We Are IH: Team lead helps build healthy Interior communities

October 6, 2022

Name: Mike Adams (he/him/his)
Job Title: Team Leader, Healthy Community Development
Years of Service: 30
Worksite: Vernon Health Centre
Community: Head of Okanagan Lake, briefly known in time as Vernon
Ancestral Territory: Syilx Okanagan
Advice to live by:

“If you're not having fun and laughing, then it's time to move on.”
“People. Helping people, supporting people, working with people.”

As an environmental health officer, Mike Adams’ passion is for making communities healthier places to live, learn, work and play. His goal is that everyone in the community has an equal opportunity to have the best life they want.

In this Story…

Learn more about his journey with IH

Explore Environmental Health Careers@IH

Learn more about his journey with IH

After spending nine years as an environmental health officer in Prince George, Mike moved to Vernon in 2001, covering the communities in the North Okanagan. In 2006, he moved into specialist and leadership roles within Interior Health’s Drinking Water Program, supporting communities and water suppliers to provide safe, clean and reliable drinking water for all.

Two players compete for the ball on a soccer pitch. — Mike (right) plays soccer as a defender for the Vernon Kal Tire Football Club.

Since 2014, Mike has been part of the Healthy Communities team advocating for strong collective action to improve and protect the health and well-being of our communities, and ensure the built, social, economic and natural environments are well balanced.

In his long career with Interior Health, Mike’s had more than one memorable moment. Every day he has the good fortune to work with and learn from a fantastic team of committed and motivated people who are more than just colleagues.

I get to live vicariously through them, and celebrate their and our personal and work successes together. It keeps life fun and interesting, and after 30 years, what else is there?

-- Mike Adams

Born and raised in the Okanagan, Mike considers himself committed, loyal and social. Mike is looking forward to the pension that comes with his long years of service, and the luxury to decide how to spend his time.

Mike on a WaveRunner on Lake Osoyoos.

When asked about his favourite hobby, Mike replied with, “Only one?” He fills his free time with soccer, hockey, anything on or in the water (kayaking), beach days, skiing, being outdoors (hiking, camping), music, barbecuing, travel, and his family.

Little known facts about Mike? “I used to have hair. I can't whistle.”