Niagara Health’s James Hall and Lydia Collins have been named to Niagara’s 40 Under Forty for their leadership and contributions to healthcare and equity in the region.
When James Hall got the email, he paused. When Lydia Collins saw her name on the list, she thought of her younger self. Both moments said the same thing: you’re making a difference.
Earlier this month, Niagara Health’s General Counsel and Privacy Officer James Hall and Diversity Specialist Lydia Collins were named to Business Link Media Group’s Niagara 40 under Forty list for 2024. The award celebrates professionals under 40 who are making a difference across the region – a trait that both Hall and Collins exemplify in their work.
“The 40 Under Forty Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of young leaders in the Niagara region, like Hall and Collins, highlighting their innovation, dedication and impact on our community,” says Marilyn Tian, CEO, Business Link Media Group. “Recognizing such talent not only honours their achievements but also inspires future generations to strive for excellence.”
For Hall, the recognition is a moment of both reflection and responsibility.
“I felt genuinely proud to be included in a group of individuals who are all making such a positive impact in Niagara,” he says. “More than anything, it was a moment to reflect on the incredible teams I’ve had the privilege of working alongside and how fortunate I am to serve a mission-driven organization like Niagara Health."
Since joining Niagara Health, Hall has brought a patient-first lens to his legal and privacy work, playing a key role in projects like the Hospital Information System (HIS) implementation and leading policy development around artificial intelligence (AI).
James Hall is Niagara Health’s General Counsel and Privacy Officer.
“My role isn’t just mitigating risk – it’s about enabling trust, transparency and innovation,” he says. “I try to lead with humility, clarity and a drive to make things better than they were yesterday.
Hall believes good leadership in healthcare is about more than expertise.
“Emotional intelligence, adaptability and respect for clinical realities are essential,” he says. “The best legal leaders are principled collaborators who bring clarity without condescension and courage without ego.”
Lydia Collins is a Diversity Specialist at Niagara Health.
For Collins, who was born and raised in Niagara, the honour represents more than a personal milestone – it’s a message to the next generation.
“I think a lot about what it would have meant to 10-year-old Lydia to see a recognition like this be awarded to a Black woman within the community,” she says. “To pour into the community I was raised in, despite the challenges I was presented with, means that future generations of little Black girls in Niagara may feel empowered to grow and share their talents here.”
Collins brings more than a decade of experience in equity work through community health and non-profit leadership across Canada. At Niagara Health, she leads education, training and events that create space for dialogue and inclusion, such as the popular Cultural Carousel during Celebrate Diversity Month.
Her approach is rooted in data, collaboration and care.
“A lot of healthcare professionals believe they treat everyone equally – and while the intent is there, unconscious bias still exists,” she says. “Equity isn’t about giving everyone the same thing. It’s about ensuring everyone gets what they need to thrive.”
Though both their roles differ, both Hall and Collins are driven by a commitment to service and a belief in the power of systems to do better.
“Leadership is not a destination – it’s a practice,” says Hall. “The most lasting impact comes from how you treat people, especially when no one’s watching.”
Collin’s echoes that sentiment: “Whether you’re on the frontlines or behind the scenes, there are countless ways to create meaningful change in healthcare. It all matters.”
