Health PEI welcomes four new members to its board

Four Islanders have been named to the Health PEI board, bringing new community perspectives and competencies to help oversee the provincial health care system.

New board members Dr. Rosemary Herbert, Sally Lockhart, Blaine MacPherson and Warren Ellis will fill positions previously held by Dr. Marvin Clark, Gordon MacKay, Dr. Kinsey Smith and Rhonda Smallman.

“Island health care will benefit from the contribution of these accomplished Islanders who are leaders in health care, business and their communities,” said Health and Wellness Minister Robert Henderson.

There are four current members returning to the board, including Dr. Dagny Dryer, Sandra Gaudet, Alex MacBeath and Jim Revell.

“On behalf of the Board, I extend sincere appreciation to Dr. Clark, Gordon MacKay, Dr. Smith and Rhonda Smallman for their leadership, hard work and dedication to our health care system over the years,” said Phyllis Horne, chair. “I also want to welcome Dr. Herbert, Sally, Blaine and Warren to the board. Their knowledge and experience will be strong assets and I look forward to working with them.”

Health PEI’s board works on behalf of all Islanders to provide high-level oversight of the organization’s financial management as well as the delivery of safe, quality health care. It oversees the work of the Chief Executive Officer and advises the Minister of Health and Wellness on health policy matters. The board is ultimately accountable to the Minister of Health and Wellness.

Health PEI Board members:

Health PEI worked through Engage PEI for the past several months to promote and encourage Islanders to apply for a board member position. Applicants were screened and prospective candidates were then interviewed before the Board made a recommendation to the Minister of Health and Wellness for final approval.

For more information on the board, visit: www.healthpei.ca/board.

Background:

Warren Ellis

Warren Ellis of Summerside, PEI, is the owner /operator of numerous businesses including: Summerside Chrysler Dodge, Southshore Seafoods, and Frosty Treat Dairy Bar and Restaurant. Mr. Ellis is actively involved in his industry as a member of the PEI Automobile Dealers Association, Seafood Processing Association, Chamber of Commerce and Canadian Automobile Dealers Association.

Mr. Ellis has been very active in the community, with appointments that include the Prince County Hospital Foundation, Farm Credit Canada Board of Directors, Western School Board, and PEI Lending Agency.

Dr. Rosemary Herbert

Dr. Rosemary Herbert of Charlottetown, PEI, has had a long and distinguished nursing career. Over the course of her career she has worked as a staff nurse, assistant head nurse and head nurse at the PEI Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital. She also served as faculty member at the PEI School of Nursing; Assistant and Associate Professor at the PEI School of Nursing; Vice-President of Academic Development (Acting) as well as Dean of Nursing for the University of Prince Edward Island.

Dr. Herbert earned her PhD at McGill University and her Master of Nursing and Bachelor of Nursing degrees at Dalhousie University. Dr. Herbert was an active researcher leading a wide range of research projects during her career.

Sally Lockhart

Sally Lockhart of Coleman, PEI, is the owner of Spectrum Solutions, a consulting business that provides policy and program development, strategic planning, facilitation and project management services addressing community health issues, particularly in the area of the prevention of injuries. Ms. Lockhart has a background in social work and over her career has practiced in a variety of social service settings. She earned her Bachelor of Arts at Carleton University and Master of Social Work at McGill University.

Blaine MacPherson

Blaine MacPherson of Darlington, PEI, graduated from the University of Prince Edward Island in 1978 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. He dedicated his career to the agricultural sector with Cavendish Farms. He recently retired from Cavendish Farms as Vice President of Agricultural Affairs.

Mr. MacPherson is also the owner of Howmac Farms Ltd., a potato and standard bred horse farm. He is also actively involved in his community with the Darlington CIC, P.E.I. Harness Racing Industry Association, the Holland College Foundation Board of Directors as well as other volunteer organizations.

Media Contact: Amanda Hamel