Following a 25 year career with the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph (RHSJ) of the Hotel Dieu of St. Catharines, including over five years as CEO of Hotel Dieu Shaver, Lynne Pay has announced her plan to retire in the spring of 2024 and no later than April 30, 2024, with such notice accepted by the members of the Corporate board last week.
“On behalf of Hotel Dieu Shaver’s Board of Trustees, it is with mixed emotions that we have received notice of Lynne’s pending retirement,” says Anne Atkinson, Board Chair. “Throughout her time with the hospital, and particularly over the past 5 years as CEO, she has exemplified a commitment to the best interests of the hospital, to enhancing relationships with staff and stakeholders, reflecting our mission and values and to ensuring that, to the best of her ability, the Hospital’s interests and needs were communicated to the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health during very challenging times.”
During her tenure, the Hospital navigated through the pandemic, conducted a recruitment exercise for a Chief of Staff, completed the commitment process for a new Health Information System, successfully completed an early stage submission for a new inpatient building, and received a 2.5 million dollar planning grant and approval for progression in the new build development process.
“I feel that I am retiring from the position of CEO at this remarkable rehabilitation hospital, which has such a storied history in Niagara, at a time of exciting new beginnings and continued dynamic growth,” said Pay. “I will be forever grateful for the relationships, opportunities and partnerships that I have experienced as an employee of the RHSJ, in the company of such a dedicated, skilled and compassionate group of staff, physicians, patient advisors, Board trustees and volunteers. I will be watching with great interest, and contributing in any capacity that I can, as HDS continues to move forward in meeting the growing needs of all residents as an exceptional and brand new state of the art rehabilitation hospital and an ongoing beacon of exemplary healthcare in Ontario.”
Given the Hospital’s historical legacy and commitment to a successor for this faith based hospital with an equally strong focus on mission, vision and values, and in accordance with the policy on Chief Executive Officer Succession Planning and the Corporation’s By-laws, Hotel Dieu Shaver and the Corporation of The Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph of the Hotel Dieu are very pleased to advise that Dr. David Ceglie has accepted the role of CEO commencing on Lynne Pay’s retirement and no later than May 1, 2024.
Dr. Ceglie brings nearly two decades of dedicated service to Hotel Dieu Shaver. Currently holding the position of Executive Vice President of Operations, David has a wealth of experience since beginning his journey as an Occupational Therapist. Throughout his career, he has seamlessly transitioned into progressive leadership roles.
David's academic journey is marked by notable milestones, including a Bachelor of Health Science (2003), a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (2005), and a Master of Business Administration (2010). Recently, he has added to his scholarly accomplishments by completing his Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy. Beyond academia, David actively contributes to the local healthcare landscape, serving as Co-Lead for the Niagara Ontario Health Team – Équipe Santé Ontario Niagara (NOHT-ÉSON) Planning table.
“We commend David's leadership approach characterized by servant leadership, collaborative ethos, pursuit of excellence, and dedication to nurturing a positive workplace culture,” says Atkinson. “His adeptness in forging robust partnerships has been instrumental in propelling healthcare and rehabilitation initiatives forward not only within Hotel Dieu Shaver, but also across the broader Niagara Region.”
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible privilege of being appointed as the CEO of this esteemed organization,” says Ceglie. “It is both an honour and a privilege to lead such a dedicated and outstanding team. From the very beginning, I have been inspired by the unwavering passion, care, and compassion that defines each member of this exceptional organization. I am truly humbled by the confidence placed in me, and I am committed to upholding this organization’s mission and values. I am eager to contribute to the continued success and impact of my predecessor, Lynne Pay. With a steadfast commitment to collective success, I eagerly anticipate the journey ahead, poised to contribute to the sustained growth and impact of Hotel Dieu Shaver. I am excited about the future and look forward to continued success together.”
Post-retirement, Pay will continue to assist the Hospital on a casual basis within corporate services as requested. And, in the immediate future, Hotel Dieu Shaver will begin the important work of recruiting an Executive Vice President.