Haliburton Highlands Health Services

Dr. Jan Walker has been appointed to the position of chair of the executive committee of the board of directors for Haliburton Highlands Health Services, following the resignation of David Gray. 

Walker has been a member of the HHHS board of directors since 2015, most recently serving as vice-chair, and has also previously served as chair of the quality committee. A resident of Minden Hills, Walker has a PhD in epidemiology and is a principal in Belcourt Partners Inc., an independent health care consulting firm. She brings extensive experience with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, LHINs and hospitals to the role.

“We are very grateful to David Gray for his dedicated service to the Board of Directors and HHHS since 2016,” said Walker in a statement. “Under his leadership, the organization has persevered through the historic challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, while continuing to deliver the high-quality health care services upon which our community relies. As chair of the finance committee and then vice-chair of the board, prior to becoming chair, David also helped ensure HHHS maintained a balanced financial position.”

Walker noted that the board of directors will continue to provide leadership and oversight for HHHS

as it works to finish the fight against COVID-19, invest in its staff and physicians, advance partnerships, build the organization’s capacity to thrive, and transform the health services experience.

Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce 

The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce has announced its new board of directors and executive committee for 2021 – 2022. 

The 2021/2022 Board of Directors are:

• Mark Bell (President), independent businessperson

• Joe Cox (1st Vice President), Thomas Contracting

• Simon Payn (2nd Vice President), The Highlander

• Lisa Tompkins (Secretary), Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation

• Greg Hebert (Treasurer), Oakview Lodge & Marina

• Melissa Valentini, Up Right Roofing Inc.

• Terri Matthews-Carl, Rhubarb Restaurant

• Nick Folco, The Noble Barber

• Amy Joanu, Beauty Basics by Amy

• Joy Shikaze, MJS Communications

• Ron May, mortgage broker

Mark Bell will be president of the board, taking the position on from Andrea Strano. Previously, he held the position of board secretary. 

“I am pleased to help our businesses transition and thrive as we emerge from this pandemic,” said Bell. “We have several new board members representing a variety of business segments within the county. The Chamber plays an important role delivering services to and advocating for local business.”

Strano will remain on the board in the role of past president to support the incoming board. A press release from the Chamber said that Andrea’s commitment and dedication to the Chamber “have been second-to-none during her five years on the board.”

-Staff