Health P.E.I. gets new interim CEO

Denise Lewis Fleming named to position

Health P.E.I. has a new interim CEO after the contract expired for the organization’s temporary replacement.

Denise Lewis Fleming replaces former interim CEO Keith Dewar who was brought in last October to fill the role until Health P.E.I. hired a permanent replacement.

Health Minister Robert Mitchell addressed the issue in the legislature Thursday night during a review of Health P.E.I.’s budget.

Mitchell said several candidates were selected as part of the interview process for the permanent position, but as it unfolded some dropped out of the running.

“The numbers changed significantly in about a four-week period; therefore the pool reduced greatly,” he said.

With several candidates dropping out, Mitchell said it was decided the prudent thing to do was to take time and continue the search.

Mitchell said the decision was made to delay the process to see who else might be out there and to take another look at some of the other candidates.

He added there was no definite timetable for finding a replacement.

“Whatever it takes. The search is ongoing, and obviously we’re looking for the best suitable possible candidate,” he said.

Lewis Fleming previously filled in as acting CEO after Michael Mayne finished his tenure last fall and until Dewar took over.