Prof. Michael Hartmann of the DeGroote School of Business presents the 2025 Gil Bennett Gold Standard Award to Niagara Health President and CEO Lynn Guerriero.
Niagara Health President and CEO Lynn Guerriero has built her career on integrity, collaboration and accountability — values that guide her leadership of one of Ontario’s largest community hospital systems.
With more than 30 years of experience in Ontario’s healthcare sector, Guerriero has held leadership roles at Ontario Health, Cancer Care Ontario and the Ministry of Health, where she served as Assistant Deputy Minister overseeing provincial hospital, primary care and home care programs. Her career has been defined by a focus on improving access to care, advancing equity and building stronger, more coordinated systems.Guerriero is also a strong advocate for Niagara Health’s staff and physicians, and for including diverse patient experiences and perspectives in decision-making.
“I have seen that you only get the best results by involving diverse groups — whether you’re engaging the community or improving the composition of your board,” she says. “I’ve been insistent on focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion at the hospital and on making my executive team more diverse.”
Last week, Guerriero was recognized by McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business with the Gil Bennett Gold Standard Award after completing the Chartered Director (C.Dir.) program — a recognition reserved for leaders who demonstrate dedication to raising professional standards in corporate governance.
Guerriero says the decision to take on the intensive program, while leading Niagara Health through an unprecedented period of transformation, was intentional. The course offered an opportunity to sharpen her skills and bring new thinking to Niagara Health’s governance framework.
“Investing time in formal governance training was about deepening my understanding of how boards and executives can work together to strengthen healthcare organizations,” Guerriero says.
Strong governance drives accountability and, ultimately, better care, she says.
“Lynn has set a tone of professionalism and accountability that extends across our organization,” says Marylee O’Neill, chair of the Niagara Health Board of Directors. “By deepening her expertise in governance, she’s helping ensure Niagara Health continues to model the best practices that support safe, effective care and long-term sustainability.”
Throughout the program, Guerriero engaged with leaders from a range of sectors — from business to education to non-profit — gaining fresh perspectives on how transparency, diversity and informed oversight contribute to high-performing organizations. She says those lessons are directly relevant to Niagara Health’s work as it continues to modernize operations, strengthen partnerships and prepare to open the new South Niagara Hospital.
“I wanted to ensure that Niagara Health continues to lead with integrity and professionalism at every level,” Guerriero says. “The program gave me tools to support our board and leadership team as we plan for the future.”
Guerriero’s approach to governance extends beyond policies and procedures. She views it as the foundation for trust — within the organization, across the system and with the community.
“Good governance is essential to advancing excellence in healthcare,” she said. “When we align integrity, strategic focus and collaboration, we create the conditions for sustainable improvement and better outcomes for our patients and community.”
