President
RJ (Bob) Smith,
BCom., MBA, FCCHL
Bob Smith began driving for the VCDS in 2017, after being attracted to the charity by a news segment featuring its services. He was immediately impressed by the patients he drove and wanted to continue being a helping hand at a difficult time in their lives. 2017 was a year of immense growth for the society, and not long after, he was asked to take the position of Board President. Ever impressed by the work of the Board’s dedication and outstanding service to their community, Bob is delighted to be able to work with the cadre of Board members, dispatchers, drivers and support volunteers as the organization continues to grow and serve a community of patients in need.
Bob most recently served as Principal Consultant with INSITE Consultancy, Inc. where he worked in health strategy development and analysis; system reviews; business development; leadership analysis and coaching; teaching and client representation in both the public and private sectors. He has served as Adjunct Professor, Sauder School of Business at UBC where he taught graduate level courses in health management and strategy as well as leadership in the School of Public and Population Health.
He previously held positions as President and CEO of the Fraser Health Authority in Surrey, BC; the Capital District Health Authority in Halifax, Nova Scotia; and, Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver, BC. He was the Deputy Director of the BC Cancer Agency; Executive Director of the BC Arthritis Society, and Vice President of the Stentor Innovation Centre specializing in telecommunications applications for health services.
Bob is a Fellow of the Canadian College of Health Leaders. He received the College Honorary Life Member Award in 2012.
In addition, he has chaired several provincial and national health associations and committees including terms as a Director on the Boards of the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation and the Board of the Canadian Stroke Network; Chair of the Canadian Stroke Strategy; President of the UBC Alumni Association, President of the BC Health Association Board, Vancouver; Chair of the Canadian Hospital Association Board, Ottawa; Director of the Canadian Healthcare Association, Ottawa; Director of Continental Home Health Care Inc., Los Angeles; Director of Saint Elizabeth Health Care, Toronto; and Co-Chair of the Health Division of the United Way Campaign Cabinet of the Lower Mainland. He is a past Surveyor for Accreditation Canada, past Chair of the Elgin Pointe Strata Council, and the Snowater Resort Board of Directors. He is currently a Public Adjudicator for the BC Law Society, President of the Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society, and member of the Vancouver Foundation Honorary Governors Council. Bob resides in Surrey.