Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation names new CEO

Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation announces Aimee Cassie as the new CEO, who has stepped into the role as of Thursday.

Former CEO Judy Neiser has helped with the transition and mentorship since the foundation first announced Neiser’s departure in January.

Neiser will continue to provide support to the foundation moving forward.

“On behalf of the board of directors, we would like to extend our deep appreciation and commend Judy on her exceptional leadership and support over the past nine years,” Darcy Bryant, board chair, said. “Our organization has grown significantly and became stronger thanks to Judy’s passion and commitment to providing better health outcomes throughout the North.”

Major accomplishments include the Spect CT Scanner; which was the second of its kind only to Victoria in the province at the time, a dedicated maternal operating suite, many additions to the clinical simulation lab, the Breast Health Imaging full service clinic, and the dedicated molecular diagnostic lab, as well as many state-of-the-art pieces of equipment designed to address needs, reduce wait times or attract and retain healthcare professionals to the region. 

These are just some of the projects that have been supported generously by donors under Neiser’s leadership, Bryant added. 

“She has had an undeniable impact on the lives of many Northerners, and we are forever grateful to Judy for how she has grown the Spirit of the North,” Bryant said. “Judy will be relocating to Kelowna where she has accepted the position of CEO of the Central Okanagan Community Foundation. We are pleased to welcome Aimee Cassie as she steps into the role of CEO.”

Cassie joined Spirit of the North in May 2021 as the manager of strategic planning and community engagement, working side-by-side with Neiser during the planned succession. 

With ten years experience in the not-for-profit sector, Cassie saw many successes including growing the largest Relay For Life in the country.  With Cassie’s experience working with both donors and volunteers, she was a natural fit to continue to grow the work of the foundation.