SLFNHA Appoints Monica Hemeon as new Chief Administrative Officer 

Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority

Special to The Bulletin

The executive committee of Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Monica Hemeon as Chief Administrative Officer effective Tuesday, May 25, 2021. Monica brings over 25 years of experience in various healthcare leadership roles and is a proud member of the Red Rock Indian Band. 

Monica is very familiar with the Sioux Lookout region, having worked with the Sioux Lookout Zone Hospital early in her career. In addition, she has served in several capacities with Shibogama Health Authority since 1997 and has held roles in Inuvik, the Northwest Territories, Thunder Bay, Winnipeg, and has visited several SLFNHA communities throughout her tenure in the north. More specifically she served as the Manager, Home, and Community Care, for the Dilico Anishinabek Family Care Centre in Thunder Bay, which serves nine First Nations Communities. Monica departed a role with Nishnawbe Aski Nation to join SLFNHA. Monica is a Registered Nurse and has completed numerous training courses and certificates to support her learning and career development, including, most recently, the First Nations Health Managers program (June 2021 Completion). 

“Having started my career in Sioux Lookout, the region holds a special place in my heart. I am truly honored to come full circle in my career and have the privilege of working with SLFNHA as their new Chief Administrative Officer,” said incoming CAO Monica Hemeon. “I am very much looking forward to immersing myself within the communities and working collaboratively with the staff and SLFNHA Board members.” 

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) will be responsible for the management and business affairs of the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA). This position reports to the Executive Director, James Morris, and works as a strategic partner to the Stakeholders and Board of Directors, and provides leadership to help achieve organizational objectives. The CAO portfolio will include overseeing SLFNHA’s Client Services, Communications Department, Human Resources, and IT. Monica is ready to meet the challenge and address the additional demands placed on SLFNHA due to COVID-19. 

“We are confident that Monica’s training, experience, and cultural awareness will serve us well as we work together to improve the health outcomes of the First Nations communities SLFNHA serves,” said James Morris, Executive Director Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority. 

SLFNHA engaged in a robust and rigorous search process coast to coast, which commenced in January and included a three-member hiring committee. Supporting the search process was Barbara Lockhart from SmartHire Human Capital Solutions, managing all aspects of the candidate search process in support of SLFNHA’s outcome. James Morris and the Board would like to thank Brian Calleja for his dedication, commitment, and contributions to the role in acting capacity this past year.