MSFHR appoints Dr. Bev Holmes as President & CEO

The Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR) Board is pleased to announce that following an executive search process, Dr. Bev Holmes has been appointed as president and CEO. With an eight-year history of leadership within MSFHR, Bev is ideally suited to lead MSFHR as we grow our role as BC’s expert health research funding agency, and continue to develop the talent BC needs to advance health research and the knowledge economy.

Bev brings a wealth of experience in health research, practice and policy to this role. Since joining the Foundation in 2010, her commitment to integrating these disciplines has seen her lead the Foundation through the launch of a new suite of funding programs that focus on developing, retaining, and recruiting BC health research talent and support addressing health system priorities. She has served as interim president and CEO of the Foundation since early 2017.

“Bev has a deep understanding of MSFHR and its programs, and has provided exemplary leadership over the last year”, says Dr. Elinor Wilson, MSFHR Board Chair. “As a respected member of the healthcare and health research community, she has strong relationships with the stakeholders MSFHR serves, and has the skills to ensure MSFHR continues to develop in its role as BC’s expert health research funder.”

Alongside her leadership expertise, Dr. Holmes brings strong and relevant academic experience to the position. With a PhD in health communication and knowledge translation, she is increasingly called on to present nationally and internationally on how to support the translation of research evidence into policy and practice, especially from a funder’s perspective.

“I’m honoured by the confidence the Board has shown me,” says Dr. Bev Holmes. “It’s a time of great opportunity for health research and innovation in BC, and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead the organization during this exciting time. Along with our leadership team and staff, I am committed to working hand-in-hand with the health and health research community to ensure those opportunities are realized and we continue to support and grow the health research and life sciences ecosystem here in BC.”