Community Living BC (CLBC) announced today that CEO Ross Chilton will retire in January 2027, following more than seven years of dedicated leadership at the Crown corporation which funds services for adults with developmental disabilities. His early announcement provides CLBC’s Board of Directors with ample time to conduct a comprehensive national search for the organization’s next CEO, with recruitment expected to begin in earnest in spring 2026. The extended timeline ensures a smooth transition for staff, service providers, individuals who receive services funded by CLBC, and families.
Ross Chilton, CLBC CEO
“CLBC has all the fundamentals in place. Robust systems, staff who care deeply about their work, a talented management team and strong relationships with families and those we serve – that is the legacy of Ross’s leadership. I am confident the next leader will inherit an organization ready for its next chapter,” says CLBC Board Chair Shane Simpson.
Since joining CLBC in 2019, Ross has guided the organization through a period of significant change and challenge, including the COVID‑19 pandemic and the revision of CLBC’s guiding legislation. During his tenure the number of people served by CLBC has increased more than 30%, to about 30,000 individuals across British Columbia.
A central focus of Ross’s leadership has been strengthening the role of people with lived experience in CLBC’s decision-making. During the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns raised by self-advocates about being excluded from critical health-care decisions led to the establishment of formal, ongoing communication between CLBC, the Provincial Health Office, self-advocates, and families. This work contributed to people supported by CLBC being prioritized for early vaccination due to their heightened vulnerability.
“Serving as CEO of Community Living BC has been an honour. Looking back on these years, I think what I’m most proud of is that we kept the voices of the people we serve, and their family members, in the forefront,” says Ross Chilton.
In 2023, under Ross’s leadership, CLBC worked with government to update the Community Living Authority Act. Legislative changes now require representation from family members, self-advocates, and Indigenous members on CLBC’s Board of Directors, and formally establish an Indigenous Advisory Committee. These changes strengthened accountability and embedded the principle of “nothing about us, without us” in CLBC’s governance.
“Ensuring lived experience guides decisions, so policies reflect real needs and real lives, Ross Chilton has elevated self advocates’ leadership at Community Living BC,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “Everyone benefits when communities are welcoming and inclusive, and when all people have access to opportunities. Ross’s leadership has helped bridge self advocates’ voices with provincial decision‑making, keeping CLBC grounded in community realities.”
Ross leaves CLBC supported by a strong executive team and a committed workforce, with extensive engagement underway to shape the organization’s next multi-year strategic plan, providing a solid foundation for the incoming CEO.
Community Living BC is a provincial crown corporation that provides supports and services to adults with developmental disabilities, and those with autism or FASD who require assistance with daily living. Created in 2005, CLBC today serves more than 30,000 people and their families across the province.