Julien Plourde is a native of Hearst, a graduate of the University of Waterloo, a Professional Engineer, and a business owner. For the past two decades, he has led numerous projects specializing in power generation and telecommunications across Northern Canada. Additionally, he serves as a board member for Hearst Power, contributing his expertise to shape the company’s strategic direction. Julien has also dedicated many years serving on the Skills Yukon and the Skills Canada boards. Through his commitment to both professional excellence and community service, Julien continues to make a positive impact in various sectors.

Alain Blanchette was appointed to the Board of Directors in June 2023. Retiring after 29 years of teaching at the high school level, Alain decided to venture into the field of economic development, serving as an agent for one year, where he applied his expertise to foster growth and prosperity within his community.

Sports have been a significant part of Alain’s life, highlighted by his extensive 38-season career as a hockey coach. Beyond coaching, he has devoted 20 years to serving as a board member for the Hearst Minor Hockey Association, 20 years for the DARE committee and 6 years for the Hearst Golf Club committee.

After completing her university studies, Josée Dallaire moved to Hearst to begin her career at the University of Hearst as a teacher and still teaches there. She is also vice-president of Maison Renaissance and was president of the Caisse populaire de Hearst for a few years before becoming a member of the North-West Region Advisory Committee of Caisse Alliance. She was also involved for ten years with the Hearst Figure Skating Club.

Joëlle Zorzetto is a registered dietitian with 32 years of experience. She retired in 2019 as a public health dietitian with the Porcupine Health Unit. Joëlle lived most of her life in Mattice. She started on the hospital board in 2019.

Ruby Brunet moved from Saskatchewan to Hearst in 1969. After completing her university studies in accounting, she became co-owner of B&B Auto Sports and Marine Inc. Ruby is now retired. For twelve years, she was a trustee on the Hearst Board of Education & District School Board One, on which she served as a chairperson for six years. While on the Board of Education, she was a trustee responsible for the Kevin Leddy bursary Committee and is still responsible for this committee today. Ruby received the recognition Letter H from Hearst Catholic Secondary School, for her continued dedication to making a difference in the field of education.

Isabelle Chouinard-Roy works at the Regional Research and Intervention Centre for Economic and Community Development (CRRIDEC) as a research coordinator. With a Bachelor’s degree in ethics and an interdisciplinary Master’s degree, she is also a lecturer at the University of Hearst. A proud francophone, she is involved in various committees and projects aimed at improving and strengthening the capacity of her community.

Josée Ringuette is a teacher with the Conseil scolaire catholique de district des Grandes Rivières and a member of the Ontario College of Teachers. Josée is a member of the parents’ council. She is also involved in the community in various sport organizations. Josée is from Hearst and proud of her Francophone community.

Marie-Pier Fauchon is originally from Mattice, and moved to Hearst after her post-secondary studies. She completed her post-secondary studies at the University of Ottawa, in the accounting field, and obtained her Chartered Professional Accountant designation in 2019. Marie-Pier is employed by Caisse Alliance as an internal auditor and also sits as Treasurer on the Board of Directors of Ellevive. She recently joined the Hospital’s Board of Directors to get involved in her community of benefit.

Andréane Lafrance recently returned to Northern Ontario and now operates her law office in Hearst. Her current practice focuses on family law. During her legal career, she had the opportunity to work on files relating to health law and labor law/human resources. As a lawyer, she also represented Indigenous communities across Canada as Class Counsel in a class action suit. Andréane had her first career as a Funeral Director, during which she worked to serve the community of Hearst and the surrounding area. She also served on the Board of Directors of Maison Renaissance from 2012 to 2015. Andréane joined the Board of Directors in June 2024.

Mélanie Paul is originally from Hearst and completed a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in French. Working in the field of education for more than 17 years, Mélanie is the new principal of École secondaire catholique de Hearst. As community involvement is important for Mélanie, she decided to become a member of the Board of Directors in order to contribute to the continuous improvement of health care.

The Board of Directors of Notre-Dame Hospital (Hearst) is proud to announce the appointment of Josée B. Vachon as its new Chief Executive Officer as of April 29, 2024. Josée was the hospital’s Chief Financial Officer from 2022 to early 2024, until she transitioned to the CEO position.

Born and raised in the region, Josée holds a degree in Business Administration from Université de Hearst and a certificate in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo.

Dr. Lianne Gauvin graduated from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM – now NOSM University) as part of the charter class of 2009. After completing her family medicine residency, she joined the team of physicians in Hearst in 2012. Associate professor at NOSM University, Dr. Gauvin is a passionate teacher and mentor to medical learners, having received the Ontario College of Family Physicians Community Teacher of the Year Award in 2018. Over the years, she has helped steer multiple projects and initiatives at the Hearst Notre-Dame Hospital such as leading the COVID-19 response efforts and being involved in many physician recruitment and retention efforts. With a special interest in oncology and complex medical problems, her family practice is particularly involved in those areas. Dr. Gauvin has been the Chief of Staff since June 2024.

Dr. Marjolaine Talbot-Lemaire graduated from medical school at the University of Ottawa in 2011 and she graduated in family medicine from the University of Sherbrooke in 2014. Dr. Talbot-Lemaire has joined our medical staff in December 2014. She established her family practice in Hearst in 2014 and also works at the Emergency Department.

In 2018, Dr. Talbot Lemaire obtained additional certification to offer Medical Assistance in Dying, for Northern Ontario Municipalities. Dr. Talbot-Lemaire is President of the Medical Advisory Committee at the Hôpital Notre-Dame Hospital since June 2021.

Manon Therrien-Pinto has been the Chief Nursing Officer since 2018. She began her career at the hospital as a patient nurse in 1990. During her career, she has worked in various services such as maternity, pediatrics, surgery, acute care and emergency. Since 2004, she has held the position of Executive Leader of Ambulatory Care and Surgical Suite until her appointment as Chief Nursing Officer to manage the quality and safety of patient care.