(Windsor, ON) – Five individuals have been selected to join the Board of Directors of Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital, lending significant new perspective and expertise to the hospital’s governance.

Ken Deane, provincial supervisor for Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital, announced today the results of a “blue-ribbon” committee established in June to fill vacancies for community representation on the hospital’s Board of Directors.

“We were more than impressed by the level of interest in serving on our board, with many high-caliber individuals to choose from,” said Mr. Deane. “I would like to thank the members of our nominating committee who volunteered considerable time to assist the hospital in this important process to select newcomers who will add their voices and fresh perspectives to hospital governance.

“The board plays a vital role in fulfilling its fiduciary responsibility, which includes setting strategic direction and providing performance oversight; overseeing quality of care, financial condition, and risk management; and supervising hospital leadership.”

Joining the board are Brian Chillman, Katha Fortier, Mike Horrobin, Lucie Lombardo and Mike Meixner (biographical information is provided below). They will fill several existing vacancies, and bring the total number of community board members to 12. Other positions on the board include ex-officio members.

Deane was named provincial supervisor to HDGH in January, 2011. As supervisor, he has assumed the duties and authority of the board and the corporation. However, the Board was asked to continue on in an advisory capacity while the hospital is under supervision. Carol Derbyshire continues in her role as Advisory Board Chair, while Shari Cunningham has been named Vice-Chair.

In addition to Carol and Shari, returning board members include:

• Bill Allison
• Walter Benzinger
• Richard Pollock
• David Stainton
• Shakti Wadehra

Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital plays a unique role in Windsor-Essex as the regional provider of advanced care in such areas as complex trauma, renal dialysis, cardiac care, stroke and neurosurgery, acute mental health and a broad range of medical and surgical services required to support these specialized areas.

For more information contact Steve Erwin, Director of Communications at (519)973-4433.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION ON NEW BOARD MEMBERS

In 2008 the Ontario Auditor General identified the best practice in governance indicates that effective hospital boards are composed of individuals who:

Have the appropriate levels of ability, commitment, and independence
Collectively have the diversity and depth of knowledge and competencies to carry out the boards oversight responsibilities
Are selected through a systematic, fair, and transparent nomination process 

Joining the HDGH Board are:

Brian Chillman

Brian has a great deal of experience in the healthcare sector. From 2002 to 2008 he volunteered at Windsor Regional Hospital where he served on various Committees of the Board, as a Board member, and finally as Chair of the Board. Brian is familiar with the roles and responsibilities of Board members and understands the functioning of hospital operations and the impact that governance has on operations. Brian is a partner with Shibley Righton LLP, a law firm with offices in Windsor and Toronto. He practices in the areas of Business Law and Estates and Trusts Law.   Prior to joining Shibley Righton LLP, Brian was employed as  General Counsel for Chrysler Financial Services Canada Inc. and served as Director and Secretary to the Board of Directors for the company. Prior to his posting at Chrysler Financial, Brian was a partner in the corporate-commercial department of a large Windsor law firm.

Katha Fortier

Katha began her career in a rural hospital in northern Ontario and worked as a ward clerk and registered practical nurse in Nipigon until 2002. She has volunteered with a number of not-for-profit organizations including the Windsor Essex Health Coalition, the Windsor Essex Alzheimer’s Society and the Public Services Health and Safety Association Health Care Advisory Board. Katha is currently employed by CAW Canada as the Director of Health Care. She is involved with broader health care issues, and functions as a liaison with health care unions, the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, the Ontario Hospital Association  and Health Coalitions. 

Mike Horrobin

Mike Horrobin, a Chartered Accountant, is the Vice President of Finance and Administration for Tepperman's, the Windsor based retail chain.  Prior to joining Tepperman's he was the Director of Finance for Hotel Dieu Hospital.  Mike has volunteered at the University of Windsor for eighteen years, including two years as the President of the Alumni Association, and is currently the Chair of the Board of Governors.  Mike is also the Vice President of the Windsor Essex Children's Aid Foundation.

Lucie Lombardo

Lucie is currently the Administrator at Huron Lodge, Long Term Care Home. She has a great deal of knowledge and understands the different roles of a governance structure having served on a number of boards and committees at the corporation level and in the community.  She has an undergraduate degree from the University of Windsor and a graduate degree in Administration from Central Michigan University.   She has in-depth knowledge of the long term care sector and the care required by the residents in the community, including the requirements for 24-hour 7-day a week care, and the reporting structures, regulations, procedures and accountability protocols.

Michael Meixner

Michael has participated on a number of Boards and Committees including: Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex, Windsor Aquatic Club and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Michael is a professional with over 25 years of experience in automotive manufacturing operations, supply chain management and sales within local, national and global environments. He was previously employed by the Ford Motor Company of Canada from 1989-2005, followed by Russell A. Farrow Limited until June 2011.  He now leads his own company eLogistics Solutions specializing customs clearance, supply chain management and lean methodology.

The nominating committee vetted all applications and interviewed prospective board members consisted of the following individuals:

• Maureen Greff, COO of Windsor-based Kamsel Leasing Inc., chaired HDGH nominating committee;
• Carol Derbyshire, Executive Director of Hospice Windsor and Essex County and chair of the HDGH Advisory Board;
• Patrick Ducharme, a senior partner and founding member in the Windsor law firm of Ducharme Fox LLP;
• Lori Shalhoub, Vice President, General Counsel/External Affairs & Public Policy, Chrysler Canada Inc.;
• Don Rodzik, CEO, The Narmco Group
  

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