Community & Culture

We Are IH: Celebrating a nurse's remarkable career and retirement

October 10, 2024
Deb and her son Connor enjoying time together in Prince George.

Name: Deb Runge (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Executive Director of Access and Flow, Patient Transport and Emergency Response
Years of Service: 33 years
Worksite: Kelowna Community Health & Services Centre 
Community: Penticton
Ancestral Territory: Syilx / Okanagan
Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: ”Every day is a new beginning. Take a deep breath, smile and start again." – Maya Angelou

Born in Newmarket, ON and raised in 100 Mile House, Deb Runge has had a rewarding and diverse career at Interior Health (IH). 

A registered nurse for 33 years, Deb chose a career in health care because of the variety of opportunities that the field presents.

Learn more about Deb Runge’s journey with IH

Deb has had a very diverse career, working with many great individuals at IH all who bring different perspectives to health care. 

She began her career as a student nurse in 100 Mile House in 1991 and quickly transitioned to a frontline registered nurse in both acute care and long-term care settings. Over the years, she progressed through various leadership roles, including manager and director of multiple hospitals, and ultimately served as executive director in several critical areas, including Pandemic Response and Patient Access.

Deb feels that she is best described as an introspective leader who values creating an environment where others feel empowered to express themselves. She enjoys embracing new challenges at work, maintaining a sense of humour and creating a positive, light-hearted atmosphere. 

Over the years, Debs personal motivation has evolved from being successful and achieving goals, to building connections. She has had many amazing moments at IH, but her proudest moments are the ones where she gets to share a genuine connection with a patient or colleague. 

“After 33 years, it’s hard to put into words my gratitude and admiration for the organization of Interior Health and the incredible people I've had the pleasure to work with. It's been a wonderful journey, filled with interesting and meaningful work which has provided me with the opportunity to meet and collaborate with so many talented individuals. I've learned and grown so much and am happy to say I've built friendships that will last a lifetime. Thank you to everyone who has been part of my incredible journey.” 

-- Deb Runge

Deb has a wife, two grown children, and a great life in Penticton. Outside of work, Deb enjoys a wide variety of hobbies that keep her active. Some of her favourite outdoor activities include disc golf, kayaking, gardening and cross-country skiing. In addition, Deb loves reading, yoga, meditation and art. 

Close up selfie of a woman with short brown hair smiling, she is wearing a burgundy t-shirt. In the background is a river, and mountains.
Deb fly fishing in Fort St. James.

Something others may not know about Deb is that she enjoys painting abstract art. For her, painting is a journey of self-reflection and a meditative practice where she can quiet her mind and bring something meaningful to life.

Deb is looking forward to retiring after 33 years with IH on October 31. She’s excited for a new chapter in life, and the new experiences that she’ll be able to explore in retirement.

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