Hospice executive director announces June departure
Reaume oversaw expansion of hospice, opening of new campus
Hospice of Windsor and Essex County will be launching a search for a new executive director after Colleen Reaume announced on Wednesday she will be stepping down from that role in June.
“The last year has been a year of significant change for many in our community, myself included,” Reaume said.
“I have made the very difficult decision to announce that I will be leaving my role as the executive director.”
Reaume declined to add anything further about her decision, noting she will still remain on the job for a considerable amount of time.
The local hospice has already appointed a search committee, which will be led by board chairman John Martel, to begin the effort to find a replacement.
“Colleen has been an exemplary executive director and we are so appreciative of all she has done for the organization,” Martel said.
“We are sad to see her depart from this role, but look forward to this next step for hospice and appreciate her commitment in assisting with this transition. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”
Reaume was announced as executive director of the hospice in August 2018 to replace longtime executive director and the agency's co-founder Carol Derbyshire, who held the position for 39 years.
During Derbyshire's tenure, the hospice was built from the ground up into a prominent palliative care landmark on the city's east side and in Leamington.
During Reaume's time with the local hospice, she oversaw the expansion of the hospice's residential home in Windsor, as well as the construction and opening of the Welcome Centre at the Hospice's Erie Shores campus.
Reaume has also led a number of internal technology and process improvement projects and represented hospice on many healthcare committees and groups.
“This is such an amazing organization,” she said.
“I remain steadfast in my commitment to ensure a smooth transition. After almost three years with hospice, I may be leaving the role, but remain dedicated to supporting our hospice into the future.”
Reaume came to hospice with 30 years of experience in health care, primarily working for Windsor Regional Hospital in a variety of roles that were largely focused on cancer care.
Just prior to joining hospice, she served for two years as director of cancer care for the Erie St. Clair region.
She was also the previous manager of palliative care at the hospital.
This is such an amazing organization. I remain steadfast in my commitment to ensure a smooth transition.