Assisted Living Alberta gets new CEO

By Lethbridge Herald on July 25, 2025.

Al Beeber
Lethbridge Herald

The Alberta government has appointed a chief executive officer of Assisted Living Alberta, the provincial continuing care agency.

Gord Johnston, who has experience as a public servant and affordable housing executive, assumes the role on Aug. 1. Lethbridge physician Dr.Sayeh Zielke, who served as the interim CEO and chair of the Assisted Living Alberta transition committee, will  become executive chair of the board of ALA.

Zielke led the establishment of the ALA “and forged critical relationships with stakeholders that are key to the success and continued excellence  of Alberta’s assisted living system,” the province said in an announcement Wednesday.

“I’d…like to thank Dr. Zielke for her incredible work as interim CEO of ALA, and for continuing to lend us her expertise during this transition,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services.

“It has been my honour to lead Assisted Living Alberta through these  early days of planning and transition as we build a system that is easier to navigate and truly centered on individuals, caregivers and families,” said Zielke in a statement of her own. 

“I look forward to working closely with Mr. Johnston and continuing to work with Minister Nixon in my new role.”

When it becomes operational this fall, ALA is intended to provide access to what the province calls a “comprehensive system of  continuing care with a full range of wraparound services, including  medical and non-medical supports, continuing care homes, home care, community care and social services. 

“This transition will allow the  province to place a holistic social service lens on assisted living  services to deliver care more effectively and consistently throughout the province.”

ALA will be assisting Albertans who have disabilities as well as vulnerable residents and those who are experiencing homelessness.