Dr. Vera Etches has been appointed the new president and CEO of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), the hospital announced Wednesday, effective March 3, 2025.
Etches has served in her current role as head of Ottawa Public Health since 2018 and was the city’s chief medical officer during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A news release from CHEO cited Etches’ years of experience managing large organizations and navigating crises like the pandemic, as well as community outreach.
“I am honoured to be joining CHEO and to have the opportunity to lead such a remarkable organization,” said Etches in the release. “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.”
Etches’ “experience, passion, and dedication to improving health for everyone” made her the “ideal” choice, said Jo-Anne Poirier, chair of CHEO Board of Directors.
Alex Munter, who worked at CHEO for 13 years and was the longest-serving president and CEO, resigned earlier this fall. He has since joined the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) as CEO. Dr. Lindy Samson, CHEO’s current interim president and CEO, will remain in the role until Etches starts her new position in March.
