The process to secure a truly exceptional full-time Executive Director to ensure the successful launch of Eli’s Place in 2026 commenced in October, 2025. We began by establishing a Search Committee which I chaired. Our first task was the development of an Executive Director Position Description ensuring the depth and breadth of skills required. This was more than just an exercise as it allowed us to be very intentional in describing the skill set required to truly launch Eli’s Place. With a developing partnership with the Ignatius Jesuit Centre (IJC) and an essential goal of welcoming clients in 2026, our needs crystallized and our timeline was clearer.
So with Board approval and materials in hand, we began to consider the services of search firms. Submissions were requested, reviewed and, with Board approval, Preston Human Capital Group, an experienced, highly effective and astute Executive Search firm was engaged to lead the process.
From December, 2025 to February 6, 2026, PHC was in touch with 126 targeted candidates and interviewed 20. The calibre of these candidates was quite exceptional. In consultation with the Eli’s Place Search Committee (Carol Cowan-Levine, Chair, Howard Hamer, Chair of the Board, and Lorne Zon, Honorary Director and former health-care executive) we short-listed four candidates.
Each of the four short-listed candidates were interviewed in person. The screening/interviewing of the final two candidates included me, Lorne Zon, Deborah Cooper and David Cooper, co-founders of Eli’s Place.
In addition to the interview questions structured by the search committee examining leadership, initiative, and financial acumen, a further process of evaluation was undertaken with the two finalists. An independent, third-party assessor conducted three additional psychometric assessments and a one-hour interview to provide an objective evaluation of core strengths, and identification of any limitations in performance in a future leadership role.
The selection of Eli’s Place full-time Executive Director was unanimous: Chris Joseph.
Chris brings over 20 years of experience transforming complex, mission-driven organizations across government, non-profit and higher education, in Canada and internationally. He has directed multi-million dollar initiatives, built high performing multi-disciplinary teams and navigated demanding, regulatory environments to move organizations from vision to operational reality. Much of that work has been in service of vulnerable populations where success means real and lasting differences in people’s lives.
In addition to his evident capabilities, the person observed through the interview process was one who is thorough, thoughtful, dependable, strategic, articulate, considerate and invested. It would seem that Chris is someone who goes above and beyond the call of duty and brings a generosity of caring that is palpable. Furthermore, Chris shared his commitment to his family and each member’s well-being, a value of profound importance for Eli’s Place as it too, embraces the concept of community.
Chris’ four independent references confirmed the many assets that he brings to the table — superb strategic thinking, intelligence, risk awareness, and accountability. In addition, he was also described as a wonderful leader to work for and learn from, a good teacher, all within an environment of safety and growth. From what I learned, and at all levels, I can confirm no one is left behind under Chris’ leadership.
In conclusion, might I say we are confident in our choice of the right candidate for the first full time Executive Director of Eli’s Place and look forward with great enthusiasm to working with Chris at this critical point in our development.
Please join me in welcoming Chris Joseph to the Eli’s Place family.
Carol Cowan-Levine | Eli’s Place Board Member
Carol is a Registered Psychotherapist in private practice and a passionate advocate for excellence in healthcare. Past President of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), Carol currently sits as an Honorary Member of the Board at Women’s College Hospital, a Member of the Advisory Board of the Child Development Institute, Chair of the Advisory Council of the Women’s College Hospital Foundation and the elected member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental Health Therapists of Ontario.
- Carol Cowan-Levine | Eli’s Place Board Member
- Carol Cowan-Levine | Eli’s Place Board Member
- Carol Cowan-Levine | Eli’s Place Board Member
- Carol Cowan-Levine | Eli’s Place Board Member
