Dr. Vera Etches appointed head of CHEO

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Dr. Vera Etches, who shepherded Ottawa residents through the COVID-19 pandemic as medical officer of health, has been appointed president and CEO of CHEO.

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The board of directors of the Eastern Ontario regional children’s hospital made the announcement Wednesday after a months-long search for a replacement for Alex Munter.

Munter left the job he held for 13 years at the beginning of October. Etches will take on the role as of March 3, 2025.

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In a statement, the hospital said Etches’ “stellar reputation, extensive experience managing large, complex organizations and success navigating major health crises like the pandemic were key factors in the board’s decision.” Her leadership of a major health-care organization with broad community reach and strong relationships with numerous community and political partners have “prepared her well” for the challenges of the job.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Etches to CHEO. Her experience, passion and dedication to improving health for everyone make her an ideal person to lead us into the future,” said CHEO board chair Jo-Anne Poirier.

Etches was not immediately available for an interview, but said in a statement she was honoured to be joining CHEO. “CHEO is synonymous with exceptional compassionate care and groundbreaking research. I look forward to working with the CHEO team to build on this legacy and ensure that CHEO continues to meet the growing needs of kids today and tomorrow.”

Etches, who was appointed medical officer of health for Ottawa Public Health in 2018 after serving several years as deputy. She led Ottawa Public Health through an unprecedented public health emergency, sometimes issuing public health advice that wasn’t popular. She has also been at the helm during a period of increasing demand from issues including the toxic drug crisis, and chronically tight budgets.

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