Senior Executive Team

Susan Brown is an experienced health care leader, passionate about improving care for patients and communities across B.C.’s southern Interior. President & Chief Executive Officer since 2018, Susan is responsible for the overall strategic direction and operations of the health authority, including working with IH’s many stakeholders and partners.

Susan joined IH in 2011 as Vice President of Clinical Operations and has held progressively complex portfolios since that time, including her most recent role as Chief Operating Officer. She has experience working in the United Kingdom and several areas within the province of British Columbia.

Susan serves on the Board of Directors for the Health Employers Association of British Columbia, and holds the role of Adjunct Professor at the University of Alberta and Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan.

Susan has a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and a Master’s degree in Leadership. More recently, Susan undertook a Fellowship in Health System Improvement through the faculty of Public Health at the University of Alberta. She is also a Certified Health Executive with the Canadian College of Health Leaders.

In her role as Vice President, Human Resources and Professional Practice Office, Karen Bloemink leads IH’s recruitment and employee experience strategies.

Karen started her career in health care as a Registered Nurse at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Over the years, she has gained experience working in urban and rural communities in Ontario, Alberta and B.C. Karen joined IH in 1996, since then holding leadership roles with increasing responsibility across acute, long-term care and community services. In 2019, Karen became Vice President, Clinical Operations, IH North.

Karen holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Western Ontario and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Victoria.

As Vice President of Communication and Engagement, Susan leads a portfolio responsible for corporate communications, web and digital marketing, media relations, public affairs, community engagement and strategic communications projects.

Having joined Interior Health in 2022, Susan brings extensive experience working with large corporations that involve engagement with Indigenous, federal, provincial, and municipal governments. She served as Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Western Forest Products, Vice President, Social Responsibility & Communications for the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, and has a health care background having held senior communication roles with the BC Ambulance Service.

In 2017, Susan was recognized as one of Business in Vancouver’s Top 40 Under Forty, and is a respected public speaker on the topics of women in business, social responsibility, community investment, diversity and inclusion. Susan has a unique combination of public and private sector experience with strategic expertise and familiarity working in a multi-faceted stakeholder environment.

Susan holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Northern B.C., completed the Sauder School of Business Executive Leadership Program at the University of British Columbia, holds and Executive Management Diploma from the University of Western Ontario, and is a Chartered Director with the DeGroot School of Business at McMaster University.

Brent Kruschel was appointed Vice President of Digital Health in 2023, and is responsible for digital health strategy and operations, clinical and business analytics, information management and technology services, and IH-wide implementation of advanced clinical information technology solutions.

Brent joined Interior Health in 2002, holding various positions within the Information Management and Technology portfolio prior to taking a leadership role in Capital Planning Project Delivery in 2016. During his time at IH Brent led several technology initiatives including the regional implementation of Meditech 6.1 (CONNEX) and the launch of myHealthPortal. As Chief Project Officer, Brent led the development of the David Kampe Tower at Penticton Regional Hospital and led the planning and procurement of the Gaglardi Tower at Royal Inland Hospital. In 2019, he became Vice President Technology, Informatics, and Facilities at Fraser Health. Brent holds an MBA from Smith School of Business at Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia.

Dr. Shallen Letwin was appointed Vice President, Clinical Operations, IH South in April 2019. In this role, he leads clinical services for Kootenay Boundary, Central and South Okanagan, as well as several IH-wide clinical programs and networks.

Shallen has wide-ranging operational and leadership experience in the areas of acute care, community and primary care, long-term care, pharmacy services, and cancer care across the provinces of Alberta and B.C. He has worked in the B.C. health system for more than 20 years, previously serving as Vice President, Regional Operations for BC Cancer and Vice President, Clinical Operations for Fraser Health.

Shallen holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Alberta and a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of British Columbia. He is a Fellow of the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists.

Richard Harding is IH’s Vice President, Clinical and Support Services, which oversees a wide range of services, including medical imaging, pharmacy, laboratory, Protection, and Support Services. Richard also leads IH’s Health System Planning and Primary Care and Mental Health and Substance Use Transformation Teams.

Richard joined Interior Health in February 2014 and has demonstrated progressive growth within the organization across several clinical operations portfolios with wide-ranging operational and leadership experience in Acute Care, Community, Mental Health and Substance Use, Primary Care and Long-Term Care.

Richard holds a BSc (Hons) in Nursing, Post Graduate Diploma in Advancing Healthcare Practice, and has recently completed an MBA in International Healthcare Management from the University of Cumbria in the UK. Richard is a Trustee of the Okanagan Waldorf School in Lumby.

Addie Pryce is from the Nisga’a Nation of Gingolx, on the north coast of British Columbia. In her role as Vice President, Aboriginal Partnerships, Addie is committed to the health and well-being of all Aboriginal people and communities in the Interior region. She fosters relationships with First Nations and Métis partners and organizations, and provides executive leadership to IH’s work in cultural safety and humility.

Before joining IH in 2021, Addie held senior leadership roles within B.C. and Ontario, including working with the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and the First Nations Information Governance Centre. Most recently, Addie was the director of the health sector for the Assembly of First Nations, where she advocated for First Nations’ health and well-being.

Addie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Carleton University and Diploma in Adult Education from University of British Columbia. In 2006, she was the recipient of an Assistant Deputy Minister Award of Excellence in relation to work with early childhood development.

In her role as Vice President, Diane leads clinical operations across IH’s northern geography, including the Thompson Cariboo Shuswap, North Okanagan and East Kootenay. Diane is also responsible for several IH-wide clinical programs and networks, including surgical services and mental health and substance use.

Diane joined Interior Health in early 2020, as executive director for clinical operations in Kootenay Boundary. Prior to joining IH, Diane worked in the Saskatchewan health system since 1992, holding progressively senior positions, including Vice President for Saskatoon’s Indigenous Health portfolio.

Diane holds a Master of Health Administration degree from the University of Regina, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, from the University of Saskatchewan.

As Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Vice President, Corporate Services, Sylvia leads Interior Health’s business support and accounting functions, manages contracted services and is responsible for capital planning and projects.

Sylvia is a proven strategic health leader with 25 years of experience working in the financial sector, including internationally within the UK National Health Service and within the B.C. public sector. Prior to becoming CFO, Sylvia served as IH’s Corporate Director of Business Integration and Development for 11 years, where she gained experience forming and sustaining partnerships with community, government and private entities.

Sylvia completed a Fellowship in Health System Improvement through the University of Alberta, and has her Project Management certification through the UBC Sauder School of Business. She is active in her local community as a vice-chair of the Kelowna Women’s Shelter and an Immigrant Employment mentor with the Kelowna Community Resources Centre.

As Interim Vice President, for Quality, Research & Academic Affairs, Dr. Glenn McRae has oversight of the quality and patient safety, research, health system evaluation and the academic affairs departments.

Glenn has been with IH since 2014 and has held the position of Chief Nursing Officer and Professional Practice Lead, and most recently, the role of Executive Director, Quality and Patient Safety. Prior to that he held several leadership roles with Alberta Health Services. Glenn has a passion for Quality and Safety and has worked tirelessly to improve our processes within the region on several fronts.

Glenn has a Bachelor of Science degree in Cellular, Molecular, and Microbial Biology, a Bachelor of Nursing degree with distinction, an additional certification in Critical Care nursing (ACCN), is a Master of Business Administration and has his PhD in Nursing. He has also completed the Advanced Training Program in Health Care Delivery Improvement, is a certified Master Disclosure Trainer and has completed the Patient Safety Executive Development Program.

As Interim Vice President of Medicine, Dr. Douglas Smith is responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction for medical services across the organization. He works closely with the Senior Executive Team, staff, medical staff and other healthcare leaders to ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care possible.

Dr. Douglas Smith, an accomplished family physician and medical leader, has been practicing medicine and providing medical leadership for over 25 years. His experience extends over five jurisdictions within two countries – Canada and the United States. Dr. Smith has worked in a variety of settings, including home and community care, primary care including obstetrics, acute care, long-term care and end of life care.

Dr. Smith has been with the Interior Health Authority (IH) since 2016, where he has been committed to providing the highest standards of care to the patients and the communities we serve. He has served in various leadership roles throughout his career and has mentored many medical professionals. His leadership portfolios at IH include Clinical Operations for IH North, Digital Health, Long-term Care, and Palliative and End of Life Care. He has served as the Medical Staff Representative and Clinical Operations Co-Lead for the Pandemic Response Coordination Committee and has served as co-Chair of the IH Ethics Council.

Dr. Smith maintains active licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia. He continues to practice clinically at the Kelowna Urgent and Primary Care Clinic. Dr. Smith remains committed to continuing education and participates in professional development activities to keep up to date with the latest medical practices and technologies.

Dr. Smith holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a Major in Human Genetics, a Master of Science degree in Human Biochemical Genetics from McGill University, a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto, and completed his Residency in Family Medicine at the University of Calgary, Calgary General Hospitals.

Dr. Smith is dedicated to his family and enjoys spending time with them outside of work.  He is an avid reader and enjoys staying active by participating in various outdoor activities including kayaking, hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing.

In his role as Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Martin Lavoie leads the Office of the Chief Medical Health Officer and Population & Public Health portfolio. In addition to being Interior Health’s Chief Medical Health Officer since September 2022, Dr. Lavoie is also Deputy Provincial Health Officer, a role he started in July 2020.

He graduated from medicine then specialized and graduated in community medicine from Université de Montréal in 1996 and is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada in community medicine.

Dr. Lavoie started his career in Québec then moved to Alberta in 2002 where he held the regional role of Medical Officer of Health. He moved on in 2009 to hold the position of Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health with the Government of Alberta, based in Edmonton. He also temporarily stepped in as the acting provincial Chief Medical Officer of Health in 2015-2016 and in 2017.

Dr. Lavoie moved from Alberta to British Columbia in August 2017 and took on the role of Executive Medical Director & Medical Health Officer at Fraser Health. In 2018, he became Vice President, Population Health & Chief Medical Health Officer.

Dr. Lavoie has led or has been a member of various Federal/Provincial/Territorial committees, task forces and working groups, including the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, on which he is currently the liaison representative for the Canadian Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health.

Dr. Lavoie is a Clinical Instructor at the School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, and is a preceptor at the Office of the Provincial Health Officer for Public Health and Preventive Medicine senior resident rotations, and a supervisor for other internship/student rotations in public health.

As a main spokesperson on public health issues during his career, Dr. Lavoie has given a vast number of interviews to print and electronic media and has participated in a number of public townhalls.

He also has been a speaker at many forums, conventions and conferences over the years, including at a few Canadian Immunization Conferences, and most recently at the Quality Forum 2023 in Vancouver.