After nearly seven years of dedicated service, Karen Hiebert, Manager, Communications & Media Services at St. Boniface Hospital Research, is set to retire on April 30, 2025. Hiebert joined the institution in October 2018, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a passion for clear and effective communication.
Before her tenure at St. Boniface Hospital Research, Hiebert served as Director of Strategic Communications at Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, where she honed her skills in public relations and strategic messaging. This experience proved invaluable in her role at the research centre, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s public image and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders.
During her time at St. Boniface Hospital Research, Hiebert demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, particularly during the challenging years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her expertise was crucial in disseminating accurate and timely information to the public, ensuring clarity and transparency during a period of uncertainty. She also oversaw the creation and implementation of critical signage across the hospital campus, contributing to the safety and well-being of staff, patients, and visitors.
Hiebert’s ability to forge strong connections extended beyond the walls of the St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre. She consistently maintained a close and collaborative relationship with St. Boniface Hospital, St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, and the University of Manitoba, facilitating seamless communication and cooperation between the entities. Her work fostered a unified approach to advancing medical research and patient care. Her department consisted of a dedicated team, Robert Blaich, Supervisor, Media Services, and Joseph Pilapil, A/V Specialist, Media Services. Together, they produced material of great quality and supported the work being performed at the research centre.
Dr. Michael Czubryt, Executive Director of Research, St. Boniface Hospital, expressed his gratitude for Hiebert’s contributions, stating, “We have been tremendously fortunate to have someone as talented as Karen to tell our research stories. She could distill a complex scientific discovery into an engaging article that connected with the reader in a powerful way – revealing not only the “what” of a story, but why it was noteworthy, and resonating with the audience whether they are scientists, supporters, government, or the public. Even workaday messaging requests from me – often no more than brief bullet points and rambling thoughts – were crafted into comprehensive communications that were easy to read and understand. She came forward with ideas and excitement, and this enthusiasm always came through in her writing. I think this is because she is so committed to our common cause – when she spoke for us, she did so with the voice of someone who ardently believes in the research and education done here, and who wants to tell everyone about it. Karen, I wish you a wonderful, restful, and satisfying retirement, and I sincerely thank you for your energy, your dedication, your creativity, and for being such an important part of our team.”
Dr. Grant Pierce, former Executive Director of Research, St. Boniface Hospital, also acknowledged Hiebert’s impact, saying, “Losing a talented leader and voice within the Albrechtsen Research Centre at St Boniface Hospital is never a pleasant or enviable situation. But the pain of the loss is softened somewhat when that person is retiring and moving on to another exciting stage of their life. Karen Hiebert’s retirement will certainly be in that vein: bittersweet. We are losing an incredibly talented person who worked closely with me for years. I grew to appreciate her innovative thinking, her energy to make an impact at St. Boniface Hospital Research and her gift to communicate positive energy. She always made people feel special, supported those who needed support, and made people smile! Few are as energetic as Karen, so I am certain she will continue to bring that vitality to her retirement life. Have fun, Karen and look out, husband Gary!”
Karen Fowler, President and CEO of the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, shared her kind words as well. “As the Manager, Communications and Media Services for St. Boniface Hospital Research, Karen has done an outstanding job of highlighting a wide variety of research-related activities and people in the various divisions of St. B’s Research operations during her tenure. From students as early as grade 4, to students pursuing graduate-level research, to post-doctoral opportunities, to faculty researchers, she has provided communication support that stresses the importance of the education and research undertaken here at all these levels. This provides St. Boniface Hospital Foundation with fantastic opportunities to tell donors about the impact of their support for medical research and education, often ensuring their continued funding into the future. Karen is an amazing advocate and ambassador for St. Boniface Hospital Research, and she will be greatly missed. Thank you, Karen, for your incredible support!”
Hiebert’s dedication and professionalism have left an indelible mark on St. Boniface Hospital Research. Her colleagues and the broader community will undoubtedly miss her expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence. As she embarks on her well-deserved retirement, she leaves behind a legacy of impactful communication and strengthened relationships.