Northern Health Finds New President and CEO Close to Home Following International Search

It turns out Northern Health didn’t need to look far to find their next leader after wrapping up an extensive international recruitment process.

Northwest Chief Operating Officer Ciro Panessa has been selected as the next President and CEO of Northern Health, effective September 5th.

Panessa has lived in Terrace since 2014, when he left the southern mainland to accept a position as Regional Director of Chronic Diseases.

But, that’s not the only connection to the northwest for Panessa, who was born in Prince Rupert before moving to Vancouver in his youth.

Before heading back north, he had served as the Ministry of Health’s Director of Blood Borne Pathogens, winning numerous awards over the years.

He’ll be replacing out-going President Cathy Ulrich, who announced her intent to retire in February, after 16 years in the top seat.