Manitoba’s Prairie Mountain Health Region has a new Chief Executive Officer.

The Board of Directors of Prairie Mountain Health announced Brian Schoonbaert will take over for Penny Gilson, who will retire effective May 31st after 9 years at the helm.

Acting PMH Board Chairperson Mark Frison says in a news release that Schoonbaert comes in with a “wealth of experience” in both the provincial health care sector and within the health region.

Schoonbaert was the former CEO of the Brandon Regional Health Authority before it merged with the Assiniboine and Parkland Regional Health Authorities in 2012, and has held multiple executive roles within Prairie Mountain Health since then.

In a news release, Schoonbaert says he is excited for the for the opportunity.

“I am looking forward to reconnecting and engaging once again with the staff at PMH after my secondment to the Transformation Management Office (TMO).” Schoonbaert said.

“I enter this new role knowing that I am not performing it alone, but rather alongside an incredible team of 7,500 individuals who, like me, are dedicated and committed to providing quality health care services to the residents of PMH.”

The Board thanked Gilson for her “commitment, dedication and strong leadership as CEO of the health region.”

(Photo credit: Prairie Mountain Health Region)