Keith Dewar returns to Health P.E.I.

A familiar face will soon take over as head of Prince Edward Island’s health authority.

Keith Dewar has been named interim CEO of Health P.E.I., effective Oct. 30.

Dewar takes over from current CEO Michael Mayne, who will leave the position at the end of September. Dewar is expected to serve as interim CEO for about six months.

“For the past several weeks, the board has been moving forward with the formal search for a permanent CEO,” said Health P.E.I. board chairwoman Phyllis Horne.

“Recognizing that this could take several months, a decision was made to appoint an interim CEO to ensure continued leadership and stability at Health P.E.I. once Mayne’s tenure comes to an end.”

Dewar returns to Prince Edward Island after five years as president and CEO of the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region in Saskatchewan.

His contract at the Regina health authority runs until the end of October, and he has publicly stated he would not re-apply for the job for personal reasons.

Dewar previously served as the first CEO of Health P.E.I. when it was created in 2010 until 2012. Prior to that, he served as P.E.I.’s deputy minister of health for two years.

Chief operating officer Denise Lewis Fleming will serve as acting CEO of Health P.E.I. until Dewar begins his duties at the end of October.