The Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital board of directors, announced that after more than a decade of outstanding leadership, Julia Hanigsberg will be retiring from her role as president and CEO effective December 31, 2025. As a result of her remarkable leadership and guidance, Holland Bloorview has made tremendous progress in advancing its vision of the most meaningful and healthy futures for all children, youth and families.

Julia’s passion and unwavering commitment to Holland Bloorview has resulted in transformative impact in the lives of children and youth with disabilities and developmental differences, not only at Holland Bloorview, but across the health-care sector, through research, teaching and learning. 

Over the last decade, Julia forged strong partnerships to expand system capacity, including co-founding the Kids Health Alliance and the Children’s Health Coalition which in turn, was instrumental in securing an historic $330 million investment in pediatric health care.

Her collaborative approach, commitment to children and families, vision and tremendous skill for advocacy and forging alliances has been instrumental in driving change for vulnerable children and youth in our system including establishing an innovative care pathway for children with medical complexity with Safehaven; and the development of the Extensive Needs Service, a tri-organizational wrap around service for children with complex behavioural and developmental needs with CHEO and McMaster Children’s Hospital.

During her tenure, Julia also guided Holland Bloorview through the development of two strategic plans; brought unprecedented awareness to ableism and critical disability issues through advocacy awareness campaigns; led the hospital through the COVID-19 pandemic; and oversaw the largest research expansion in our 125-year history. 

Over the next several months, the Holland Bloorview board of directors will be conducting an international search to recruit a new president and CEO. In the meantime, Julia and the rest of her executive leadership team will continue to lead Holland Bloorview without disruption.

The board of directors would like to express deep appreciation to Julia for a decade of incredible service to Holland Bloorview.