Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Cathy Harley announces plan to retire by April 30, 2026.

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Cathy Harley announces plan to retire by April 30, 2026.

After 21 years leading Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC), Cathy Harley has announced she will be stepping down as CEO on April 30, 2026. Serving the wound, ostomy and continence nursing community since 2004 in this leadership position, Cathy made significant changes to the 45-year-old association including strengthening its governance structure, driving recognition through its name change from the Canadian Association of Enterostomal Therapists (CAET) to NSWOCC in 2018, and ensuring its financial sustainability to support its short- and long-term strategic objectives. She also supported 11 Core Programs and the management of NSWOCC’s two official interest groups: the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP™) and the Canadian Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (CPIAP).

Under her leadership, NSWOCC has focused on the major issues affecting wound, ostomy and continence care delivery from supporting nursing education in wound, ostomy and continence to advocating for better recognition of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOCs) and increased ostomy reimbursement in Ontario (2014). One of her most valued experiences was working with Indigenous nurses to develop a thriving Indigenous Wound, Ostomy and Continence Health Core Program in order to support Truth and Reconciliation. Cathy contributed to securing a contract for training Skin Wellness Associate Nurses (SWAN™) in Long Term Care with the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care.  Her creativity in the delivery of continuing education in wound, ostomy and continence is evident in the 21 national conferences that she supported.

"Cathy has impacted the lives of so many. From those who she works with to those individuals seeking wound, ostomy and continence care, Cathy always supports and encouraged evidence informed patient centered care. Cathy led NSWOCC through the pandemic working tirelessly to support wound, ostomy and continence nurses and patients getting results no matter the circumstance. She kept the Members and staff motivated through some of the most challenging times in nursing. With her strategic thinking and ability to collaborate, she has positioned NSWOCC as a nursing leader in driving positive change for wound, ostomy and continence care in Canada." 

- Dr. Corey Heerschap, PhD, MScCH, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), FNSWOC, NSWOCC President

When announcing her retirement, Cathy expressed her deep gratitude for the tireless support and invaluable contributions of the many Board Directors, Core Program Leaders, Volunteers, Members, contracted staff, Industry Partners, aligned associations and patients with whom she has been privileged to work with over many years.

A search committee will be established to identify a replacement to carry on this work, comprised of current and past NSWOCC board members, and will be chaired by NSWOCC President Dr. Heerschap. The committee will be conducting extensive outreach to ensure it considers candidates with a wide range of expertise and backgrounds, in keeping with NSWOCC’s commitment to promoting equity, diversity, accessibility, inclusion, and reconciliation in its leadership.

The new CEO is expected to assume their role March 1, 2026.