The Sunrise Health Region's search for a new chief executive officer ended last week with the appointment of interim CEO Suann Laurent to the permanent position.
The health region has been without a permanent CEO for nearly a year since the departure of Joe Kirwan last July.
Laurent, the region's former senior vice-president of health services, took over immediately for the interim period.
It wasn't until February that the search process for Kirwan's official replacement began. Sunrise board chair Greg Kobylka reports that the health authority received 25 applications in its nationwide search.
"We had a good representation from across the country."
In the end, says Kobylka, Laurent was the candidate who stood out.
"Everything came down to qualifications: her vast knowledge of the healthcare system, her ability, and the experience that followed her."
Suann Laurent's background is in nursing and healthcare management. She has worked in executive-level positions in the former Assiniboine Valley Health District and the current Sunrise Health Region for the past 15 years.
Kobylka says the administration anticipates a smooth transition as Laurent settles into the permanent role. The health region's operations have not been slowed at all during the interim period, according to the board chair.
"That's the nice part. Suann has been a very active interim CEO."
"We're extremely proud of her accomplishments, and we look forward to working with her for many years."
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