Photo: Contributed

The President & CEO of Interior Health is retiring. 

It was announced in a press release that Chris Mazurkewich handed in his resignation to the IH Board of Directors. 

"It has been an honour to work in health care alongside the physicians and staff who provide care to our patients, clients, and residents,” wrote Mazurkewich. “Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of meeting countless individuals who make incredible contributions to the delivery of health care every day. I want to extend my gratitude to each of you – thank you."

Mazurkewich was appointed President & CEO of Interior Health in October 2015. Prior to that he was the executive vice president and COO at Alberta Health Services.

In January an internal memo from Mazurkewich to IH staff was leaked. In the memo, Mazurkewich called into question his own leadership and the culture inside IH.

The memo was in response to an internal survey of almost 600 IH leaders, which indicated a negative view of leadership.

"Your comments were most appreciated and you have collectively spoken very decisively," wrote Mazurkewich. "558 leaders have clearly spoken, with the top 20 ranked comments containing zero positive comments." 

Despite the memo and survey, the press release on the pending retirement of Mazurkewich paints the departing CEO in a positive light.

“Under his leadership as CEO, Interior Health has implemented services that make health care more accessible in rural areas... support people living with mental illness, and services that meet the needs of our increasingly older population," wrote Interior Health’s Board Chair Doug Cochrane. "The partnerships and innovations that are a result of his commitment are a model for all of us going forward."

The replacement process is underway. The board announced it will hire an "executive recruiting firm" to internationally headhunt "the best possible candidates for the role."

In the meantime, Mazurkewich will remain as President & CEO until in the fall.