Executive exodus continues at Shared Health with three recent departures

Manitoba’s provincial health authority is seeking its fourth chief financial officer since 2023 following the recent departures of three executives. Shared Health hasn’t disclosed the reasons behind the exits of former corporate services vice-president Ken Klassen and Georgina Veldhorst, vice-president of quality, strategy, and performance.

Ben Fry stepped down as chief operating officer of mental health and addictions in July. Klassen accepted an early retirement offer on July 21. Veldhorst’s departure timing wasn’t ideal, but she accepted a position opportunity. Klassen, who joined Shared Health in 2023, described the CFO role as challenging, especially when combined with corporate services responsibilities.

He praised the leadership of former CEO Lanette Siragusa and interim CEO Dr. Chris Christodoulou, who aimed to change the culture. Klassen attributed the high turnover to CEOs and CFOs, stating it makes growth and improvements challenging. Shared Health, with over 18,000 employees, was established in 2018 to oversee provincial planning, health services, and operational support for Manitoba’s health system.

The NDP government, elected in 2023, aimed to reduce Shared Health’s administrative costs and allocate funds to front-line care. Premier Wab Kinew removed eight percent of Shared Health’s senior management during his first year. Shared Health employs many members of the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals, who expressed concerns about the frequent changes in senior leadership.