Carmen James Henry

Carmen James-Henry is a dynamic leader with 40 years of nursing experience. She articulates RNAO's mission and values with clarity and passion. She has practised in academic, public health, midwifery, acute- and chronic-care settings, and therefore recognizes registered nurses as knowledge professionals, change agents for social justice and cornerstones of Canada’s publicly funded health-care system.

In her current role as director of hospital operations at Toronto's St. Michael’s Hospital, a major trauma, teaching and research centre , she is accountable for managing all operational and clinical issues as the key decision-maker for hospital functions after hours and weekends.

Carmen holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ryerson University, a Masters of Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, and specialized certificates in parish nursing and midwifery.

As an active RNAO member, she has served two terms as the Region 7 Representative on the Board of Directors, and in other leadership roles in the parish nursing, international nurses and provincial nurse educator interest groups.

Carmen values holistic care with specific emphasis on the social determinants of health, and the need for local, national, and international partnerships to enhance and sustain the best health-care system.

Carmen is the 2014 recipient of the Leadership Award in Nursing Education (Academic), and possesses the knowledge and skills to lead RNAO to advocate for excellence in health care for Ontarians, social justice, and equality for all by speaking out for nurses and health.