The Board of Directors of the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA are pleased to announce James Chan as the Chief Executive Officer of our local Y, effective May 20, 2025 following an extensive executive search with the support of YMCA Canada.
James Chan is a proven leader with more than 25 years of senior management roles in complex health systems. As the Director of Innovation at Sault Area Hospital, he pioneered a remote care monitoring program that was internationally recognized as a significant contribution in digital health. He began his journey in healthcare to help others and has worked in mental health and additions as well as research, evaluation and quality management in interior and northern BC. Throughout his career, James has authored and contributed to several publications, reports and book chapters. James holds a PhD in Health Sciences.
“The YMCA in Sault Ste. Marie will benefit from the experience of a long-standing health leader as its next CEO,” says SSM YMCA Board of Directors co-chair, Virginia McLeod, “… and we are excited by the remarkable spectrum of talents, skills and successful achievements he brings to our organization and community.”
“It is both an honour and a privilege to join an organization with over a century of history in Sault Ste. Marie” says James Chan. “It’s also a perfect alignment of values given the YMCA’s principles of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, excellence, and inclusiveness. I am absolutely thrilled to join a great team and have the opportunity to serve the people of Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding communities in this new capacity.”
“James holds the highest designation of Fellow with the Canadian College of Health Leaders, which will serve him well as he leads our YMCA in activities and collaborations planned to strengthen and grow our Y in this region,” adds SSM YMCA Board of Directors co-chair, Chris Graham.
Please join us in welcoming James in his new role of the CEO of the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA!