Derek Rowland

A seasoned strategist with 15 years of communications and public affairs experience, Derek Rowland is the Chief Communications Officer and Director, Public Affairs at Southlake Health.

Prior to joining Southlake, Derek spent four years in progressively senior level roles in the Ontario government that culminated in serving as the Deputy Chief of Staff to a senior Cabinet Minister. During his tenure shepherding communications and policy files through government, he oversaw an international call for proposals to redevelop the largest remaining piece of waterfront property in the City of Toronto at Ontario Place. In addition, his leadership was instrumental in securing the single greatest direct financial investment into the province’s tourism industry through hallmark initiatives such as the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit and Ontario Tourism Recovery Fund.

Derek has worked in several settings throughout his career including in the public and private sectors at industry leading organizations like Scarborough Health Network and Johnson & Johnson Inc. Canada. He holds a Bachelors degree from McMaster University and has completed postgraduate education at the University of Toronto.