The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, which consists of 11 elected (voting) and nine ex-officio (non-voting) members.
The Board of Directors play an important leadership role in supporting the alliance’s strategic goals and directions, monitoring quality and overseeing financial resources while ensuring hospital services continue to meet the needs of our communities.
2024-2025 Board Meeting Schedule, Agenda & Minutes
The Board of Directors meets regularly throughout the year. All meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are open to the public. If you would like to attend a meeting or would like more information, please contact Sue Davey at 519-272-8205 or via email at susan.davey@hpha.ca
Date
|
Site |
Agenda |
September 5, 2024 |
Seaforth |
|
November 7, 2024 |
Clinton |
|
December 5, 2024 |
St. Marys |
|
February 6, 2025 |
Stratford |
|
March 6, 2025 |
Seaforth |
|
April 3, 2025 |
Clinton |
|
June 5, 2025 | Stratford | |
The HPHA Annual Meeting will be held on June 25, 2024 at the Mitchell Golf & County Club.
Past Meeting Minutes
Board Committees
Board Committees aid the Board of Directors in the fulfillment of its governance role. These Committees assist with the work of the Board and provide leadership and direction to the hospital’s executive, while overseeing key aspects of performance and management. Board Committees meet on a regular basis between Board Meetings.
Current Board Committees are listed below. Click on the committee name to read its terms of reference.
Governance Resources
The Board of Directors has a number of policies that guide the governance process. Below is a selection of current policies and resources.
Board Members - 2024/2025
John Wilkinson
Elected: June 17, 2021
John brings extensive leadership experience to his role as Chair of the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance Board of Directors. As a former MPP for Perth County and Cabinet Minister, he played a key role in establishing the HPHA and advocating for local hospitals.
John’s focus is ensuring productive board meetings that balance operational oversight with strategic planning to support exceptional patient care today and into the future. Inspired by HPHA’s collaborative spirit, he values the dedication of staff and volunteers who make a difference every day.
Now semi-retired, John stays busy serving on boards, mentoring young people, and enjoying time with his family and traveling.
Greg Stewart
Elected: June 17, 2021
Gregory is a lawyer practicing in Goderich, Ontario, with a focus on Municipal Law. A former member of the Clinton Local Advisory Committee (LAC), he represents the catchment area served by Clinton Public Hospital on the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance Board of Directors.
Gregory’s focus as a Board Member is on Governance and Resource issues, where he finds it rewarding to help drive progress and address key healthcare concerns. His commitment to the HPHA is inspired by the opportunity to shape meaningful changes in healthcare for the benefit of the community.
Stephen V. Hearn
Elected: June 23, 2016
Stephen brings extensive experience in sales and senior sales management to his role on the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance Board of Directors. His focus is working collaboratively with the Senior Management Team to support the delivery of exceptional healthcare to all constituents.
Stephen is inspired by the opportunity to contribute to incremental improvements within a heavily burdened healthcare system. Outside of his board responsibilities, he is active in the Masonic Lodge and Shriners and enjoys golfing in his free time.
Franklin Famme
Elected: June 13, 2024
Franklin is a senior partner at Famme & Co. Chartered Professional Accountants, bringing nearly 30 years of experience advising businesses and non-profits. His passion for community involvement led him to join the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance Board of Directors, where he combines his professional expertise with his commitment to volunteerism.
Franklin focuses on governance, ensuring the effective use of HPHA’s financial, physical, and human resources. He is inspired by the importance of a strong, stable healthcare system for the community, particularly in today’s challenging financial and political climate. Outside of his board role, Franklin enjoys community engagement, traveling with his wife Stephanie, and celebrating milestones with their adult children.
Ron Lavoie
Elected: June 23, 2016
Ron retired from Manulife Financial’s Real Estate Division, where he managed leasing, contractor projects, and branch relocations across Canada. After moving to Seaforth, he began volunteering with the Seaforth Community Hospital Foundation, which eventually led him to join the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance Board of Directors in 2016 as a Director representing the catchment area served by Seaforth Community Hospital.
Ron focuses on the governance of rural healthcare delivery, ensuring care remains accessible close to home. He is inspired by HPHA’s leadership and forward-thinking approach, which sets a strong example for rural hospitals in Ontario. Outside his board role, Ron enjoys family time with his children and grandchildren, as well as kayaking, sports, and exploring the community.
Barry Hutton
Elected: June 17, 2021
Barry retired in 2004 after a 32-year career that spanned finance and Human Resources, including extensive work in labor relations with union and non-union employees. His connection to the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance began through his wife’s involvement with the Seaforth Community Hospital Foundation and volunteers, eventually leading him to join the Board of Directors.
Barry’s focus as a Board Member includes labor and finance, and he values the dedication of those working to address complex healthcare challenges. He is inspired by the opportunity to provide governance that supports quality healthcare for the community. Outside his board role, Barry volunteers with organizations focused on creating safe and healthy environments for families.
Kathy Lewis
Elected: June 16, 2022
Kathy brings a wealth of experience to the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance Board of Directors, with a nursing degree, a master’s in public health, and a PhD in health policy. Her career spans acute care, home care, school nursing, academia, public health, and health policy. As a Director from the City of Stratford, Kathy was drawn to the Board by her passion for health systems and collaboration, and is honored to serve alongside dedicated and curious volunteers.
Her focus as a Board Member includes the intersections of acute care, long-term care, community services, and public health. She values identifying common ground and sharing governance practices, as seen in her work with Huron Perth and Area Ontario Health Team (HPA OHT) member organizations.
Inspired by HPHA’s mission, Collaborating for Exceptional Care, Kathy believes health depends on collaboration across the entire system. Outside the boardroom, she enjoys walking, reading, attending theatre, spending time with loved ones, and advocating for women's health.
Kerri Ann O’Rourke
Elected: June 22, 2017
Kerri Ann brings over 30 years of municipal administration experience, primarily as a Municipal Clerk, and co-owns a farm and trucking business in Huron County with her husband. She joined the Seaforth Local Advisory Committee in 2009 to give back to the community, which led to her role on the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance Board of Directors.
Kerri Ann focuses on fostering collaboration, recruiting healthcare professionals, and supporting the Quality & Social Accountability Committee. She finds it rewarding to know the Board’s work directly impacts the health and well-being of the four communities HPHA serves.
Outside the Board, Kerri Ann enjoys volunteering with the Seaforth Community Hospital Foundation, visiting family, and making time for reading, podcasts, and travel.
Kim Ross Jones
Elected: June 23, 2016
Kim holds a B.Sc. and an M.H.Sc. in Health Promotion with over a decade of experience in public health, specializing in community development, strategic planning, and program evaluation. Her commitment to improving healthcare and her community inspired her to join the HPHA Board as a Director representing the catchment area served by St. Marys Memorial Hospital.
As Chair of the Quality and Social Accountability Committee and a member of the Governance, Community Relations, and System Transformation Committee, Kim values collaboration and diverse perspectives to drive progress.
Outside of her board role, Kim enjoys supporting her daughters’ sports activities, volunteering with local organizations, and spending time outdoors with family and friends.
Bill Whetstone
Elected: June 13, 2024
Bill Whetstone is a Supply Chain Professional and a Member of Council for the Municipality of Bluewater. Committed to quality, accessible, and stable healthcare, he joined the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance Board of Directors to support this vital aspect of community life.
As a Board member, Bill focuses on quality care, social accountability, and good governance. He values the team’s dedication to patient-centered decisions and future-focused strategies, finding it rewarding to contribute to improving healthcare for the region.
Outside the Board, he prioritizes family, represents his community on council, and works to build a better future for his children and grandchildren.
Ex-Officio Directors
Dr. Kevin Lefebvre
Dr. Chuck Gatfield
Dr. Heather Percival
Dr. Ali Kara
Jim Battle
Lynanne Mason
Andrew Williams
Community Members on Board Committees
Joe Adams
John Bolton
Jeff Brick
Jennifer Cox
Danny Gall
Elizabeth Hill
Kevin Hulley
Wendy Hutton
Emma Vigil
Richard Seip