EDMONTON – Linda Hughes, Chair of the Alberta Health Services Board, has announced the appointment of Dr. Verna Yiu (pictured) as the interim president and CEO of Alberta Health Services (AHS). The appointment is effective January 11, 2016.

“I am so pleased that Verna has agreed to take on this important role. Verna is a well-regarded senior health leader with solid relationships across the spectrum of healthcare,” said Hughes. “She will provide leadership and stability and will work with the board to continue to ensure high quality healthcare delivery and innovation across the province.”

Dr. Yiu takes over the role from departing CEO Vickie Kaminski, who announced her resignation in November. Kaminski will work on the transition with Dr. Yiu after January 11.

“I am excited to take on this role and to continue to work with our valued partners and stakeholders in improving healthcare in Alberta,” said Dr. Yiu. “AHS is an incredible healthcare organization with committed staff, volunteers and physicians who provide excellent healthcare 24 hours a day, every day of the year. We are increasingly seen as a healthcare innovator in the country and the opportunities to move forward are endless.

“I am proud to be working at AHS and for Albertans and the province. I look forward to working with the new AHS Board as well as with the Ministry of Health.”

Dr. Yiu is currently the vice president, quality, and chief medical officer. She joined AHS in 2012. Her role in this capacity has been to oversee the integration and coordination of a diverse, multi-faceted, end-to-end health delivery model for the province. She places a strong emphasis on the importance of quality and patient safety, engagement, leadership development, and relationships between medical staff and the healthcare system.

Prior to coming to AHS, she was the interim dean of the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta, preceded by senior positions in the Dean’s office since 2000.

Dr. Yiu is an alumnus of the University of Alberta and Harvard University and concurrently is a Professor of Pediatrics at the U of A. Dr. Yiu has over 18 years of experience in health administration, both within the healthcare delivery system and the academic setting.

Her leadership roles have spanned heading clinical operations, leading medical education reforms and developing strong partnerships with academic institutions, government bodies and other clinician-led organizations.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.