2009-09-16 GBHS Appoints Interim Communications Officer Owen Sound – Maureen Solecki, President and CEO of Grey Bruce Health Services (GBHS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Merriam as Interim Communications and Public Relations Officer.
Mr. Merriam, best known for his newspaper work throughout Grey and Bruce counties, has been an active volunteer with GBHS since the successful campaign to bring the MRI to Owen Sound. “We have asked Jim to guide our communications strategy on an interim basis over the coming months while we continue to work on the ongoing organizational structure for the hospital,” Ms. Solecki said.
This appointment is a natural extension of Jim’s work as Communications Chair for the Owen Sound Regional Hospital Foundation. He brings a wide range of local experience, excellent communications skills and a knowledge of media relations to GBHS.
Mr. Merriam’s media career has spanned over 40 years. He is a former Editor of The Sun Times, and most recently has been Editor/General Manager of Shoreline Beacon in Saugeen Shores. Mr. Merriam is President of the Georgian Riding Association for Challenged Equestrians, Secretary of the Tara Rotary Club and has been involved in numerous fund-raising activities related to cancer and children’s causes.
“The addition of his communications experience to our team will be invaluable as we continue to work with our staff, physicians and communities to provide quality care in this current challenging economic climate,” Solecki said.
Mr. Merriam will also give priority to GBHS’ internal communications. Solecki says, “We have over 1,600 staff who we like to be in communication with through our intranet and other means on a regular basis and it has been a real challenge for me to meet all of those needs over the past nine months. It will be great to have Jim able to help us out on that front as well.”
Mr. Merriam will work at GBHS on a part-time basis and continue to write his twice-weekly Funny Farm column for The Sun Times. He begins this new role on September 28th.
For More Information, contact:
Maureen Solecki, President and CEO
519 376-2121 ext 2801
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