Leighton Woods appointed Chief Designate of Cornwall SDG Paramedic Services

The City of Cornwall is pleased to announce the appointment of Leighton Woods as Chief Designate of Cornwall SDG Paramedic Services. Woods will work alongside Chief Bill Lister during the leadership transition and will formally assume the role following Lister’s retirement on December 31, 2026. 

As Chief, Woods will lead Cornwall SDG Paramedic Services and its dedicated team in delivering high-quality emergency medical care to residents of Cornwall and the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. His leadership will focus on operational readiness, employee well-being, strong partnerships and responsive, patient-centred care. 

“Leighton brings proven leadership, extensive operational knowledge and a deep commitment to the communities served by Cornwall SDG Paramedic Services,” said Tim Mills, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Cornwall. “His experience across paramedicine, fire services, municipal operations and emergency management provides a strong foundation to lead the service into its next chapter while supporting the paramedics and staff who carry out this vital work every day.” 

Woods began his municipal career as a paramedic after graduating from St. Lawrence College’s Paramedic Program. He also holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Justice and Public Safety. During his 15 years with Cornwall SDG Paramedic Services, he served as both Primary Care Paramedic and Advanced Care Paramedic and held progressively responsible leadership positions, including Platoon Commander. 

For the past five years, Woods has served as Deputy Fire Chief with Cornwall Fire Services. He has also served as Manager of By-Law Services and held responsibility for the City’s emergency management program. Together, these roles have provided him with broad municipal leadership experience in emergency services, operations, organizational performance and community safety. 

“I am honoured to return to Cornwall SDG Paramedic Services in this leadership role and to serve alongside such a skilled and dedicated team,” said Woods. “I look forward to listening to our paramedics and staff, building on the service’s strengths and working with our municipal and community partners to continue delivering exceptional care to our patients.” 

The City also extends its sincere appreciation to Chief Bill Lister for 40 years of service. While his career included service in other areas, most was dedicated to paramedicine, including his leadership as Chief of Cornwall SDG Paramedic Services. Throughout his tenure, Lister demonstrated a steadfast commitment to patients, employees and the community, helping strengthen the service and position it for continued success. 

“On behalf of the City of Cornwall, I thank Bill for his extraordinary dedication and wish him all the best in retirement,” added Mills. “His leadership and contributions have made a lasting impact on paramedic services and on the many people and communities he has served.”