Gagnon to helm ‘new era’ at Grand River Hospital
Sault Ste. Marie native named new president and chief executive officer
KITCHENER — Grand River Hospital has chosen a new president and chief executive officer after a national search.
Ron Gagnon will take over the post on Nov. 5.
“I’m humbled by the confidence that’s been placed in me. I plan to deliver on that,” Gagnon said Thursday when his appointment was announced.
Gagnon has been president and chief executive officer of the Sault Area Hospital, a large regional referral and community hospital serving Sault Ste. Marie and District of Algoma, since 2006.
The Sault Ste. Marie native, who has an honours bachelor of commerce degree from Laurentian University and is a certified management accountant, joined the hospital in 2001 as senior vice-president and chief financial officer.
As head of the Sault Ste. Marie hospital, Gagnon oversaw the development of a new hospital facility that was finished on budget and opened early, seven years of surplus operating budgets, and partnerships to develop a common information system across 24 hospitals.
The hospital also realized reduced wait times and improvements in patient satisfaction, and won national recognition for health, safety and wellness initiatives.
While Grand River is a larger hospital, “the programs that are delivered are virtually the same,” Gagnon said.
“The opportunities I have been given here have given me the skills and experience that I’ll be able to put to good use there.”
Gagnon was attracted by Grand River’s “spirit around advancing exceptional care,” and the region’s culture of innovation.
“It’s a growing community so there’s a vibrancy about it that I think is going to be exciting,” he said.
Board chair Janice Deganis said Gagnon’s work has been focused on key areas that are important at Grand River: Patient care, collaboration with other hospitals, and innovation within the hospital and community. “We will be entering a new era,” Deganis said.
Gagnon replaces Malcolm Maxwell, who is retiring after 11 years leading Grand River and a career of health leadership in four provinces and territories.
Maxwell announced his retirement in January.
The following week, the president of St. Mary’s General Hospital, Don Shilton, announced his plan to retire after 13 years at St. Mary’s, including eight years as president. The St. Mary’s search for a new leader continues.