Changes to WNHAC Operational Structure A 2021 management review, initiated in response to several years of unprecedented growth, recommended changes aimed at:
- strengthening capacity for strategic, future-focused leadership
- improving the responsiveness of operational management
- equalizing workload distribution across the organization, and
- building further on the relationship-based model of care.
Our previous structure served us well by clearly delineating our unique interprofessional, team-based model of care and emphasizing frontline services. Over time, explosive growth has placed intense pressure on management and administration. The evidence generated by our review enabled us to respond strategically to ensure that priority issues are effectively addressed.
Our New Leadership Structure
We recognize front-line services are only as effective as the leadership and support they receive from organizational infrastructure. WNHAC’s management has therefore been restructured to include Executive and Senior Leadership teams and an Operational Management team.
Reporting to the board of directors, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Serena Joseph is accountable for all aspects of WNHAC operations.
Reporting to the CEO, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Paul Derouard is responsible for all things administrative, while Chief Operating Officer (COO) Melissa Calder is accountable for all aspects of programming and service delivery. Both roles will lead the development of strategy and policy direction that reflects Waasegiizhig Nannandawe’iyewigamig’s Indigenous roots and our role as an equal partner in system transformation to improve health outcomes for First Nation, Inuit, and Metis people.
The new Director roles are responsible for policy development and program planning/evaluation to advance strategic and policy directions.
Reporting to the CAO are:
- Director of Human Resources Mary McDonald,
- Director of Information Services Craig Debbo, and
- Finance Manager Ben Gustafson.
Reporting to the COO are:
- Director of Clinical Services Natasha Tom,
- Director of Clinical Operations April Preisentanz,
- Director of Health Promotion Janice Spencer,
- Director of Healing Services Jay Cortvriendt, and
- Director of Support Services Cathy Bowman.
As we enter a new strategic planning cycle, we feel blessed to have such a strong leadership team to move us into the future. Our people and our relationships are the foundation that supports blazing trails forward.
A MESSAGE FROM WAASEGIIZHIG NANAANDAWE’IYEWIGMAIG BOARD PRESIDENT
Boozhoo,
The whole WNHAC family was devastated when a motor vehicle crash claimed the lives of CEO Serena Joseph’s children on April 21. Our hearts continue to be with Serena and her family during her extended bereavement leave. The Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’iyewigamig Board of Directors met on May 12th to discuss interim arrangements. We are pleased to announce that Paul Derouard, Chief Administrative Officer has been appointed Interim CEO until further notice.
Anita Cameron has been retained as a Consulting Senior Advisor to support the board and executive leadership team as they continue to implement some of the work Serena had initiated, including a new operational structure, and a process to update the organization’s strategic plan.
Charlene Mandamin, President
