Norfolk General Hospital welcomes new Board Chair

Norfolk General Hospital (NGH) is pleased to announce that Stephanie Pongracz-Clarysse has been elected Chair of the NGH Board of Directors for a two-year term. 

Pongracz-Clarysse brings extensive governance knowledge to the role of Board Chair. She has been an esteemed member of the Board of Directors since 2017 and has held various leadership positions, including 1st Vice Chair since 2020. She previously served as Chair of the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home Board of Directors in 2019.

In addition to her extensive board experience, Pongracz-Clarysse’s professional background is in healthcare and, as an experienced public health leader, adds significant value to her position. She has worked in various municipalities over her career and currently serves as a Director of Public Health. 

“It’s a great honour to be part of an organization that plays such an important role in ensuring the health and well-being of our community,” said Pongracz-Clarysse. “My journey with NGH over the past six years has been truly inspiring. I am excited to have remarkable and diverse professionals as part of our Board leadership. Our Board of Directors brings tremendous leadership and experience. Coupled with their passion for our rural communities in Norfolk, our Board of Directors will help drive our Mission and Vision. I look forward to this new chapter.”  

Pongracz-Clarysse grew up on a farm in rural Langton. Both her family and her husband’s family have a long history of farming in Norfolk County. 

Pongracz-Clarysse possesses a comprehensive educational background, including Bachelor of Science undergraduate degrees with an emphasis in Environmental Health, Occupational Health and Safety, Human Biology, and Psychology. She also possesses a Master of Public Administration graduate degree. 

Pongracz-Clarysse, her husband, and her stepdaughter reside in the Simcoe area, and continue to farm. She stays close to her rural roots and is dedicated to ensuring NGH continues to evolve and thrive.

Mrs. Pongracz-Clarysse succeeds Marjorie Dawson as Board Chair. Ms. Dawson has completed her term as Chair but will remain on the Board as the immediate past Chair. 

NGH is sincerely grateful to Dawson for her outstanding leadership and service as a board member and chair. Her support and guidance were steadfast as we worked with partners and communities to transform patient care at NGH and during very challenging periods of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In my time as Chair of the Board, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a dedicated team of trustees. It has been an incredible privilege to serve as Chair of the NGH Board,” said Dawson.

“I wish to extend a warm welcome and congratulations to Stephanie, and I look forward to working with her in her new role,” said Todd Stepanuik, NGH President & CEO. “Stephanie has been an invaluable member of the Board. I am confident that under Stephanie’s newly appointed role, our hospital will continue to flourish as a beacon of hope and healing for our community.”