A new Chief Executive Officer for the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation is set to begin his new role November 1st.

Ian Lindsay, formerly Director of Development at The University of Northern British Columbia (Prince George) and prior as Regional Director at the University of Alberta (Edmonton), has been hired after an extensive search by the SOS Medical Foundation board, assisted by the Vancouver-based search firm The Discovery Group.

Lindsay, who grew up in North Bay, Ontario, is not new to Penticton and the South Okanagan Region having visited and worked here for a short time previously.  He is excited to bring his young family to the area, as he has always been an active community volunteer and looks forward volunteering in youth sport activities.

Lindsay has also worked in the private sector as Branch Manager at TD Canada Trust in Prince George since 2021.  He is the current Vice President of Method Dance Society, a  Not-For-Profit organization that seeks to increase public knowledge, appreciation and interest in contemporary dance by exhibiting and developing regional programs and performances in Northern B.C.

“My family and I were very fortunate to live in Penticton for two months last year and are thrilled that we now have an opportunity to return to Penticton and integrate into the warm and welcoming South Okanagan community.  Personally, I am excited to join the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation and looking forward to working with the Board, the staff, and the volunteers to complete the mission of enhancing the medical infrastructure to elevate the patient experience” he said.

Peter Steele, chair of the SOS Medical Foundation board, said the Foundation’s entire team is excited about Lindsay’s pending arrival as CEO.

“From a total of 36 interested parties, Ian was our number one candidate and we’re lucky to have attracted him to the Okanagan,” Steele said.  “We’re looking forward to his arrival this November in time to be part of our first Gala event on November 25^th to support our $10 million Oncology Campaign.  We have made significant progress since launching the campaign last November and now Ian can bring us home”.

In addition to raising funds for Penticton Regional Hospital, the Foundation also fundraises on behalf of 15 other healthcare facilities throughout the South Okanagan Similkameen.