New president and chief executive officer appointed

WINNIPEG – Following the conclusion of a local and national recruitment effort, Mr. Milton Sussman (pictured) has been appointed president and chief executive officer (CEO) for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority effective October 15, 2015.

“I am pleased to welcome Mr. Sussman into the role of president and CEO,” said Dr. Jerry Gray, chair of the board of directors.

“Milton has a wealth of experience in senior administrative roles across healthcare, government, and the not-for-profit sector. He has a keen understanding of our organization and of the health system both provincially and nationally.

“He also has a deep respect for patients, residents, and families, and I am confident he will provide the leadership necessary to move our health region forward and further strengthen the quality of the services we provide.”

Interim president and CEO, Ms. Lori Lamont, will be returning to her previous position as vice president, inter-professional practice and chief nursing officer for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

“I want to thank Lori for her leadership during the interim period,” said Dr. Gray. “This position, whether interim or otherwise, is a challenging one. Her commitment and leadership during this time enabled our organization to continue its strategic planning and continue delivering health services that are essential for our many patients, residents, and clients across our health region.”

Ms. Arlene Wilgosh, previous president and CEO, retired in the spring. The board of directors undertook a national recruitment process to select the new president and CEO which solicited significant local and national interest.

Mr. Milton Sussman has devoted most of his professional life to healthcare and not-for-profit administration. He has held senior administrative positions in healthcare including Deputy Minister of Health & Healthy Living with the Province of Manitoba, and vice president of long term care and chief allied health officer with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

Mr. Sussman was most recently clerk of the executive council and cabinet secretary with the Province of Manitoba.

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority is responsible for co-ordinating and delivering health services, and promoting well-being within the Winnipeg and Churchill geographical areas.

With approximately 28,000 people working within the Region and an annual operating budget of $2.6 billion, it is the largest health authority in Manitoba.

The health authority serves residents of the city of Winnipeg as well as the northern community of Churchill, and the rural municipalities of East and West St. Paul, representing a total population of over 700,000. The health authority also provides support and specialty referral services to nearly half a million Manitobans who live beyond these boundaries, as well as residents of northwestern Ontario and Nunavut.