[Editor's note: Below is the complete press release the Winnipeg Jewish Review received from the Simkin Centre recently]

Kathleen Klaasen steps down to accept new position

Dr. E. A. (Ted) Lyons OC, Chair of the Board of the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre, announces that CEO Kathleen Klaasen, RN, MN, GNC(c) has tendered her resignation to accept a new position. A search for her successor is underway.

Klaasen, who has served as CEO since June 2012, has accepted a position related to education, research, professional development, and clinical consultation with nurses. She will remain in her role at the Simkin Centre until the end of October and will be available as a resource to her successor.

“Kathleen is a strong leader. She’s compassionate, innovative, and skilled and she has served the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre with dignity and enthusiasm,” said Lyons. “We’re disappointed that she is leaving, but enormously grateful for the work that she has done. We wish her success and good luck in her new role.”

“It’s been an honour to serve as CEO,” said Klaasen. “I am grateful for the relationships I built while at the Simkin Centre. The staff, board, and volunteers are skilled and passionate about the success of the Centre, and the residents and their families have been welcoming and supportive. There is a real sense of community here.”

Under Klaasen’s leadership, the Centre took tremendous steps on its quality initiatives, added additional programs for residents, and is about to embark upon a strategic planning process.

“We will miss Kathleen, but a personal care home’s success is about far more than its CEO,” said Lyons. “Our senior managers, staff, and volunteers are exceptional people with excellent skills. Our new CEO will have a remarkable team to lead.”

The board’s Human Resources Committee is embarking upon a formal search, and the hope is that a new CEO will be in place this fall.

“We’re grateful for the community’s support and interest in life at the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre,” said Lyons. “This is a vital institution in the Jewish community and we look forward to achieving even greater things for our residents under a new CEO.”