The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) found the final piece in its puzzle to complete the board of directors in the form of a Prairie boy with lots of local experience.
Alan Wildeman was elected to fill the last position at the CKHA's Annual Meeting on June 28 and will assume his post at the next board meeting in September.
CKHA Board Chair Greg Aarssen said Wildeman is an ideal complement to the group.
"The culmination of his years as an executive lead, as well as his academic pursuits and committee memberships, are well suited to a position on CKHA's Board and speak to the high-calibre Board Members CKHA continues to recruit," Aarssen said. "Wildeman joins an exceptional board with members committed to guiding CKHA in accordance with our Mission, Vision and Values."
According to a release from the CKHA, Wildeman was born and raised in rural Saskatchewan and spent more than 30 years in Southwestern Ontario. He recently retired from his post as President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Windsor, where he oversaw a major capital and academic renewal plan including the development of new campus locations in the city centre.
He also spent time at the University of Guelph, serving as the Vice-President of Research.
The new board member conducted research on tumour-causing viruses in France which earned him a NATO Fellowship. He holds a Bachelor and Masters of Science from the University of Saskatchewan and a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Guelph.
The release said Wildeman has experience serving on provincial and national advisory committees and continually works to create stronger ties between communities and businesses.
Wildeman joins 11 other elected directors on the board.