Shawn Gadsby

Shawn brings more than 30 years of diverse healthcare leadership experience across hospitals, long-term care, and municipal services. His career has evolved from nursing student and registered nurse to senior administrator and site president, giving him a well-rounded perspective on the healthcare system at every level. He has worked closely with community boards and municipal councils, contributing to organizational reviews, redevelopment initiatives, and meaningful community partnerships. His leadership experience spans strategic planning, negotiations, investigations, and mediation.

At the core of Shawn’s work is a commitment to building strong relationships, developing confident and capable leaders, and advancing high-quality, sustainable care systems. These values continue to shape both his professional practice and his approach to teaching.

Shawn is a registered nurse (non-practicing) and holds a Master of Health Management from McMaster University. He also completed the Advanced Health Leadership Program at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and is a certified Long-Term Care Home Administrator in Ontario. His academic background provides a strong foundation that informs his practical, real-world approach to leadership and decision-making.

For over six years, Shawn served as a Professor in the Health Care Administration and Service Management postgraduate program at Conestoga College. In this role, he supported health professionals preparing for leadership careers in the Canadian healthcare system, strengthening his passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation of leaders.

Shawn is known for creating an engaging and collaborative learning environment where students are encouraged to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and connect theory to practice. He values the fresh perspectives students bring and is committed to helping them build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in complex healthcare environments.

He currently works with the Alzheimer’s Society in the Haldimand–Norfolk region, where he lives with his wife and two youngest daughters.