With a mix of emotions, we announce both a retirement and the dawn of a new era at the Canadian Lung Association (CLA).
After nine years at CLA, President and CEO Terry Dean will be retiring on April 30, 2024. Terry joined CLA in January 2015 as Senior Vice-President, Federation Development and Partnerships, following thirteen years with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada as Director, National Programs. Terry was promoted to his current role in 2017. In this role, Terry has recruited a strong team and together, they have accomplished much in the areas of public affairs, national research and health information. Terry also led the development of a new fund development plan and was the senior staff lead on the recent development of a new governance model for the organization.
“Under Terry’s leadership, CLA has achieved remarkable milestones, and we express our deepest gratitude for his tireless efforts in advancing our mission,” says Nora Lacey, Chair of the CLA Board of Directors. “We will certainly miss him but know that this retirement is much deserved after years of unwavering commitment to CLA and the lung health of Canadians.”
Taking over leadership of the organization is Sarah Butson, CLA’s new Chief Executive Officer. Along with extensive experience and a genuine commitment to the cause, Sarah brings a fresh perspective that will empower CLA to make significant contributions to the lung health community, locally, nationally and globally.
Sarah is a dedicated advocate for healthy public policy. She has worked for over fifteen years in the field of health promotion and chronic disease prevention, ten of which have been within the lung association family. Most recently, as Senior Director, Public Affairs she has led CLA’s work on important files such as air quality, youth vaping and tobacco control. Prior to this, Sarah oversaw tobacco control educational programs and awareness campaigns
Sarah also has a background in corporate facilitation, having supported organizations in strategic planning, team leadership and effective meeting design. During her time at CLA, she has demonstrated an ability to inspire teams, forge meaningful partnerships, and leverage resources effectively.
“I’m thrilled to be taking on this role at such a unique and exciting time for CLA as we redefine ourselves as a stand-alone, national entity,” says new CEO Sarah Butson. “For over 120 years we’ve been a leading voice on lung health in this country. But there is more to be done. As we look to the future, we must continue to protect the air that we breathe, provide new ways of supporting those impacted by lung disease and continue to invest in critical research.”
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Sarah Butson. We believe that her vision, compassion, and collaborative spirit will ignite new possibilities for the Canadian Lung Association and empower us to make an even greater impact in the lives of those we serve.
