Interior Health Board Chair Erwin Malzer (left) recently named Chris Mazurkewich as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer. (Photo supplied)
Erwin Malzer, Chair of the Interior Health board of directors, announced recently that Chris Mazurkewich has been appointed president and chief executive officer for Interior Health, effective Oct. 26.
“With a wealth of Canadian health system experience, a broad skill set, and in-depth knowledge of our health authority, Mr. Mazurkewich is an excellent individual to lead our organization as we build on the quality improvements we have made over the years and establish new successes into the future,” said Malzer.
“As a strategic systems thinker, he will be a good fit with our high functioning executive and senior leadership teams – guiding us as we improve the cost effectiveness of our acute care system. He will also help accelerate a robust community care system and better address population health needs in order to reduce future growth in demand on hospital and facility-based care.”
Mazurkewich rejoins Interior Health after spending four years at Alberta Health Services, most recently as executive vice president and chief operating officer for the provincial agency.
In this role, he worked in close partnership with the Chief Medical Officer overseeing the clinical operations of the Alberta health service delivery system, including more than 100 hospitals, community and residential care programs, and support services, with a budget of almost $10 billion.
Prior to his move to Alberta Health Services, Mazurkewich was the chief operating officer, Strategic and Corporate Services, for Interior Health from its inception in 2002 until 2009.
“Interior Health sets a high standard for providing care for seniors, families, and all residents,” said Premier Christy Clark, MLA for Westside-Kelowna. “As our population continues to grow and age, Chris Mazurkewich has the experience and proven track record to help ensure that our record investments continue to result in world-leading health outcomes.”
Earlier this summer, president and chief executive officer Dr. Robert Halpenny announced his intention to resign to pursue other opportunities. Dr. Halpenny’s last day as CEO was last Friday, Oct. 23.
“Interior Health has been privileged to have an individual of Dr. Halpenny’s calibre lead our organizational journey for the past five and a half years and he will be missed,” said Malzer. “Mr. Mazurkewich is joining a health authority with more than 20,000 professional and engaged staff and physicians committed to high-quality care for their patients, clients, and residents – a testament to the work of Dr. Halpenny.”
Interior Health is committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and providing a wide range of quality health-care services to more than 742,000 people living across B.C.’s vast interior.
Mazurkewich will be working out of the Kelowna officer of Interior Health as he begins his new job as president and CEO.
For more information, visit www.interiorhealth.ca, follow us on Twitter @Interior_Health, or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InteriorHealth.
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