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Don Newsham appointed CEO of COACH

TORONTO – COACH, Canada’s Health Informatics Association, has announced the appointment of Don Newsham (pictured, at left) as the association’s inaugural Chief Executive Officer. “This appointment represents an important step in COACH’s strategic evolution,” said Shelagh Maloney, President and Board Chair.

“COACH, like the health informatics industry itself, is undergoing unprecedented growth and change,” said Maloney. “This appointment will ensure strong and consistent operational leadership and continued growth. I am confident that COACH will benefit greatly from Don’s experience, energy and passion.”

Reporting directly to the Board, Don will play a key leadership role in advancing the association’s priorities, which include: promoting the health informatics professional agenda in Canada; strengthening COACH’s organizational capacity to effectively serve its membership; and enhancing membership services.

Don brings over 25 years experience in the health sector to this pivotal role. In the public sector, he has excellent health care experience at the hospital, regional and provincial government levels.

In the private sector, Don held the position of National Health Practice Director for Sierra Systems, with whom he will continue as a consultant on a part-time basis. He has also served COACH well as Past President.

Currently, Don chairs an ISO TC215 Working Group on the Electronic Health Record data standards, co-Chairs the Canadian Advisory Committee and is the Canadian Head of Delegation to the ISO Health Informatics TC215.

Don holds a Computer Science degree from University of Manitoba and a degree in Health Administration from the Canadian School of Management.

With his extensive experience and knowledge combined with his passion and zest for strategic development in Health Informatics, we welcome Don as the inaugural COACH CEO.

As well, BASE Consulting and Management Inc. has been appointed COACH’s new association management agency effective September 1, 2006.

BASE Consulting and Management Inc., is a full-service, multilingual association management and consulting agency with a wealth of international expertise and experience in strategic planning, project management and conference organization for the association, not-for-profit, government and corporate sectors.

Renee Levine (pictured, at left), a senior member of the BASE team, has been appointed COACH’s Executive Director. Renee has expertise in providing strategic input, marketing and hands-on management. Renee will work closely with Don Newsham, CEO, as well as the COACH Board of Directors to further the aims and goals of COACH.