CANCER CARE ONTARIO APPOINTS MICHAEL SHERAR AS INCOMING PRESIDENT AND CEO

TORONTO, Nov. 26 /CNW/ - Michael Sherar, PhD, a seasoned health care leader and internationally recognized researcher, has been named the new president and Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) effective Monday, January 17, 2011. 

Cancer Care Ontario is the provincial agency responsible for improving cancer services and plays a key role in driving quality in Access to Care and the newly formed Ontario Renal Network.

Dr. Sherar is currently vice president, Planning and Regional Programs for Cancer Care Ontario, leading 14 Regional Cancer Programs and leads CCO's capital projects and provincial cancer services planning, including the Ontario Cancer Plan, new centre planning, and major capital equipment.

He replaces Terrence Sullivan, PhD, who has led Cancer Care Ontario as president and CEO during the past decade as the organization built the solid foundation of cancer services across the province.

"Michael's appointment follows an exhaustive international search that identified many highly qualified health care leaders as candidates. But while their credentials were impressive, it was the unanimous view of our board that Michael's qualifications and commitment made him our top candidate," said Neil Stuart, chair of CCO's Board of Directors.

An accomplished healthcare professional with a PhD in Medical Biophysics from the University of Toronto and a B.A. in Physics from the University of Oxford, England, Dr. Sherar is a proven executive with an impeccable track record of delivering results across the health sector.

"Michael is a progressive and visionary leader with a depth of experience in health services, management and research, a passion for making a difference, and a determination to continue to lead and build on CCO's 66-year history and reputation," said Mr. Stuart.

In his more than 20 year career, Dr. Sherar consistently has delivered success through leadership and effective engagement and partnerships with government, clinicians, hospital and LHIN leadership, scientists and academics and our broader stakeholder community.  

"I look forward to the challenges facing CCO in cancer and in its expanded mandates in Access to Care and renal disease," said Dr. Sherar.

Dr. Sullivan announced last April he would be stepping down after 10 years of leadership at CCO - close to seven in the president and CEO's role - having achieved the objectives he set out for the organization.

Under Dr. Sullivan's leadership with the support of the Ontario government, Ontario has become the leader in reducing radiation and surgical wait times across Canada, focused on measured and improved performance in a range of surgical specialties, become a model of public reporting on cancer service quality, and made Ontario a leader in the introduction of colorectal screening.

Dr. Sullivan will provide continued leadership through this transition.

Cancer Care Ontario is the provincial agency responsible for continually improving cancer services. As the government's cancer advisor, Cancer Care Ontario works to reduce the number of people diagnosed with cancer, and make sure that patients receive better care every step of the way. In addition to cancer, Cancer Care Ontario plays a key role in driving quality in Access to Care and the newly formed Ontario Renal Network.

For further information:

Elizabeth McCarthy, Senior Public Affairs Advisor
Tel: [phone] x 3339
Cell: 416-666-8603
Email: [email protected]