Board of Directors

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.

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.

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.

Bill has had a long career as a general surgeon for more than 40 years, practicing overseas and then in Canada and the US before retirement in 2011.  From 2012-2019, Bill served as a member on the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.

Bill kept busy in various roles, volunteering with a local Men’s mission, New Life Prison Ministries while living in Ontario, his local church there, and strata council here in Parksville, all while continually trying to improve his golf game.

Bill and his wife have been married for 46 years and have two daughters and two grandchildren. They are both active in the community and are happy to be back on the Westcoast.

Bill maintains his knowledge of the healthcare system and advocates regularly for fair and equitable services for all long-term care residents.

Raised in the BC Kootenays, Lola enjoyed many years of secretarial and bookkeeping jobs. Following her move to Vancouver Island in 1976, Lola spent 26 years with the Nanaimo School District in administration, including several years as an executive representative of their union. Since retiring in 2002, Lola followed her passions of curling and sewing: serving for many years on the executive of the Nanaimo Ladies Curling club and increasing her commitment and responsibilities with the Parksville Curling Club; as well as the with the Parksville Quilters’ Guild.  Lola has ‘retired’ again from executive roles with these organizations but remains a valued member and mentor.

Mary-Jane has enjoyed a successful career as a British Columbia veterinarian for over 40 years, including several years as a complaints investigator for the College of Veterinarians of British Columbia. With an ongoing interest in elder care, she is honoured to serve as a director on the board of the Arrowsmith Health Care Society.

Mary-Jane holds a BSc from the University of British Columbia, a DVM from the University of Saskatchewan, and the Accredited Director (Acc.Dir.) designation from the Chartered Governance Institute of Canada.

An outdoor enthusiast, Mary-Jane enjoys hiking, sailing, and fishing. She and her husband have  lived in the Oceanside area since 2007.

I was born and grew up on Sproat Lake in Port Alberni, in a family of five. After graduating from high school I spent my first post-secondary year at UVic in the Fine Arts program, and my second year at Emily Carr College .Realization brought me back to UVic and my favorite subject, chemistry, which resulted in a degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from UBC. After two years as a staff pharmacist and two years as a pharmacy manager I travelled to Japan to teach English for two years. Upon returning to Canada I decided to return to the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design where I graduated with a degree in Electronic Communications. One year of searching and marketing myself brought no work and so I began working in pharmacy once again. I worked primarily in a managerial role in both Community and LTC pharmacy (only two years in the latter), retiring in December.2019.

Current pastimes include knitting, baking, hiking, playing the piano, ECHO Players (on and off the stage) and volunteering twice weekly at the Food Bank.  I am excited to have the opportunity to work as a Director in the AHCS and hope my experience will bring some positive input which benefits everyone.