Exciting New Chapter for Health Care in Waterloo Region: WRHN Announces Inaugural Board of Directors
Kitchener, ON – April 7, 2025 – The Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) is pleased to announce the formation of its inaugural Board of Directors, marking another milestone following the successful merger of St. Mary’s General Hospital and Grand River Hospital on April 1, 2025.
With the appointment of Ron Gagnon as President & CEO, WRHN is poised to deliver exceptional health care as one unified organization. The newly established Board of Directors will play a pivotal role in guiding the network’s strategic direction, ensuring continued excellence in patient care and support for the growing needs of the Waterloo Region community.
“We are incredibly excited about the future of health care in our region. With the expertise of our new Board, we are confident in our ability to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, and to provide the highest quality of care to those we serve,” says Ron Gagnon, President & CEO of WRHN.
Prior to the merger, four members from each legacy organization’s Board were appointed to be responsible for key decisions regarding the future WRHN Hospital, including the selection of the President & CEO and the addition of new community leaders to the Board. The newly appointed Board of Directors will play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of this newly unified organization, setting strategic priorities, and overseeing the development of key initiatives, including the long-term vision for a new hospital to better serve the growing needs of the community.
The inaugural WRHN Board of Directors includes:
- Tim Rollins, Co-Chair
- Sandra Hanmer, Co-Chair
- Ron Gagnon, Secretary
- Garth Cressman, Director
- Janet Davidson, Director
- Melinda Gorgenyi, Director
- Dr. Gunit Kang, Director
- Dr. Andreas Laupacis, Director
- Angelo Loberto, Director
- Oluseun Olayinka, Director
- Janet Peddigrew, Director
- Dr. Peter Potts, Director
- Tarique Plummer, Director
- Stephanie Ratza, Director
- Kate Robertson-Cain, Director
- Jamie Schlegel, Director
The diverse experience and perspectives these leaders bring—from health care to business, finance, and governance—will be invaluable as WRHN transforms acute care and builds for the future, while continuing to prioritize patient care, staff development, and community well-being.
In the coming months, WRHN will also recruit additional Directors and several community committee members to further strengthen its governance team.
“Together, this distinguished group will ensure that we remain focused on our mission of providing high-quality, compassionate care, while also fostering an environment where our staff can excel,” says Tim Rollins, WRHN Board Co-Chair.
“These Directors bring incredible experience to WRHN at a foundational time in our history—as we merge two hospitals with long and proud histories of care and compassion for this community and look for new opportunities to meet the needs of a Region that is growing exponentially,” says Sandra Hanmer, WRHN Board Co-Chair.
WRHN is thrilled to embark on this new chapter and looks forward to a future of innovation, collaboration, and improved health care delivery for the Waterloo Region.
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Media Contact
Dayna Giorgio
Director, Strategic Communications
Waterloo Regional Health Network
dgiorgio@smgh.ca
519-895-6540
About Waterloo Regional Health Network
Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) represents the merger of St. Mary’s General Hospital and Grand River Hospital into a single, integrated health-care organization. Building on over 90 years of partnership, WRHN brings the strengths of both Hospitals together and is home to seven regional programs and comprehensive health-care services to meet the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond. WRHN is redefining the health-care experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered community-driven health care. At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities.
Learn more at WRHN.ca.