Assisted Living Alberta announces appointment of new Chief Executive Officer

June 16, 2026

ALBERTA – Assisted Living Alberta (ALA) is pleased to announce that, following an extensive search, the ALA Board of Directors has appointed Mr. Brian Pollard as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 13, 2026.

Mr. Pollard brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience across the health, long term care, and public sectors. His career includes executive roles in hospital administration, community health, government policy, and long term care system transformation. He has led major initiatives focused on improving sustainability, strengthening quality of care, and advancing services for older adults and vulnerable populations.

“I am honoured to step into the role of CEO this July and to lead Assisted Living Alberta at such a pivotal moment in its evolution. The organization’s commitment to building a more coordinated, person centred system is both inspiring and urgently needed, and I am grateful for the strong foundation that has already been established. I look forward to working closely with Acting CEO, Toby Schneider, the ALA leadership team and the ALA board, as I transition into this new role. I also value the opportunity to build relationships with the dedicated partners across the province who are working alongside ALA to ensure Albertans receive the care they need and deserve,” said Mr. Brian Pollard, Incoming CEO, Assisted Living Alberta.

Most recently, Mr. Pollard has served as Health System Executive, Clinical at Lakeridge Health in the Greater Toronto Area, where he oversees post acute care, regional nephrology, community services, and long term care. His leadership has contributed to significant system improvements, including reducing Alternate Level of Care (ALC) pressures, transitioning services from hospital to community settings, and stabilizing long term care operations.

Previously, Mr. Pollard served as Assistant Deputy Minister, Long Term Care Capital Development Division at the Ontario Ministry of Long Term Care. In that role, he led the largest long term care development program in recent provincial history, resulting in the opening of thousands of new beds across the province.

“This appointment marks an important and exciting next step for Assisted Living Alberta. Mr. Pollard brings a proven record of strengthening care systems and leading transformative change. His leadership will help ensure that ALA continues to grow as a trusted partner in delivering high quality, person centered care for Albertans. Our government looks forward to working closely with him as ALA enters this next phase of development, and we continue advancing the largest continuing care expansion in the province’s history,” said Hon. Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services.

Toby Schneider, who has served as Acting CEO for ALA over most of the past year during the search for a permanent CEO, will continue in the role until July 13, 2026, and will stay at ALA until the end of July, to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

“Leading this organization in an acting capacity has been a privilege, and I’m deeply appreciative of the dedication and resilience shown by our team,” said Toby Schneider, Acting CEO, Assisted Living Alberta. “As I pass leadership to our new CEO, Brian Pollard, I do so with enthusiasm for the vision he brings and gratitude for the opportunity to guide ALA through this important period. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and the momentum we’ve built together. Our future is in excellent hands.”

ALA extends its appreciation to staff, partners, and stakeholders across Alberta for their ongoing collaboration and commitment to high quality care throughout this transition.