As SEAMO welcomes the close of the year, we also open an exciting new chapter with the leadership of Dr. Stephen Vanner as Interim Dean of Queen’s Health Sciences (QHS) and CEO of SEAMO, and Mr. Patrick Legresley as Interim Chief Financial and Administrative Officer of QHS and CFO of SEAMO. Both leaders stepped into their roles on December 1, bringing with them a wealth of experience, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to advancing SEAMO’s goals.
Stephen, a long-time member of the Kingston and Queen’s communities, is eager to build on SEAMO’s strengths. “Through communication and engagement, I hope to work together with the SEAMO community to achieve our shared goals,” he says. “Growing our research impact and exploring opportunities to expand clinical care in Kingston are among my top priorities.”
Patrick’s journey, though different, also ties closely to Queen’s. A Commerce graduate, he’s spent the past 20 years with the Smith School of Business, helping to grow the school’s revenue from $40 million to $125 million. Now, he’s ready to bring his strategic expertise to SEAMO. “I’m very excited to learn about the complexities of SEAMO and the important work being done in our communities,” he says. “I look forward to meeting the great people who make it all happen.”
Both leaders bring distinct experiences and strengths to their interim positions. Stephen’s impressive career has been shaped by his dedication to Queen’s, where he earned his BSc, MD, and MSc and has served as a professor, researcher, and leader. “I’ve been privileged to live and serve in this community for my entire career,” he reflects. “I’m committed to advancing opportunities for our faculty, students, and the patients we serve.” Patrick’s approach? “I’m high on getting stuff done … it’s stuff, right?” he jokes. “I’m excited to execute on the goals, priorities, and projects in the works at SEAMO.”
When they’re not focused on advancing SEAMO’s goals, both leaders embrace hobbies that reflect their unique personalities. Stephen enjoys downhill skiing, golfing, and working on projects at his family’s Ottawa River cottage, where he recently built a 17-foot sea kayak and is now tackling a canoe. “Skiing with my family has always been a favourite activity of mine,” he says. Patrick, a self-proclaimed hockey enthusiast, spent 25 years as a goalie—though he insists he wasn’t a very good one. “I attribute that to not being odd enough for the position,” he quips. He also loves watching his kids play sports and welcomes the chance to banter in French, as he’s fluent in the language.
Together, Stephen and Patrick bring a balance of vision and energy to SEAMO. As they step into their interim roles, the SEAMO community is eager to see how their leadership will shape the organization’s future. Please join us in welcoming them both!
