FRASER Health announced on Monday that its Vice Chair Opreet Kang, who had reached the end of her term, has agreed to a one-year interim appointment as Chair of the Fraser Health Board, as work continues to recruit a new permanent president and CEO.
Jim Sinclair, who completed his term and retired from his position after serving as board chair since September 2017, said: “Health care systems across the country are facing big challenges right now – and Fraser Health is no exception. But I am very proud of the work we have accomplished together during my time as board chair over the past seven-and-a-half years.”
He added: “From navigating the COVID-19 pandemic to taking action to hire more health care workers and address current health system challenges and moving forward on true reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, the Board has worked in partnership with our community partners, the Fraser Health executive, the Ministry of Health towards our shared goal of a responsive, resilient health system that will support Fraser Health communities for many years to come.”
Fraser Health said that Kang’s appointment will ensure continuity and stability for the organization as they recruit a new president and CEO. Kang has been on the Fraser Health Board of Directors since her appointment in September 2017.
Kang said: “I am grateful for this opportunity to lead the Fraser Health Board of Directors as we embark on the next phase of our journey to strengthen the critical health services and supports Fraser Health delivers to communities across the region.”
She added: “Global health care worker shortages are impacting our communities and while we continue to hire hundreds more health care workers into Fraser Health, there is more work to do to build a system of care that reflects the communities we serve and that is there for people when they need it. In the coming weeks and months, the Board is focused on working with community partners to support health care workers, strengthening services for people, and recruiting a permanent president and CEO as quickly as possible.”
Fraser Health said Kang is passionate about transformative change that strengthens communities, deepens a resilient economy and protects the environment. With over 25 years of professional and community experience, including senior leadership roles in large, complex organizations, she brings strong governance and financial expertise to the table.
As a co-founding partner at Core Firm, a strategy and advisory firm focused on economic inclusion, sustainability and public-interest solutions, Kang helps organizations navigate complex challenges and drive systemic change.
Through various leadership roles, Kang’s professional experience has focused on scaling innovative solutions that build capacity and impact in infrastructure development, equitable economies and improving health care access. For the past seven years she has served on the board of the Fraser Health Authority, and in 2023, she was elected to the Vancity Savings Credit Union Board of Directors. She is also a board member of the Broadbent Institute and remains active in supporting community organizations and grassroots movements.
