Nova Scotia Health Authority Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Nova Scotia Health Authority has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, information technology, medical governance, financial management, and clinical leadership.

Committed to delivering comprehensive care across the province, Nova Scotia Health Authority advances health outcomes through integrated hospital networks and community-based programs for all Atlantic Canadians.

Leadership Roles at Nova Scotia Health Authority

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Nicole Boutilier
  • Interim President and Chief Executive Officer - Karen Oldfield
  • Vice President, Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer - Derek Spinney
  • Chief Information Officer - Scott McKenna
  • Vice President Medicine, Chief of Staff - Rex Dunn
  • Physician and Chief of Staff - Rob Merritt
  • Nicole Boutilier - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Nicole Boutilier, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Nova Scotia Health Authority, directs the overarching strategic vision for provincial healthcare delivery. Overseeing the integration of hospital networks and community-based programs, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the evolving needs of Atlantic Canadians. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving operational excellence across diverse clinical environments. By prioritizing patient-centered care models, Nicole Boutilier directly impacts the quality and accessibility of health services throughout the region. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous standards for organizational performance while fostering innovation in service delivery. Through consistent focus on long-term sustainability, Boutilier secures the future of provincial health infrastructure. This executive position requires balancing immediate operational demands with the broader mission of providing specialized care to Maritimers and Nova Scotians alike.

    Karen Oldfield - Interim President and Chief Executive Officer

    Karen Oldfield, the Interim President and Chief Executive Officer at Nova Scotia Health Authority, manages the immediate operational transition and stabilization of provincial health services. Overseeing the execution of critical administrative mandates, the Interim President and Chief Executive Officer ensures continuity of care across all hospital facilities and community programs. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board to refine organizational efficiency and resource allocation. By streamlining internal processes, Karen Oldfield directly supports the delivery of specialized services to Atlantic Canadians. The Interim President and Chief Executive Officer maintains focus on high-level governance and fiscal responsibility during this pivotal period. Through decisive action, Oldfield addresses systemic challenges within the healthcare landscape. This executive position demands constant vigilance over service quality and operational throughput to meet the diverse health requirements of the population across the entire province.
    Karen Oldfield

    Derek Spinney - Vice President, Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer

    Derek Spinney, the Vice President, Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer at Nova Scotia Health Authority, manages the financial health and corporate infrastructure of the organization. Overseeing budget allocation, procurement, and facility management, the Vice President, Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources are directed toward critical patient care initiatives. This leadership role involves analyzing fiscal performance to support the expansion of community-based programs across the province. By maintaining financial stability, Derek Spinney directly enables the delivery of specialized services to Atlantic Canadians. The Vice President, Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer monitors economic trends to optimize operational spending and capital investments. Through disciplined financial planning, Spinney secures the necessary funding for long-term health service sustainability. This executive position requires constant coordination with other leaders to align corporate support functions with the overarching mission of the health authority.

    Scott McKenna - Chief Information Officer

    Scott McKenna, the Chief Information Officer at Nova Scotia Health Authority, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for modern healthcare delivery. Overseeing the implementation of secure health information systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures data integrity and accessibility for clinicians across all provincial hospitals. This leadership role involves managing complex technology projects that support patient records and diagnostic services. By optimizing digital workflows, Scott McKenna directly enhances the efficiency of community-based programs and specialized care units. The Chief Information Officer maintains robust cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive patient information throughout the Atlantic region. Through strategic investment in health technology, McKenna drives the digital transformation of the entire organization. This executive position requires constant collaboration with clinical leaders to ensure that technological tools effectively support the mission of providing high-quality health services to all Nova Scotians.

    Rex Dunn - Vice President Medicine, Chief of Staff

    Rex Dunn, the Vice President Medicine, Chief of Staff at Nova Scotia Health Authority, governs medical standards and clinical practice across the provincial network. Overseeing the professional conduct and performance of the medical staff, the Vice President Medicine, Chief of Staff ensures adherence to high-quality care protocols in every hospital and health centre. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the medical community and executive management to improve patient outcomes. By standardizing clinical procedures, Rex Dunn directly impacts the effectiveness of specialized services provided to Maritimers. The Vice President Medicine, Chief of Staff maintains rigorous oversight of medical governance and credentialing processes. Through active engagement with clinical teams, Dunn fosters a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. This executive position requires balancing the complex needs of medical practitioners with the broader operational goals of the health authority.

    Rob Merritt - Physician and Chief of Staff

    Rob Merritt, the Physician and Chief of Staff at Nova Scotia Health Authority, leads clinical operations and medical staff coordination within the hospital network. Overseeing the daily delivery of patient care, the Physician and Chief of Staff ensures that medical teams operate efficiently and safely across all facilities. This leadership role involves resolving complex clinical issues and promoting evidence-based practices among practitioners. By fostering collaboration between departments, Rob Merritt directly improves the quality of specialized services for Nova Scotians. The Physician and Chief of Staff maintains high standards for patient safety and clinical outcomes throughout the province. Through direct involvement in medical policy development, Merritt shapes the future of clinical service delivery. This executive position requires constant interaction with frontline medical staff to ensure that the organization meets the diverse health needs of the population while maintaining operational excellence.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Nova Scotia Health Authority Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Nova Scotia Health Authority?
    Nova Scotia Health Authority is led by Nicole Boutilier (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Karen Oldfield (Interim President and Chief Executive Officer) and Derek Spinney (Vice President, Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Nova Scotia Health Authority’s executive team?
    The executive team of Nova Scotia Health Authority includes leaders such as Nicole Boutilier (President & Chief Executive Officer), Karen Oldfield (Interim President and Chief Executive Officer), Derek Spinney (Vice President, Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Nova Scotia Health Authority have?
    Nova Scotia Health Authority has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Nova Scotia Health Authority’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Nova Scotia Health Authority includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, Vice President, Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Vice President Medicine, Chief of Staff.