We’re excited to share some important updates from the BC Hospice Palliative Care Association’s Annual General Meeting this past July. It was a milestone moment for BCHPCA, with new faces joining our Board of Directors and leadership changes that promise to bring renewed energy and ideas to our mission of compassionate hospice care across BC.

Welcoming Our New Board Members

This year, we are proud to introduce four remarkable individuals to our Board team:

Donna Flood, Vice President: Donna’s journey in healthcare is inspiring—spanning over four decades and global impact. From supporting Mother Teresa’s hospice in Calcutta to leading innovative hospice care programs in Prince George and beyond, her leadership is recognized with multiple prestigious awards, including the Queen’s Diamond and Platinum Jubilee medals. Donna’s passion for collaboration and sustainability drives her work on behalf of hospice communities.

Shannon Pintwala, Director-At-Large: Founder of Victoria Death Doula, Shannon brings a unique blend of professional leadership and deep personal commitment to end-of-life care. Inspired by her own experience with loss, she offers compassionate, patient-centered support that honors each individual’s journey. Shannon also volunteers with BC Cancer, providing comfort during some of life’s hardest moments.

Christine Colbert, Vancouver Island Regional Director: Christine leads the Comox Valley Hospice Society with dedication, backed by a strong background in primary health and community development. Her experience spans mental health, children’s services, and building collaborative programs that strengthen community care. Outside of work, Christine enjoys time in her garden and cherishing moments with her furry friends.

Debbie Butt, Provincial Regional Director: Debbie’s expertise in communications and fundraising shines through her work with Canuck Place and previous leadership roles with prominent initiatives like the Rick Hansen Leadership Group and Vancouver sports foundations. Her dynamic experience and community connections will be invaluable in advancing BCHPCA’s impact province-wide.

Leadership Changes to Note

Our heartfelt thanks go to Kevin Harter, who completed his term as Board President and now serves as Past President, continuing to provide guidance with his extensive experience. We also welcome Natasha Girard as our new Board President, bringing her passion and commitment to lead BCHPCA into its next phase.

Additionally, we bid a fond farewell to Gretchen Hartley, who retired as both the Vancouver Island Board Representative and from her role with the Vancouver Island Federation of Hospices. We deeply appreciate Gretchen’s years of dedicated service and the positive impact she’s made on hospice care.

What’s Next for BCHPCA?

With the strength of this energized Board, BCHPCA is poised to continue advocating for and supporting hospice palliative care across British Columbia. Together, we will explore innovative approaches, foster collaboration, and, most importantly, serve our communities with compassion and respect.

Please join us in warmly welcoming our new Board members and thanking our outgoing leaders for their invaluable contributions.

Learn more about BCHPCA’s Board members and their inspiring work by visiting our Board of Directors webpage.