Board of Directors
Directors – Arrowsmith Health Care Society as of November, 2022
Susan Farlinger - CHAIR
After five years in the fulltime position of Regional Director General (Assistant Deputy Minister) in Fisheries and Oceans in 2015, Susan worked as a DFO Commissioner for Canada on the Pacific Salmon Commission, leading the negotiations for the renewal of the Annexes of the Pacific Salmon Treaty, primarily the Chinook chapter.
Susan has acquired thirty plus years of operational and policy experience in management, habitat protection, environmental assessment and prioritizes community engagement through her volunteering and support for positive change causes.
Colleen Drain - VICE CHAIR
Having moved to the Oceanside area two years earlier, Colleen joined the board of Arrowsmith Health Care Society in 2018. A registered nurse by profession, Colleen enjoyed a 30-plus year career in health care. With a Bachelor of Science, Nursing and Master of Business Administration, delivering results is something Colleen has extensive experience in. She has a proven record of result-oriented leadership, achievements in improving patient care and business outcomes through strategic thinking, multi-stakeholder collaboration and relationship building. Colleen is inspired by AHCS’s reputation for quality and compassion, which is embedded in the culture, and is proud to be a part of an organization that continually strives to advance care through innovation.
Virginia Gibberd
Virginia was born in and commenced her broadcasting career in BC but spent 30 years in Toronto, primarily working for CTV and Rogers, ultimately running their Operations and Engineering division for television. Her expertise is in television production, strategic management and project execution. And she has a love for mentoring folks coming up in the business. She served as president of the board of a youth shelter in a high risk Toronto neighbourhood. She looks forward to contributing to her new community and building lasting relationships.
Louise Tilston
Louise moved to Oceanside in June 2018, after 32 years of living in California where she raised her family and completed her career. She worked most of her career as a public health nurse in both Canada and the US. Growing up, she moved frequently but this is her first time living in BC. Louise serves on the Family Advisory Council for the University of San Francisco Memory and Aging Clinic and was involved in the local Continuum of Care, for many years.
Louise’s husband was a resident in two different long-term care facilities for eight years; before that, she was a care provider at home, for several years. His illness was instrumental in her involvement in this field.
Louise is excited to be living in this beautiful area: she is looking forward to learning more about the area and getting involved. She is passionate about quality of life for all; but, in particular those who are residents of care facilities.
Robert Hawes
A seasoned financial executive transitioning from supporting boards and committees over the last 30 years to serving on and helping develop boards and committees. Robert’s career comprises over 20 years in the Alberta health system following 12 years auditing and advising clients in the SUCH sector, medium-sized for-profits and small not-for-profits.