Heart Institute announces Jacqueline Gauthier as chair of the board of directors

Ms. Gauthier succeeds Hon. Dalton McGuinty as the Institute marks its 50th anniversary
June 12, 2026

OTTAWA, June 12, 2026 — The Ottawa Heart Institute announced today Jacqueline Gauthier has assumed the role of chair of the board of directors, succeeding Hon. Dalton McGuinty.

Ms. Gauthier served as vice-chair of the board and chair of the governance committee. She brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience spanning finance, corporate governance, risk management and organizational transformation.

Jacqueline Gauthier
Jacqueline Gauthier is currently a board member of Hydro Ottawa and the chair of the board of directors of Patinage Quebec. She has served as chair of the board of directors of Dress for Success Ottawa, a board member and chair of the audit committee of AirVM and as a board member and chair of the audit committee of Skate Canada.

“Serving on the Ottawa Heart Institute board over the past decade has been a privilege, and it has been especially rewarding to serve as chair during a milestone period in the Institute’s history,” said former Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty. “As the Heart Institute celebrates its 50th anniversary, I am proud of the organization’s continued leadership in cardiovascular care, research and innovation. Jacqueline is an outstanding leader with deep expertise in governance and strategy, and I am confident the board will thrive under her stewardship.”

A former chief financial officer of Calian Group, Ms. Gauthier played a key role in the development of the company’s strategic plans, governance structure and enterprise risk management frameworks during her nearly 20-year tenure with the organization. She was recognized with the 2019 Best Ottawa Business CFO of the Year award and earned her ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors in 2016.

“It is an honour to serve as chair of the Ottawa Heart Institute board of directors at such an important moment in the organization’s history,” said Jacqueline Gauthier. “The Heart Institute has built an international reputation for excellence over the past 50 years, and I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members, leadership team and staff to support its mission and help shape its future impact for patients and communities.”

The Ottawa Heart Institute thanks Hon. Dalton McGuinty for his leadership and contributions as chair of the board. Mr. McGuinty served on the board of directors from 2016 to 2026, including as vice-chair from 2020 to 2023 and chair from 2023 to 2026. During his tenure, he helped guide the Institute through a period of growth and achievement, including the development and launch of its latest strategic plan, while providing steady leadership as the organization approached its 50th anniversary year.

Media contact

Leigh B. Morris
Media Relations
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
613-316-6409 (cell)
lmorris@ottawaheart.ca