The president and chief executive officer of St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital has announced plans to retire. In a statement, Karen Davies informed the hospital’s board of directors of her decision to step down from the role. Davies said she will remain in the position during the transition period and continue supporting the hospital’s strategic priorities while assisting with the onboarding of new leadership. Board chair Amy Dale praised Davies’ leadership and contributions to the hospital. “Karen has provided transformational leadership at STEGH, and her vision, steadfastness, calm nature and commitment to putting people first have created a very strong hospital and bright future for care in our community,” Dale said in a statement. Davies joined the hospital in 2012 as chief nursing executive and vice-president. She served in that position for nine years before becoming president and CEO in 2021. According to the hospital, Davies helped strengthen its focus on quality of care, emergency department performance, patient experience, staff experience and operational excellence during her tenure. “Serving this hospital and community has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Davies said in a statement. “I have been fortunate to work alongside exceptional staff, physicians, volunteers, leaders, board members and community partners who share an unwavering commitment to providing exemplary care.” The hospital’s board of directors said it will begin a search for a new president and CEO in the coming weeks.
