Accomplished business leader and community champion to help guide The Royal's next chapter of growth and impact
The Royal is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve West as Chair of the Board of Trustees, effective June 23, 2026.
A respected leader with extensive experience in governance, strategic planning, and community engagement, Steve brings a strong commitment to advancing mental health care, research, education, and advocacy. His appointment reflects both the strength of The Royal's governance model and the organization's continued focus on delivering excellence in patient care while advancing its vision for the future.
Steve succeeds Sharon Squire, whose leadership and dedication have helped strengthen The Royal's position as a leader in mental health care, research, and advocacy. On behalf of the organization, The Royal extends its sincere gratitude to Sharon for her outstanding service and lasting contributions.
As Chair, Steve will work closely with the Board of Trustees, President and CEO Cara Vaccarino, and the senior leadership team to advance The Royal's strategic priorities and support continued innovation across the organization.
"I am delighted that Steve has been appointed Chair of The Royal's Board of Trustees," said Cara Vaccarino, President and CEO of The Royal. "Steve brings a wealth of leadership experience, a thoughtful and collaborative approach, and a genuine passion for strengthening our communities. As demand for mental health care continues to grow, his strategic insight and commitment to excellence will help guide The Royal as we expand our impact and continue delivering exceptional care, research, education, and advocacy. I look forward to working closely with Steve as we build on our momentum and advance our vision for the future."
Guiding our next chapter of growth and impact
Steve takes on the Board Chair role at an exciting time for The Royal, as the organization continues to strengthen access to care, advance groundbreaking research, implement transformational initiatives, and deepen partnerships across Ontario and beyond.
"It is a privilege to serve as Chair of The Royal's Board of Trustees," said Steve West. "The Royal has earned a reputation as one of Canada's leading mental health organizations through its commitment to innovation, clinical excellence, research, and compassionate care. I am excited to work alongside my fellow Board members, Cara, and the entire team to help build a world-class organization that continues to transform mental health care, push the boundaries of discovery, and improve the lives of patients and families across our region and beyond."
The transition underscores the continuity and strength of The Royal's governance and leadership, with a shared commitment to advancing the organization's mission and creating better outcomes for patients, families, staff, physicians, researchers, learners, and community partners.
About The Royal
The Royal is one of Canada’s foremost mental illness and addiction treatment, research, and education hospitals, dedicated to supporting individuals aged 16 and older who are living with complex mental illness and addiction. Since opening in 1910, The Royal has grown into a trusted resource for people across eastern and northern Ontario, western Quebec and Nunavut.
With campuses in Ottawa and Brockville, and clinical teams working directly in homes and communities, The Royal delivers compassionate, evidence-informed care grounded in cutting-edge research, including through its partnership with the University of Ottawa and other academic and community partners. Its integrated model brings together care, research, education and strategic partnerships to help build a future of recovery.
At The Royal, we separate the person from the illness, helping more people reclaim their lives.
