VANCOUVER – Pacific Blue Cross is pleased to announce the appointment of Barry Rivelis (pictured) to the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO) effective May 4, 2015.

Prior to joining Pacific Blue Cross, Barry was CIO of the PHSA, Vancouver Coastal Health and Providence Health Care. He was responsible for overall technology strategy and leadership for Information Management Information Technology Services (IMITS).

Barry has more that 15 years in executive leadership and over 10 years experience in the Health Care IT sector, overseeing and leading technology strategy and service expansions for both public and private industry. In his new position, Barry will be responsible for Pacific Blue Cross’ information technology strategy and operational priorities in order to meet client and member needs.

“Barry’s experience brings a valuable balance of expertise comprised of technology and strategy,” says Jan K. Grude, President and CEO of Pacific Blue Cross. “His strong relationships and knowledge of the healthcare industry make for a natural shift from the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) to Pacific Blue Cross, a long standing partner in supplemental healthcare for British Columbians.”

Prior to his current role, Barry worked for TELUS Corporation which he joined in 2004 as Vice President, Public Sector West and became Vice President, Health Care in 2005. Prior to joining TELUS, Barry was a Vice President of Cap Gemini Ernst & Young (CGEY) in Vancouver and a partner with Ernst & Young Consulting in Toronto where he was appointed, in 1999, the youngest partner in the Canadian firm’s history.

“I am looking forward to joining the Pacific Blue Cross team,” says Rivelis. “After spending almost six years leading the health IT operation in Vancouver, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to apply my experience and knowledge to support programs and services that provide British Columbians cost effective health coverage and information.”

Barry is a member of the Boards of the Vancouver Foundation and Jewish Family Services Agency of Vancouver and the Executive Advisory Committee of the Canadian Health Information Executive Forum (CHIEF). Barry holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from York University and an MBA from the Schulich School of Business.