The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance's interim management team wants to walk before it runs, as it works through governance and management changes.
Following the appointment of Supervisor Rob Devitt, the CKHA has seen significant turnaround, including the departure of its CEO Colin Patey and COO Sarah Padfield.
Now, Devitt and Interim CEO Ken Deane are on the hunt for a new chief executive officer.
"I want to make sure there's the maximum amount of overlap between Ken, the incoming CEO and me," says Devitt. "I think it's a great opportunity to mentor and develop."
Deane is slated to serve as interim CEO for around four-to-six months. But he says that number is flexible, because he wants to ensure the new CEO will understand what management is trying to build at the CKHA.
A third-party firm, Waterhouse Executive Search, is helping with the hiring process. Devitt adds they're also asking members of the hospital community, both staff and patients, for input on the new CEO.
"It's got to be done by talking to many members, so they have been calling around speaking to people, and we've gotten some really good feedback on the kinds of competencies we want in a CEO," says Devitt.
The process has included a social media campaign as well. Below is a video highlighting staff and community members, speaking on the new hire in their own words.
@DrEricHoskins We are searching for our next President and CEO... know anyone? https://t.co/6oLOgM4kg5
— CKHA (@ckhamedia) November 2, 2016
The search is happening at a time when Deane and Devitt are wading through governance and financial reforms.
Devitt, acting as the alliance's three boards, has met with senior staff to work out how the CKHA's governing bodies will be running in the future. Deane adds they'll be looking to nail down an equipment renewal program in the near future.
The executives also confirm they'll make it a priority to achieve a balanced budget next year. Right now the CKHA is looking at an approximate $2-million deficit.