Community & Culture

We Are IH: Support services director embraces his values

Craig, his wife Kate and daughter Lexi enjoy spending time outdoors.

Early in his life, Craig knew he wanted to help people in any capacity he could. Born in North Vancouver and raised in Kelowna, Craig enjoyed a varied career in the Canadian Armed Forces and as a police officer in the RCMP, and pursued his passion for animals by working with horses before joining Interior Health (IH) in 2017.

After moving away from Kelowna for some time, Craig and his family returned in 2012. “I am honoured to have the opportunity to raise a family on these beautiful lands, and acknowledge that this privilege comes as a result of significant trauma to the Indigenous nations of this country. I’m committed to reconciliation and learning to live in harmony with the people, animals and plants of this beautiful land.”

Learn more about Craig’s journey with IH

A mom in white shirt and pants, a dad in blue shorts and tshirt and a child in his arms stand together on a metal platform in front of a waterfall
The Payntons, seen here at Herald’s Park, enjoy camping together

At IH, Craig has had the opportunity to combine his desire to help others with his passion for business, all while living out his values. 

IH has continuously allowed me to embrace my values of family, kindness, nature and learning, and for that I am thankful. What inspires me most are the incredible people I get to work with every single day, as well as solving new problems and learning new lessons.

-- Craig Paynton (he/him/his)

When the going gets tough, Craig likes to lean into his wife Kate’s favourite quote, “Nobody likes a sad Craig.” As he explains, “The quote reminds me to be my authentic self, which for me is kind, caring and supportive. The best thing I can do for myself – and others – is be me.”

When asked about his proudest moment at IH, Craig replied, “There are far too many specific projects that I have been so proud to be a part of to name just one. However, the proudest moment for me at Interior Health is every time someone has ever said how much they appreciate my positive attitude.”

A person with a beard sits hugging a big white furry dog on his lap in front of a door.
Craig and his great Pyrenees Lady, a livestock guardian dog on the family farm

Adds Craig, “I have been absolutely honoured to be a part of IH through some of the most difficult challenges in our province’s recent history, including the global COVID-19 pandemic, and devastating wildfires and flooding. Despite these challenges, stresses and difficulties, including losing my father to brain cancer, I have always tried to maintain my optimistic attitude. The fact that this can have a positive impact on others is my proudest achievement.”

Outside of work, you’ll find Craig surfing and paddle boarding, cross-country skiing, camping, backpacking, learning languages and cooking – especially classic Neapolitan wood-fired pizza. He shares that he’s a fan of heavy metal music, in particular “epic symphonic metal.”  

A young child wearing a helmet sits on a black horse with a white diamond on its forehead next to two adults, both in hats
Lexi sits on her pony, Sassy, before the start of a lesson

A proud and caring father, he also looks forward to every moment he can spend with his daughter. Says Craig, “Each holiday and season brings new growth for her and new experiences. I’m excited for camping season this year, and lots of time spent at the lake. My daughter and I go swimming multiple times a week and she has progressed so quickly and absolutely loves it. This summer will be filled with time paddle boarding together and swimming.”

Craig nominates Trevor Speed, corporate director, Protection Services, to keep We Are IH going:

“Trevor has always been an integral leader in IH and has contributed so much to IH's emergency responses over the years. He exemplifies what it means to be a leader and has built strong teams in the Support Services and Protection Services portfolios. I think others would appreciate getting to know more about him!” – Craig Paynton

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