Lucie Charlebois had a 25-year career in the Québec healthcare system where she acquired a wealth of experience in hospital and community settings. She operated a dairy farm in St-Eugène before changing to beef production and field crops.

Ms. Charlebois has worked as a clinical nurse and manager in several organizations, bringing inspiring leadership and strong change management skills. Ward Manager, Coordinator of Clinical Programs and Network Assistant Director are only a few examples of positions she has held.

My top priorities will always focus on the healthcare sector and the well-being of the population. By serving on the Board of Directors, I wish to contribute to this community that welcomed me. I am proud to participate in the development of our regional hospital, which provides essential care close to home for the people of our region.

Ms. Charlebois holds a Bachelor of Nursing and a Master of Health Administration. She is also certified in LEAN methodologies.

Anne Laflamme retired as school principal in 2021. She has over 30 years of experience in education, including 20 years with the Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario. Before becoming the first principal of École secondaire publique Le Sommet in 2003, she was an elementary and secondary school teacher, a contract university professor, and a writer and developer of courses and resources for teachers.

Ms. Laflamme is renowned for her innovative approach. In addition to taking the reins of a new school, she has helped build and implement programs such as the International Baccalaureate ® (IB), Arts and Sports concentrations, several Specialist High Skills Majors and the International Hockey Academy Les Faucons. She has opened the school’s doors to the community by hosting events such as concerts and improv tournaments. Several Mira dogs in training even spent months at the Sommet, much to the delight of the students! Since her retirement, she has continued her mission in education as a consultant.

After 30 years in education as a teacher, principal or university lecturer, I am dedicated to providing our region with a quality of life comparable to that of larger cities. Serving on the HGH Board of Directors is an opportunity to continue this commitment by ensuring that everyone in our area has access to a wide range of healthcare services. I believe that where you live should not limit your access to these essential resources.

In 2017, Ms. Laflamme received Canada’s Outstanding Principals Award from The Learning Partnership. In 2018, she was inducted into the Ordre de la francophonie de Prescott-Russell. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from the University of Ottawa and lives in L’Orignal.

Sylvain Labrie has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. He is a senior advisor at Assante Wealth Management and a partner at L et L Management in Hawkesbury.

Mr. Labrie promotes teamwork and a continuous improvement and performance-based approach. Active in his community, he has served as President of the Board of Directors of the Prescott-Russell Employment Services Centre and as Director of the Hawkesbury Chamber of Commerce.

Being part of the Board of Directors of my hospital is a wonderful privilege and a great opportunity to contribute to such an important mission. I’m hoping to bring additional expertise to the table by joining this team.

Mr. Labrie has received the Canadian Securities Course (CSC®) designation from the Canadian Securities Institute. He also holds a Personal Financial Planner (PFP) designation and a Diploma of Specialized Studies in Business Management from the Institute of Canadian Bankers. He lives in Hawkesbury.

Danika Bourgeois-Desnoyers is a dynamic leader with over a decade of experience spanning public administration, governance, human resources, and business development. She currently serves as a Senior HR Advisor at the Standards Council of Canada, where she plays a strategic role in workforce planning, legislative compliance, and skills development as the organization navigates a significant business model transformation. 

Danika brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship, having led award-winning ventures and supported women in business through consulting and governance training. She previously held executive roles with regional organizations. Her background includes teaching at Collège La Cité, where she helped shape future leaders in public administration and business. With a passion for innovation, inclusive leadership, and community development, Danika is committed to advancing strong, people-centred services for all Franco-Ontarians. 

I am proud to be part of the HGH Board of Directors. With my experience in entrepreneurship, governance, and education, I look forward to contributing to the hospital’s success and helping ensure high-quality, accessible healthcare services for the region.

She holds a Master’s in Conflict Resolution from Université Saint-Paul and a Graduate Diploma in Public Administration from Western University. She has also completed leadership certifications and has been recognized as a young entrepreneur and business leader in the Prescott-Russell region. She resides in St-Albert. 

Robert O. Brunet retired in 2016 and has more than 35 years of experience in emergency services. He taught, supervised clinical rotations and coordinated the paramedic and advanced paramedic programs at Collège La Cité. Early in his career, he also worked as a paramedic for Prescott-Russell Emergency Services, the City of Ottawa Emergency Services and Rockland Ambulance Service.

Mr. Brunet has extensive experience in the development and evaluation of paramedic training programs in Ontario, Lebanon and Haiti. In addition, he has acted as a consultant to the Ontario Ministry of Health in the Emergency Services Division. An avid sportsman and cyclist, Mr. Brunet has organized and participated in several fundraising activities for CHEO and Collège La Cité.

HGH is a dynamic organization where challenges abound. I want to be involved in my community and since emergency services and the hospital are so closely linked, it seems only natural that I should contribute by offering my experience.

Mr. Brunet holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in History from the University of Ottawa and a certification in Advanced Care Paramedic from Algonquin College. He lives in Rockland.

Yves Deschamps retired in 2022. As an electrician, he has been involved in many aspects of the trade: master electrician and contractor, apprentice trainer, college teacher, estimator and consultant. He also earned certifications as an industrial electrician, and in the operation and maintenance of electrical and gas power systems as well as high-voltage substations.

In addition, he was a municipal councillor in the former Township of West Hawkesbury, and helped organize emergency shelters and the installation of generators in Champlain Township during the 1998 ice storm. At the provincial level, he served on the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario as a public representative for five years.

Our hospital is an important institution, which is why I became a member of the Board of Directors. I enjoy establishing a climate of mutual respect and trust within a team where transparency and a sense of accountability prevail.

Mr. Deschamps lives in Hawkesbury.

Derek Duval is a senior executive with over 20 years of experience. He is the Director of Manufacturing Operations at Montebello Packaging in Hawkesbury and Managing Partner at Duval Ventures. His expertise also includes international trade and strategic planning.

Mr. Duval successfully applies his strategic thinking skills and ability to see things from different perspectives to his professional and personal initiatives. Being the father of young children and the son of aging parents, he sees the importance of a hospital for a community. A lifelong volunteer, he currently serves as President of the Vankleek Hill Business and Merchants Association. He was also a member of several fundraising committees and non-profit organizations.

Inspired by my parents and their involvement in the community, I have made volunteering a central part of my life. And I believe that as an individual, I have a responsibility in making my community as good as possible. Ensuring that my loved ones have access to quality care is part of the reason why I joined the HGH Board of Directors.

Mr. Duval earned a diploma in International Trade from the Forum for International Trade Training and a Certification in Leadership and Management from Concordia University. He also holds an Honours degree in Law, with a concentration in Business Law from Carleton University. He lives in Vankleek Hill.

Yannick Galipeau is a young and dedicated researcher specializing in virology, immunology, and public health, focusing on SARS-CoV-2 and vaccine-related studies. He has contributed to several high-impact studies, exploring humoral immune responses, antibody neutralization, and vaccine effectiveness. Yannick has co-authored research on antibody levels and decay rates in elderly individuals and played a key role in the Stop the Spread Ottawa cohort study, investigating immunity responses to COVID-19. 

Beyond his work in virology, Yannick is continuing research on various projects, from autoimmunity to studying immune responses in astronauts during spaceflight. He is also a board member at MAX Community Health Ottawa, the leading queer health and wellness organization in the National Capital Region.

Raised in the community, Yannick has personally experienced the care provided by Hawkesbury General Hospital, which strengthens his commitment to supporting the hospital’s ongoing success and ensuring it remains a vital healthcare resource for the region.

Yannick has completed his PhD at the University of Ottawa and is pursuing a Doctor of Medicine at McGill University.

I am proud to serve on the Board of Directors for HGH. With my background in research and healthcare, I look forward to contributing to the hospital’s mission and helping it meet the evolving needs of our community.

Yannick is an active researcher with numerous publications in top scientific journals.  

Marcel Leclair is a retired financial executive who served as Vice-President – Finance and Corporate Services at Hawkesbury General Hospital. In this role, he was responsible for managing the hospital’s financial operations, providing executive leadership for the electronic health record (EPIC) implementation process, and overseeing the financial and legal aspects of the HGH redevelopment project. 

Previously, Marcel served as Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services at Canadian Blood Services (CBS), where he led budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting initiatives. 

I’m pleased to be part of the HGH Board of Directors. With my experience in finance and healthcare operations, I look forward to contributing to the hospital’s continued growth and helping it navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

Marcel holds an MBA from Ivey Business School at the University of Western Ontario and a bachelor’s in management science from the University of Ottawa. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA) and fluent in English and French, with elementary proficiency in Spanish. 

Sandra Pilon is a lawyer with over 25 years of experience in private practice, specialising in real estate transactions, corporate-commercial matters, and estate planning. Throughout her career, she has provided legal advice and representation to clients, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. Sandra also serves on the boards of Employment Services Centre Prescott-Russell and Contak Staffing Solutions, where she is instrumental in guiding governance strategies and shaping policies to benefit the community. Sandra’s commitment to legal and community service reflects her passion for creating a positive impact through leadership and strategic decision-making.

Sébastien Racine is an Associate and Senior Architect at J. L. Richards & Associates. A project manager and team leader, he specializes in the planning of institutional, industrial and community projects and infrastructure.

Mr. Racine served on the HGH Board of Directors from 2007 to 2014, and on the Hospital Foundation’s Board of Directors from 2015 to 2019. Over these years, he worked on the implementation of the HGH redevelopment project and a fundraising campaign at the Foundation. He brings in-depth knowledge of the role and importance of both institutions for the greater Prescott-Russell region.

In recent years, HGH has grown considerably while overcoming challenges inherent to our healthcare system. I wish to continue along this path of program development and increase the accessibility to services in the western part of our region.

Mr. Racine is a member of the Ontario Association of Architects as well as the Ordre des architectes du Québec and holds a Bachelor of Architecture from University Laval. He lives in Casselman.

Retired since 2016, Guy Yelle has spent most of his career at the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation where he held senior executive positions. Mr. Yelle is a mechanical engineer and a recognized specialist in strategic planning, project management and change management.

Respect for employees and clientele, as well as a sound knowledge of the community’s needs are the foundation of his management philosophy. A long-time volunteer, Mr. Yelle is currently treasurer of the Lefaivre Lions Club and serves on the Alfred-Plantagenet Municipal Recreation Advisory Committee.

I share the hospital’s community vision and feel inspired by the goals of providing quality care, in both languages, for our people. I really wish to support this cause.

Mr. Yelle is a member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario. He also studied in Business Administration, Marine Transportation, Leadership, Change Management and is Lean Six Sigma Certified. He lives in Lefaivre.