Dr. Vera Etches to become CHEO's new president and CEO
Medical officer of health led Ottawa Public Health through COVID-19 pandemic
Dr. Vera Etches, who steered Ottawa Public Health through the COVID-19 pandemic, will become the next president and chief executive officer of CHEO, the city's children's hospital.
In a news release Wednesday, the hospital said Etches will start her new job March 3, 2025.
"Dr. Etches' stellar reputation, extensive experience managing large, complex organizations, and success navigating major health crises like the pandemic were key factors in the Board's decision," CHEO said in the release.
Etches, who grew up in Hazelton in northern B.C., became Ottawa's first female medical officer of health in 2018. Her career at OPH started in 2009.
"Dr. Etches has been a terrific Medical Officer of Health and has navigated many challenges with intelligence and wisdom," Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe posted on X after the news broke.
"It's a big loss for Ottawa Public Health, but it's a huge win for CHEO and a win for the city because Dr. Etches is still going to be doing her wonderful work for the residents," said Orléans South-Navan Coun. Catherine Kitts, chair of the city's health board.
Care hub for 4 regions
CHEO's former president and CEO Alex Munter left in October to become CEO of the Canadian Medical Association.
The hospital and its more than 6,500 staff serve children from eastern and northern Ontario, western Quebec and Nunavut.
"I am honoured to be joining CHEO and to have the opportunity to lead such a remarkable organization," said Etches in the news release. "CHEO is synonymous with exceptional compassionate care and groundbreaking research."
Dr. Lindy Samson, the hospital's chief of staff and chief medical officer, will continue as interim president and CEO until Etches takes over.
It's not immediately clear who will replace Etches when she leaves OPH. Kitts said OPH leadership will choose an interim medical officer and there will be a recruitment process for a permanent replacement.