Elisabeth J. Riley; President & Chief Executive Officer, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.
An essay by Elisabeth J. Riley

Raised on the values and work ethic of a Canadian farm family, and seasoned by a career
in senior leadership positions at some of the country’s top healthcare institutions, Elisabeth
Riley’s intelligent and compassionate approach to hospital management has been a catalyst for positive change since her arrival at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital in April 2008.

As President and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Riley’s energy and enthusiasm has helped the
organization apply its values-based approach to patient care and decision-making.

Riley also recognizes the hospital’s intrinsic value to the communities it serves and is proud of its historic linkage to the Canadian military and local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Building and maintaining a high level of trust within the organization and the community
is of critical importance according to Riley. She places a strong emphasis on community
engagement through active participation and interaction with a variety of groups.

Growing up just north of Orillia in Bracebridge, ON, Riley earned her professional designation as a physical therapist while attending McGill University in Montreal and went on to obtain a Masters Degree in Health Administration at the University of Montreal.

In addition to hospital leadership roles in her professional discipline, Ms. Riley has served
as Interim Executive Director of the Montreal Rehabilitation Institute; Executive Director and
CEO of the Montreal Children’s Hospital; President and CEO of the Children’s and Women’s
Hospitals of British Columbia; and Dean of Health Sciences at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.