Lawrence Chomos has been appointed the new Chairperson of the Sunrise Regional Health Authority.
The appointment was announced in mid-December by the provincial government.
Chomos has performed the duties of Acting Chairperson for Sunrise Regional Health Authority since August 2012, following the resignation of Greg Kobylka due to increased commitments outside of his role as Board Chairperson.
"I was really pleased," Chomos said of the appointment. "I've enjoyed my past experience on the Board. I've been really pleased by what I've seen."
Chomos said he believes the Board has a good rapport with administrative personnel and are working smoothly to carry out the work of the Authority.
"The Board is very capable," he said, adding it is "a matter of engaging them," in the processes associated with governing the local health authority.
Chomos has served on the Sunrise Regional Health Authority since 2007 with many years of prior experience on the boards of St. Anthony's Hospital and the former North Valley Health District. Chomos is an educator whose career has included positions at the school and senior administration levels in Alberta and Saskatchewan as well as Regional and Regional Director of Education in Saskatoon. Currently, he is a consultant with the Saskatchewan Education Leadership Unit at the University of Saskatchewan.
Chomos said he believes his past experience in both health and education at the administrative and board level is a real strong asset.
Looking ahead Chomos said he sees the Board having to adapt as things change within the region based on changing demographics, health needs and expectations, all needing to be measured against provincial mandates and financial considerations.
"We know there is much work to be done," he said, noting that means putting checks and balances in place in order to keep change within perspective.
" We'll need new and creative ways of dealing with the challenges."
Donald Rae of Yorkton was also announced as Vice-Chairperson.
Rae, a Sunrise Regional Health Authority member, since April 2011, is a businessman and President and CEO of Crusader Drilling Corp who has served as chairperson of a publicly traded oil company board and a drilling company board. Rae was elected to the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce in November 2010, and his experience includes past leadership positions on boards for minor sports and recreation.
Both Chomos and Rae's appointments are effective immediately with terms extending to May 17, 2015.
Board members confirmed for terms extending to May 17, 2015, are: Shirley Wolfe-Keller of Invermay, Dave Schappert of Langenburg, Walter Streelasky of Melville, Murray Dalton of Preeceville, Gordon Gendur of Yorkton, and Janet Hill and Doris Kopelchuk both of Canora.
