A leader of distinction

Congratulations to Lori Higgs, St. Joseph's Vice President of Clinical Support and Chief Financial Officer, for being selected as a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario (FCPA) – the profession’s highest mark of distinction.

The designation of Fellow formally recognizes CPAs who have rendered exceptional service to the profession and in their communities. It is the mark of a true leader, in business and beyond. Each year, about 50 individuals receive the FCPA designation for embodying the values that drive collaboration, innovation and progress.

Nominated by her colleagues for this recognition, Lori is a highly respected leader accountable for managing an annual operating budget of more than $500 million and teams of over 600 staff in finance, purchasing and inventory management, patient food and nutrition services, environmental services, retail food, and health information management. Regardless of the service these teams provide, Lori instills the importance being connected to and aware of their critical role in health care and the importance of service excellence. 

In these complex and demanding roles, Lori is focused on understanding what is important to the patients, residents and families served by St. Joseph’s. After implementing changes that led to yearly operating surpluses, Lori recommended the creation of a segregated fund dedicated to procuring new and innovative equipment. The fund gives St. Joseph's the resources to explore leading-edge health care solutions and drive innovation in the sector. Additionally, she championed the creation of a “Senior Friendly Fund” to focus investments in various patient care environments to ensure the facilities are as senior-friendly as possible for St. Joseph’s patient and resident populations.

Lori drives innovation and success by bringing others along.

“She builds great teams and helps develop great leaders, providing everyone with the opportunity to grow, be challenged and ensure the resources to ensure their success,” says David Ross, Director of Finance and Health Information Management. “Her focus on education, development and mentorship is so aligned with the values and principles of what it means to be a CPA.”

In addition to significant achievements in financial stewardship at St. Joseph’s, Lori shares her leadership, skills and visionary approach at key provincial tables. She is Co-Chair of the Ontario Hospital Association’s Finance Leaders Network made up of chief financial officers from all 142 hospitals in Ontario. She is also Co-Chair of the Mental Health and Addictions Administrative Data Quality Working Group, and a member of several other provincial committees focused on quality and funding methodology. 

Through detailed analysis, clear presentation and excellent relationships she has built with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Long-Term Care and Veterans Affairs Canada, Lori has successfully influenced funding policies and advocated for funding changes that have benefitted Ontario’s hospital sector. She has also helped position St. Joseph’s as a provincial leader in financial stewardship and accountability, and as a recognized hub for health care teaching and creative collaborations.

Lori’s dedication to her field is matched by her generosity of spirit and passion to make an impact in her community. An avid volunteer in various capacities, Lori is currently a member of the Audit Committee at the City of London, Western University and the Ontario Hospital Association, and a member of the Finance Lay Advisory Committee and the Investment Lay Advisory Committee for the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada. In recent past years, Lori served on the United Way Cabinet, the London Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and also held the position of Board Chair on Fanshawe College’s Board of Governors.

Lori has also been active in raising funds for, and understanding of, significant needs in London. Within St. Joseph’s, she has served as an enthusiastic executive sponsor of the organization’s annual giving campaign since 2018, leading a tireless team of leaders and staff to raise funds for both the United Way and St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation. Under Lori’s leadership, this campaign has brought in $700,000 over the past four years. 

Lori received her FCPA designation at a virtual ceremony on Feb. 25 having earned this exceptional distinction in her professional career and in her personal pursuits to create a better community.