London, Ontario, Canada, May 23, 2024—McCormick Care Group is pleased to announce that Karen Johnson has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective July 2, 2024. This announcement follows a thorough review conducted by the Board of Directors in partnership with an external executive search agency.

Karen’s trajectory within the McCormick Care Group exemplifies her unwavering commitment, expertise, passion and compassion for those living with dementia and their care partners. Commencing her journey in 2008 as a Social Worker supporting the Home and Day Program, she quickly distinguished herself. Following her initial role, Karen served on the Behavioural Response Team within the Geriatric Mental Health Program at London Health Sciences from 2012 to 2014. Returning to McCormick in 2014, Karen has admirably led McCormick Dementia Services for the past decade. Her contributions have been indispensable, and she has been an integral member of the Executive Leadership Team. 

“We are thrilled to introduce Karen as our new CEO.  Karen’s dedication to enhancing the quality of dementia care is evident through her leadership in regional adult day program sector planning tables and broader community support services planning tables.  The Board looks forward to collaborating with Karen as we embark on a new chapter of our journey. Together, we aspire to propel our commitment to ‘move care forward’ as we commemorate 150 years of unwavering service to our community,” said Cathie Auger, Board Chair, McCormick Care Group.

“The McCormick Care Group has a broad impact on our community, locally and regionally. I am committed to advocating for the long-term care and community support services sectors, supporting research initiatives, and continuing the legacy of compassionate care provided at the McCormick Care Group. It is especially an honour to do so through leading an exceptionally talented team,” said Karen Johnson.

About McCormick Care Group:

McCormick Care Group oversees the operation of McCormick Home, a long-term care facility for seniors, and McCormick Dementia Services (formerly Alzheimer Outreach Services), a program that serves individuals and their families living with dementia. In 2016, the McCormick Care Group established McCormick Dementia Research to attract and engage with research partners to continue discovering new ways to enhance the lives of those diagnosed with dementia.

McCormick Home has existed since the late 1800s when the late Thomas J. McCormick built a home and donated it to the Women’s Christian Association (WCA) to care for the elderly. The McCormick Dementia Services program began at Parkwood Hospital as Alzheimer Outreach Services in 1986. 

The McCormick Home and Dementia Services programs were relocated in 2006 to Kains Road in West London. Both organizations share the core values of the McCormick Care Group: Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence and Collaboration. The McCormick Care Group exemplifies these values by being committed to providing both funding and governance of organizations that deliver compassionate care services. Solidly rooted within the London community, the McCormick Care Group is accountable to the people it serves, as well as to its government regulators, funders and other stakeholders.

The McCormick Care Group respects its clients, residents, families, staff, students and volunteers. It continuously promotes excellence within its organizations, which benefit from formal accreditation reviews. In all it does, the McCormick Care Group strives to meet its vision that people facing the challenges of aging and dementia will achieve an enhanced quality of life.