The Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM) is pleased to announce that Drs. Cheryl Rockman-Greenberg, Andrew Halayko, and Brandy Wicklow have been named interim co-CEOs of the institute effective June 1, 2025.

All three individuals have rich and illustrious histories at CHRIM, University of Manitoba, and Shared Health. The members of the co-CEO team will take responsibility for different critical areas of CHRIM activity. Dr. Wicklow will guide the Research Support Unit, partnerships with Shared Health and CHRIM Research Council, and projects related to the 2026 Horizon strategic plan. Dr. Rockman-Greenberg will guide partnership activities with the Children’s Hospital Foundation, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, and the University of Manitoba. Dr. Halayko will guide CHRIM facility operations and provide oversight for CHRIM grants, training, and other programs. They will help guide the institute through this time of transition and until a permanent CEO can be found.

Dr. Cheryl Rockman-Greenberg is a trailblazer in the field of medical research, and through innovative newborn screening and diagnostic genetic programs, has worked to identify and treat rare genetic disorders that are often over-represented in Manitoba’s unique populations. As one of the first clinician-researchers at CHRIM, she and her colleagues are currently working to apply cutting-edge genomics research to gain new insights into the basis of rare and common disorders with the ultimate goal of improving patient care and health outcomes.

She explained why she wanted to step into this role: “CHRIM is in a wonderful position right now,” she said. “And I want to ensure that our momentum doesn’t let up and we continue to be at the forefront of pediatric research in Manitoba and across Canada.”

Dr. Andrew Halayko is a Tier 1 Canda Research Chair in lung pathobiology and treatment and the founder and leader of the Biology of Breathing theme at CHRIM. He’s been active in CHRIM research since 2002 and has a wealth of knowledge of the institute. He has made seminal discoveries that first described phenotype plasticity and heterogeneity of airway smooth muscle and its role in asthma pathobiology.

“CHRIM has given me so many opportunities that it was only natural to step into this role as one way of giving back,” says Dr. Halayko. “I’m excited to help lead the institute so others can get the same success as me.”

Dr. Brandy Wicklow is a pediatric endocrinologist, section head of pediatric endocrinology and metabolism, Professor at the University of Manitoba, and clinician researcher at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba. She is a founding member of the DREAM theme at CHRIM and provides leadership to studies focusing on early life determinants of type 2 diabetes and renal disease in children and adolescents, with a particular interest in the psychological, economic, and social impacts on the wholistic health of all children living with diabetes.

“Over the past 10 years, I’ve been involved in many aspects of CHRIM and taking on the role of interim co-CEO is a logical step for me,” Dr. Wicklow explained. “I particularly want to ensure that our DEI and Indigenous community initiatives continue to move ahead in a strong position.”

Drs. Rockman-Greenberg, Halayko, and Wicklow will work together to provide support to researchers and staff at CHRIM.