We Are IH: Data governance specialist aligns mission and career

February 6, 2025

Jonathan Saah overlooking the Oregon Coast.

Name: Jonathan Saah (he/him/his)
Job Title: Data Governance Specialist
Years of Service: 7
Worksite: Vernon Jubilee Hospital
Community: Coldstream
Ancestral Territory: syilx Nation
Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” – Nelson Mandela

For Jonathan, Nelson Mandela’s quote highlights the importance of our actions and how they shape the value of our lives. To him, it also suggests the true meaning of life comes from living with purpose, kindness and a commitment to improving the well-being of others.

Jonathan’s career in health care began with a strong foundation in business. He graduated from the co-op business program at Toronto Metropolitan University, gaining practical experience in business and computer sciences through roles at Johnson & Johnson Medical Products, Imperial Oil and Kraft Canada. He also worked as a marketing information analyst for World Vision Canada, a humanitarian aid and advocacy organization.

After completing his master’s in business development at the University of Waterloo, Jonathan spent 12 years in municipal government and consulting as an economic development specialist. He later transitioned to health care, leveraging his business expertise, research and analytical skills in his current role with Digital and Analytics Services at Interior Health (IH).

In this Story…

Learn more about Jonathan’s journey with IH

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Learn more about Jonathan’s journey with IH

A man stands with two boys, one girl, and a woman all smiling, in front of a waterfall. — Jonathan and his family in front of a waterfall.

Working in the health-care industry enabled Jonathan to align his career with a meaningful mission: improving well-being, equity and access to health care. His background in business development and research provided transferable analytical, problem-solving and organizational skills.

He was particularly inspired to join IH, where his research expertise allowed him to uncover insights from health data to enhance decision-making, streamline processes, and identify gaps in care. This work contributed to innovative programs that improved health services, patient outcomes and access to care.

My role focuses on developing strategies that enhance the accuracy, security, and value of health data, enabling better decision-making, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting innovative advancements like AI-driven solutions.

-- Jonathan Saah

A typical day includes a mix of research, writing, strategic planning, and leading training sessions with data stewards at IH. Since many projects often overlap with those of his team, he participates in meetings to discuss challenges and collaborate on creative solutions to support data stewards. Jonathan frequently analyzes gaps in policies, processes and standards, identifying opportunities for improvement based on recent changes in business needs, regulations or technology.

Working in data governance at IH is incredibly rewarding as it allows me to promote equity, enhance organizational efficiency, and foster collaboration across teams while driving data-driven strategies to improve health-care services and systems.

-- Jonathan Saah

One of Jonathan’s most memorable achievements was developing a set of internal automated tracking reports for the surgical and endoscopy programs in collaboration with the Surgical Network team. Jonathan worked closely with the team to assess their reporting needs, created a timeline for developing the reports, and held regular meetings so that the outcomes aligned with all requirements. After designing the reports, he tested them thoroughly, gathered feedback from end-users to address any logic errors, and conducted training sessions on their use. These reports became a valuable tool for tracking and optimizing performance at IH surgical facilities, helping address challenges and evaluate program and business process improvements.

For Jonathan, reconciliation is an ongoing process of addressing the impacts of colonization while building respectful, equitable relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. It seeks to heal past wounds and create a future grounded in understanding, mutual respect and shared responsibility.

A man is holding a small black dog in a harness on his lap, under a backyard patio umbrella — Jonathan and his family dog, Lily.

Jonathan views inclusion, belonging and accessibility as deeply interconnected principles that promote equity, respect and participation for all. “Inclusion ensures that everyone, regardless of their background, identity or abilities, feels valued and has equal opportunities to contribute and succeed,” he says. “Belonging fosters a sense of connection and acceptance, where individuals feel genuinely appreciated for who they are. Accessibility focuses on removing barriers—whether physical, social or systemic—that prevent full participation, and ensures spaces, resources and opportunities are available to everyone. Together, these principles create an environment that celebrates diversity and empowers individuals to reach their full potential.”

Jonathan finds that food is a gateway to understanding a culture's history and traditions, adding, “My wife and I are always on the hunt for unique flavours and exciting combinations. I’m really looking forward to travelling and sharing more of those experiences with her this summer. Exploring different culinary styles also sparks our creativity and inspires us to experiment with new dishes at home.”

Jonathan notes that hiking and camping are "cherished activities" he enjoys with his family: "They offer a perfect blend of connection with nature, physical exercise, and mental rejuvenation. I love the sense of adventure and accomplishment, whether exploring new trails or setting up camp under the stars. These experiences provide valuable quality time with my family, free from distractions, where we can appreciate wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and the simplicity of life."

Jonathan is an avid board game player and collector. For him, board games are a way to foster social connections, encourage friendly competition, and build teamwork, all while enjoying a fun, screen-free activity. He loves the challenge of thinking critically, solving problems, and exploring creative strategies, especially when it’s paired with moments of laughter and a sense of accomplishment. Board games also provide Jonathan with a welcome escape from routine and creates lasting memories with his family and gaming group.