A new Chief Executive Officer for Interior Health has been appointed.

Dr. Robert Halpenny joined Interior Health in January 2007 as the Senior Medical Director.

In that capacity, he was responsible for coordinating and directing medical staff and providing leadership for the medical directors and clinical issues throughout Interior Health.

He has also acted as Interim CEO at Interior Health since January 1, 2010.

“The Board is very pleased that Dr. Halpenny has agreed to take on the job and guide Interior Health through the challenges that will come our way in the coming years,” says Norman Embree, Board Chairman for IHA.

“With his background in clinical care and medical administration, I believe he is well poised to provide the leadership and maximize the key relationships needed to move IH through the next phase in the delivery of health services to Interior Health residents," says Embree.

He says the IH Board used an external firm to guide them through a rigorous search, beginning last summer, after Murray Ramsden announced his retirement as CEO to take effect at the end of 2009.

Interior Health will now begin a search for a new Senior Medical Director.