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A Message from the CEO ...

• January 27, 2012
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• January 13, 2012
• January 4, 2012
• November 9, 2011
• November 3, 2011
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January 27, 2012

Robert Seidel, QC, Chairman of Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions’ Board of Directors, announced today that Dr. Jacques Magnan will be stepping down from the position of CEO of the corporation effective December 31, 2012 or as soon as a new CEO can be appointed and in place.

“AIHS’s Board of Directors accepted Dr. Magnan’s decision with great reluctance as he is an outstanding leader and has very ably steered the organization through great change over the past few years,” said Mr. Seidel. He notes that “one of Jacques’ many strengths is in forging relationships of trust and honesty with decision-makers in every discipline and field in the province and across Canada. His passion, acumen, and forthright manner have served AIHS extremely well. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to express our heartfelt thanks for the tremendous contributions Jacques has made to AIHS and to the health research community in the province.”

The Honourable Greg Weadick, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology said that “Jacques has provided me and other government leaders with a very clear picture of the health research strengths and opportunities we have in Alberta. I consider him a true ally in championing the vision of a connected, talented and highly competitive health research sector that can lead in innovative thinking and impact in the world.”

“It has been an honour and privilege to serve as the corporation’s Chief Executive Officer,” Dr. Magnan said. “I particularly want to thank my staff for their extraordinary support and dedication. I know that we will see a revitalization of Alberta’s health research and innovation competitiveness due in large measure to the programs and strategies AIHS is putting in place through their efforts. I want to thank our Board of Directors for their vision and commitment. I want to acknowledge and thank the many researchers and individuals in Alberta and across Canada who contribute so much to ensuring health research and innovation is a priority in our society.”

Dr. Magnan came to Alberta in 1994 from the Medical Research Council to take up the position of Director of Grants and Awards with the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research. He became Vice-President Programs and then in 2007, Interim President and CEO of AHFMR. In 2010 he was made CEO when the organization transformed into Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions.

Mr. Seidel said that a search process for a CEO for Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions will begin immediately and that the Board of Directors will retain the executive search firm Ogders Berndtson to conduct the process.

Please forward all information requests to:
Kathleen Thurber, Director, Communications: (780) 429-6895); Kathleen.thurber@albertainnovates.ca