Calgary Health Trust announces new CEO

Dr. Chris Eagle takes helm; Trust remains focused on building healthcare excellence.

CALGARY – Respected healthcare leader Dr. Chris Eagle is the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Calgary Health Trust.

In this role, he will marry his background as a healthcare professional and an experienced organizational leader to further expand the reach and impact of Calgary HealthTrust.

“Dr. Eagle is well positioned to lead Calgary Health Trust forward and solidify its place as a leading philanthropic organization in this community,” said Board Chair Mrs. Ann McCaig. “He has a lifelong commitment to healthcare and is a natural fit for an organization that bridges community passion and healthcare innovation.”

“I have always been impressed by the tremendous generosity of Calgarians and southern Albertans,” said Dr. Eagle. “Through thick and thin, Calgarians have demonstrated their support through financial gifts and a strong commitment to volunteerism. This community has shown time and time again that it wants to fund innovations that create change. I’m excited to expand my relationship with Calgary Health Trust in this new role and I look forward to continuing the great work of the organization and its partners.”

Dr. Eagle has been a member of the organization’s Board of Directors since 2015. He also served on the board from 2005 to 2009. He was the former President and CEO of Alberta Health Services and prior to that served as the president and chief operating officer of the Calgary Health Region. He is an adjunct professor at the Universities of Alberta, Calgary and Royal Rhodes (see full biography below).

Calgary Health Trust is a key partner with Alberta Health Services (AHS) and is the fundraising entity for the city’s four adult acute care hospitals, community health centres, as well as Carewest, a subsidiary of AHS that operates several continuing care sites. The organization also supports care in the community through a variety of programs and services.

“Dr. Eagle is a trusted healthcare leader who will help further the strong legacy of Calgary Health Trust,” said Dr. Verna Yiu, President and CEO, Alberta Health Services. “They have done tremendous work to improve the health and wellness of Calgarians, and we are excited to continue our work together now and into the future to build healthcare excellence.”

Dr. Eagle’s appointment was effective April 3. Dr. Eagle takes over from Jill Olynyk, who announced her retirement last month.

Dr. Chris Eagle biography
Dr. Eagle was most recently President and CEO of Alberta Health Services (AHS). Prior to the formation of AHS, he was President and Chief Operating Officer of the Calgary Health Region. Dr. Eagle trained as a cardiac anesthesiologist and has a long academic career in anesthesiology, serving as Professor and Head at the University of Calgary and Chief Examiner and Chair of the Specialty Committee in Anesthesia at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He retired from the University of Calgary in 2011, and continues to hold adjunct professorships at the Universities of Calgary, Alberta, and Royal Roads. He serves as executive in residence to the Royal Roads Health Leadership Program. His academic interests have been focused on quality and safety and healthcare leadership.

Calgary Health Trust
Calgary Health Trust is a Calgary-based charity focused on fundraising that will transform healthcare in Alberta. The Trust is the fundraising arm of Alberta Health Services in Calgary. The incredible generosity of our donors has helped to raise more than $412 million for healthcare since 1996. Funds raised benefit Foothills Medical Centre, Peter Lougheed Centre, Rockyview General Hospital, South Health Campus and many community health programs, as well as 12 Carewest care centres in our community. For more information about Calgary Health Trust and its strategic priorities, visit calgaryhealthtrust.ca.

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