Northern Health CEO retiring

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Northern Health’s president and chief executive officer, Cathy Ulrich, is retiring after 20 years of service.

The board of directors plans on searching for a new president at the February 12th and 13th board meetings, according to the health authority. 

Ulrich has committed to the board that she will remain in her role until a replacement has been hired, and she will also support the transition process once the new president and CEO have started in their new position.

In a statement, Colleen Nyce, chair of the Northern Health Board of Directors, said they would like to thank Ulrich for her leadership over the years.

“Northern Health has benefited from Cathy’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of the people and the communities across the north,” Nyce said.

“We look forward to our continued work together for the remaining time she is with Northern Health.”

Adrian Dix, B.C.’s Minister of Health, said in a statement that Ulrich joined Northern Health in 2002 and served as clinical services and chief nursing officer and vice president before becoming the CEO in 2007.

Dix said she also spent many years as a nurse in rural and northern communities before joining Northern Health.

“I can personally attest to Cathy’s hard-working nature and resilience, as I’ve had the pleasure of working with her during my time as Minister of Health, and especially during the past several years of the COVID-19 pandemic and toxic drug crisis,” Dix said.

In his statement, Dix congratulated Cathy on her career and thanked her for all she’s done.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Cathy in the coming months, and with the new CEO as they transition into this role, to improve healthcare services for people in the Northern Health Region,” he concluded.