Norm Peters, CHE, highlights his path from entry level management to executive leadership shaping patient focused models of care
Norm Peters, MBA, CHE, Chief Operating Officer at Providence Health Care, has built a distinguished career advancing patient-focused models of care through system redesign and organizational leadership across British Columbia.
In his current role, Norm is responsible for the strategic leadership, planning, operational delivery, and fiscal management of various programs, including rehabilitative. His portfolio also includes facilities management, supply logistics, food services, and environmental services. In this role, he is deeply engaged in healthcare redesign initiatives that emphasize value-based, patient-centred models of care.
Prior to joining Providence Health Care, Norm held a series of executive leadership positions with both Fraser Health and Island Health. At Fraser Health, he guided the implementation of regional care integration strategies and provided executive oversight for community and primary care, as well as mental health and long-term care services. At Island Health, his leadership extended to long-term care, home care strategy, surgical services and ambulatory care, where he advanced provincial access initiatives and community service redesign.
Norm’s entry into healthcare leadership came after completing his MBA in 2003, when he stepped into an entry-level management role in Public Health. He describes the alignment between his personal values and those of the healthcare sector as immediate and lasting.
“I wanted to make a difference and be in service to others. Even in the hard times, there is no other career I would want.”
Norm reflects on his healthcare journey, describing it as a second career after completing his MBA.
His contributions also extend to the Canadian College of Health Leaders. As a Past Chair of the Vancouver Island Chapter, he was instrumental in establishing its mentorship program, which became a cornerstone alongside speed networking events. Even after moving chapters, Norm has remained active as a mentor, committed to building capacity and supporting colleagues through connection and shared learning. One of the most rewarding aspects of his journey has been watching emerging leaders develop. Norm believes that leadership means being intentional about growth, sometimes moving sideways to gain perspective and at other times taking on stretch opportunities that demand new skills. As he looks ahead, he finds inspiration in the passion and energy of the next generation of leaders.
Norm Peters has been selected by the BC Lower Mainland Chapter as the 2025 recipient of the Chapter Award for Distinguished Service. He describes chapter involvement as the foundation of the College, offering local leaders a place to connect, learn and find support during both routine and challenging times.