Leadership Overview
Northern Health has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, clinical governance, operational management, and medical administration.
Committed to regional wellness, Northern Health delivers essential healthcare services across British Columbia through a vast network of hospitals, long-term care facilities, and specialized public health units.
Committed to regional wellness, Northern Health delivers essential healthcare services across British Columbia through a vast network of hospitals, long-term care facilities, and specialized public health units.
Leadership Roles at Northern Health
Ciro Panessa - President & Chief Executive Officer
Ciro Panessa, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Northern Health, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire regional healthcare network. Overseeing the delivery of services to over 300,000 residents, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that all clinical and administrative operations align with the mandate of providing accessible care across the vast northern British Columbia geography. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to secure funding and prioritize infrastructure investments for the two dozen hospitals under the organizational umbrella. By championing initiatives like the Care North primary care renewal, Ciro Panessa drives systemic improvements in patient outcomes. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on long-term sustainability, ensuring that the organization remains a pillar of public health while navigating the complex logistical challenges inherent in serving such a large, diverse, and geographically dispersed population.
Betty Morris - Chief Operating Officer
Betty Morris, the Chief Operating Officer at Northern Health, oversees the daily functional performance of the regional healthcare infrastructure. Managing the complex logistics of the two dozen hospitals and long-term care facilities, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that clinical resources remain available to the 300,000 residents across the northern British Columbia territory. This role involves the direct supervision of facility maintenance, supply chain management, and the integration of new medical technologies into existing care environments. Betty Morris drives operational efficiency by analyzing performance metrics and implementing standardized protocols that improve patient flow and service quality. By coordinating with regional directors, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the integrity of the NH Connections medical travel assistance program, ensuring that patients receive necessary care regardless of location. Through rigorous oversight of physical assets and human resources, the Chief Operating Officer secures the operational foundation required for high-quality public healthcare delivery.
Penny Anguish - Chief Operating Officer, Northern Interior
Penny Anguish, the Chief Operating Officer, Northern Interior at Northern Health, manages the specific healthcare delivery requirements for the interior region of the organization. Overseeing the clinical and administrative functions of facilities within this geographic zone, the Chief Operating Officer, Northern Interior ensures that local populations receive consistent access to primary care and specialized services. This role involves tailoring the broader organizational mission to the unique demographic and logistical needs of the interior communities. Penny Anguish coordinates with local medical staff to implement the Care North primary care renewal initiative, focusing on localized health outcomes and service accessibility. By managing the operational budget and staffing requirements for interior hospitals, the Chief Operating Officer, Northern Interior maintains high standards of care delivery. This leadership position directly impacts the health of the interior population, ensuring that regional facilities operate effectively within the broader framework of the provincial health authority.
Debbie Strang - Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Director, Medical Center, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System
Debbie Strang, the Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Director, Medical Center, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System at Northern Health, directs the integration of specialized medical center operations into the broader regional health framework. Overseeing the complex administrative and clinical requirements of the medical center, the Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Director, Medical Center, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System ensures that high-acuity care services remain aligned with the organization's public health goals. This role involves managing the intersection of specialized medical services and general hospital operations to maximize resource utilization. Debbie Strang drives the implementation of advanced clinical protocols, ensuring that the medical center maintains its status as a center of excellence. By coordinating with other executive leaders, the Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Director, Medical Center, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System optimizes the delivery of care for patients requiring intensive support, thereby strengthening the overall healthcare capacity of the northern British Columbia region.
Linda Romano - Interim Chief Operating Officer
Linda Romano, the Interim Chief Operating Officer at Northern Health, provides temporary leadership and continuity for the organization's operational divisions. Overseeing the transition of key administrative projects, the Interim Chief Operating Officer ensures that the daily functions of hospitals and public health units continue without disruption. This role involves maintaining the momentum of ongoing healthcare initiatives and supporting the staff in meeting performance targets across the northern British Columbia region. Linda Romano monitors the allocation of resources and the execution of clinical policies, ensuring that the organization remains responsive to the needs of the 300,000 residents served. By facilitating clear communication between departments and the executive team, the Interim Chief Operating Officer stabilizes operational workflows during periods of leadership transition. This position requires a deep understanding of the regional healthcare landscape, allowing the Interim Chief Operating Officer to maintain the high standards of service expected from the organization.
Mark Thomson - Chief of Staff
Mark Thomson, the Chief of Staff at Northern Health, manages the executive office operations and facilitates high-level communication between the leadership team and clinical departments. Coordinating the implementation of corporate policies, the Chief of Staff ensures that the strategic directives set by the executive board translate into actionable workflows within the various hospitals and public health units. This role requires constant engagement with medical leadership to resolve operational bottlenecks and optimize the delivery of specialized addictions and mental health services. Mark Thomson monitors the execution of regional health mandates, ensuring that all facilities adhere to the rigorous standards required for public healthcare excellence. By streamlining internal processes and fostering cross-departmental cooperation, the Chief of Staff supports the organization in maintaining its commitment to the residents of northern British Columbia, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and responsiveness of the entire healthcare system.
Vestvik Sandra - Chief of Staff BVDH
Vestvik Sandra, the Chief of Staff BVDH at Northern Health, manages the medical staff and clinical governance for the BVDH facility. Overseeing the professional standards and credentialing of physicians, the Chief of Staff BVDH ensures that all clinical practices align with the organization's commitment to patient safety and quality care. This role involves mediating between the medical staff and hospital administration to resolve clinical challenges and improve service delivery. Vestvik Sandra drives the adoption of evidence-based medicine within the facility, ensuring that patients receive the most effective treatments available. By fostering a collaborative environment among healthcare providers, the Chief of Staff BVDH supports the overall mission of the organization in providing comprehensive healthcare services. This leadership role is essential for maintaining the clinical integrity of the facility, ensuring that the medical team remains focused on delivering high-quality care to the residents of northern British Columbia.
Susanty Tay - Deputy Chief Medical Officer
Susanty Tay, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Northern Health, supports the development and implementation of clinical policies across the entire regional network. Overseeing the medical quality assurance programs, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer ensures that all hospitals and public health units adhere to provincial health standards. This role involves analyzing clinical data to identify areas for improvement and implementing strategies to enhance patient outcomes. Susanty Tay collaborates with the Chief Medical Officer to provide guidance on medical ethics, clinical research, and the integration of new healthcare technologies. By providing clinical leadership and oversight, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of medical practice in northern British Columbia. This position is critical for maintaining the standard of care, as the Deputy Chief Medical Officer works to align medical practices with the evolving needs of the population and the strategic goals of the health authority.
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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Northern Health Top Executives and Leadership Team
