Dr. Valerie Grdisa brings over thirty years of diverse experience across public, private, not-for-profit, and senior government roles, with deep knowledge of Canada’s health system. She has worked in Alberta and Ontario and served in various capacities in 11 of the 13 provinces and territories, including the federal government. She has led transformation initiatives focused on care system redesign, health and human service integration, and workforce strategies both nationally and internationally.
Beginning her nursing career in 1988 at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Valerie has held roles from RN and NP to clinical educator, senior management, and Chief Nurse Executive. Her extensive academic background includes faculty appointments at seven Canadian universities, with a focus on health and human services integration. Previously, she served as CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Simcoe County Branch.
Valerie is committed to optimizing the role of regulated nurses and ensuring the voices of 478,000+ nurses and nursing students are heard. She is dedicated to advancing national nursing and health policy in collaboration with the Board of Directors, CNA members and partners across Canada.