October 14, 2025
I am pleased to share that our search for a permanent Chief Transformation and Strategy Officer (CTSO) has been successful. Tara McCarville was the successful candidate in the recent competition and will officially begin her role on November 3, 2025.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Lisa Thibeau, Deputy Minister of Health and Wellness; Diane Griffin, Health PEI Board Chair; Peter MacDonald, former Health PEI Board Member; and Jennifer Evans, Health PEI Board Member, for their leadership and support throughout the recruitment process.
Tara’s 25 years of leadership experience spans senior executive and advisory roles across multiple sectors, with a focus on driving large-scale transformation and building sustainable health system capacity. She has worked with leading health organizations across Canada, including the development of the Strategic Plan for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, where she helped shape a future-focused vision for world-class cancer care. In British Columbia, she played a key role in designing and implementing new models of care aimed at better integrating services and improving access for patients and families. As Vice President at Trillium Health Partners, she supported the modernization of clinical operations at one of Canada’s largest hospital systems, advancing integrated models of care delivery and performance improvement at scale.
As CTSO, Tara will lead strategic transformation across Health PEI, helping to shape and execute initiatives that strengthen our health system, enable innovation, and improve outcomes for Islanders. Originally from Prince Edward Island, Tara is excited to return home and contribute to the health and well-being of the community she grew up in.
I also want to extend my sincere thanks to Christopher Gillis for his steady and thoughtful leadership when he agreed to jump on board as Interim CTSO. Christopher stepped in during a challenging time of significant change and provided valuable guidance and continuity through our transition. His contributions have helped lay a strong foundation for the work ahead with key contributions to the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, 2025/2026 Business Plan and 2024/2025 Annual Report. Christopher’s last day with Health PEI will be October 31, 2025.
Please join me in welcoming Tara home and expressing our appreciation to Christopher for his leadership and the meaningful impact he has made.
Mel