The Niagara Health Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 24, saw the appointment of three new Directors. Niagara Health is pleased to welcome the following community leaders to the Board of Directors:
Dr. Chris McGrath is the Vice-President, Students at Niagara College. He has an impressive background with more than 25 years of higher education leadership experience, holding senior roles in public and private post-secondary institutions in Canada and the United States. Chris has earned several degrees, including a doctoral degree in educational leadership from Western University. He has served on the boards of national and local non-profit organizations, including those striving to improve the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth, people living with HIV/AIDS, and youth experiencing mental illness.When asked what motivated Chris to join the Niagara Health Board of Directors, he says “As a newcomer to the Niagara region and a leader in a public organization, I think it’s vitally important to contribute my knowledge and experience to a mission-driven organization with a razor-sharp focus on widening access and inclusion to healthcare. I’m looking forward to sharing my perspectives, insights and experiences with the Niagara Health Board of Directors.”
Ms. Shelley Tapp is a highly accomplished public service leader with more than 30 years of experience in provincial and municipal government. She has held senior roles in the Ontario Public Service, including Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, and the Ministry of Transportation and Chief Administrative Officer for the Ministries of Transportation and Infrastructure. She is currently the Vice President, Finance & Corporate Services and Board Secretary of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, a federal government Pan-Canadian Health Organization. Her expertise spans financial and strategic planning, controllership, program delivery, organizational development, transformational change and navigating complex government structures.
When asked what motivated Shelley to join the Niagara Health Board of Directors, she says, “As a long-time resident of St. Catharines, I am deeply honoured to serve on the Niagara Health Board and give back to my home community and our health system, which touches all who live here. My commitment is to work with the Board of Directors to ensure the best quality of health and wellness for the people living in the Niagara region and to contribute to advancing the goals and objectives of the Board as our health system continues to evolve and grow.”
Mr. Richard Ellis is a knowledgeable leader with more than 30 years of international business experience. He established the Ellis Strategy Group in 2019, where he specializes in executive coaching, reputation management programs, change management, cross-cultural communications and leadership development programs. Richard is a noted Diversity, Equity and Inclusion leader, strategist and facilitator, having been recognized as a Canadian Diversity Champion by Women of Influence Magazine. He is an experienced Board Director, most recently serving as the Chair of the ALS society of Canada.
When asked what motivated Richard to join the Board, he said, “I have always believed in giving back to my local community. As someone newer to the greater Niagara area, what better way to give back than to serve on the Board of Niagara Health.”
Niagara Health would also like to extend heartfelt gratitude to outgoing Board Members Gervan Fearon, Bill Maurin and Shane Malcolm for their outstanding service and extraordinary contributions to the Board of Directors.
The full list of volunteer Board members and their backgrounds can be found on the Niagara Health website.
