After an extensive recruitment process the Chatham-Kent Hospice Board of Directors is pleased to announce Jessica Smith as the full-time Executive Director commencing July 22, 2024.

“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,” shared Graham Kemble, Chair of the Chatham-Kent Hospice Board.

Born and raised in Chatham, Ontario, Jessica’s career started in healthcare nearly 25 years ago. Her career began as a student dishwasher at St. Andrew’s Residence in high school where she discovered a passion for caring for people at some of the most vulnerable times in their lives. This inspired her to obtain degrees from McMaster University, studying Social Work and Gerontology. Jessica was involved in the early planning stages of establishing a residential hospice in Chatham-Kent and has been serving as a shared Executive Director for St. Andrew’s Residence and Chatham-Kent Hospice since 2014.

Jessica and her husband Greg are the proud parents of three children ages 2, 7 and 9, and enjoy spending their free time at a baseball diamond, hockey arena or tennis court and exploring our provincial parks.

“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. I am incredibly honoured for this opportunity to deepen my role at Hospice and to build on this history,” commented Jessica. “Together with Jodi Maroney and the Foundation team, donors, and external partners we will continue to create a community where the best possible end-of-life care and grief support are available.”

This appointment follows a thorough selection process led by the executive recruitment firm Logic Executive Search and Workplace Solutions.