Richard Jock, Interim Chief Executive Officer
Richard Jock is a member of the Mohawks of Akwesasne and serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the First Nations Health Authority.
Richard's portfolio includes Health Benefits, policy, planning, engagement, service improvements/integration, investment strategies and regional partnership implementation and he serves as the Interim Chief Executive Officer for the First Nations Health Authority. His position also provides leadership for the building, functioning and implementation of strong partnerships within the First Nations health governance structure and within the health system more broadly.
Richard has worked for the past 25 years for First Nations organizations and the federal government, including numerous positions in the health field. Immediately prior to joining the FNHA, he held the post of Chief Executive Officer for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). Among his other professional roles, Richard has held senior leadership positions at Norway House Health Services Incorporated, Health Canada, the National Aboriginal Health Organization and Mohawk Council of Akwesasne.
Richard is committed to his wellness and challenges himself to stay active and spend time outdoors. He wears his FitBit daily, rarely missing his 10,000 steps, and enjoys playing racquetball in his spare time.
Greg Shea, Executive Director, CEO Office Operations
Greg Shea is of Mi’kmaq ancestry and serves as the Executive Director to the CEO Office at the First Nations Health Authority.
As the Executive Director of the CEO Office, Greg supports the CEO in the oversight of organizational partnerships, internal audits and matrix optimization. He also supports the FNHA’s quarterly review process. Greg leads key files, organizational initiatives and projects including Enterprise Risk Management, Policy Management, Accreditation and the FNHA’s Office Consolidation Project.
Greg has over 15 years of management experience and performance improvement expertise; he has worked with private, not-for-profit and public sector organizations and with all levels of government. Greg has led dozens of performance improvement initiatives with other BC health authorities and public agencies and has participated in multiple projects during the establishment of the First Nations Health Authority.
Chief Financial Officer and VP Corporate Services
Peter Eckert, Acting Vice President, Finance and Corporate Services
Bio and picture forthcoming
Brenna Latimer, Acting Executive Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Bio and picture forthcoming
Chief Medical Office, Dr. Evan Adams, Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Evan Adams is of Sliammon First Nation ancestry and serves as the Chief Medical Officer for the First Nations Health Authority.
In his role as CMO, Dr. Adams provides invaluable leadership representing the FNHA, as he works closely with government partners on population and public health matters that affect First Nations and all British Columbians.
Prior to working with the FNHA, Dr. Adams was appointed as Deputy Provincial Health Officer and worked alongside Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Dr. Perry Kendall and Deputy PHO Dr. Eric Young. In this role, he provided independent direction on First Nations and Aboriginal health issues to the Ministry of Health. He also reported to citizens on health issues affecting the general population and set out a path for the improvement of First Nations and Aboriginal health and wellness.
Dr. Adams leads a team of FNHA physicians—health and wellness partners to BC First Nations—who focus on First Nations health and wellness with the aim of creatinga unique health care model that will be the first of its kind in Canada. He contributes to the continued transformation of health care and responds to the wellness directives provided by First Nations communities.
Dr. Adams completed his Doctor of Medicine (MD) at the University of Calgary, his Aboriginal Family Practice residency at St Paul's Hospital/UBC (as Chief Resident), a Masters of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University, and served as the Director of UBC's Division of Aboriginal Peoples Health.
Dr. Adams likes to keep his family close, including his five sons and step-daughter, and honours his family. He is a marathon runner and is beginning to add swimming to his wellness plans. Dr. Adams is notable for his acting role in the movie "Smoke Signals"; he truly enjoys the arts.
Dr. Shannon McDonald, Deputy Chief Medical Officer
Shannon is proudly Métis/Anishinaabe with deep roots in the Red River Valley of Manitoba. She is married with 5 children and one wonderful grandson (and 2 dogs). She lives in Victoria.
She trained as physician, completing her MD in 1998 (at the tender age of 40), followed with post-graduate medical training in Community Medicine and Psychiatry. She has had broad experience at multiple levels of health care service delivery and health administration in challenging environments.
She has worked for over 20 years in the area of First Nations and Aboriginal Health, and is an experienced manager in the federal and provincial government contexts – most recently for 5 years as the Executive Director of Aboriginal Health at the BC Ministry of Health. She joined FNHA in September of 2015 as the Senior Medical Officer for Vancouver Island, but has recently accepted the newly created position of Deputy Chief Medical Officer for FNHA.
Shannon has been recognized for working very effectively in highly complex, multi-stakeholder and multi-jurisdictional environments, capably and strategically representing the needs and interests of First Nations individuals, families and communities.
She is a visionary, result-oriented leader with significant accomplishments in leading transformative change, including implementation of information and communications technologies. She prides herself on having the ability to work collaboratively at all levels of any organization, and in multi-disciplinary and multi-jurisdictional teams.
Deeply committed to the principles of supporting capacity and community development as keys to improving health status among all people, she recognizes and supports the strengths and aspirations of community level stakeholders.
Chief Operating Office
Michelle Adkins, Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer
Before joining FNHA, Michelle held leadership positions with the Department of Finance, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (previously Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development) and Justice Canada, many of which involved providing services to and consulting with First Nations communities. She has a proven track record in managing complex and high-profile projects and policy initiatives, including overseeing significant financial operation and management budgets and provincial-territorial agreements.
Recognized in her field as an innovative, strategic thinker, Michelle has successfully managed significant organizational change throughout her career. She has experience leading team-based reviews of internal processes, resulting in new operational frameworks for quality improvement. She has also led large, multi-disciplinary teams across various locations and provinces.
Michelle brings with her a strong wellness focus—and a very personal connection to the work. She shared that, “I believe my strongest contributions will come not from my years working in the federal government, but from being a member of the Haida Nation and a 14-year breast cancer survivor."
Dr. Becky Palmer, Chief Nursing Officer
Dr. Becky Palmer serves as the Chief Nursing Officer. She was born in Saskatchewan, raised in Alberta and has been living in BC since 1987.
In her role as CNO, Dr. Palmer leads FNHA's Nursing Services and oversees both operations and transformation of nursing programs with an emphasis on quality. Her initial focus is on implementing the findings and recommendations of the FNHA Nursing Services Review.
Dr. Palmer comes to the FNHA from the BC Children’s Hospital and BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre. She brings with her 25 years of experience in nursing practice, education and research, as well as 10 years in senior leadership positions. Deeply respected in her field and dynamic in her approach to leadership, she is known for developing and leading innovative health initiatives, creating holistic learning environments, and fostering strong relationships with partner organizations.
Dr. Palmer holds a PhD in Nursing from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and a Master of Nursing. She has Nurse Midwife certification from the University of Alberta and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UBC.
Married with three school-aged kids, Dr. Palmer has an active home life. She enjoys spending time with her family and its many pets. She loves to read, enjoys yoga, and likes getting outdoors to kayak, canoe and hike. Dr. Palmer loves adventure and enjoys a good challenge – be it physical, intellectual or spiritual.
John Mah, Vice President, First Nations Health Benefits
John Mah is from Edmonton, Alberta and serves as the Vice-President, First Nations Health Benefits.
As VP of Health Benefits, John leads the transfer of the Health Benefits program at the First Nations Health Authority. Areas of responsibility include: Pharmacy, Dental, Mental Health, Medical Transportation, Medical Supplies & Equipment, and Medical Service Plan enrollment.
As a former federal public servant with Health Canada, John has dedicated his professional career to the area of First Nations health since 1996. He most recently held the position of Director, Non-Insured Health Benefits in the Alberta Region.
He received his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Alberta and began his clinical practice in Edmonton. After working a few years in an urban setting, he accepted the challenge of designing, constructing and operating a full service retail pharmacy for Bigstone Cree Nation in Northern Alberta.
John works on his physical wellness by running 5 km on the Seawall three times per week. He looks forward to participating in the annual 10 km Vancouver Sun Run. In addition to running he can be found carrying his golf bag on the golf course most weekends. Coming from Alberta, John is ecstatic about being able to golf every month of the year rain or shine. He recently started cycling and has his sights set on participating in this year's Grand Fondo ride from Vancouver to Whistler.
Sonia Isaac-Mann, Vice President, Programs & Services
Sonia Isaac-Mann is of Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation ancestry and serves as the Acting VP, Policy, Planning, Programs & Community Wellness Services.
As a key member of the Chief Operating Officer’s team, Sonia leads Community Health and Wellness Services and brings a community-oriented approach to the delivery of services and program supports to BC First Nations. A critical function of her role is to provide professional advice to BC First Nations, First Nation Health Service Organizations, Health Directors and Regional Directors.
Sonia has worked in the area of First Nations health for over 20 years and has extensive community, regional and national experience. She advocates for culturally-appropriate health policies that lead to better programs and health service delivery for First Nations. Prior to joining the FNHA in 2015 Sonia worked with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) as the Associate Director of Health.
Sonia holds a Master of Science degree in Medical Sciences – Public Health Sciences with a focus on Population Health from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Alberta. She also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Bishop’s University.
Chief Information Office
Stuart Bourhill, Vice President Information Management Information Technology (VP IMIT) and Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Stuart brings over 30 years of experience in information management and information technology leadership, which includes leading large-scale, business-led and IT transformation initiatives at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). He is strategic with a curious mindset and believes in innovation through disciplined program and risk management practices.
He has experience in a diverse set of industries, including consumer retail, transportation, and higher education. His principal contributions have been in technology management, shared services delivery, people development and corporate governance.
Stuart holds a Masters of Business Administration from API University and a Bachelor of Engineering from Royal Military College of Canada. He is also certified in PROSCI Change Management and is a Project Management Professional from the Project Management Institute. He enjoys cycling, squash, tennis, hiking, snowshoeing and photography.
Policy, Planning and Quality Office
Kevin Lowe, Acting Executive Director, Policy, Planning and Quality
Bio and picture forthcoming
Human Resources Office
Rick Milone, Vice President of Human Resources
Rick has specialized in the area of human resources for over 20 years with organizations in the BC Public Sector. Rick is a firm believer in building progressive work environments where all employees have the opportunity to learn, grow, and make a meaningful contribution. Prior to coming to the First Nations Health Authority, Rick was the Director of Human Resources for BC Hydro, responsible for developing a range of services focussed on building a sustainable, innovative culture. Prior to this role, Rick led teams in HR shared services, Employee Relations, Recruitment, Total Compensation, and Health and Wellness. In addition, Rick has been seconded to a variety of projects with the mandate to improve governance, safety, and operational performance.
Rick has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from UBC in Industrial Relations and Organizational Effectiveness, maintains his registration as a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), and has served on the board for the Architectural Institute of British Columbia.
Outside of work Rick supports his personal wellness by exploring the beauty of the North Shore trails with his wife, children and overly enthusiastic dog; by strapping on the skates to chase a frozen dream from his youth; and by memorializing precious moments in time through the lens of his camera.
Regional Executive Team
Nicole Cross, Regional Executive Director, Northern Region
Nicole Cross is a member of Noxs Niisyuus and belongs to the Killer Whale Clan and the House of Niisyuus, and was raised in the Nisga'a community of Laxgalts'ap. She has supported health service improvements for northern communities in various capacities for over a decade. Her career in health administration started in 2011 as an Aboriginal Health Patient Liaison, and continued in the role of Health Director with the community of Tsay Keh Dene. Nicole joined the FNHA in 2012 as the Regional Health Liaison and began her current role as the Regional Director in 2014. She is currently completing her Master's in Health Administration at the Faculty of Medicine at UBC.
Nicole focuses on the strength of community and honouring the direction and voice of our northern Nations through engagement, clear communication, collaborative planning and strong respectful partnerships. She supported the consensus-building process to establish the First Nations Health Authority, the Northern Partnership Accord and the Northern First Nations Health and Wellness Plan with guidance from communities. Since then, Nicole has overseen the growth of services the FNHA provides as a direct result of community-led discussions. Nicole helps guide the development and implementation of key health initiatives in the North.
Lisa Montgomery-Reid, Regional Executive Director, Interior Region
Lisa Montgomery-Reid is a member of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band, Syilx Nation. Lisa holds a Master of Arts Degree in Policy and Program Development from the University of Victoria. Her research focused on the challenges and opportunities of First Nations Health Transfer.
Lisa has previously served as a Health Director, Band Manager, Council member, Regional Director and on many provincial committees, which has provided her with a "big picture" overview of the health landscape. Lisa is a people person with a positive outlook and a proven capacity for effective engagement and building collaborative working relationships at all levels. Lisa's strong work ethic and cultural teachings, inherited from her parents, will serve her well in the position of Executive Director.
Brennan MacDonald, Regional Executive Director, Vancouver Island Region
Brennan MacDonald is a member of Cowichan Tribes and has served as the Regional Director for Vancouver Island with First Nations Health Authority for the past four and a half years.
In that role, she provided leadership to a regional team that facilitates community-based engagement and decision-making at a regional level; development and implementation of the Regional Health and Wellness Plans; and strategies for investment of the regional envelope. Brennan's leadership plays a pivotal role in the visioning, development, and strengthening of FNHA's partnership with Island Health and collaboration with regional health systems partners.
Michelle DeGroot, Regional Executive Director, Fraser Salish
