The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has appointed Donald Sturge as Chairperson of the Central Regional Health Authority Board of Trustees. The appointment was made through the merit-based appointment process established by the Independent Appointments Commission Act.
Six new individuals have been appointed to the Board of Trustees:
- Des Dillon
- Fred J. Penney
- Bernice (Bonnie) Pritchett
- Aubrey B.C. Smith
- Maxwell John (Max) Taylor
- Deborah Yannakidis
In addition, Valerie C. Hoskins and Rick H. LeDrew have been reappointed to the Board of Trustees for another term.
The appointments were effective Tuesday, September 5. Biographical information is provided in the backgrounder below.
Quote
“Welcome to the new chair and members of the board. I wish you every success as you begin your important work. Thank you to the outgoing chair and former trustees for your service to the region.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services
- 30 -
Learn more
Central Health - www.centralhealth.nl.ca 
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL , @HCS_GovNL and @CentralHealthNL
Media contact
Emily Timmins
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 693-1292
EmilyTimmins@gov.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Biographies of the individuals appointed to the Central Regional Health Authority Board of Trustees
Donald Sturge
Donald Sturge’s most recent employment was as a teacher/guidance counsellor/principal with Lester Pearson Memorial High School. Mr. Sturge has extensive experience in health, education, human resources, environmental, social and child services issues. Mr. Sturge is currently a trustee and has chaired the Board Performance and Improvement Committee which also oversees the Patient Safety Committee. He also serves on a national committee for eConsult. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Education (Secondary) from Memorial University and a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counselling/Education from the University of Ottawa.
Des Dillon
Des Dillion is a retired provincial public servant who worked as a district manager/assistant regional director with responsibility for overseeing the delivery of social services. Mr. Dillion has extensive experience within the provincial public service and serving on boards related to health care. He holds a Bachelor of Social Work Diploma from Memorial University.
Fred J. Penney
Fred J. Penney is currently employed as a project engineer/Vice-President of Penney Paving Limited. Mr. Penney has extensive expertise in the areas of engineering and education. He holds a Masters of Business Administration Degree and a Bachelor of Engineering Degree from Memorial University.
Bernice (Bonnie) Pritchett
Bonnie Pritchett’s most recent employment was as President and Manager of Flight Enterprises Ltd. Ms. Pritchett has expertise in the areas of governance, health, social issues and policy and planning. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce from Memorial University.
Aubrey B. C. Smith
Aubrey B.C. Smith is a retired teacher and department head with Grand Falls Academy. Mr. Smith has expertise in the areas of governance, child services, social issues, arts and education. He holds both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education Degrees from Memorial University and a Masters in the Art of Teaching from St. Francis Xavier University.
Maxwell John (Max) Taylor
Max Taylor is a retired assistant superintendent and superintendent with the Bay d’Espoir Integrated School Board. Mr. Taylor’s areas of expertise include health, fish and aquaculture and education. Since 2012, Mr. Taylor has been President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Community Ambulance Association. He holds a Masters Degree in Administration and Curriculum from St. Francis Xavier University.
Deborah Yannakidis
Deborah Yannakidis is currently employed as General Manager of Gander Hyundai. Ms. Yannakidis has expertise in skilled trades, tourism, entrepreneurial, fish and aquaculture, governance and human resources. She has volunteer experience and is currently Chair of the Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce. She completed high school at Sackville High.
Valerie C. Hoskins
Valerie Hoskins most recent employment was as a French teacher with Bay d’Espor Academy. Ms. Hoskins, has extensive volunteer experience including with the Board of Trustees of the Central Regional Health Authority. She holds a Masters Degree in Education (French Curriculum) from Memorial University.
Rick H. LeDrew
Rick LeDrew’s most recent employment was as the Chief Administrative Officer with the Town of Springdale. Mr. LeDrew has expertise in governance, education, human resources and policy and planning. He also has experience in volunteering including with the Board of Trustees of the Central Regional Health Authority. He holds a Masters Degree in Educational Management from the University of Aberdeen.
2017 09 06 4:05 p.m.