RENFREW COUNTY (Renfrew) — In order to fulfill their responsibilities to ensure the continued progress and success of Renfrew Victoria Hospital (RVH) and St. Francis Memorial Hospital (SFMH) into the future, the respective Boards of Directors have announced approval of a succession plan.
“Following the announcement of Randy Penney’s retirement as CEO in June 2020, it is important that we have a plan in place to transition leadership of our hospitals. It will assure stability and minimize risk, and is also an important function of accreditation. With our plan, we are confident that our organizations will be well positioned to continue the effective strategies and commitment to quality that have led to a longstanding record of success,” stated RVH Board Chair Keanan Stone.
“Over the past number of months, I have worked with our respective Boards and received strong endorsement that they have been pleased with the progress our organizations have enjoyed. They have provided me with input and clarity on what they would like to see in the form of Senior Leadership for the next number of years. The succession plan approved by both Boards will ensure a smooth transition and significantly reduce corporate risks,” Penney indicated.
Effective immediately, Julia Boudreau, current Vice President of Corporate Services, will assume the newly created role of Senior Vice President.
“I am pleased to see Julia take on this new role,” said Penney. “I am confident that with her clinical background, understanding of the hospital at the operational level, and knowledge of our stakeholders she will provide great leadership.”
Penney will mentor Boudreau as she takes on additional responsibility at the board level, with medical staff, and at regional meetings, and nurtures the external relationships necessary to the CEO role. Penney will then become a Strategic Advisor to the hospitals and foundations and Boudreau will become the CEO of both RVH and SFMH.
“The SFMH Board welcomes Julia. With almost 20 years of senior management and leadership experience, combined with her knowledge of and passion for the healthcare system, she is an excellent choice to fill the role of Chief Executive Officer,” said Joanne King, SFMH Board Chair.
Boudreau, who lives in Renfrew with her family, completed her studies at the University of Ottawa, first as a Registered Nurse, followed by a Masters of Heath Administration. She joined RVH in 1991 as Utilization Coordinator before becoming the first Nurse Manager of the Regional Hemodialysis Program from 1993 to 2000. In 2000, she took on the role of VP of Corporate Services.
In addition, Boudreau is a graduate of the Champlain LHIN Senior Leadership Development Program and is the executive contact for the Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association (EORLA), the Ottawa Hospital and Region Imaging Associates (OHRIA), the Champlain LHIN Diagnostic Imaging Community of Practice, and the Addictions Treatment Service (ATS) regional program. Most recently she has taken on the senior administrative lead role for the ‘Highway 60’ Ontario Health Team submission, which includes more than 20 local partner organizations.
Over the span of her career she has provided administrative leadership to the Board in strategic planning, coached and mentored new managers, produced many high-quality projects on budget and on time and negotiated successfully with unions.
“Julia’s leadership and support of our Strategic Plan and policy development, capital project management, and HR/union experience demonstrate sound leadership, organizational, communications, and negotiating skills, all of which will all be beneficial in her new position,” commented Penney.
“It is an incredible honour to be chosen for the role of Senior Vice President at RVH with the longer-term plan to become the CEO of both RVH and SFMH. I look forward to continuing the legacy of high-quality healthcare services for our communities that Randy has built through visionary leadership, innovation and integration,” said Boudreau.
Over the fall, recruitment for a replacement Vice President of Corporate Services will begin.
