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ACCA Board Of Directors Announces Dr. Milne Appointed As New Executive Director

Mar 01, 2024 Announcements
Dr. Denise Milne, Executive Director, ACCA
Dr. Denise Milne, Executive Director, ACCA

Edmonton, AB (March 1, 2024): The Board of Directors for the Alberta Continuing Care Association (ACCA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Denise Milne as its new Executive Director effective March 1st 

“On behalf of the Board, I’d like to welcome Dr. Milne to the ACCA in this critical leadership role,” says Feisal Keshavjee, Chair, ACCA. “We’re thrilled to have someone with her background and deep understanding of Alberta’s health care system at the helm as we forge ahead with ACCA’s renewal process.”  

Dr. Milne completed her Ph.D. in Psychology in November 2014. Denise’s research interest focused on FASD and adoptive families. She also has a Master’s in Clinical Social Work, a Master’s of Science in Administration, and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology along with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology, Sociology and Law. Dr. Milne is an advanced practice clinical social worker and registered provisional psychologist.  

Dr. Milne has been working with NZ Management Consultants since spring of 2021 on several projects with the Ministry of Community and Social Services, specifically the Persons with Developmental Disabilities Program and the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Program. Prior to becoming a consultant, Dr. Milne was the CEO of CASA Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health and the CASA Foundation in Edmonton. Denise was also the Past Chair of the Alberta Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health for two years. She has been an appointed member of the Mental Health Review Panel by the Minister of Health for the past six years. 

“I am very excited to be working closely with the experts who are providing continuing care services in our communities and in our province to advance and transform our continuing care system.” says Milne. “ I am grateful to represent ACCA members who continue to evolve and achieve the highest quality of standards and excellence for Albertans through innovation, creativity, and evidence-based practices. As Executive Director, it is an honour to work towards ensuring the recognized and collective voices of our members are heard and understood throughout the health and social care systems.”  

Prior to 2014, Dr. Milne was the Provincial Lead for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder with Alberta Human Services. Her previous employment with the Alberta Mental Health Board (AMHB) included the Provincial Director for the Professional Practice Councils, Program Director of Adult Psychiatry, Program Director of Forensic Psychiatry and Director of Social Work. Denise was also a Mental Health Consultant for the Government of Alberta with years of experience in clinical at the Day Hospital Program and Walk-In Clinic at the University of Alberta Hospital and a Probation and Parole Officer and Social Worker at the Edmonton Youth Development Centre.  

Dr. Milne has taught at the Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary and conducted investigations for the Alberta College of Social Workers. 

About ACCA - The Alberta Continuing Care Association (ACCA) is the recognized voice of continuing care in Alberta. We are champions for quality of care, quality of life and enhanced wellness for all Albertans requiring continuing care; this is Our Mission. Representing owners and operators of home care, supportive living and long-term care, whether private, non-profit, and/or faith based, our diversity allows us to better understand and communicate the issues that impact people in the continuing care system.