Bluewater Health Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Bluewater Health has 6 executives leading key functions including strategic administration, medical oversight, financial management, and professional staff advocacy.

Committed to excellence in patient care, Bluewater Health delivers comprehensive medical services while maintaining a standard of clinical innovation and community health support across the Ontario region.

Leadership Roles at Bluewater Health

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Paula Reaume-Zimmer
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Michael Lapaine
  • Vice President, Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer - Marlene Kerwin
  • President & Staff Association Professional - Dhiraj Dhanjani
  • Chief of Staff - Michel Haddad
  • Chief of Staff & Vice President, Medical Affairs - Mike Haddad
  • Paula Reaume-Zimmer - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Paula Reaume-Zimmer, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Bluewater Health, directs the overarching strategic vision for all hospital operations. Overseeing the integration of emergency services and diagnostic imaging, Reaume-Zimmer ensures that clinical workflows align with the long-term health objectives of the Sarnia community. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to optimize resource allocation across surgical and rehabilitation departments. By fostering a culture of patient-centered care, Paula Reaume-Zimmer drives organizational growth and operational efficiency. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous standards for medical delivery, ensuring that the facility remains a cornerstone of regional healthcare. Through proactive management of hospital infrastructure, Reaume-Zimmer secures the necessary support for frontline medical teams. This executive leadership guarantees that the institution meets complex regulatory requirements while expanding access to essential health services for the broader Ontario population.

    Michael Lapaine - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Lapaine, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Bluewater Health, manages the expansion of specialized healthcare programs and facility modernization. Focusing on the optimization of surgical throughput and rehabilitation capacity, Lapaine architects systems that improve patient outcomes and reduce wait times. This executive role requires deep engagement with external stakeholders to secure funding for advanced diagnostic imaging technology. By streamlining administrative processes, Michael Lapaine enhances the overall agility of the hospital system. The President & Chief Executive Officer coordinates with department heads to ensure that clinical services remain responsive to evolving regional health demands. Through the implementation of data-driven management strategies, Lapaine strengthens the financial and operational health of the organization. This leadership approach prioritizes sustainable growth and the continuous improvement of medical service delivery, ensuring that the institution provides high-quality care to every patient within the service area.

    Marlene Kerwin - Vice President, Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer

    Marlene Kerwin, the Vice President, Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer at Bluewater Health, manages the fiscal health and administrative infrastructure of the organization. Overseeing budget development, financial reporting, and capital investment strategies, Kerwin ensures that the hospital maintains the resources necessary for high-quality patient care. This role involves directing corporate services, including facility maintenance and supply chain logistics, to support the seamless operation of emergency and surgical departments. By implementing robust financial controls, Marlene Kerwin secures the long-term stability of the institution. The Vice President, Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to align fiscal planning with strategic growth initiatives. Through the optimization of operational expenditures, Kerwin maximizes the impact of every dollar spent on healthcare delivery. This leadership function remains critical for sustaining the hospital's ability to provide essential medical services to the community while navigating the complexities of the modern healthcare economy.
    Marlene Kerwin

    Dhiraj Dhanjani - President & Staff Association Professional

    Dhiraj Dhanjani, the President & Staff Association Professional at Bluewater Health, represents the interests of the medical staff while advocating for improved clinical working conditions. Overseeing the engagement between the professional staff and the hospital administration, Dhanjani ensures that the voices of practitioners influence institutional policy and operational decisions. This role involves facilitating dialogue regarding resource needs for diagnostic imaging and rehabilitation services. By promoting professional development and wellness initiatives, Dhiraj Dhanjani drives higher levels of staff retention and morale. The President & Staff Association Professional collaborates with the executive leadership to align staff goals with the broader mission of the hospital. Through the mediation of professional concerns, Dhanjani maintains a harmonious and productive clinical environment. This leadership role remains essential for fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration, which directly translates into better patient outcomes and a more resilient healthcare delivery system for the entire community.

    Michel Haddad - Chief of Staff

    Michel Haddad, the Chief of Staff at Bluewater Health, oversees the professional conduct and clinical performance of the medical staff. Managing the credentialing and quality assurance processes, Haddad ensures that all practitioners adhere to the highest standards of patient safety and medical ethics. This role involves facilitating communication between the medical staff and the executive leadership team to align clinical practices with institutional goals. By monitoring surgical outcomes and diagnostic accuracy, Michel Haddad drives continuous improvement in medical service delivery. The Chief of Staff provides essential guidance on clinical policy, ensuring that the hospital remains compliant with provincial health regulations. Through the mentorship of junior physicians and the coordination of multidisciplinary care teams, Haddad fosters a collaborative environment. This leadership position remains vital for maintaining the clinical integrity of the hospital, ultimately supporting the delivery of superior healthcare services across the entire regional network.

    Mike Haddad - Chief of Staff & Vice President, Medical Affairs

    Mike Haddad, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, Medical Affairs at Bluewater Health, directs the strategic planning of medical programs and the recruitment of specialized clinical talent. Overseeing the integration of medical affairs with hospital operations, Haddad ensures that the facility maintains a robust pipeline of skilled practitioners. This role involves managing complex medical issues and resolving conflicts within the clinical staff to maintain a high-functioning environment. By architecting new protocols for patient care, Mike Haddad improves the efficiency of diagnostic and surgical services. The Chief of Staff & Vice President, Medical Affairs works closely with the executive team to align medical staffing levels with patient volume requirements. Through the oversight of medical education and research initiatives, Haddad promotes a culture of innovation. This leadership position ensures that the hospital remains at the forefront of medical practice, providing comprehensive and effective care to the regional population.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Hospitals & Physicians Clinics

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Bluewater Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Bluewater Health?
    Bluewater Health is led by Paula Reaume-Zimmer (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Michael Lapaine (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Marlene Kerwin (Vice President, Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Bluewater Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of Bluewater Health includes leaders such as Paula Reaume-Zimmer (President & Chief Executive Officer), Michael Lapaine (President & Chief Executive Officer), Marlene Kerwin (Vice President, Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Bluewater Health have?
    Bluewater Health has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Bluewater Health’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Bluewater Health includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Vice President, Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer, President & Staff Association Professional, Chief of Staff.