BC Healthy Communities welcomes Vanessa Manuel as new executive director
The Board of BC Healthy Communities Society (BCHC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Vanessa Manuel as the organization’s new Executive Director, effective February 3, 2025. The announcement was made by BCHC Board Chair, Chris Lovelace.
“Vanessa brings an extraordinary health-related background that aligns seamlessly with our mission at BC Healthy Communities,” said Lovelace. “Her wealth of experience in health policy, strategic planning and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to foster healthier, more connected communities across the province.”
Vanessa joins BCHC following her tenure as Director of Allied Health Policy and Strategic Initiatives at the B.C. Ministry of Health. With a strong track record in health promotion, advocacy, project management, and policy development, she brings deep expertise in non-profit leadership, public sector strategy, recruitment, retention, and partnership building. After several years leading initiatives within the provincial government, Vanessa is eager to return to the non-profit sector to advance healthy public policy and community development.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the BCHC team as Executive Director,” said Vanessa. “I look forward to working with communities across B.C. to promote well-being, build strong partnerships and create lasting impact through policy and advocacy.”
Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Vanessa holds both a Bachelors and a Masters degree from the University of Victoria, where she specialized in recreation and health education, public administration, health promotion, leadership and employee commitment.
Beyond her professional work, Vanessa enjoys hiking, camping, and staying active. She also loves spending time with family and pets, attending local events, traveling and entertaining friends and loved ones.
With her dynamic leadership and deep-rooted passion for community health, BCHC looks forward to an exciting new chapter under Vanessa’s guidance.
About BC Healthy Communities
BC Healthy Communities is a province-wide organization that supports local and Indigenous governments, organizations and multi-sectoral partnerships to advance community well-being through planning, policy, and capacity-building initiatives.
For media inquiries, please contact:
BC Healthy Communities Communications Lead Patrick Dunne
Email: patrick@bchealthycommunities.ca
Website: www.bchealthycommunities.ca