NEWS RELEASE
WAYPOINT CENTRE FOR MENTAL HEALTH CARE
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With a new Strategic Plan, Waypoint is thrilled to welcome three new members to its Board of Directors to help lead the way to the future of mental health care.
Elisabeth Riley comes to Waypoint with a long career in healthcare, as a physiotherapist, educator, and as a healthcare executive, having served on many boards including research institutes. Elisabeth is well known in our region as the former President & CEO at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. Since her retirement in 2014 she has been an active in politics and volunteering.
Gail Czukar was a lawyer in the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, General Counsel and Executive Vice-President at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and interim CEO for organizations in the primary care, supportive housing, and mental health sectors. She served recently as CEO of Addictions and Mental Health Ontario, and continues to be involved with Fred Victor in downtown Toronto, a community-based organization devoted to ending homelessness.
Steve Parry is a local resident with a vast experience in governance holding Board Chair positions in public, private and not for profit organizations. He still maintains Director positions on a number of boards and is currently the President at Skara Brae Strategy Consultants Ltd.
“Our three newest Board members bring extensive experience in health care, mental health and addictions, and board governance,” says Carol Lambie, Waypoint President and CEO. “Their expertise and knowledge will compliment that of our existing members to transform our future, one that goes beyond mental health to support body, mind and spirit.”
Waypoint extends its sincerest thanks as to our outgoing Chair John Barrett-Hamilton.
“John was the inaugural Chair of the Waypoint Board in 2008 and following his retirement remained an avid supporter and donor,” says Lambie. “He returned as Chair in 2017 and his leadership and tireless advocacy for mental health and addictions and our fundraising efforts is immeasurable. John has certainly made a difference and we thank him for all he has done.”
Stepping back into the role of Board Chair is Betty Valentine. “Betty has been a valued board member and volunteer of Waypoint since divestment in 2008,” says Lambie. “Betty’s contributions to this hospital over the last 12 years are immeasurable and her leadership will enable us to meet our strategic goals.”
Betty is retired from the Town of Penetanguishene where she was employed as Municipal Treasurer. She has long history of volunteer service, having been a member of many local boards including the North Simcoe Catholic Family Life Centre, Hospice Huronia and Huronia District Hospital Board among others.
Joining Betty as Vice-Chairs are Dr. Howard Barbaree and Ernest Vaillancourt, both of whom were appointed to the Board in 2019.
Howard, a psychologist and research clinician, was Waypoint’s inaugural Vice-President of Research and Academics and has extensive knowledge of the mental health system including forensic mental health care. Ernest is also no stranger to Waypoint, having served for many years as the area’s French Language Services Coordinator. Ernest’s knowledge and extensive history in health care will support our efforts toward French Language Service provision.
Waypoint has also released its Annual Report for 2019/2020. To read the report please visit www.waypointcentre.ca.
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