News

Edmonton, AB –  The Alberta Continuing Care Association (ACCA) is pleased to welcome Gord Johnston as the new Chief Executive Officer of Assisted Living Alberta (ALA), effective August 1, 2025.

With a distinguished career in housing and social services, Johnston most recently served as CEO of Civida, Edmonton’s largest provider of community housing. He also brings more than two decades of public sector experience, including senior leadership roles as Assistant Deputy Minister of Child and Family Services and Assistant Deputy Minister of Advanced Education.

As CEO, Johnston will lead ALA’s efforts to create a more connected, person-centered care system—one that supports individuals, families, and caregivers through coordinated medical and non-medical services. These services include continuing care, home care, community care, and social services designed to meet the evolving needs of Albertans.

“Assisted Living Alberta represents a commitment to ensure that all Albertans have access to the care they need, where and when they need it,” says Johnston. “I am honoured to be able to serve our great province and to lead this organization alongside the highly skilled and compassionate individuals and teams who are already at the forefront of this critically important work.”

Johnston succeeds Dr. Sayeh Zielke, who has served as ALA’s interim CEO and now transitions into the role of Executive Chair of the ALA Board. ACCA extends sincere thanks to Dr. Zielke for her leadership during ALA’s formative phase and looks forward to her continued guidance in her new capacity.

“We have deeply valued the opportunity to work with Dr. Zielke and her team in establishing the foundation for ALA,” says Dr. Denise Milne, Executive Director of ACCA. “We now look forward to continuing that important work with Gord Johnston, whose expertise and leadership will help advance a more responsive and comprehensive continuing care system in Alberta.”

ACCA is confident that Johnston’s leadership will strengthen collaboration across sectors and drive innovation in the delivery of care and support services for Alberta’s aging and vulnerable populations.

 

For further information, please contact:

Lindsay Penny, Director of Communications and Marketing

587-988-0934   |   comms.marketing@ab-cca.ca   |   www.ab-cca.ca