Chief Executive Officer
WeRPN is the professional association representing more than 65,000 Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) across Ontario. Since 1958, WeRPN has served as the collective voice of RPNs, advancing professional practice, strengthening workforce excellence, and improving patient care across the province. Through continuing education, professional practice resources, research leadership, and system-level advocacy, WeRPN supports nurses at every stage of their careers. As Ontario’s healthcare system confronts workforce pressures, evolving scope discussions, and heightened public accountability, WeRPN is uniquely positioned to expand its influence and further elevate the role of RPNs across diverse care settings. This is a pivotal moment to deepen advocacy impact, strengthen membership engagement, and shape how RPNs are positioned and utilized within Ontario’s healthcare system.
The Position
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer will lead WeRPN into its next chapter of strategic growth and sector influence. The CEO will provide clear direction, ensure operational and financial sustainability, and reinforce the organization’s presence at provincial health system decision-making tables. As WeRPN’s primary spokesperson and representative, the CEO will advance policy priorities and champion the professional identity of RPNs across care environments. This includes strengthening relationships with government ministries, regulators, healthcare leaders, academic institutions, and professional associations.
The successful candidate will lead a dedicated team of approximately 35 staff and provide overall stewardship of the organization’s financial sustainability, while advancing significant government-funded initiatives and research investments. As a voluntary membership organization, WeRPN’s long-term sustainability depends on trust, credibility, and relevance. The CEO will play a visible and authentic role in strengthening member engagement, sharpening the organization’s value proposition, and ensuring responsiveness to the evolving realities of nursing practice and workforce challenges.
This is an opportunity to lead a respected provincial association at a time of meaningful sector change and to influence the future role of RPNs within Ontario’s healthcare system.
The Person
The ideal candidate is a collaborative and strategic executive with senior leadership experience in a healthcare, not-for- profit, membership-based, or regulated professional environment. They bring demonstrated success in governance partnership, government relations, financial stewardship, and organizational leadership. They are a confident communicator who engages credibly with government officials, regulators, members, staff, and system partners. The successful candidate demonstrates resilience, sound judgement, and the ability to balance advocacy with operational discipline. They possess the courage to make difficult decisions and the humility to foster collaboration across diverse perspectives. Above all, the next CEO will lead with integrity, inspire trust, and be motivated by WeRPN’s mission to advance professional excellence and strengthen patient care.
To confidentially explore this opportunity, please email your resume quoting the position title to resumes@promeus.ca. An Executive Brief is available upon request.
WeRPN and Promeus Inc. are committed to building an inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of the communities served. Applications are welcomed from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, racialized persons, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
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