Penny Ballem has been appointed as the chair of the health authority that oversees Richmond’s health services, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority.
The appointment of the former city of Vancouver general manager was announced on Wednesday afternoon.
“A physician, professor, former deputy minister to health ministers under the prior Liberal government, Dr. Ballem ranks among the foremost figures in public policy and health care in B.C and the country. Other provinces and the federal government alike seek out her policy advice on key issues and initiatives,” said Adrian Dix, the provincial health minister, in a release on Wednesday.
Ballem served as Vancouver’s general manager, the city’s top bureaucrat, from 2008 to 2015 under mayor Gregor Robertson.
The health authority’s board oversees operations and, along with management, establishes the strategic direction. It also has oversight for long-term plans and evaluates results.
The appointments are made by the provincial government.
In addition to Ballem’s appointment, Tim Manning’s term as chair of the Provincial Health Services Authority has been extended to 2020. The provincial authority oversees such areas as cancer treatment, transplants, BC Children’s Hospital, and BC Emergency Health Services.
