Dr. Vera Etches to Lead CHEO as New President and CEO

In a significant move for pediatric healthcare in Eastern Ontario, Dr. Vera Etches, Ottawa’s renowned medical officer of health, has been appointed as the new president and CEO of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), effective March 3, 2025. This transition comes at a pivotal time as the hospital gears up for substantial growth and expansion initiatives.

Dr. Etches has been a key figure in Ottawa’s public health landscape, particularly noted for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since taking the helm of Ottawa Public Health in 2018, she has garnered widespread respect for her dedication to public health and her tireless efforts to safeguard the community’s health.

Jo-Anne Poirier, chair of CHEO's Board of Directors, expressed the board's enthusiasm about Dr. Etches's appointment, highlighting her extensive experience as a crucial asset for the hospital’s future development. "Her experience, passion, and dedication to improving health for everyone makes her an ideal person to lead us into the future," Poirier stated in a recent announcement.

As she steps into her role at CHEO, Dr. Etches will not only oversee daily operations but also champion patient care in both hospital settings and the community. She will play an integral part in advancing pioneering research and innovative healthcare solutions, as well as advocating for children's health needs across the region.

CHEO is currently preparing for a transformative decade ahead with plans for a staggering $818 million renovation project. This initiative aims to expand the emergency department, upgrade operating facilities, and enhance mental health services, responding to the increasing needs of children and families.

Dr. Etches's qualifications are impressive; her career includes roles such as deputy medical officer of health from 2014 to 2017 and associate medical officer of health for Ottawa Public Health from 2009 to 2014. Before her illustrious tenure in Ottawa, she worked at the Sudbury and District Health Unit, enriching her expertise in public health and preventative medicine. Additionally, she serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Ottawa in the Faculty of Medicine, reflecting her commitment to educating future healthcare leaders.

"I am honoured to be joining CHEO and to have the opportunity to lead such a remarkable organization," Dr. Etches remarked. "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."

In the meantime, Dr. Lindy Samson will continue her role as interim president and CEO until Dr. Etches officially takes over. CHEO remains the sole children’s hospital in Eastern Ontario, also providing critical services to families from northern Ontario, western Quebec, and Nunavut, making it a vital healthcare resource for hundreds of thousands of children each year.

As Dr. Etches prepares for this new chapter, the community eagerly anticipates the innovative changes and compassionate care she will bring to CHEO.