Alex Munter to step down as head of CHEO after 13 years

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After 13 years, Alex Munter will leave his job as president and CEO of CHEO this fall to head the Canadian Medical Association and its subsidiaries.

Munter is both the longest serving hospital CEO in Ottawa and the longest serving children’s hospital CEO in the country, Jo-Anne Poirier, chair of CHEO’s board of directors, said in a statement announcing the move.

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In a letter to staff, Munter said he had mixed emotions about the announcement.

“Being here has changed me as a person, helped me develop skills I never knew I had and inspired me in ways I will never, ever forget. I will take that experience with me to my next role, but a part of my heart will remain with CHEO forever.

CHEO, which celebrated its 50^th birthday this year, had an annual operating budget of under $200 million when Munter started in 2011. This year, its budget will exceed $500 million and it delivers a broader range of services and programs. Under his leadership, the hospital has expanded to meet a growing population and changing needs.

Munter, 56, has served a variety of roles, beginning at age 14 when he founded and produced the Kanata Kourier newspaper from his suburban basement. He served on Kanata council, Regional council and later Ottawa council. In 2006, Munter ran for mayor, finishing second to Larry O’Brien.

He has been notable among hospital CEOs in Ontario for never taking a pay raise during his tenure as head of CHEO.

Munter said he is honoured to have been chosen CEO of the Canadian Medical Association and it subsidiaries which include Canada’s leading medical journal, CMAJ, founded more than a century ago.

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