The Provincial Government of British Columbia, through the Ministry of Health, sets province-wide goals, standards and performance agreements for delivery of health care by health authorities in B.C., including Interior Health. Our board of directors is responsible for setting Interior Health’s Vision, Mission and Values, and the strategic direction of the organization.
If you have questions about our board, contact the Board Chair by email.
Board Structure & Function
Our Board is a fully-functioning governing body made up of seven members from communities across the region. Their role (established through bylaws) is to make decisions that meet the region’s health needs.
Board members are appointed through the provincial government's Board Resourcing and Development Office.
The Interior Health Board of Directors is made up of members from communities across the southern Interior region. Directors are appointed through the provincial government's Board Resourcing and Development Office. The current Chair of the Board is Dr. Robert Halpenny, who was appointed in February 2024.
Functions of the Board of Directors include:
- Governance and oversight responsibility
- Setting overall strategic direction for the organization
- Approving budget submissions and business plans
- Reviewing and approving capital plans
- Granting privileges for medical staff to practice in Interior Health facilities, on the advice and recommendation of the Health Authority Medical Advisory Committee
- Reviewing and approving overarching strategies to address aspects of the performance agreement Interior Health holds with the Province of British Columbia
The Province of B.C., through the Ministry of Health, sets province-wide goals, standards, and performance agreements for the delivery of health care. The Government Mandate Letter identifies the annual priorities and expectations for Interior Health, and is outlined in an agreement between the IH Board of Directors and the Ministry of Health.
Board of Directors – Meeting schedule
IH’s Board of Directors holds public board meetings throughout the year. You’re welcome to attend these events. We’ve added virtual board meetings to make it easier for people across the region to join. Stay connected through IH’s social media channels: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube.
Visit the Board Meeting Materials section on this page to view agendas, meeting packages and approved minutes for upcoming and past Board meetings.
Location
Held virtually via livestream
2024 Board meetings
- April 17: 5-6 p.m.
- Dec. 4: 5-6 p.m.
2025 Board meetings
- Feb. 12: 5-6 p.m.
- June 18: 5-6 p.m.
- Dec. 10: 5-6 p.m.
Members of the public are invited to attend and participate in public Board meetings.
If you would like to find out more about presenting at an upcoming meeting or providing written questions to the Board, contact the Board Chair by email.
Board Meeting Materials
View agendas, meeting packages and approved minutes for upcoming and past Board meetings. Minutes will be posted once approved.
Oct. 6
June 23
April 28
Feb. 24
Oct. 1
June 19
April 16
Feb. 12
Dec. 4
Oct. 2
June 19
April 17
Feb. 6
Dec. 5
Oct. 3
Aug. 1
June 6
April 4
Feb. 7
Dec. 6
Oct. 4
July 19
May 31
March 1
Board Committees
There are five Board-created committees that focus on specific issues and provide the Board with recommendations to help with its decisions. Committees are made up of at least three Board directors, plus non-voting membership consisting of members of the Board and executive.
Each committee has terms of reference outlining its authority and responsibility.
This committee is responsible to the Board for all of Interior Health’s financial matters, including:
- Reviewing and examining all financial objectives, policies, programs and practices that are required to provide sound financial management and to safeguard assets
- Reviewing audited financial statements prior to submission to the Board and providing auditors with a means of access to the Board in order to preserve their independence in their relationship with management
This committee provides a focus on both governance and human resources, enhancing Interior Health’s performance by:
- Assessing and making recommendations to the Board regarding Board and committee effectiveness
- Providing direction regarding director development
- Leading the process for recommending director criteria to the government for consideration
- Assisting the Board in fulfilling its obligations relating to human resources and compensation matters
- Establishing a plan of continuity and development for senior management
- Overseeing development and implementation of human resources strategy, policy and practices
This committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibility to ensure excellent quality of patient, client and resident care throughout the health authority by:
- Ensuring that Interior Health’s leadership team establishes an appropriate patient, client, resident-centred and performance-based quality culture
- Providing support, input and governance as Interior Health’s Leadership Team establishes and monitors performance targets, standards of care and service, and guidelines and policies for patients, clients, and residents, while reducing associated risks
- Advising the Board on Interior Health’s progress and population health performance
This committee assists the Board in supporting management-led external and internal communications responsibilities and supports Board-specific goals and objectives with respect to partner relations.
Board of Directors - Profiles
Dr. Robert Halpenny - Board Chair
Dr. Robert Halpenny is a health care consultant with extensive experience in his field.
Previously, he was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with the Interior Health Authority. He completed his Family Practice Residency in 1982 after spending numerous clinical rotations in Kelowna and then setting up a practice in Vancouver.
As the Vice President of Medicine at St. Vincent's, he completed his Masters Degree in Health Administration from the University of Colorado and then spent six years in Grand Junction Colorado as the Vice President of Medicine at St. Mary's Hospital. He returned to BC in 2002 as the Vice President of Medicine for the Fraser Health Authority and then accepted the position of Provincial Executive Director Cardiac Services at Provincial Health Services Authority.
He started with the Interior Health Authority in January 2007 as the Senior Medical Director with a background in clinical care and Medical Administration. He presently serves on the Medical Services Commission.
Karen Hamling
Karen Hamling served four terms as the mayor of Nakusp. Hamling retired after many years at the Arrow Lakes Hospital, most of which were spent as the Health Records Supervisor. Karen previously owned two businesses and is an active member in the community.
Ms. Hamling is one of the original directors and founders of the Nakusp and Area Community Foundation. She has sat on several committees including the Nakusp and Area Development Board, Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Kootenay, Halcyon Home Redevelopment Committee, Southern Interior Development Trust, and Columbia River Treaty Local Government’s Committee.
Ms. Hamling received an Honourary Diploma in Community Leadership from Selkirk College in 2017 and is a recipient of the Diamond Jubilee Medal for Mayoral roll.
Passionate about her community and the health care system, she has worked to improve health care in her community.
She is a mother of two, grandmother of six and great-grandmother of three great-grandchildren.
Allan Louis
Allan Louis serves as a councillor of the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB), maintaining a focus on ideas and initiatives meant to benefit the membership. Formerly, he served as co-chair of the Indigenous Education Committee for School District 22 and member of the First Nations Health Council.
Mr. Louis is currently appointed to the operating board for OKIB group of companies responsible for management LP and forestry LP and is appointed to the Assembly of First Nations on the Chiefs Committee for Health which works with the Federal government to improve health services for First Nations across Canada.
Mr. Louis is the owner of Maximum One Venture and previously worked in managerial and advisory roles with Vernon Travel Lodge, the Casino of the Rockies and Cranbrook Dodge.
Mr. Louis attended Okanagan College.
Willie Sellars
Willie Sellars was born and raised in Williams Lake, B.C. and is a member of the Williams Lake First Nation (“WLFN” or “T’exelc”) of the Secwépemc Nation. Elected to WLFN Council at the age of 24 in 2008, Mr. Sellars was one of the youngest elected Councillors in WLFN history. After serving 10 years on Council, he was elected as the Chief of the Williams Lake First Nation in 2018 and is currently in his first term.
In his previous work experience, Mr. Sellars worked as a Wildland Firefighter for the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations before returning to his community to assume the position of Special Project Coordinator in the WLFN Economic Development Department. During this time, he was responsible for new business initiatives flowing from Impact Benefit Agreements, engagement with proponents in the traditional territory and community consultation for major WLFN projects.
While Chief in 2020, Mr. Sellars oversaw the negotiation of British Columbia’s first government-to-government agreement under section 119 of the BC Cannabis Control and Licensing Act. This watershed agreement gave Williams Lake First Nation specific authority in relation to cannabis retail, and facilitated the development of Sugar Cane Cannabis: B.C.’s first farm-gate cannabis facility. Mr. Sellars is a Director and President of WLFN’s two cannabis entities, Sugar Cane Cannabis and Unity Cannabis. Unity Cannabis, which is the retail arm of WLFN’s cannabis operations, has operational stores in Williams Lake, Merritt and Penticton, with another outlet in Lac La Hache currently in the licensing phase.
Mr. Sellars is also a published author of “Dipnetting with Dad,” which won a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, and was shortlisted for the Chocolate Lily, Shining Willow, and Ontario Library Association awards. His second book, “Hockey with Dad,” released in the Fall of 2021. Willie enjoys his family time with his three kids, playing hockey with the Williams Lake Stampeders, attending community events at WLFN, dipnetting, and playing fastball.
Joyce Adjei
Joyce is a lawyer in Kamloops and a Registered Nurse (RN) with over 10 years of experience working in various positions as an RN in British Columbia. She is also a Board Director for BC CRN - an organization that raises awareness to keep vulnerable adults safe and free from neglect and abuse. As a lawyer, her practice involves child protection services, family law and general litigation.
Joyce works closely with her clients to unite them with their child(ren). In addition, she helps the clients access social, housing, health and wellness support. During her articles at DLA Piper LLP (Vancouver office), Joyce's practice focused on consumer protection, intellectual property and other areas of health law.
Joyce is also active in her community, serving, for example, as a frontline nurse and a research coordinator for Interior Health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Joyce holds a Master of Science in Nursing degree from York University, Toronto, and a Bachelor of Nursing degree and Juris Doctor (Law) from Thompson Rivers University. Joyce was appointed to the Board on September 20, 2023.
Thomas (Tom) Friedman
Thomas (Tom) Friedman was born in Vancouver, and attended Prince of Wales Secondary School, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and UBC, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1979, and a Master of Arts in 19th and 20th Century British literature in 1985. In 1993 Tom completed a Ph.D. in literature at the University of Toronto and began teaching English literature at the University College of the Cariboo (UCC)--now TRU.
Beginning in 1995, he became involved in the UCC Faculty Association. After serving as Bargaining Chair, he was elected president of the Faculty Association in 2000 and served in that position until 2007. He was re-elected TRU Faculty Association president in 2014, serving for another five years.
Tom has also served as an elected Member-at-Large on the Executive of the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators (FPSE). He was appointed a member of the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) Academic Freedom and Tenure Committee in 2008 and re-appointed in 2010.
Active in his community, Tom has been involved with the Kamloops Film Society Board of Directors and has served as its chair since 2010. He has also served as President of the Jewish Community Centre of Kamloops from 2006 to 2013.
Mike Gerrand
Mike Gerrand is a principal with the accounting firm Grant Thornton, LLP working in Trail and Castlegar. His role at Grant Thornton includes advising small businesses, charities and non-profit organizations on various financial issues. Mike is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University as well as a diploma of Arts and Science from Selkirk College.
He has been active with various youth sports organizations for the past twenty years including Castlegar Minor Baseball and Castlegar Minor Hockey in roles varying from coaching to treasurer. He was born and raised in the West Kootenays and currently resides in Castlegar.
Bonnie Pearson
Bonnie Pearson is a labour leader with experience in the health-care sector, retiring from the Hospital Employees Union in 2015. Prior to this, Ms. Pearson worked for the Compensation Employees Union where she represented staff at the Workers Compensation Board. Most recently, Pearson was appointed by the Municipal Employees Pension Committee to serve as the inaugural Chair of the Municipal Retiree Benefit Trust.
Active within her profession, Ms. Pearson served as an elected vice president of the British Columbia Federation of Labour and was a member of the Finance Committee. She has also been serving on the ICBC board for six years and will remain there until the end of 2024.
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