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.
Brenna Latimer, Acting Executive Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Bio and picture forthcoming
Chief Financial Officer and VP Corporate Services
Peter Eckert, Acting Vice President, Finance and Corporate Services
Bio and picture forthcoming
Dr. Shannon McDonald, Acting 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.
Dr. Nel Wieman, Acting Deputy Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Nel Wieman is Anishnaabe from Little Grand Rapids First Nation, Manitoba, and has been with the FNHA in the role of Senior Medical Officer, Mental Health & Wellness for over two years. Dr. Wieman has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the FNHA's approach to Mental Health and Wellness – a top priority identified by BC First Nations in every region, and one that has been compounded first by the overdose crisis, and now by the COVID-19 emergency. Dr. Wieman's leadership, extensive experience and knowledge as a physician and specialization in mental health and wellness, substance use, and trauma-informed practice has reinforced the FNHA's strategic work supporting First Nations on their health and wellness journeys.
Dr. Wieman completed her medical degree and psychiatry specialty training at McMaster University. As Canada's first female Indigenous psychiatrist, Dr. Wieman has 20+ years' clinical experience, working with Indigenous people in both rural/reserve and urban settings. Her previous activities include co-directing an Indigenous health research program in the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto and the National Network for Indigenous Mental Health Research, working in the role of Deputy Chair of Health Canada's Research Ethics Board, and as a member of CIHR's Governing Council. Dr. Wieman is an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University and an Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University. She was recently re-elected to a second three-year term as President of the Indigenous Physicians Association in Canada. Her clinical, academic and advocacy work focuses on improving the mental health status of Indigenous peoples, especially youth.
Chief Operating Office
Michelle Adkins, Executive Director, Chief Operating Office
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 from Listuguj Mi'gmaq First Nation and serves as the Vice President of Programs and 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 health and wellness 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.
Megan Hunt, Acting Executive Director of Primary Healthcare & eHealth
Megan Hunt is the Acting Executive Director of Primary Healthcare & eHealth and currently resides in northern BC in the Carrier and Sekani territory. She began her journey with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) in 2014 as the Project Director of eHealth as she lead the First Nations Telehealth Expansion Project. Following this, Megan became the Director of eHealth to support the ongoing implementation and transformation of Action Item 23 of the Transformative Change Accord: First Nations Health Plan to create a fully integrated clinical telehealth network.
In 2016, Megan was the Regional Director for the Northern Region and this position provided her with an opportunity to utilize her leadership experience in health and child and family services within Northern Indigenous communities and organizations in a very integrated manner. Most recently, she held the role of Director of Primary Care and eHealth with responsibility for the strategic leadership and direction to operationalize fully aligned and integrated primary health care and eHealth, including Joint Project Board (JPB), First Nations Led Primary Care Initiatives and the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day to advance First Nations health and wellness in BC.
In this role, Megan has provided strategic leadership in the ongoing development and implementation of the FNHA Primary Care ++ model of health services and the important role that building inter-professional team-based care plays in the delivery of quality indigenous health services.
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
