Blood Tribe Department of Health’s CEO stepping down

The Blood Tribe Department of Health's CEO, Derrick Fox, will step down at the end of September, saying he wants to spend more time with his family.

The Blood Tribe Department of Health’s chief executive officer will step down at the end of the month.

The department’s board of directors announced Derrick Fox’s coming departure on Monday.

Fox says he wants to spend more time with his family.

He’s been with the department for the past 28 years and has spent the past five as its CEO.

In a release issued on Monday, Marcel Weasel Head, chairman of the department’s board of directors, said Fox “has always led from the heart.”

“His humble leadership, friendly presence and steady guidance will leave a lasting impact on this organization and our community,” he said.

“While we will miss his leadership, we support his decision to place family first and wish him the very best in this new chapter.”

During his time as CEO, Fox led the department through the COVID-19 pandemic, led the expansion of the Bringing the Spirits Home detox program and initiated the department’s takeover of the Lethbridge homeless shelter.

“It’s been a wonderful experience,” Fox told media this week.

“As we know, it has come with stresses and traumas at times, but many positives, too, and I look at the work that’s being done by the team here and it’s just so strong.”

Chief operating officer Kash Shade will take over as interim CEO on Oct. 1 while the department’s leadership team searches for a permanent replacement.