Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare Board of Directors 2025-26
Katharen Bortolin
Katharen is the Executive Director at the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County, which has provided compassionate, clinical, end-of-life care across Windsor-Essex since 1979.
Born and raised in Windsor-Essex, Katharen is a two-time graduate of the University of Windsor, completing an Honours Bachelor of Arts and Social Science in English Language and Literature and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). She also holds her Certified Fundraising Professional designation.
After completing her graduate studies, Katharen joined the healthcare sector at the Windsor Regional Cancer Program, managing frontline staff, as well as supporting patients throughout their journey. From there she moved into the role of Director of Fundraising and Communications at The Hospice, before becoming Executive Director of the organization.
Katharen is active on a number of community boards and committees, including with the Windsor International Film Festival, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, and the University of Windsor Alumni Association. Katharen has been recognized for her involvement, and was named to the Top 40 Under 40 by Leadership Windsor-Essex and was also an honoured recipient of the 2021 University of Windsor Alumni Association Odyssey Award.
Katharen and her husband Peter are proud to call Windsor-Essex home.
Meet the Board
HDGH: What motivated you to join HDGH’s Board of Directors?
KB: The HDGH Board is made up of members of our community who truly believe in what the organization does and the services it provides. That core belief guides this group towards decision making and efforts that ensure what is best for patients in our community is always top of mind, while also supporting the amazing HDGH team that does this work every day. To join a board with that level of commitment to supporting and improving healthcare in our community is truly an honour.
HDGH: What do you believe are the most prominent health needs in our community?
KB: The past few years have highlighted increased needs and additional supports required across many health needs in our community. Notably, continuing to increase supports for those facing mental health challenges in our community is, and will continue to be vitally important in the years to come.
HDGH: As a member of the Board, how does the board ensure a healthy, equitable community?
Ensuring a commitment to patient-centered care, engaging those who use our services, and remaining grounded in the mission of "serving the healthcare needs of our community including those who are venerable and/or marginalized in any way, be it physically, socially or mentally" supports the development of a healthy, equitable community.