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Laureen MacNeil
Executive Director CMHA Calgary
Laureen MacNeil is a highly accomplished professional with an impressive background that spans various sectors including non-profit organizations, global companies, and government-funded health systems. With a strong emphasis on impactful leadership and innovative solutions, Laureen has dedicated her career to effectively addressing complex social issues, enhancing access to essential services, and attracting investment to drive positive change within communities. Her remarkable ability to synthesize creative ideas with strategic systems thinking has made her a sought-after expert in the fields of mental health and health administration.
With a keen focus on leadership development, Laureen has pursued extensive education in various disciplines. She studied Leadership at the esteemed Banff Centre For Arts And Creativity, honing her skills in effective team management and strategic thinking. Her educational journey also includes significant training at the Haskayne School of Business in Education, which further enhances her ability to inspire others while fostering a culture of learning and growth. Additionally, she has a strong foundation in Engineering, having pursued her Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial Engineering at both the Technical University of Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University.
Laureen's educational background is complemented by her specialized training in Health Administration at Dalhousie University, enabling her to navigate the complexities of the healthcare sector. She has also benefitted from prestigious programs, including Leadership Management at the MIT Sloan School of Management and further education at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. This diverse educational experience has equipped her with a unique blend of analytical, managerial, and leadership skills that prove invaluable in her career.
Throughout her professional journey, Laureen has held various influential positions that reflect her commitment to improving mental health services. As the Mental Health Program Development Manager at Petronas Canada, she played a crucial role in developing innovative programs that address mental health challenges in the community. Her earlier experience as the Executive Director at the Canadian Mental Health Association - Calgary Region showcased her leadership capabilities, where she successfully led initiatives aimed at enhancing mental health awareness and access to services.
Prior to her leadership role at the Canadian Mental Health Association, Laureen served as a Senior Consultant in Provincial Medical Affairs at Alberta Health Services. Her consulting expertise allowed her to guide health system improvements through strategic advice and tailored solutions. Furthermore, her time as a Business Planning and Risk Management Officer at the Mental Health Commission of Canada showcased her unique ability to analyze risks and drive planning initiatives that improve mental health services nationwide.
Laureen has also made significant contributions as a Management Consultant, offering her expertise through her own consulting firm, Laureen Macneil Consulting. This entrepreneurial venture highlights her dedication to fostering sustainable solutions and addressing healthcare challenges through strategic consultation. Her prior experience as Policy Planning Manager for Eastern Canada at Merck further demonstrates her capability to influence health policy and drive impactful change at a national level.
In addition to her experience in the corporate sector, Laureen has held vital roles in government and community health organizations. As the Patient Access Manager for Atlantic Canada at Pfizer, she worked diligently to ensure that patients have access to vital medications and health services. Her leadership as the Director of Community Health Planning for the Government of Nova Scotia was instrumental in developing community-focused health initiatives designed to meet the specific needs of the population.
Finally, Laureen has served as the Regional Coordinator for the Cape Breton Regional Health Authority, where she coordinated essential health services and fostered collaboration between various stakeholders. Her diverse experience across different organizations equips her with a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape, and her innovative mindset ensures that she continuously seeks scalable solutions that positively impact community health. Overall, Laureen MacNeil is a dynamic leader with a commitment to improving mental health services and addressing complex social challenges through creativity, strategic thinking, and collaborative efforts.
