ST. JOHN’S – As of May 5, Don Keats will step in as acting president and CEO at Eastern Health, the largest health authority in Newfoundland and Labrador. Keats has been named to the position following the departure of Vickie Kaminski, who has been appointed president and CEO of Alberta Health Services.

Keats will take over the role of president and CEO until Eastern Health’s board of trustees selects a permanent replacement for Kaminski. The board has hired Four Corners Group, an executive search firm, to assist in that work – expected to be completed over the next four months.

“Mr. Keats has extensive experience in the health sector, having previously served in many leadership capacities in healthcare organizations across the country and most recently was the deputy minister of the Department of Health and Community Services here in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Michael O’Keefe, chair of the Eastern Health board of trustees.

“We welcome him to Eastern Health and look forward to his leadership as we continue to provide healthcare services across the region.”

Keats has experience in the role of CEO at three former healthcare organizations: Central West Health Corporation, General Hospital Corporation in St. John’s, and Grand Falls and District Health Board.

“(He) has also served as CEO of Queensway-Carleton Hospital in Ottawa, assistant deputy minister of the Department of Health and Community Services in Newfoundland and Labrador, and assistant deputy minister with the Nova Scotia Department of Health. He has experience serving on various boards, including the Newfoundland and Labrador Hospital and Nursing Home Association, the Canadian Health Care Association and the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information.”