Emma Johnston

Emma Johnston is a senior strategic communications leader with more than 25 years of experience across the health care, not-for-profit, and government sectors in both the UK and Canada. Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, Emma moved to Canada in 2005 and proudly became a Canadian citizen in 2022. She is currently Director of Public Relations and Digital Media at William Osler Health System, a leading five-site hospital system serving more than 1.4 million people across one of the most culturally diverse and fastest-growing regions in Ontario’s Greater Toronto Area. In this role, Emma leads enterprise-wide communications that strengthen organizational reputation, support system transformation, and build public trust. She also serves as a volunteer Board Director with Bethell Hospice, just outside Toronto.

Emma has a strong track record of helping organizations tell their stories with clarity and credibility, develop and execute strategic communications plans, and build trusted media relationships. She is particularly known for her expertise in crisis communications and change management, and for her commitment to building resilient, high-performing teams aligned to organizational strategy. Outside of work, Emma enjoys travelling, great food, and a bit of exercise - usually in that order.