The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is continuing the search for its next president and chief executive.
The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is continuing the search for its next president and chief executive.
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In March, Lori Marshall, current president and chief executive, announced she will retire this summer after serving with the organization since 2017.
The hospital launched an online survey in April through its social media channels asking the community: “What are you looking for in our next CEO at CKHA?”
Deb Crawford, the alliance’s board chair, said hospital staff, community partners and the public provided their responses.
“I want to really thank them on behalf of the board members for the time that they took to give us their perspective,” she said during Monday’s monthly media update. “That is what we’re using to guide us as we move through this process.”
Some of the desired attributes in a leader included dedication, trust, transparency, communication and innovation.
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“They’re looking for someone who’s a people person. A person who is able to solve complex problems,” Crawford said. “And work within a very complex organization, understanding the roles that so many people have.”
She said hospitals across the country are adapting to changing realities in the health-care landscape, calling this a priority for the health alliance.
Executive search firm Mirams Becker is leading the process to recruit Marshall’s successor.
Although there is no set start date at this time, Crawford said the aim is to have a seamless transition in leadership.
“We are hoping to be through our process by the end of June,” she said. “Then, we’ll have a sense of what our next steps are going to be. Whatever happens in terms of timelines, we’ll make it work.”
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Marshall took the helm when the alliance was under provincial supervision. She worked with the provincial supervisor to implement his recommendations until his departure in March 2018.
During the pandemic, she worked with partners to build a field hospital, provide COVID-19 testing to the community, and launch a community vaccination clinic with CK Public Health and Chatham-Kent EMS.
“Lori’s going to leave us with some big shoes to fill,” Crawford said. “We’re very positive about moving forward, but we really are so grateful to Lori for all the work that she has done and the leadership she has given our community, and where she has brought our hospital.”
Marshall responded that they weren’t bigger shoes, but rather “different shoes” to fill.
“That’ll be very exciting for everyone when that comes to fruition,” she said.
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