Erie Shores HealthCare (ESHC) and Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH) announced Tuesday a strategic administrative partnership that will enhance healthcare services across Essex County by aligning key leadership and support functions while preserving each hospital’s operational independence and local governance.
The partnership will introduce a shared leadership model for selected administrative functions, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer roles, as well as other key leadership positions.
Some administrative roles are difficult and expensive to duplicate. Sharing selected leadership gives both hospitals access to specialized expertise and reduces overhead, allowing both hospitals to direct more resources toward patient care. Both organizations will continue to operate as separate corporations, with independent Boards of Directors.
Tom Marinelli, Chair of the Erie Shores HealthCare Board of Directors, and Ian McLeod, Chair of Windsor Regional Hospital, issued the following joint statement regarding the partnership, which has been approved by both hospital boards: “This partnership reflects our commitment to delivering the highest quality care while being responsible stewards of healthcare resources. By sharing expertise in key administrative and leadership functions, we can better support our teams, enhance operational effectiveness, and invest more resources in the care and services our communities depend on every day.”
The integration of leadership functions will occur in two phases.
Effective August 4, 2026, the hospitals will expand shared leadership to areas that include patient experience, risk and privacy, and human resources. This builds on partnerships already in place in allied health, physician leadership and information technology.
Effective September 1, 2026, shared executive leadership will be introduced for the positions of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Following previous rigorous and competitive recruitment processes, Kristin Kennedy, President and CEO for WRH and former President and CEO for ESHC, will assume the joint role for both organizations.
Katelyn Dryden, Interim President and CEO for ESHC, will assume the joint role of Chief Financial Officer for ESHC and WRH.
“The partnership reflects a shared commitment to building a more resilient healthcare system for Windsor-Essex, one that is better able to meet growing demand, recruit and retain expertise, and support patients throughout their healthcare journey,” said Kristin Kennedy. “By strengthening collaboration between the region’s acute hospitals, the organizations aim to create smoother transitions between services, stronger clinical partnerships and a more coordinated experience for patients and families.”
The partnership is expected to generate approximately $2 million in annual savings combined for both hospitals, supporting back-to-balance budget planning while allowing additional resources to be directed toward patient care, programs, equipment and services. Savings will be achieved through the elimination of administrative duplication and the alignment of leadership functions.
No administrative layoffs are anticipated as part of this integration. Changes will be achieved through vacancies, natural attrition and portfolio realignment.
The administrative partnership does not alter clinical services, patient programs or local decision-making. Patients and families will continue to receive care in the communities they know and trust, while both organizations maintain separate governance structures and accountability to their respective Boards. Any further initiatives beyond this newly announced administrative partnership would require separate review, stakeholder engagement, and approval by both Boards.
This initiative aligns with broader healthcare priorities focused on sustainability, collaboration, and ensuring resources are directed to frontline care while maintaining strong local oversight and community accountability.
