Karin Olson – new Chief Operating Officer, Coastal

Following an extensive search process, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Karin Olson as the new Chief Operating Officer for the VCH Coastal Community of Care.

Karin returns to VCH to commence her new role on Tuesday, September 13 after almost three years in Ontario where she was Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive at Kitchener’s Grand River Hospital. She replaces Mike Nader who is leaving his position as Chief Operating Officer – Coastal on August 19th to take a new opportunity in Toronto.

I am excited at not only having Karin back in VCH but having her as part of our Senior Executive Team. She brings over 35 years of progressive senior operational leadership experience to the role. That includes 15 years in the Coastal region itself, firstly as Manager of Critical Care/Cardiac/Emergency at Lions Gate Hospital, then as Director of Acute Care Services for Coastal. Her direct involvement in acute, rural, remote and community-based clinical environments as well as corporate systems – Karin was Executive Director of our CST project before moving to Kitchener – will be invaluable as she enters her first executive role at VCH.

With her proven record of results-oriented leadership, achievements in improving patient care and business outcomes through strategic thinking, multi-stakeholder collaboration and relationship building, Karin will bring added depth to our Senior Executive Team and a strong commitment to achieving our strategic priorities. Along with her hands-on nursing experience, Karin holds an Executive MBA from the Sauder School of Business along with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of British Columbia. She is also trained in LEAN management, a graduate of the BC Patient Safety & Quality Council Academy, a certified Canadian College of Health Service Executive.

We will update you on plans for the interim leadership of Coastal for the period between Mike’s departure and Karin’s arrival in the coming days. In the meantime, please join me in welcoming Karin back to VCH and her exciting new role as COO – Coastal.

Mary Ackenhusen