By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Interior Health has announced it has appointed Sylvia Weir as president and CEO of Interior Health (IH), effective immediately, firming up her role that she assumed in June.
The regional health authority said her appointment came after an “extensive search” which began after former CEO Susan Brown announced her retirement in late April this year, effective year-end.
Brown committed to staying on in the position until Dec. 2025 or at such time a suitable replacement could be found. Brown had
Weir, who brings more than 25 years of leadership in health care in Canada and the United Kingdom, has been serving as interim president and CEO since June 2025. During this time Interior Health Board of Directors said she has, “demonstrated her people-centred leadership approach while leading IH through the organization’s financial sustainability initiatives.”
“I’m thrilled to welcome Sylvia Weir as the next president and CEO of Interior Health,” said Dr. Robert Halpenny, chair of the IH Board.
“As we considered a full slate of candidates, it became clear that Sylvia brings the right mix of values-based leadership, vision and financial acumen to enable the efficient and effective delivery of front-line clinical services to support the achievement of IH’s vision.”
The Board said her leadership has laid the foundation to “better support positive working relationships with employees and medical staff, key government leaders and external partners.”
The Board statements appear to reference at least in part, the controversy generated around Kelowna General Hospital’s Emergency and Pediatrics Departments that saw a six-week-long closure of the pediatric ward from late-May to July. The issue was further inflamed following an op-ed written by Brown in June this year.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve IH in this role permanently and lead an organization that is comprised of dedicated, compassionate and talented people committed to supporting the health and well being for all,” said Weir.
She said that since June, she’s met with and heard from front line staff, physicians, community and Indigenous leaders across the IH region and is “acutely aware” of the challenges faced both at IH and across the broader health-care sector.
“I am confident through our continued focus on engagement, innovation, strategic partnerships and financial sustainability we will be able to maintain our commitment to delivering the highest quality and most effective care possible to communities,” she said.
