TBRHSC and TBRRI announce new President & CEO

The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) and the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute (TBRRI) are pleased to announce the appointment of Jean Bartkowiak as new President and CEO of TBRHSC and CEO of TBRRI.

The announcement was made by TBRHSC Board Chair Nadine Doucette and TBRRI Board Chair Dr. Gary Polonsky today.

“We are thrilled to have secured a candidate with such an extensive background in hospital and health system leadership,” said Doucette in making the announcement. “We have a long tradition of strong CEOs at this institution and Jean will continue in that tradition.”

“He is recognized for his accomplishments in bringing innovation to care and effective fiscal management in challenging times at large and complex organizations,” said Dr. Polonsky. “He also has a passion for and experience in research. I think we have found the right person for this job and this time.”

Bartkowiak brings considerable experience to his new task. He has worked in the health sector for more than 30 years, including more than 20 years as a hospital CEO. Most recently, he was Interim President and CEO at Mattawa Hospital and Algonquin Nursing Home. Before that he spent eight years as President and CEO of Bruyère Continuing Care in Ottawa, one of the largest health care centres of its kind in Canada with specialization in geriatric and palliative care. He also spent three years as CEO of Centre Hospitalier des Vallées de l’Outaouais, where a significant part of the work involved improving patient flow and reducing the number of ALC patients. And he was CEO of Hotel-Dieu d’Arthabaska in Victoriaville, QC for 10 years.

“This is a challenging time for health care, with a growing population of vulnerable and medically complex patients, in an increasingly demanding fiscal environment,” said Bartkowiak. “But it is also an exciting time with opportunities to innovate in health care delivery and research to strengthen its quality and effectiveness for patients and families. With its strong commitment to Patient and Family Centred Care, I am really looking forward to getting down to work at TBRHSC and TBRRI to explore the possibilities to improve, teach and research.”

Doucette and Dr. Polonsky also thanked Interim President and CEO Dr. Bill McCready for his contribution in stepping into the vacant position following the departure of previous CEO Andrée Robichaud.

“I don’t think we missed a beat under the leadership of Dr. McCready,” said Doucette. “He stepped in and hit the ground running and provided wise and effective leadership during this period of transformation.”

“There did not seem to be a learning curve,” added Dr. Polonsky. “Our institutions were well served and appreciative of the dedication and contribution of Dr. McCready these past months.”

Bartkowiak will formally begin as President and CEO of TBRHSC and CEO of TBRRI on January 25, 2016.

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