Northern Health Executive and Leadership Team

Ciro Panessa, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Northern Health, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire regional healthcare network. Panessa oversees the integration of hospital services, long-term care facilities, and public health units across the 600,000 square kilometer service area. By aligning clinical outcomes with fiscal responsibility, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures the delivery of essential care to over 300,000 residents. Ciro Panessa maintains constant communication with the Board to refine long-term health policies and address the unique challenges of northern British Columbia. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with provincial stakeholders to secure funding for critical infrastructure projects. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, Panessa drives continuous improvement in patient care standards. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the operational stability required to maintain high-quality healthcare access throughout the region.

Angela De Smit, the Chief Operating Officer at Northern Health, manages the daily execution of clinical and administrative workflows across the organization. De Smit optimizes resource allocation within the two dozen hospitals and specialized care facilities to maximize operational efficiency. Overseeing the implementation of system-wide health initiatives, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that medical travel assistance programs and primary care renewal efforts function seamlessly. Angela De Smit collaborates with department heads to streamline patient intake processes and reduce wait times for critical services. This role involves monitoring key performance indicators to identify bottlenecks in service delivery across the vast northern territory. By standardizing operational protocols, De Smit enhances the consistency of care provided to diverse patient populations. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the structural integrity of the health authority, ensuring that all facilities meet provincial safety and quality benchmarks.

Debbie Strang, the Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Director, Medical Center, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System at Northern Health, manages specialized clinical logistics and facility management protocols. Strang oversees the integration of complex medical center operations with broader regional health initiatives to ensure seamless patient transitions. By focusing on the technical requirements of specialized addictions and mental health services, the Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Director, Medical Center, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System improves the quality of care for vulnerable populations. Debbie Strang coordinates with clinical leads to implement advanced medical technologies that enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy. This role involves analyzing operational data to optimize staffing levels and equipment utilization across multiple care sites. Through the application of rigorous management standards, Strang drives improvements in patient safety and facility performance. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Director, Medical Center, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System ensures that specialized services meet the evolving needs of the northern population.

Penny Anguish, the Chief Operating Officer, Northern Interior at Northern Health, directs healthcare delivery specifically within the northern interior region. Anguish oversees the management of local hospitals and community health centers, ensuring that services align with the specific demographic needs of the interior population. By supervising regional clinical teams, the Chief Operating Officer, Northern Interior maintains high standards of care for primary health and emergency services. Penny Anguish collaborates with local community leaders to identify gaps in service and implement targeted health programs. This role involves managing regional budgets and personnel to ensure the sustainable operation of all interior facilities. Through proactive engagement with frontline staff, Anguish fosters a culture of excellence and patient-centered care. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer, Northern Interior secures the health and well-being of residents by optimizing the delivery of essential medical services across the interior landscape.

Linda Romano, the Interim Chief Operating Officer at Northern Health, provides temporary leadership and continuity for core operational functions during organizational transitions. Romano oversees the maintenance of essential healthcare services, ensuring that hospital operations and public health programs continue without disruption. By monitoring daily performance metrics, the Interim Chief Operating Officer identifies areas for immediate improvement and implements corrective actions to sustain service quality. Linda Romano works closely with the executive team to support ongoing projects and maintain alignment with the broader mission of the health authority. This role involves managing cross-functional teams to address urgent operational challenges and resource shortages. Through steady leadership, Romano ensures that the organization remains focused on patient outcomes and safety standards. Ultimately, the Interim Chief Operating Officer provides the stability necessary for the health authority to continue serving the northern population effectively during periods of change.

Mark Thomson, the Chief of Staff at Northern Health, coordinates executive communications and facilitates strategic alignment between the leadership team and clinical departments. Thomson manages the flow of information to the President & Chief Executive Officer, ensuring that critical health policy decisions receive timely attention. Overseeing the administrative functions of the executive office, the Chief of Staff organizes high-level meetings and tracks the progress of organizational goals. Mark Thomson acts as a liaison between the Board and operational leaders to ensure transparency in governance and resource management. This role involves synthesizing complex data from public health units to support evidence-based decision-making. By streamlining internal processes, Thomson improves the agility of the executive team in responding to regional health crises. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff supports the operational cohesion of the organization, allowing the leadership team to focus on delivering high-quality healthcare services.

Susanty Tay, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Northern Health, provides clinical leadership and oversight for medical standards across the regional health network. Tay manages the implementation of evidence-based clinical practices and ensures that all medical staff adhere to provincial health regulations. By reviewing patient care protocols, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer drives improvements in clinical outcomes and safety across hospitals and public health units. Susanty Tay collaborates with the Chief Medical Officer to recruit and retain high-quality physicians and specialists to serve the northern region. This role involves analyzing clinical data to identify trends in health outcomes and developing strategies to address regional health disparities. Through the promotion of continuous medical education, Tay ensures that the workforce remains proficient in the latest treatment modalities. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer maintains the clinical integrity of the organization, ensuring that all medical services meet the highest standards of care.