Jennifer Witty has been appointed vice-president, people relations and corporate affairs at Health Sciences North. She brings 24 years of experience to HSN.
Witty will lead human resources, occupational health and safety, leadership and learning, communications and community engagement, and board governance.
She assumes the position from Rhonda Watson, who retired in December after 28 years at HSN, with the last eight years as vice-president.
She currently serves as superintendent of human resources systems, Ontario Operations at Vale Canada Limited. She served as group leader for organizational development, group leader for compensation, benefits and staff relations, and strategic project manager for North America/United Kingdom.
“HSN plays such an important role in our community and it is truly an honour to be joining the organization in this role,” said Witty.
“It is an exceptional team with clear direction to champion one of the five key goals of its 2019-2024 Strategic Plan: to support and develop our people. I'm excited to get to work.”
A certified human resources leader, Witty holds a Bachelor of Arts from McMaster University and a Master of Business Administration from Laurentian University.
She chaired the board of governors of Laurentian University, served on the Ernie Checkeris Public School parent council and on the boards of the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, the Laurentian University Alumni Association and the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation.
“We are thrilled to welcome a human resources executive of Ms. Witty's caliber to HSN,” said HSN President and CEO Dominic Giroux.
“Jennifer will play a key role in the implementation of our new Human Capital Management System going live by 2022, of a staff and physician wellness program and in the expansion of our staff and leadership development offerings — three specific outcomes outlined in our Strategic Plan.”
The appointment follows a national search that attracted a competitive pool of 36 candidates. Witty's appointment was recommended unanimously by a nine-member Advisory Search Committee that included representation from the HSN board, senior leadership, direct reports, clinical directors, medical staff, union presidents, and patient and family advisors.
The process was informed by input provided last September by 68 HSN leaders, Board members, patient and family advisors and external partners on the desired attributes of the new appointee.
Witty will join HSN on Feb. 3.
