Faculty

Laura MacDermaid

CHA Learning Faculty | Long-Term Care Executive Leadership Program
MIR, BAS(Hons), BHE, CHE

Laura MacDermaid is Director of Long-Term Care and Services for Seniors at the Regional Municipality of Durham, where she provides strategic leadership for four long-term care homes with a combined capacity of 847 beds, as well as three adult day programs. Since assuming this role in 2012, she has led initiatives that strengthen quality of care, operational excellence, and services for older adults across the region.

With more than 30 years of healthcare leadership experience, Laura has held senior management roles spanning long-term care, retirement living, mental health, and human resources. She is recognized for her strategic approach to leadership, her ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges, and her commitment to building high-performing teams that deliver exceptional care and service.

Laura holds a Bachelor of Home Economics in Nutritional Science from the University of Alberta, an Honours Bachelor of Administrative Studies from York University, a Master of Industrial Relations from the University of Toronto, and a Diploma in Public Administration from Western University. She is a Certified Health Executive (CHE) with the Canadian College of Health Leaders and has completed executive leadership studies through the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.

A member of the CHA Learning faculty since 1993, Laura has spent more than three decades mentoring emerging healthcare leaders through professional education. She has also served as an Accreditation Canada surveyor in the long-term care sector since 2006, supporting quality improvement and excellence across Canada’s healthcare system.

Smiling woman with short blonde hair wearing a white blouse and colorful beaded necklace.

Education

  • Diploma in Public Administration, University of Western Ontario, Canada, 2014
  • Master of Industrial Relations, University of Toronto, Canada, 1998
  • Honours Bachelor of Administrative Studies, York University, Canada, 1995
  • Bachelor of Home Economics (Nutritional Science), University of Alberta, Canada, 1985
  • Certified Health Executive (CHE), Canadian College of Health Leaders, 2005
  • Senior Leadership Program, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, 2023
  • Certificate in Mental Health Law, Osgoode Professional Development, 2014
  • Certificate in Health Law, Osgoode Professional Development, 2012
  • Fundamentals of Hospice Palliative Care Certificate, Hospice Durham, 2011
  • Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP), 1999
  • Long-Term Care Senior Management Certificate, CHA Learning, 1999

Professional Experience

  • Director, Long-Term Care and Services for Seniors, Regional Municipality of Durham, Whitby, ON, 2013–Present
  • Administrator, Fairview Lodge, Regional Municipality of Durham, Whitby, ON, 2003–2013
  • Director, Human Resources, Lifestyle Retirement Communities Ltd., Mississauga, ON, 2002–2003
  • Director, Employee Relations, Regional Municipality of Durham, Whitby, ON, 2001–2002
  • Employee Relations Officer, Regional Municipality of Durham, Whitby, ON, 2000–2001
  • Manager, Human Resources, Lifestyle Retirement Communities Ltd., Mississauga, ON, 1998–2000
  • Manager, Nutrition and Food Services, Whitby Mental Health Centre, Whitby, ON, 1988–1998
  • Surveyor, Accreditation Canada, 2006–Present
  • Education Consultant, CHA Learning, 1993–Present

Areas of Expertise

  • Strategic Leadership
  • Long-Term Care
  • Program and Policy Development
  • Operational Management
  • Resource Management
  • People Management

Professional Affiliations

  • Canadian College of Health Leaders (CHE)