March 2012 update letter from John Walton

CEO SEARCH FOR HAS: First, as you may know, Ian Rawson, PhD has been serving as our interim managing director at the hospital since November of 2009.  With a lifelong connection to HAS, Ian was willing to extend that temporary role and remain at HAS when the earthquake hit Haiti and the needs for our services became even greater.   We are grateful for all he has given to HAS.  Recently, Ian let the board know of his intentions to step down from this interim role, and our board defined a search to find a Chief Executive Officer.  Clearly, Ian’s commitment to the hospital and the people of Haiti is both passionate and unwavering and we are grateful that he is willing to maintain his role during the search. 

To find the right candidate for the CEO position, our board has created a search committee and retained the services of Tyler & Company and its international partner, Signium International, which specialize in the healthcare industry.  We are searching for a unique individual who can provide leadership for our multinational management team, sustain collaborative relationships with partners in the public and private sectors and advance the institution through fundraising efforts.  It’s a compelling and exciting role for a strong leader during a critical time in Haiti.

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HAS Managing Director Ian Rawson comments on New York Times Article

View original article.

This is an interesting article with fascinating historical insights. However, we must not lose sight of the fact that our greatest danger lies in the future, and not too far ahead.

In two short months the cholera will emerge again in the Artibonite, where it originated and will bring with it many more cases.

The official government policy is that cholera will be treated at Ministry of Health facilities, and not at hospitals such as ours. We concur with this policy, but note with regret that our two local MSPP facilities have not yet been given the resources to address this great challenge. There is a great deal of discussion among all of us who are partners in providing health services in this region, but this by itself does not provide resources.

During the first two peaks of cholera, HAS expended almost a half-million (unbudgeted) dollars in infrastructure, staffing and logistical expenses.

Our governmental partners in this region are professionally qualified to manage the predicted demand, but not unless they receive the support which they need to hire staff, establish treatment centers, and receive life-saving medicines and supplies.

Ian G. Rawson, PhD
Managing Director

Hospital in Haiti Launches Search for Chief Executive Officer

The board of directors of Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS) continues its search for a Chief

Executive Officer for the hospital. John Walton, Chairman of the board, reports that the search is

for an individual with leadership skills to fill the compelling role of CEO of the hospital during a

critical time in Haiti. The board of directors is working with Atlanta-based executive search firm

Tyler & Company which specializes in the healthcare industry.  "We are searching for a unique

individual who can provide leadership for a multinational management team, sustain collaborative

relationships with partners in the public and private sectors and advance the institution through

fundraising efforts.  It's a compelling and exciting role for a strong leader," said Mr. Walton. The

CEO's principal residence will be at the hospital campus in Deschapelles. Familiarity with French

and the capability to learn Haitian Kreyol are preferred.

A visit to the Tyler & Company website reveals the following description of the posting.

The Organization

Hôpital Albert Schweitzer (HAS) is a not-for-profit, referral hospital providing care for over 345,000

people living within the 610 square mile service area. Hôpital Albert Schweitzer (130 staffed beds)

is a model for healthcare facilities in developing countries around the world. An integrated rural

health system, HAS provides surgical services, internal medicine, pediatrics, high-risk maternity care,

diagnostic services and rehabilitation.

The Opportunity

The Chief Executive Officer/Directeur Général will assist the Board of Directors in setting the

mission, vision and strategic directions for the institution, and will develop and implement annual

objectives, operating plans and budgets to fulfill the mission. The CEO’s principal residence will

be at the hospital campus in Deschapelles, Haiti, and the CEO will participate in frequent travel to

support the organization’s development effort.

A competitive salary and executive benefits package are offered.

The Candidate

The successful candidate will possess at least 10 years’ experience in senior management in an

international healthcare setting.  A master’s degree from an accredited institution, fluency in French

and English, and an interest/capacity in learning Haitian Kreyol are required. In addition, candidates

must have a proven ability to collaborate with institutional partners in the private and public sectors.

Experience in securing institutional grants and major gifts is highly desirable.

The Community

Deschapelles, Haiti (population roughly estimated to be 14,000 people), is located 70 miles north

of Port au Prince in the middle of Haiti’s northern peninsula, alongside the Artibonite River. It is

nestled in the valley, between two mountain ranges, about five minutes west of the nearest city,

Verettes.

While reporting the search for a new CEO, Mr. Walton also stressed that, “We are also expressing

gratitude to Dr. Ian Rawson who is retiring from the role as Managing Director which he has held

for the past three years. Dr. Rawson has provided invaluable service to the institution since its

founding and will continue to serve on the board of directors."

The CEO's principal residence will be at the hospital campus in Deschapelles.  Familiarity with French and the capability to learn Haitian Kreyol are preferred. For more information, go towww.tylerandco.com.  

The hospital maintains staff in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for financial management, development, medical supplies procurement and communications.  More information is available at www.hashaiti.org.   

This is Haiti !! Mwen se ayisyien, Sa se Ayiti

A HAITI HAPPENING – 2012

On Saturday February 25th, at Michelangelo’s Banquet Centre, 375 humanitarians came together in

support of maternal and child health at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer –Haiti. This 9th annual “Haiti Happening”,

sponsored by the Canadian Friends of HAS, included an authentic Haitian meal; a Silent Auction; a Market

Place; prizes; a presentation about the current situation at the hospital; a new video. The event raised over

$30,000 with more donations still coming in.

One highlight of the evening was an inspirational Power Point Presentation by guest of honour,

Dr. Ian Rawson. As the son of HAS co- founder, Gwen Mellon, and in his present capacity as Managing

Director of the hospital, Dr. Rawson brought a lot of credibility to his report. Some of the topics that Dr.

Rawson focused on were the HAS … readiness for the next spike in cholera cases; leadership in building 100

latrines a month; reforestation initiative (600,000 trees to date … 1,000,000 by 2014); class of 220 traditional

birthing attendants who facilitate three checkups for pregnant women; encouragement of physiotherapists

to complement the largest prosthetic and rehabilitation centre in the Carribean; need for an anaesthesiologist

and supporting nurses.

Another highlight was a new video, created by James and Andrea Harvey. The fast-paced video,

described by CFHAS Board member, Mick Stewart, as a counterpoint to Dr. Rawson’s presentation, depicted

life at the hospital from the early days to the present. Mr. Stewart, on behalf of everyone in CFHAS, paid

respects to Rhoda Berquist and Peter Johnson, Canadian Friends of HAS members who passed away this

year. The video was dedicated to these two fine people. The entire audience’s attentiveness throughout Dr.

Rawson’s talk and the showing of the video was indicative of the high level of interest in the compelling

information being presented.

The planning committee, headed by Hilda Reinauer-Stark, was very pleased with the results of their

efforts. The Silent Auction, featuring 70 creative works by Haitians and 100 similarly creative works by

Hamilton area artisans, was abuzz with interest in the “one of a kind” items. The Market Place, with authentic

Haitian products like vanilla and coffee, also drew a lot of interest. Hameed Shaqq, the pan drummer, did an

excellent job of entertaining during the cocktail hour. David Shuttleworth, in his 6th year as Master of

Ceremonies, was in top form. Dana Frewin and her staff at Michelangelo’s put on a wonderful meal which

included the delectable “Smuggler’s Cake”. The Reverend David Anderson focused everyone’s attention as he

referenced “all God’s children” in the grace. CFHAS Chair, Brad Berquist, offered thanks to all who

contributed to the event, provided an update on CFHAS contributions to the hospital ($760,000 to date) and

invited further donations to the hospital.

Special thanks were offered to Peller Estates (who donated the wine on the tables), Via Rail and the

Stratford Shakespearean Festival (who donated big prizes), a host of local businesses (who also donated

prizes), and Tony from Anton Video Productions.

The 10th annual “Haiti Happening” will be held on Saturday February 23rd, 2013. The hope is that

the Canadian Friends of HAS will close in on the $1,000,000 mark for donations to the hospital. All those

with a “heart for Haiti” can help to realize that goal. Donations are always welcome through the CFHAS

website (www.canadianhashaiti.ca) or by mail (P.O. Box 827, Hamilton ON L8N3M8 … cheque made out

to “Canadian Friends of HAS”).

On Saturday February 25th, at Michelangelo’s Banquet Centre, 375 humanitarians came together insupport of maternal and child health at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer –Haiti. This 9th annual “Haiti Happening”,sponsored by the Canadian Friends of HAS, included an authentic Haitian meal; a Silent Auction; a MarketPlace; prizes; a presentation about the current situation at the hospital; a new video. The event raised over$30,000 with more donations still coming in.One highlight of the evening was an inspirational Power Point Presentation by guest of honour,Dr. Ian Rawson. As the son of HAS co- founder, Gwen Mellon, and in his present capacity as ManagingDirector of the hospital, Dr. Rawson brought a lot of credibility to his report. Some of the topics that Dr.Rawson focused on were the HAS … readiness for the next spike in cholera cases; leadership in building 100latrines a month; reforestation initiative (600,000 trees to date … 1,000,000 by 2014); class of 220 traditionalbirthing attendants who facilitate three checkups for pregnant women; encouragement of physiotherapiststo complement the largest prosthetic and rehabilitation centre in the Carribean; need for an anaesthesiologistand supporting nurses.Another highlight was a new video, created by James and Andrea Harvey. The fast-paced video,described by CFHAS Board member, Mick Stewart, as a counterpoint to Dr. Rawson’s presentation, depictedlife at the hospital from the early days to the present. Mr. Stewart, on behalf of everyone in CFHAS, paidrespects to Rhoda Berquist and Peter Johnson, Canadian Friends of HAS members who passed away thisyear. The video was dedicated to these two fine people. The entire audience’s attentiveness throughout Dr.Rawson’s talk and the showing of the video was indicative of the high level of interest in the compellinginformation being presented.The planning committee, headed by Hilda Reinauer-Stark, was very pleased with the results of theirefforts. The Silent Auction, featuring 70 creative works by Haitians and 100 similarly creative works byHamilton area artisans, was abuzz with interest in the “one of a kind” items. The Market Place, with authenticHaitian products like vanilla and coffee, also drew a lot of interest. Hameed Shaqq, the pan drummer, did anexcellent job of entertaining during the cocktail hour. David Shuttleworth, in his 6th year as Master ofCeremonies, was in top form. Dana Frewin and her staff at Michelangelo’s put on a wonderful meal whichincluded the delectable “Smuggler’s Cake”. The Reverend David Anderson focused everyone’s attention as hereferenced “all God’s children” in the grace. CFHAS Chair, Brad Berquist, offered thanks to all whocontributed to the event, provided an update on CFHAS contributions to the hospital ($760,000 to date) andinvited further donations to the hospital.Special thanks were offered to Peller Estates (who donated the wine on the tables), Via Rail and theStratford Shakespearean Festival (who donated big prizes), a host of local businesses (who also donatedprizes), and Tony from Anton Video Productions.The 10th annual “Haiti Happening” will be held on Saturday February 23rd, 2013. The hope is thatthe Canadian Friends of HAS will close in on the $1,000,000 mark for donations to the hospital. All thosewith a “heart for Haiti” can help to realize that goal. Donations are always welcome through the CFHASwebsite (www.canadianhashaiti.ca) or by mail (P.O. Box 827, Hamilton ON L8N3M8 … cheque made outto “Canadian Friends of HAS”).