Proximity Institute advances hospital CEO leadership for the health of Ontarians

This refreshed purpose statement was developed from a months-long process to bring clarity and momentum to Proximity’s reason for being. The objective was to develop a statement that articulates why Proximity exists; is enduring and stands the test of time; and inspires, motivates, and provides meaning to Proximity’s work.

“Purpose is central to who we are,” says Susan Brown, President and CEO of Proximity. “As our new north star, this refreshed statement is essential to keep us inspired and at the same time, set clear guardrails around what is in Proximity’s scope, and what is not.”

Proximity’s original purpose was put in place following the ratification of its leadership development and change leadership mandate. The refreshed statement builds on that foundation, incorporating five years of insight from the Proximity team and Board. It underscores the importance of hospital leadership for the health of Ontarians and Proximity’s specialized leadership development focus on the hospital CEO role.

“I know from my role as hospital CEO the importance of purpose and how the organization rallies around it,” says Dr. Gary Newton, Proximity Board Chair and President and CEO of Sinai Health. “Proximity’s refreshed statement describes both what the charity does and what its ultimate impact is, which will be instrumental in guiding our choices and motivating the team now and for the foreseeable future.”

Alignment with Proximity’s mandate of leadership development and change leadership and charitable purpose to promote, support, and improve health and the delivery of health care in Ontario was also considered in the process.

“I look forward to collaborating with the Board, team, stakeholders, and partners to pursue our refreshed purpose, advance our mandate, and deepen our impact for hospital leadership, the sector, and ultimately the health of Ontarians,” says Susan.