The College is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Rick Gambrel, B Com., LLB, to the position of Registrar/CEO, effective February 1, 2021. Rick’s extensive experience as a leader of organizations in both non-profit organizations and self-regulated professions in the law and health sectors will support the work of the College in protecting the public interest. He has also volunteered for many years on Boards of a wide range of organizations.  He is an inspirational leader and a persuasive, creative communicator. With years of negotiating experience and a strategic focus, the College Board has complete confidence that Rick is the right person to lead through anticipated changes with the modernization of healthcare regulation in BC.

We are also pleased to announce that Dr. Joan Hansen has been appointed as the Deputy Registrar, effective February 1, 2021. As a current employee of the College, Joan has been managing the Inquiry Committee and Complaints, and more recently as the Assistant to the Registrar. Before becoming a College employee, Joan served on the Board of the College, as well as several provincial and national optometric association boards, while managing her optometry practice for over 40 years. Joan’s optometric and board experience brings great value to the leadership team at the College.

The College also wishes to thank Interim Registrar, Dr. Mary Watterson for her hard work and commitment to the college.  Mary has provided tremendous leadership to the college staff and Board of over the last 4 months.  Mary will be an integral part of Rick’s transition into his role as Registrar.  Mary’s final day with the College will be March 8, 2021.  The Board thanks Mary for the stability, professional guidance and leadership she has brought to the College and wishes her well in the future.

Warmest Regards

Sally Donaldson, O.D.

Chair

COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRISTS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA