Salt Spring Island, BC - March 27, 2026 - The Island Community Clinic Society (ICCS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jo-Ann Bateman as its first Executive Director. Jo-Ann joins ICCS at a pivotal time as the organization advances planning and development for a new, community-driven health centre on Salt Spring Island. This one-year Executive Director role is funded through the generous support of the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation and the Salt Spring Island Foundation, partners in advancing access to primary care for the island community.

“I’m excited to work with the Salt Spring Island community and partners to support the development of a new primary care health centre that meets the needs of Salt Spring Island for years to come,” said Jo-Ann. “This is an important opportunity to build something that is collaborative, responsive, and grounded in the community it serves.”

Jo-Ann brings over 15 years of leadership experience across healthcare, non-profit, and international development settings in Canada and internationally. She holds a Master’s degree in Health Leadership and has extensive experience supporting health system transformation, organizational start-up and growth, and executive leadership during periods of complexity and change. Her work has included strengthening governance, clarifying strategy, and designing practical, sustainable operating and care models in both local and global health contexts.

As Executive Director, Jo-Ann’s mandate includes establishing strong community governance and leadership foundations, guiding the development of ICCS’s model of care, and advancing planning, partnerships, and organizational readiness for a new primary care health centre. She will work closely with the Board, community members, physicians and system partners to support ICCS through its next phase of development and ensure alignment with community needs and long-term sustainability.

For more information about the Island Community Clinic Society and plans for an expanded primary care health centre serving Salt Spring Island, or if you wish to support with a donation, please visit http://www.islandcommunityclinicsociety.com