Michael Barrett is interim CEO of South Bruce Grey Health Centre

Michael Barrett (above), former chief executive officer (CEO) of the South West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), is now the interim CEO of the South Bruce Grey Health Centre which has hospitals in Kincardine, Walkerton, Chesley and Durham.

The announcement was released Aug. 14, in a memo to health care organizations and other stakeholders, by board chairman Larry Allison.

Barrett began with the health centre Monday, on a contract basis, as an independent contractor.

“Many of you will know Michael (Barrett) from his role as CEO of the South West LHIN,” states Allison, in the memo. “He provided senior leadership to the South West LHIN for more than 10 years and has most recently been consulting for other LHINs, including the North East and South East LHINs.

“He brings a wealth of knowledge from his experience with responsibilities for more than 150 health service providers in the province. He is looking forward to the opportunity to work with the health centre’s staff, physicians, volunteers and board to support the hospital’s progressive work.”

Allison states that the health centre board’s Recruitment Task Force has selected an executive search firm to oversee the recruitment of the hospital’s next CEO.

“A key part of our strategy involves active outreach to our stakeholders to gather input for the development of the CEO position profile,” he states. “This information will guide us as we seek our next leader.”

Former health centre president and CEO, Paul Rosebush, resigned in June to pursue a career opportunity in Toronto as the CEO of a prominent social services agency.