Tom Maston, CHE, is a proud native of Fredericton, New Brunswick, with a successful career in various sectors. Tom attained a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of New Brunswick. In 1987, he earned the Chartered Accountant (CPA) designation while employed with an accounting firm. Using his finance background, Tom shifted focus to health care administration. He spent seventeen years as Vice President of Administration for two healthcare organizations, the New Brunswick Extra-Mural Hospital and River Valley Health.
Tom led transformative changed when he stepped into the role of Deputy Minister in the New Brunswick Department of Health. Recognized by the Canadian College of Health Leaders, Tom’s commitment to mentorship earned him the CCHL Mentorship Award in 2020. In retirement, Tom chairs a pension fund for health sector employees and remains an active independent consultant. He also cherishes 41 years of marriage to his spouse Julie, and raising their daughter, Caitlin. His legacy inspires emerging professionals, embodying dedication, innovation, and leadership.
Tom’s greatest accomplishment was the recognition from CCHL with the Mentorship Award. He said “It wasn’t so much the award itself but what it represented. I had several significant mentors throughout my career. I was always motivated by working with talented people, and I sought them out for any teams that I led. Many of them have gone on to be senior leaders in their fields. It is both humbling and gratifying to be able to pass on what was given to me.” This award validates why he pursued a career in healthcare, as he felt a sense of contributing to the betterment of society from working in healthcare.
When asked about his experience with the College, he replied “During my early years with the provincial Chapter, I found participation with the College to be a great way of meeting others in the health care system and to develop peer professional relationships. It also provided tremendous informal opportunities to meet and learn from the healthcare leaders of the day. As I progressed in my career, I participated in many provincial education sessions, and I was able to attend the national forum on a few occasions. I found that participating in the local Chapter Executive was a great way to contribute to the profession, and an opportunity to learn from other members. I was fortunate to participate in several Health Product Review programs. I found that participating in that program with other senior leaders from across the country always to be stimulating and insightful.” In recognition of his participation and efforts, Tom was selected by the CCHL New Brunswick Chapter for the 2023 Chapter Award for Distinguished Service.
Throughout his extensive career, Tom’s journey as a CFO exposed him to managing expansive healthcare budgets with precision. Skillfully navigating the constant challenge of balancing the ideal with the achievable was a delicate task he consistently mastered. A cherished quote by William F. Buckley, Jr. resonated deeply with Tom. The quote is, “Idealism is fine, but as it approaches reality, the costs become prohibitive.” It reflected the constant balancing act between the ideal and the possible and doing what was possible was better than doing nothing.
