Passing the torch at CNO

One era has given way to another at CNO, while the patient safety mandate endures. Anne Coghlan, the Executive Director and CEO of the College of Nurses of Ontario, will retire from the role as of Thursday, March 31, 2022. As the leader of CNO for 21 years she leaves behind a legacy of promoting safe nursing practice and upholding patient safety.

“While I’m going to miss the people that I have had the great privilege to work with, Council and staff, I know that CNO is on an exciting path,” Coghlan said in remarks at her final Council meeting on March 3, 2022. She added that it’s “a path guided by a bold vision, strong governance and a CNO team that is second to none,” with every CNO member remaining committed to supporting patient safety in all aspects of their work.

At the same meeting, CNO announced that Carol Timmings, Chief Quality Officer (CQO), will succeed Coghlan on an interim basis as the Acting Executive Director and CEO. Timmings, an RN, has been CQO for the past two years.

She brings her deep knowledge of nursing and a strong commitment to CNO’s purpose as she steps into the position. Among other roles, Timmings was previously the Chief Nursing Officer for Toronto Public Health.

“It is an honour and privilege to serve in this role,” she said, noting the leadership example set by Coghlan over the previous two decades leaves a rich legacy upon which to build. “It’s a significant responsibility to protect and promote public safety. I look forward to assuming this role as Acting Executive Director and CEO, with the knowledge that the entire CNO team is dedicated to our public interest mandate.”

Watch The Standard for updates about a permanent Executive Director and CEO.