Grand River Hospital’s board has undergone renewal at its recent annual meeting, with the election of a new chair and appointment of two new members.
The board has elected Janice Deganis as its new chair for a two year term. Ms. Deganis is a University of Waterloo graduate and a chartered professional accountant. She is currently a partner with Ernst & Young in Waterloo Region as the organization's national insurance leader. She has served on GRH’s board since 2012.
“I have greatly enjoyed my years as a volunteer member of the hospital board, and welcome this new challenge as chair,” explained Ms. Deganis. “We have a wonderful hospital working in close partnership with health providers and many community stakeholders. I look forward to leading our board as we support our hospital in doing its absolute best for our growing region.”
The hospital board has also welcomed two new members:
Josephine McMurray will bring extensive experience in information technology in the health sector and business to the board. She currently holds academic appointments at the University of Waterloo, and Western University, and is an assistant professor at the Lazaridis School, Wilfrid Laurier University.
Dr. McMurray holds a PhD in public health and health systems as well as a certificate in university teaching from University of Waterloo, an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University and certification as a medical radiation technologist.
She served as a director at Cambridge Memorial Hospital from 2010 to 2016, and was a community representative on the GRH Board Resources Committee. She worked in medical imaging at the then-KW Hospital early in her career.
Stephen Spraklin is a senior legal professional with strength in governance and a strong appreciation of the health care sector. He is currently vice president - legal of Sandvine Incorporated ULC in Waterloo. Mr. Spracklin has held senior roles in Cisco Systems Canada Co., Konica Minolta Business Solutions (Canada) LTD., and Samsung Electronics Canada Inc.
Mr. Spracklin holds a bachelor of commerce honours from Memorial University of Newfoundland, a bachelor of laws from Dalhousie University, an MBA from Memorial University of Newfoundland and is a candidate of the master of laws program at Osgoode Hall Law School, York University.
Mr. Spracklin also brings advanced competencies in strategy development, business management, and risk management.
Board members also thanked Geoff Bellew for his two years of service as board chair. Mr. Bellew has served on GRH’s board since 2008. He will continue to serve for one more year as past chair.
“I’ve been privileged to work with an exceptional group of volunteer board members as well as hospital leaders who are all focused on advancing exceptional health care for Waterloo Region patients and families,” said Mr. Bellew. “Grand River is one of the top hospitals in the country for quality of care and patient safety. I’m confident the hospital will continue to provide care while building research, educational and health innovation partnerships.”
Grand River Hospital’s Board of Directors includes a number of dedicated community residents. They volunteer their time to provide governance to the hospital’s activities, work with health partners in our communities, and offer expertise in a number of areas to support the hospital.