Chair designates named as health board transition continues

As the next step in transition to fewer regional integrated health authorities (RIHAs), provincial Health and Community Services Minister John Ottenheimer today named four chair designates, individuals who will feature prominently in government�s plan to transform the governance structure of the health and community services system.

"I would like to thank all existing board chairs for their dedication in addressing the health concerns of residents and their support of health care reform," said Minister Ottenheimer. "I�m confident that the incoming chair designates will continue to demonstrate a high level of skill, expertise and commitment."

The new chairs were selected in part for their strong leadership abilities, community involvement and understanding of the health and community care needs of the regions they will serve. The appointees are a blend of new representation and individuals currently serving with existing community and institutional boards. Headlining the leadership in the regions is:

• Joan Dawe, Chair designate, Eastern RIHA;
• Bob Woolfrey, Chair designate, Central RIHA; 
• Dr. Anthony Genge, Chair designate, Western RIHA; 
• Larry Bradley, Chair designate, Labrador-Grenfell RIHA;

As part of their responsibilities, the chair designates will work with government and new boards to hire Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), play a key role in future decision-making and planning of health services for respective regions, continue to build relationships with the senior team and communities within regions and oversee the strategic direction of the RIHAs.

Today�s appointment of chair designates is the most recent step in the transition to four RIHAs from the current 14 health and community services boards. It follows the September 10 announcement of a more efficient, smaller administrative structure and last month�s commencement of the CEO selection process.

"This team of tremendously experienced people will further the implementation of our transition and help us take the necessary next steps in creating a comprehensive and integrated system of services that is shaped with communities and driven by the needs of individuals," added Minister Ottenheimer.

Next Steps
Existing board chairs will remain in place until the chair designates and full boards assume their responsibilities in January 2005. It is anticipated that board membership will be named in the coming weeks.

Chair designates will participate in the respective CEO selection process currently underway. It is hoped that the four CEOs will be named in December.

Brief biographical information of the new chair designates is contained in the following backgrounder.

Media contact: Carolyn Chaplin, Communications, (709) 729-1377 or (709) 682-5093

 

BACKGROUNDER
Chair Designates

 

To assist the government in transforming the governance structure of the health and community services system, Health and Community Services Minister John Ottenheimer named four chair designates of the new regional integrated health authorities. Listed below are the biographies.

Joan Dawe, Chair designate
Eastern Regional Integrated Health Authority
A native of St. John�s, Joan Dawe has enjoyed an exemplary career in health and community services. Having completed over 25 years in nursing and hospital administration, Ms. Dawe also served as the former provincial deputy minister of Health and Community Services and Social Services. She was the 2004 recipient of the Canadian Healthcare Association Award for Distinguished Service; an award presented annually to an outstanding leader in the Canadian health system.

Her passion for the community continued through her representation on the Board of Directors for the Community Services Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, Newfoundland Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation, chair of the provincial advisory committee on nursing workforce and past president of the Newfoundland Hospital and Nursing Home Association. She also served on the national board of the Canadian Hospital Association and was the provincial liaison for the Romanow Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada.

Joan is the current board chair of Health and Community Services � St. John�s Region and chair of the Seniors Resource Centre, a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Boards Association, Health Care Corporation of St. John�s and the Centre for Health Information.

She holds a bachelor of arts in economics and business administration from Memorial University, a R.N. (St. Clare�s Mercy School of Nursing) and has been designated a Certified Health Executive from the Canadian College of Health Services Executives.

Her extensive background in community services will assist in a smooth transition to a full continuum of care in the Eastern region and ensure the new administrative structure will reflect a true partnership between community-based services and institutional care.

Bob Woolfrey, Chair designate
Central Regional Integrated Health Authority
Hailing from Lewisporte, Bob Woolfrey has long-standing ties to his community and the health and community services system in Central Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mr. Woolfrey has been a successful entrepreneur for over 30 years and his demonstrated commitment to the community is evident through his association and volunteer activity with the Kinsmen, Shriner�s, Funeral Director�s Association, Masonic Lodge and K-40 s. In addition, Mr. Woolfrey is the former fire chief of Lewisporte.

Mr. Woolfrey brings to this position both the institutional and community services perspective. He is the former board chair of North Haven Manor and currently serves on the Central West Health Board as chair of the finance and planning committee. He is also currently the vice-chair of Health and Community Services � Central Region and chairs the finance committee. He continues to volunteer his time on behalf of the residents of North Haven Manor as the chair of their local advisory committee.

His current and past board experience will ensure the new administrative structure reflects a true partnership between community-based services and institutional care.

Dr. Anthony Genge, Chair designate
Western Regional Integrated Health Authority
A resident of Corner Brook, Dr. Anthony Genge has had a distinguished career in education and continues to actively participate in his community. Beginning his career as a mathematics and science teacher, Dr. Genge quickly progressed into administration as a principal and later served as a superintendent of four different school districts for over 20 years.

He is a member of the Humber Rotary Club and executive member of the Anglican Synod of Western Newfoundland. He has also served as a member of the Western Health Care Advisory Board, Community Mental Health Association and Western Regional Social Plan. In addition, he is the former chair of Grenfell Regional Health Services Board and the Community Services Council for the Strait of Belle Isle region.

Dr. Genge holds a bachelor of arts (mathematics), bachelor of education (secondary) and a masters of education in educational administration from Memorial University of Newfoundland. In 1991 he was conferred with a PhD in educational administration from the University of Alberta.

Dr. Genge has worked with students from Norman Bay, Labrador to Ramea and is well versed in the health needs of the Western region. His extensive leadership skills and board experience, particularly during previous restructuring initiatives will greatly assist the transition to the Western regional integrated health authority.

Dr. Genge resides with his wife in Corner Brook and they have three adult children.

Larry Bradley, Chair designate
Labrador-Grenfell Regional Integrated Health Authority
Born in Mary�s Harbour and a current resident of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Larry Bradley is a recently retired educator with a demonstrated commitment in giving back to the community.

Having spent over 25 years in the teaching and education administration profession, Mr. Bradley currently operates his own business. He is a former municipal councillor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, director of Happy Valley Youth Group, commander of the Happy Valley Ground Search and Rescue Team and a member of the Lake Melville Shrine Club. In addition, he served as the Labrador Winter Games sports co-ordinator for three years.

Having traveled extensively throughout Labrador and spent considerable time on the coast of Labrador and Northern Newfoundland, Mr. Bradley has an understanding of the unique challenges of health and community services delivery in the Labrador-Grenfell region. This, combined with his leadership skills and previous experience working with Labrador youth, will be an asset in addressing community-based services.

Mr. Bradley holds a bachelor of science and bachelor of education from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He resides with his wife and two teenage sons in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.