Northern Health Executive and Leadership Team

Ciro Panessa, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Northern Health, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the entire healthcare system. Panessa guides the organization's mission to deliver comprehensive healthcare services across the northern half of British Columbia, a vast 600,000 square kilometer territory. This leadership role involves ensuring the effective operation of more than two dozen hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health units, and specialized mental health and addictions services. Ciro Panessa champions innovative programs, such as the Care North primary care renewal initiative and the NH Connections medical travel assistance program, driving excellence in patient care for over 300,000 residents. The President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with provincial healthcare mandates and fosters a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Betty Morris, the Chief Operating Officer at Northern Health, oversees the day-to-day operational management of the healthcare system's extensive network. Morris directs the efficient functioning of numerous facilities, including hospitals and long-term care centers, ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care across northern British Columbia. This executive role involves optimizing resource allocation, managing operational budgets, and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance service delivery. Betty Morris focuses on streamlining processes within the 600,000 square kilometer service area, ensuring seamless coordination between various healthcare departments and facilities. The Chief Operating Officer plays a critical part in maintaining operational excellence and supporting the organization's commitment to serving over 300,000 residents.

Linda Romano, the Interim Chief Operating Officer at Northern Health, manages critical operational functions during a transitional period, ensuring continuity of care across the expansive service area. Romano directs the oversight of hospitals, long-term care facilities, and public health units, maintaining high standards of service delivery throughout northern British Columbia. This leadership position involves addressing immediate operational challenges, optimizing resource deployment, and supporting the executive team's strategic objectives. Linda Romano focuses on maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare operations across the 600,000 square kilometer territory, serving over 300,000 residents. The Interim Chief Operating Officer ensures that essential healthcare services remain uninterrupted and that operational performance meets organizational goals.

Debbie Strang, the Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Director, Medical Center, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System at Northern Health, directs complex operational strategies and administrative oversight within a major medical center. Strang manages the intricate workings of the healthcare system, ensuring the delivery of comprehensive services and adherence to stringent quality standards. This executive position involves leading diverse teams, optimizing resource utilization, and driving operational efficiency across multiple departments. Debbie Strang focuses on enhancing patient care delivery and operational performance, contributing to the system's mission of serving veterans and their families. The Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Director, Medical Center, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System ensures seamless integration of clinical and administrative functions, promoting a high level of healthcare excellence.

Penny Anguish, the Chief Operating Officer, Northern Interior at Northern Health, spearheads operational management for a significant geographical sector within the health authority's vast territory. Anguish oversees the performance and strategic direction of healthcare facilities and services across the Northern Interior region of British Columbia. This leadership role involves ensuring the efficient delivery of comprehensive care, managing operational budgets, and implementing initiatives to improve patient outcomes. Penny Anguish focuses on optimizing resource allocation and operational processes to meet the unique healthcare needs of the Northern Interior population. The Chief Operating Officer, Northern Interior drives operational excellence and supports the organization's commitment to providing accessible and high-quality healthcare services across this extensive region.

Mark Thomson, the Chief of Staff at Northern Health, provides critical support and strategic counsel to the President & Chief Executive Officer and the executive leadership team. Thomson facilitates effective communication and collaboration across different departments and facilities within the vast northern British Columbia region. This role involves managing key organizational initiatives, coordinating executive priorities, and ensuring the smooth functioning of leadership operations. Mark Thomson supports the strategic direction of Northern Health's comprehensive healthcare services, which span over 600,000 square kilometers and serve more than 300,000 residents. The Chief of Staff ensures that executive decisions are effectively translated into actionable plans, contributing to the organization's mission of providing accessible and high-quality care.

Vestvik Sandra, the Chief of Staff BVDH at Northern Health, leads critical administrative and strategic functions specifically for the Bulkley Valley District Hospital and associated services. Sandra ensures the effective coordination of medical and operational activities within this key facility, contributing to the broader healthcare network's objectives. This role involves providing executive-level support, managing hospital-specific initiatives, and fostering collaboration among medical staff and administration. Vestvik Sandra plays a vital part in delivering quality healthcare to the communities served by BVDH, aligning local operations with Northern Health's overarching mission across northern British Columbia. The Chief of Staff BVDH enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of hospital operations, supporting patient care for the region's residents.

Rebecca Hodges, the Chief People Officer at Northern Health, leads the strategic direction and management of all human resources functions across the expansive healthcare system. Hodges oversees talent acquisition, employee development, compensation, and benefits, ensuring a skilled and motivated workforce to support patient care. This executive role is critical in fostering a positive organizational culture and promoting employee engagement throughout northern British Columbia. Rebecca Hodges champions initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining healthcare professionals, addressing workforce challenges within the 600,000 square kilometer service area. The Chief People Officer ensures that Northern Health has the necessary human capital to deliver comprehensive healthcare services to over 300,000 residents.

Prahlad Ho, the Chief Medical Officer at Northern Health, provides essential clinical leadership and strategic direction for all medical services across the organization's vast operational area. Ho guides the development and implementation of clinical policies, standards, and best practices to ensure the highest quality of patient care. This role involves overseeing medical staff, promoting evidence-based medicine, and driving clinical innovation throughout northern British Columbia. Prahlad Ho ensures that medical services are integrated effectively across more than two dozen hospitals and facilities, serving over 300,000 residents. The Chief Medical Officer plays a pivotal role in maintaining clinical excellence and advancing the health outcomes for the population served by Northern Health.

Susanty Tay, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Northern Health, supports the Chief Medical Officer in providing clinical leadership and ensuring the quality of medical services across the extensive northern British Columbia region. Tay assists in the development and execution of clinical strategies, focusing on enhancing patient care delivery and operational efficiency. This position involves collaborating with medical teams, addressing clinical challenges, and contributing to the implementation of healthcare improvements. Susanty Tay plays a key role in maintaining high standards of medical practice and supporting the organization's mission to provide comprehensive healthcare services. The Deputy Chief Medical Officer contributes to the effective functioning of the medical department and the overall health system.