After an extensive recruitment process, the Chatham-Kent Hospice Board of Directors has hired a full-time Executive Director.
Jessica Smith, who has served as shared Executive Director for St. Andrew's Residence and Chatham-Kent Hospice since 2014, will soon be focused only on CK Hospice.
"Jessica, through the cooperation of St. Andrew's Residence has been providing Executive Director services for Hospice since its inception and now with this appointment, she will be solely dedicated to leading our organization into the future," Graham Kemble, Chair of the Chatham-Kent Hospice Board, said.
The Chatham native began her career in healthcare nearly 25 years ago as a student dishwasher at St. Andrew's Residence. She credits this as the time she discovered her passion for caring for people when they are at their most vulnerable.
She was also involved in the early planning stages of establishing a residential hospice in Chatham-Kent.
"I've had the privilege of being involved in the history of Chatham-Kent Hospice since it was a grassroots volunteer campaign. I can remember when the conversation of building a residential hospice in this community was just a whisper," Smith said. "I am incredibly honoured for this opportunity to deepen my role at Hospice and to build on this history."
Smith has degrees in social work and gerontology from McMaster University.
Her role as full-time Executive Director for CK Hospice will begin on July 22.