership Team and Position the Company for Growth
Connie Clerici assumes new role as Executive Chair of the Board; Leighton McDonald appointed CEO
On January 1, 2019 Closing the Gap Healthcare (CTG) founder and current CEO Connie Clerici will transition to a new role as Executive Chair of the Board while Leighton McDonald, who joined CTG in May 2016 as President, has been appointed as CTG’s new CEO.
This change in the executive leadership model is the culmination of a planning and mentoring process that began in 2016. Since joining as President, Leighton has focused on integrating technology and leading business practices to strengthen the operational capacity of CTG and positon the company for growth.
CTG’s core belief is that health care systems can always function better for those who depend on them. That’s why, since its creation, the organization has embraced a culture of innovation and a focus on continuous quality improvement to enhance client care, improve health system outcomes and become an employer of choice in the home care sector.
“27 years ago, I was a practicing nurse who saw a need for a more accountable and compassionate health care system,” said Connie Clerici, “Over the past three decades Closing the Gap has grown to become one of Canada’s largest home care providers, employing almost 2,000 staff and serving hundreds of thousands of clients. I am confident Leighton will continue to build on this strong foundation of success.”
In her new role, Connie will remain actively engaged in setting the strategic long-term vision of CTG, overseeing the strategic planning process and identifying strategic business expansion opportunities. As CEO, Leighton will be responsible for leading all company operations and driving corporate performance to benefit clients. While the composition of the leadership team is evolving, there will be no changes to CTG’s ownership or Board membership.
“I want to thank the Board and Connie Clerici, in particular, for their support during the past two years and for the opportunity to serve as CEO,” said Leighton, “I look forward to continue working with Connie and the whole CTG team to drive improved performance for the hundreds of thousands of Canadians who depend on us.”
Connie Clerici
Connie Clerici is a seasoned executive with a long history of leading large teams through Canada’s complex and highly regulated healthcare environment. Her passion is to help those most in need in society, and to accept full accountability for doing so. As a life-long learner, Connie participates in extensive training in leadership and business at a variety of business schools. She is currently an adviser and a member of numerous committees at the Ivey Business School, a board member or advisor for numerous public and private organizations, an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Toronto Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, and a member of Health Quality Ontario’s Quality Standards Counsel.
Leighton McDonald
Leighton McDonald is an accomplished business leader and physician executive with experience in the fields of health systems management, corporate and occupational medicine, wellness, health insurance, clinical risk management and healthcare research. He has achieved a strong track record in the health care industry through a combination of clinical qualifications and experience, business acumen, health systems expertise and an ability to develop motivated, high performing teams.