Northern Health stays in House for next President and CEO, announcing Prince Rupert's Ciro Panessa to twin roles

Northern Health has completed their search for the next CEO and president for the Health Authority and when they came to their final decision, it was someone well known across the Northern Health organization, with Ciro Panessa named as the next top Executive. 

“After a thorough selection process, I’m thrilled to welcome Ciro Panessa as the next president and CEO of Northern Health, Ciro brings a wealth of experience that will greatly benefit people in the north, and I look forward to working together to continue to improve the health-care services that people rely on. I would also like to thank Cathy Ulrich for her many years of exceptional dedicated service to the people of Northern B.C. and wish her well during her retirement.” -- Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.

In their biography of the new President and CEO, Northern Health notes of his extensive service and experience in health across the region, his name coming to the top of an extensive international recruitment process.

Ciro was born in Prince Rupert and raised in Vancouver. He holds a Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing from the University of British Columbia and a Family Nurse Practitioner Advanced Graduate Diploma from Athabasca University. 

Ciro has lived in Terrace since 2014, first as the Regional Director, Chronic Diseases and since 2017 as the Northwest Chief Operating Officer. Prior to relocating to northern BC, Ciro worked in a Ministry of Health policy position as the Director, Blood Borne Pathogens. 

Ciro has been the recipient of the Premier’s Award for Innovation, the UBC Young Alumnus Award, a CIHR Fellowship for the National Canadian Research Training Program in Hepatitis C and the Canadian Nurses Foundation Fellowship for Hepatology Nursing. 

Ciro and his family have chosen to live in the north and thoroughly enjoy the outdoors and all that northern living offers.

Colleen Nyce, Chair of the Northern Health Board of Directors expressed their confidence in the selection and how the successful applicant was found within the Northern Health family.

“The board is very happy with our selection of Ciro Panessa as the next President & CEO. We are especially pleased that after the rigorous selection process we were able to find our next leader from within the Northern Health organization.”

Also part of today's announcement was North Coast MLA and Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health Jennifer Rice, who as she congratulated Mr. Panessa, also thanks Cathy Ulrich the outgoing President and CEO for her service. 

“I’m excited to welcome Ciro Panessa as the next president and CEO of Northern Health. Ciro’s extensive experience in health care along with his lived experience of residing in the Northwest for many years will well-support people in rural communities across the Northern Health region. I offer much gratitude to Cathy Ulrich for her inspired leadership during her many years of service with Northern Health.”

Ms. Ulrich's last day is September 1st, Mr. Panessa takes up his new career path on September  5th

The full Northern Health Announcement can be reviewed here.

More notes on Northern Health themes can be reviewed here.