Interior Health (IH) has already found a new chair for its board of directors.
After former chair Dr. Doug Cochrane passed away earlier this month, the health authority is turning to a familiar face to fill his spot.
Dr. Robert Halpenny has been appointed chair of IH’s board of directors. Halpenny served as the CEO of IH from 2010-15.
"Dr. Halpenny brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge in his career, which includes an extensive history of working with BC's health authorities," said BC Minister of Health Adrian Dix, who praised Halpenny’s leadership qualities.
"He was instrumental in delivering the tertiary cardiac program to IH, as well as the provision of helicopter services to meet the needs of patients in the region.
Since leaving the position of IH CEO in 2015, Halpenny has been the chair of the Medical Services Commission, which oversees adherence to the Canada Health Act and Medicare Protection Act.
Once a family physician in Vancouver, Halpenny’s career as a health administrator has spanned more than 30 years and involves a stint at a Colorado hospital as well as several roles throughout BC.
In addition to the appointment of a new chair, IH also revealed a pair of new board members today and they’ll both serve one-year terms ending on Feb. 28, 2025.
William Michael Gerrand is a principal with the accounting firm Grant Thornton LLP, while Bonnie Pearson is a labour leader with experience in the healthcare sector.
"The addition of the new board members will bring a depth of knowledge and community experience, from both public and private sectors, and I look forward to our continued work together," added Dix.
While the two new board members will serve one-year terms, Halpenny will serve as the IH board chair until the end of 2026.
