For Immediate Release
Tuesday, August 30, 2022 | 10:30 a.m. | Windsor and Essex County
After more than a year leading the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) through the continued COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Executive Officer Nicole Dupuis has announced her resignation for personal and family reasons. Nicole joined the WECHU in January 2014 as Director of Health Promotion and became the Chief Executive Officer in July 2021. During Nicole’s tenure with the WECHU, she has spearheaded a number of important public health initiatives including the creation of the Windsor-Essex Community Opioid and Substance Strategy, the Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, the reintroduction of fluoride, and the local implementation of the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program.
Reflecting on her time with the WECHU, Dupuis is overwhelmed with gratitude and shares messages of optimism to the team at the WECHU and the community as a whole, “It has been my honour and privilege to serve the residents of Windsor and Essex County for the past nine years. The Health Unit is a cohesive team of more than 200 public health professionals and leaders who will continue to lead and transform public health in our community. I am incredibly grateful to have been a part of such an exceptional group of people and thankful to the Board of Health for their support and guidance. With strong partnership in the broader health sector, community, and the newly formed partnership with the University of Windsor, the WECHU is well positioned for ongoing success.”
Over the next few weeks, the Board of Health will focus on the recruitment for a permanent CEO. To ensure continuity, the Board has appointed Eleanor Groh as interim CEO. Eleanor, a former Manager, Director and Board member of the WECHU, is an experienced nursing leader familiar with the Health Unit operations and the work of the WECHU. She and Dupuis will work closely together over the next month until Nicole’s departure and until a permanent replacement is identified. Dr. Nesathurai continues as the Acting Medical Officer of Health and will work hand in hand with the Board through the transition. Board of Health Chair, Gary McNamara extends his appreciation to Nicole for her time with the WECHU and feels strongly that the next several months will bring opportunity for future growth under new leadership. “On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Nicole for her service and her leadership through a challenging 14 months. Nicole has set a course for a bright organizational future, and I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.”