KEMPTVILLE, Ont. – The Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Frank J. Vassallo (pictured) as the hospital’s new Chief Executive Officer. Vassallo comes to KDH from a Vice President role at OntarioMD, a Toronto-based subsidiary of the Ontario Medical Association that helps physicians implement Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) to improve the quality of patient care.

“We are delighted that Frank will be joining the organization,” said Lis Angus, Chair of the Board of Directors. “With more than two decades of experience in both private and public health service administration, he brings a demonstrated ability to lead with vision, strategy and focus.”

Previously he served as President of healthcare consultancy Synergy Health Service Solutions Inc. of St. Catharine’s, Ontario. Vassallo’s public sector experience includes three positions with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, most recently as Director, Planning and Support for the Central South Region.

Vassallo has a Master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Dalhousie University, as well as a Master’s degree in Communication Management from McMaster University and Syracuse University.

“These are challenging times for healthcare in Ontario,” said Angus. “We look forward to Frank’s leadership on key strategic initiatives relating to patient care and KDH’s role both in the community and within the health system.”

Vassallo will take up his duties in October. “I am excited and honoured to assume the CEO role and to be working with a great team committed to building healthier communities,” he said. “I believe a key aspect of that commitment is building strong collaborative relationships in our community and region.”

Angus expressed her thanks to Michel Bilodeau, who served as Interim CEO while the KDH Board conducted an active search to fill the role vacated by former CEO Colin Goodfellow at the end of March.

“We are grateful for the leadership and support Michel provided to the hospital’s dedicated and hardworking staff during this time of transition,” she said. “We wish him well as he returns to semi-retirement and are honoured that he chose KDH for his first small hospital experience.”

“This is an exciting time for KDH,” she concluded. “Over the past decade our small rural hospital has transitioned into a health services hub serving the local needs of North Grenville and South Ottawa, while making a contribution to regional health issues.

“Our gains for patients have included building a regional orthopaedic surgery program, adding convalescent care, and growing our services for people with chronic conditions like diabetes. The Board believes that Frank will build on these achievements and help us write a new chapter of patient care as we continue our work of building healthier communities.”

About Kemptville District Hospital
Kemptville District Hospital is accredited with Exemplary Standing, the highest ranking bestowed by Accreditation Canada. Committed to building healthier communities, we are a model of hospital-led integrated health services within the provincial health system. Kemptville District Hospital consistently ranks among the top hospitals in Ontario for both patient and employee satisfaction. We pride ourselves on being a good partner within the system. Kemptville District Hospital provides primary care management services, acute care hospital services, and advanced orthopaedic care.