Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Welcomes New Board of Directors

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) announced four new Board members at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, June 24th.

Hospital Board Chair Matt Simeoni and President and CEO Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott welcomed Glen Currie, Christine Bates, Monique Rocheleau and Bonnie Pelletier as new Board Directors serving 3-year terms. The new Directors replace Anita Jean, Gary Whitney, and Nathalie Coppola who are ending their terms of office.

“We have some fantastic additions to the Board who will help provide guidance on behalf of the community moving forward,” said Mr. Simeoni. “I want to express our gratitude to those Directors who are ending their terms of office and to those who are continuing in the service to patients and families in our region. Their leadership has been invaluable.”

Continuing Board members are Mr. Simeoni, Gord Wickham, Michael Hardy, Joy Wakefield, John Friday, Pat Lang, John Hatton, Douglas Judson, Dr. Andrew Dean and Dr. Pamela Wakewich.

“This has been a challenging year on so many fronts, and under this Board’s guidance and leadership we persevered,” said Dr. Crocker Ellacott. “We are in a strong position as we begin to transition into recovery and roll out our strategic plan. Our Strategic Planning is under way – and I know the shared experiences, perspectives and wisdom we have all gained through COVID-19 will help us prepare for success as we plan for the future.”

Returning as Standing Committee Community Members are Kathleen Sawdo with Resource Planning and Michael Pelletier with Governance & Nominating. The Hospital also welcomed new Community Members Pauline Mickelson and Christina Brassard who were appointed by the Board to other Committees.

Also returning to the Board are ex-officio Directors Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, Interim Chjief Nursing Executive Meaghan Sharp, Chief of Staff Dr. S. Zaki Ahmed, Northern Ontario School of Medicine Dean, President and CEO Dr. Sarita Verma, and President of the Professional Staff Association Dr. Walid Shahrour.

At the Inaugural meeting of the Board of Directors, held immediately following the AGM, the new Officers of the Corporation were elected, including Gord Wickham as new Board Chair.

“Following Matt Simeoni’s strong leadership during the pandemic won’t be easy,” said Mr. Wickham. “Fortunately, we have a strong Board and Hospital leadership to help with the transition. We are at the end of what has been an unprecedented moment in health care, and it is inspiring to see that under pressure we have emerged stronger, in a solid financial position and united.

In addition at the Inaugural meeting of the new Board, Pat Lang was elected 1^st Vice Chair with Matt Simeoni continuing as 2^nd Vice Chair. John Hatton will serve as Board Treasurer. Meanwhile, Joy Wakefield was elected as Chair of the Patient Safety and Quality of Care Committee.

The Hospital’s Annual Report was also released and highlights some of the successes of the 2020/2021 fiscal year. To read it, please visit https://tbrhsc.net/2020-2021AnnualReport/.