The Health Standards Organization Board of Directors is sharing news today, that after 10 years at Health Standards Organization (HSO) and Accreditation Canada (AC), Leslee Thompson will be stepping down as CEO on March 31, 2026. 

Since joining as CEO in 2016, Leslee has led the organization through the most transformative decade in its history. Under her leadership, the reach and impact of HSO and AC has grown substantially, now covering over 14,000 locations across 43 countries.

Leslee’s unwavering commitment to people-centred care has been foundational to its success: reshaping the way health standards are developed, modernizing HSO and AC programs and services, navigating through COVID, and expanding its offerings to address quality challenges across the entire health ecosystem. Bringing innovative practices to health care systems around the world, Leslee and her team have consistently been at the forefront of positive change. 

As a global leader, Leslee has been invited to speak on many podiums and panels, publish articles, serve on influential committees and boards, and collaborate with clients and leaders worldwide to improve quality and safety. She was recently honoured at HealthcareCAN with the prestigious Legacy of Leadership award for her contributions to improving the health of Canadians.

“I have had the privilege of working with Leslee; she’s a truly transformative leader and a visionary champion of patient-centred health care in Canada and around the world. Over the last decade, she has built a great team and set a standard of excellence within HSO and through the work it does for its many clients. Her energy, dedication, and hard work have propelled the organization forward, expanding its reach and deepening its impact across both well-established and emerging markets nationally and globally,” said Neil Stuart, Chair of the HSO Board. “While we are sad to see Leslee move on, we have a lot of strengths to build on as we move into the future. The Board offers its sincere thanks to Leslee for her remarkable vision, leadership, and dedication over the years, and wishes her all the best for the future.”

“What an extraordinary privilege to have worked with such talented, passionate people, a strong committed Board and executive team at HSO,” said Leslee Thompson. “I’ve had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of bringing a bold vision for safer care and a healthier world to life, and I will be leaving HSO with great pride, fulfillment and gratitude.”

The HSO Board has retained Boyden to lead an international search for the next CEO of HSO. It will be looking for someone to build on the success of our past and carry the organization into a new, and exciting future. Information on the CEO search will be available shortly.

The board of directors extends its heartfelt appreciation to Leslee for her significant contributions to improving health care quality as CEO of HSO and AC.

View the announcement on the Health Standards Organization website.