Change coming to Northern Health executive team

The man in charge of healthcare delivery in Northern Health’s most populous region is leaving the organization.

Michael McMillan, NH Chief Operating Officer of the Northern Interior Area has been appointed the new President and CEO of the Health Employers Association of BC effective August 15th 2016.

McMillan also oversees pharmacy services for all of Northern Health and serves on the board of the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre and advisory board for the Executive MBA in Health at the Sauder School of Business.

HEABC Board Chair Betsy Gibbons says it was his experience working across a vast region with different groups that made him such a strong candidate.

“We learned through discussion with Michael, through referencing… that he is quite good at that and enjoys it, and that his focus is on building those relationships.”

McMillan has been based in Prince George since 1998 and in his current role since 2003.

“We are thrilled that he has agreed to join us. It’s quite the move from Prince George to the wonderful high cost of living in Vancouver.” Gibbons said with a laugh “But he’s absolutely ideal for the role, and quite excited about it himself.”

In his new role, he will head up the group which represents healthcare employers across the province in their bargaining with 115,000 unionized health care workers.

“Over the past 10 years I have had the opportunity to work closely with HEABC staff members and have always been impressed with their skill and commitment,” said McMillan in a statement

“With a new strategic plan and long-term collective agreements in place in all sectors, HEABC is positioned to play an increasingly important role in health system workforce planning. I am honoured to take on this leadership role with HEABC at this critical time and look forward to working closely with health system partners to improve the planning, management and support for health human resources in BC, with the goal of supporting a high quality, sustainable health system.”