Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) has announced a long-term successor to former president and CEO Veronica Nelson, with Jack Hutchison taking the reins of the organization effective March 30, 2026.
The move was announced by HHHS board chair Irene Odell in a Dec. 5 media release and was described as a homecoming for Hutchison, who has ties to the Highlands region.
While his work history was not fully disclosed, online records show Hutchison has spent 11 years working with the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority, made up of a group of six Indigenous communities across the western James Bay Coast – the past three as senior vice president and chief operating officer.
In 2022, he also spent nine months as vice president of people and culture at Headwaters Health Care Centre in Orangeville.
Reflecting on his new position, Hutchison said he’s eager to start with HHHS.
“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to return home to Haliburton County and serve our community. HHHS has dedicated, passionate teams and a strong commitment to high-quality, compassionate care,” Hutchison said. “I look forward to working together to support staff, strengthen services, build a sustainable future for health care in the Highlands, and deliver our vision of being the model of excellence in rural healthcare.”
The announcement came three months to the day since Nelson vacated her position, on Sept. 5, to rejoin Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay as its president and CEO. She spent 22 months at the helm of HHHS, joining in December 2023 after 24 years on staff at the Lindsay hospital.
Since Nelson’s departure, HHHS’ chief nursing executive, Jennifer Burns West, has served as interim president and CEO. HHHS did not say whether Burns West would return to her previous role.
HHHS says Hutchison was the standout choice, bringing extensive experience in capital redevelopment, technology enablement and master planning, strengthening HHHS’ capacity for future growth. The organization has applied to relocate and expand its long-term care services at the Minden Health Hub, potentially paving the way for a substantial redevelopment of the Haliburton site.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jack to HHHS. His deep experience in system transformation, his proven ability to lead complex operations, and his meaningful connection to this area make him an exceptional fit for our organization,” Odell said. “We look forward to the vision and passion Jack will bring as we strengthen and expand care for our community.” HHHS declined to answer several follow-up questions from The Highlander, with spokesperson Lauren Ernst stating more information will be released closer to Hutchison’s start date.
