François Couillard

Strategic Advisor @ Self-Employed

About

I'm an experienced executive and advisor with over 40 years of leadership across the corporate, consulting, and non-profit sectors. Trained as a chemical engineer with an MBA, I began my career with global organizations such as Johnson & Johnson and MDS Nordion, holding senior leadership roles in Canada and internationally.I later reoriented my career toward consulting and the non-profit sector, serving as Chief Operating Officer of the Canadian Red Cross and the Victorian Order of Nurses, and as Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Association of Optometrists and the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists. I also chaired major health coalitions, including Canada’s Health Action Lobby (HEAL) and the Extended Healthcare Professionals Coalition (EHPC), helping advance collaboration across Canada’s health system.In addition to my executive work, I have contributed to public service as a member of Canada’s Advisory Council on National Security and have been actively engaged in community life.Now in a new chapter, I am interested in consulting and coaching opportunities. I will also consider meaningful board roles. An avid endurance athlete, I pursue long-distance cycling and cross-country skiing, exploring the connection between discipline, resilience, and inner development.

Country

Canada

City

Ottawa

Industry

Non-profit Organization Management

Skill

Non-profit Management, Strategy, Strategic Planning, Nonprofits, Management, Change Management, Leadership Development, Leadership, Business Development, Management Consulting, Healthcare, Fundraising, Marketing, Non-profits, Organizational Development, Public Speaking, Consulting, Team Building, Research, Project Management

Experience

Strategic Advisor

Self-Employed

2025-12 - Present · 10 mos

ebbf Advisory Council Member

ebbf - ethical business building the future

2010-5 - Present · 16 yrs 5 mos

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

ebbf - mindful people, meaningful work https://ebbf.org

Chair, Membership Committee and Board Member

Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC)

2024-2 - 2025-12 · 1 yr 11 mos

Member

Coalition for Action for Health Workers

2023-10 - 2025-12 · 2 yrs 3 mos

Chief Executive Officer

Canadian Association of Optometrists

2019-8 - 2025-12 · 6 yrs 5 mos

Ottawa, Canada Area

Chair

Extended Healthcare Professionals Coalition (EHPC)

2023-10 - 2025-10 · 2 yrs 1 mo

Co Chair

HEAL- Organizations for Health Action

2017-6 - 2021-12 · 4 yrs 7 mos

Ottawa, Canada Area

HEAL is a coalition of 40 national health organizations that represents a cross-section of health providers, health regions, institutions, and facilities. All of HEAL’s members are dedicated to protecting and strengthening Canada’s health system. These organizations represent more than 650,000 health-care providers from across the country.

CEO

Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists

2013-2 - 2019-7 · 6 yrs 6 mos

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

The Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) is the national professional association for radiological, nuclear medicine and magnetic resonance imaging technologists and radiation therapists. CAMRT offers a suite of programs that advance the profession. These include certification, continuing professional development opportunities, publication of a journal, strengthening professional practice as well as advocacy to promote the effective contribution of MRTs in healthcare. Founded in 1942, CAMRT serves over 12,000 members.

President of the Board of Directors

Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization - OCISO

2013-11 - 2017-10 · 4 yrs

Ottawa, Canada Area

Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO) has been providing comprehensive settlement and integration services to the Ottawa community since 1978. OCISO’s award-winning programs include community integration, public education, mental health counselling, school based programs, and English language instruction to newcomers.