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Arthritis Society Welcomes new President and CEO

Health and Senior Living Executive Trish Barbato Brings Focus on Innovation

TORONTO – The Arthritis Society today announced the appointment of a new President and CEO to lead the organization into a new decade and further strengthen its efforts to support the six million Canadians living with arthritis. Trish Barbato, who brings more than 20 years of experience as a senior executive in the fields of health and senior living, takes over the position effective Feb. 3, 2020 from retiring chief executive Janet Yale.

Photography of Trish Barbato“We are thrilled to welcome a leader of Trish’s proven ability, energy and deep experience,” declared Ken Smith, Arthritis Society Board Chair. “In particular, the Board was drawn to Trish’s long history as a results-driven leader and her C-suite experience in guiding organizations to innovate, harness technology and come together around a clear set of strategic objectives. Simply said, she is the right leader at the right time to help us build on our strengths and take the Arthritis Society to the next level.”   

Before this appointment, Barbato served as Senior Vice President, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at Revera Inc. Prior to joining Revera a decade ago to lead its Home Health business, Barbato was President & CEO of COTA Health – a rehabilitation, mental health and support services organization. She brings more than 20 years of experience in the fields of healthcare, senior living and wellbeing and has developed an impressive reputation as a leader skilled at driving organizational change while achieving excellence. Volunteerism has also played a large role in Barbato’s life and career, with more than 25 years dedicated to various causes and organizations including Big Brothers and Big Sisters, where she also served for several years as chair.  

“I could not be more excited to take on this new challenge and work with the incredible, dedicated team at the Arthritis Society,” said Barbato. “Over the past number of years, the Arthritis Society has distinguished itself by leading a remarkable transformation in its service and delivery model, its mission and its ability to reach even more Canadians struggling with chronic pain. Building on that momentum, I am convinced we can innovate further, supporting even more Canadians, investing in even more research and making an even greater impact.”

Outgoing President and CEO Janet Yale leaves behind an organization that has been restructured, modernized and thoroughly strengthened since her appointment nearly eight years ago. Her legacy includes a massive expansion of the organization’s digital and online offerings, enabling the organization to reach countless more Canadians and deliver more varied and effective services and resources. Janet has also overseen a pronounced emphasis on research funding, solidifying the Arthritis Society’s standing as the single largest charitable source of arthritis research dollars in the country.

“The opportunity to step away knowing that Trish will be stepping forward gives me an enormous boost of confidence about what the future holds for the Arthritis Society,” emphasized Yale. “Her rich experience in the field combined with her time as a highly-regarded private sector executive offer the organization an opportunity to keep growing and to maintain a focus on innovation. That is what successful health charities require in this day and age.”

About the Arthritis Society  

The Arthritis Society is a national health charity, fueled by donors and volunteers, with a vision to live in a world where people are free from the devastating effects that arthritis has on lives. Begun in 1948 with one very clear goal – to alleviate the suffering of people living with arthritis – that same volunteer-led passion carries on today in communities across Canada. Through the trust and support of our donors and sponsors, the Arthritis Society is Canada’s largest charitable source of investments in cutting-edge arthritis research, proactive advocacy and innovative solutions that will deliver better health outcomes for people affected by arthritis. The Arthritis Society is accredited under Imagine Canada’s Standards Program. For more information and to make a donation, visit arthritis.ca.

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For further information, please contact:

Douglas Emerson
Senior Communications Manager
Arthritis Society
tel: 416-979-7228 ext. 3348
cell: 647.706.0440
demerson@arthritis.ca

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