A fond farewell to Susan James, Director of Quality and Registration, who is retiring after more than 20 years at OCP

Since joining OCP as a project director on contract more than 20 years ago, Susan has helped guide the organization through some of the most significant regulatory and policy developments in its history with steadfast commitment to public protection and professionalism. Throughout her time at OCP, Susan became one of the organization’s most trusted and respected leaders. Her ability to bring together diverse perspectives, navigate complex regulatory challenges, and foster strong relationships has helped shape the modern pharmacy regulatory landscape in Ontario.

Among her many accomplishments, Susan played a pivotal leadership role in the regulation of pharmacy technicians in Ontario, helping to establish the framework that enabled pharmacy technicians to become regulated health professionals and contribute more fully to patient care. She also helped lead OCP’s work to bring hospital pharmacies under the College’s oversight, advancing consistent regulatory standards and quality expectations across both community and hospital pharmacy settings.

Since 2015 Susan has provided strategic leadership for the College’s Registration and Quality portfolios as well as OCP’s quality assurance programs and several continuous quality improvement initiatives. Susan has also been a key contributor to numerous policy and regulatory modernization initiatives over the years, including work related to health human resources, labour mobility and credential recognition, regulatory modernization, and the implementation of evolving standards and regulatory frameworks designed to support quality pharmacy care.

The confidence placed in Susan’s leadership extended well beyond her day-to-day responsibilities. On two separate occasions, during periods of organizational transition, the Board called upon her to serve as Interim Registrar, entrusting her with stewardship of the College during critical moments. Her calm leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and unwavering focus on the public interest ensured continuity and stability for the organization and its stakeholders.

Susan’s leadership and expertise have also been recognized internationally. Since 2012, she has contributed extensively to the work of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), supporting initiatives focused on pharmacy workforce development, professional regulation, and the advancement of pharmacy practice globally. In 2019, she was named a Fellow of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), awarded to individuals who have demonstrated sustained and significant contributions to the advancement of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences internationally. Through her involvement with FIP, Susan helped bring Ontario’s regulatory experience to a global audience while contributing to discussions shaping the future of pharmacy practice and regulation worldwide.

“Susan’s contributions extend far beyond the programs and initiatives she led. She helped shape the evolution of pharmacy regulation in Ontario at a time of profound change for the profession. Susan consistently approached her work with vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the public interest. We are profoundly grateful for her many contributions and wish her every happiness in retirement.”  – Jay O’Neill, Registrar and CEO

As she begins this well-deserved new chapter in early October of this year, the College extends its sincere appreciation for Susan’s remarkable service, leadership, and contributions. Please join us in congratulating Susan James on her retirement and thanking her for her extraordinary career of service and leadership.