Leadership and executive team

Monica is of mixed ancestry from the Secwepemc Nation on her mother’s side and with French Canadian background on her father’s side. A proud member of the Adams Lake Indian Band, Monica brings with her over 30 years of experience from numerous roles across the system of care, working directly with patients as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse before progressing to several leadership roles.​

Monica holds a Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing from Douglas College​, a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree in Psychiatric Nursing from Thompson Rivers University and a Masters of Arts in Leadership and Training from Royal Roads University. She is known for her strong client and family advocacy and passion for improving quality and safety in the health care system. Monica’s leadership approach is from a humility lens and seeing the strengths and resilience that First Nations people possess, as the way to change the system.

Outside of her professional life, Monica enjoys experiencing the outdoors with her husband and son in the territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations where she and her family now live. She has a passion for connecting with people and experiencing the fullness that life has to offer.

Before joining FNHA in 2014, Max held several senior leadership positions with prominent First Nations organizations, including the First Nations Tax Commission, the Union of Ontario Indians, and the Assembly of First Nations. He played a key role in the development and implementation of two landmark federal statutes: the
First Nations Land Management Act and the
First Nations Fiscal Management Act.

Max has served as legal adviser to two National Chiefs, advised financial institutions on long-term debt financing and reserve-based securities, and supported First Nations communities in navigating complex infrastructure projects.

In addition to his law degree, Max holds a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) and is a frequent lecturer in Simon Fraser University’s graduate business program. Additionally, Max dedicated eight years as an adjudicator with the Indian Residential Schools Adjudication Program, contributing to the national process of truth and reconciliation.

As Chief Operating Officer, Greg is responsible for overseeing and advancing FNHA operations, including the regionalization of programs and decision-making to improve the quality of services closer to community. He works closely with the Vice Presidents of Regional Operations and their teams, as well as collaborates with other members of the executive team to advance FNHA goals around regionalization while ensuring quality and operational efficiency. As Vice President, Greg also oversees the Health Infrastructure and Development portfolio.

Greg is of Mi’kmaq ancestry and a member of the Qalipu First Nation. He has been with FNHA since 2013, serving in a variety of leadership capacities to advance priorities internally, with First Nations in BC and with partners. Prior to joining FNHA, Greg worked as a management consultant with clients in the public, private and non-profit sectors, various health-related community service organizations, and all levels of government in multiple jurisdictions across Canada.

He brings with him 29 years of wide-ranging leadership experience in the areas of performance improvement, quality management, organizational governance, risk management, program evaluation, healthcare benefits, health funding arrangements, human resources, corporate services, construction management and facilities maintenance. Greg has a Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration, and extensive quality improvement training, including in Lean Performance Improvement.

Dr. Nel Wieman is the Chief Medical Officer (​CMO) for the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) in British Columbia, where she has worked for the past 5 years. She is Anishinaabe (Little Grand Rapids First Nation, Manitoba) and lives, works and plays on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples – the səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations. She completed her medical degree and psychiatry specialty training at McMaster University. Canada’s first female Indigenous psychiatrist, Dr. Wieman has more than 20 years’ clinical experience, working with Indigenous people in both rural/reserve and urban settings. Dr. Wieman served as the President of the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada (IPAC) from 2016 – 2022.

Gary Housty is Vice President, Quality, Chief Nursing & Allied Health Officer at the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), where he leads clinical education, research, ethics, quality, interprofessional practice, client experience, and health systems transformation across FNHA’s clinical services. His work focuses on advancing evidence-informed care, strengthening cultural safety and humility, and improving health outcomes for First Nations people in BC.

A registered nurse with over 25 years of leadership experience, Gary began his career as a specialized emergency room nurse in a busy Lower Mainland trauma center. He holds a Registered Nurse diploma from the BC Institute of Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of British Columbia, and a Master of Arts in Leadership (Health specialization) from Royal Roads University. He joined FNHA in 2019 as Director, Nursing Operations and later served as Executive Director in the Office of the Chief Nursing Officer, contributing to significant organizational advancements and strengthened partnerships across the health system.

Born and raised in Bella Bella on the central coast, Gary is proudly Haíɫzaqv. He carries deep connections to the houses of Nác̓i, Zíxsiwalis, and Wíkv̓ṇat—teachings passed down by his grandparents, family, and Elders that guide him to lead with humility, respect, and gratitude.

His ancestral name, K̓vsḷsm̓ṇixv (“One Wolf”), and his hereditary chieftainship name, Nác̓i (“treasure box containing supernatural power”), reflect responsibilities he upholds in both his leadership and daily life. The latter title was passed through his family lineage and formally entrusted to him in June 2024.

Gary brings a relational, community-centered approach shaped by his upbringing, mentors, and cultural values. He is committed to building a culturally safe, responsive health system that supports First Nations individuals, families, and communities to thrive.

Above all, Gary is guided by his responsibilities to his wife, three children, and to the generations who came before him and those yet to come, carrying forward a commitment to think and act with the next seven generations in mind. Grounded in these responsibilities, he continues to champion health access, equity, patient safety, and wellness across BC in alignment with FNHA’s values and long-term vision.

In this role, Katie continues to lead FNHA’s Public Health Response and the Mental Health and Wellness teams, ensuring a comprehensive and culturally grounded approach to health and wellness for First Nations communities. In addition, Katie has assumed leadership of the Health Benefits & Services portfolio inclusive of primary care.​

Katie joined FNHA in 2018 and during her tenure, she oversaw FNHA’s inaugural First Nations Mental Health and Wellness Summit, which convened community health leaders and system partners to explore the integration of western, cultural, and traditional practices in supporting wellness. She also played a pivotal role in implementing the Tripartite Partnership to Improve Mental Health and Wellness Services and Achieve Progress on the Determinants of Health and Wellness, working closely with communities, Nations, and federal and provincial government partners.

A key contributor to FNHA’s emergency response efforts, Katie continues to guide the organization through wildfires, floods, and the toxic drug public health emergency. Her extensive experience, combined with her project management expertise, positions her strongly to lead FNHA’s Health Benefits program and public health initiatives.

Prior to joining FNHA, Katie held progressively senior roles in mental health and wellness for nearly 25 years, spanning local, regional, and provincial contexts and addressing the social determinants of health. She holds a Master of Arts in Management, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

Stuart brings over 30 years of experience in information management and information technology leadership, which includes leading large-scale, business-led and IT transformation initiatives at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR).  He is strategic with a curious mindset and believes in innovation through disciplined program and risk management practices.

He has experience in a diverse set of industries, including consumer retail, transportation, and higher education. His principal contributions have been in technology management, shared services delivery, people development and corporate governance.

Stuart holds a Masters of Business Administration from API University and a Bachelor of Engineering from Royal Military College of Canada. He is also certified in PROSCI Change Management and is a Project Management Professional from the Project Management Institute. He enjoys cycling, squash, tennis, hiking, snowshoeing and photography.

Chris Mullen is a proud member of Gambler First Nation from Manitoba. He has over 20 years of experience working with private and public companies, First Nation governments, as well as economic development corporations. He most recently served in the capacity of Director, Funding Arrangements with the FNHA’s Finance team.

Chris spent the first half of his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Vancouver providing tax advisory, compliance and audit services. For the past 10 years, he has worked exclusively with First Nation and Indigenous communities and organizations across Canada in strategic planning, economic development and finance operations. He takes great pride in giving back to First Nations communities and currently holds a seat as board member for the Tla’amin Nation’s economic development group.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Business of Administration degree and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). He was born and raised and currently lives with his wife and two sons in North Vancouver on the beautiful unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

Rick has specialized in the area of human resources for over 20 years with organizations in the BC Public Sector. Rick is a firm believer in building progressive work environments where all employees have the opportunity to learn, grow, and make a meaningful contribution. Prior to coming to the First Nations Health Authority, Rick was the Director of Human Resources for BC Hydro, responsible for developing a range of services focussed on building a sustainable, innovative culture.  Prior to this role, Rick led teams in HR shared services, Employee Relations, Recruitment, Total Compensation, and Health and Wellness. ​In addition, Rick has been seconded to a variety of projects with the mandate to improve governance, safety, and operational performance.

Rick has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from UBC in Industrial Relations and Organizational Effectiveness, maintains his registration as a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), and has served on the board for the Architectural Institute of British Columbia.

Outside of work Rick supports his personal wellness by exploring the beauty of the North Shore trails with his wife, children and overly enthusiastic dog; by strapping on the skates to chase a frozen dream from his youth; and by memorializing precious moments in time through the lens of his camera.​

Kim Brooks is from the Taku River Tlingit First Nation in northern BC. Over the course of her career, Kim has worked within Federal, Provincial and First Nations government as well as academia. She has a broad scope of experience in executive leadership, policy and program development, regional and provincial community engagement, negotiations, capacity development, academic research and organizational development. For 13 years, Kim worked for Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) as the Department Head of Yúustway Health Services. In this role, she provided guidance and leadership to a dynamic and growing team and supported the development of culturally safe, integrated and collaborative community healthcare.

In addition to her work experience, Kim has served on a number of professional Councils and Boards. As a health lead, she was privileged to serve on the Board of the First Nations Health Directors Association for seven years and in the role of President for the final four years of her term. In September 2018​, Kim stepped down from her health governance role in order to move into the position of Vice President, Regional Operations for the Vancouver Coastal region.​

Kim has an undergraduate degree from Simon Fraser University and more recently completed a Master of Arts in Leadership (Health) at Royal Roads University. Kim’s education is enhanced by the traditional and cultural teachings she has been gifted over the years and she continues to honour these teachings in her new leadership role.

Crystal is a proud but humble Sekani Sustudene member of Takla Nation, a small community in Northern British Columbia. She brings over two decades of experience in Indigenous health, child and family wellness, and organizational development. In addition to her work as Director of Holistic Services for Takla Nation, Crystal held a senior leadership role with Nezul Be Hunuyeh Child and Family Services for over 18 years, where she played a key role in advancing Indigenous child and family service governance, wholistic cultural family supports, and operational leadership in finance and human resources.

Crystal carries forward the teachings of her ancestors in all aspects of her work. She continues to walk a path of service that honours Indigenous ways of knowing, healing, and being, helping to guide the evolution of health systems that reflect and respect First Nations identities, values, and futures.  Widely respected for her ability to lead with integrity, humility, and compassion, Crystal is known for building trust-based relationships and fostering space for community voices, elders, and youth to guide meaningful change.

Crystal and her husband of 30 years, a Hereditary Chief who served as an elected councillor for Takla Nation for 10 years, have been blessed with two beautiful children, now thriving as strong, independent young adults. Their son and daughter continue to be sources of pride and inspiration, serving as positive role models within their circles. As a family, they remain deeply connected to their cultural roots, coming together to gather, harvest, and give thanks to the land, always honouring their responsibility to care for and give back to Mother Earth.

Brennan MacDonald is a member of the Cowichan Tribes of the Coast Salish Nation and serves as the Vice President, Regional Operations for Vancouver Island wi​​​th First Nations Health Authority.

In this role, Brennan provides executive, strategic and operational leadership to the Vancouver Island Regional team, including engagement, operations and support services.  She also works in collaboration ​​with regional and centralized FNHA teams in her regional engagement and operations responsibilities.  Brennan’s leadership plays a pivotal role in the visioning, development, and strengthening of FNHA’s partnership with Island Health and collaboration with regional health systems partners.

Lisa Montgomery-Reid is a member of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band, Syilx Nation. Lisa holds a Master of Arts Degree in Policy and Program Development from the University of Victoria. Her research focused on the challenges and opportunities of First Nations Health Transfer.

Lisa has previously served as a Health Director, Band Manager, Council member, Regional Director and on many provincial committees, which has provided her with a “big picture” overview of the health landscape. Lisa is a people person with a positive outlook and a proven capacity for effective engagement and building collaborative working relationships at all levels. Lisa’s strong work ethic and cultural teachings, inherited from her parents, will serve her well in the position of Vice President.

Naomi Williams is a descendant of the Qu’wut’sun Tribes with family roots throughout Coast Salish territories. With an academic background in, Criminology, Aboriginal Trauma, and Conflict Resolution, she brings over 30 years of experience facilitating spaces for dialogue, education and engagement that has cultivated meaningful partnerships with First Nations. Her professional career reflects a lifelong journey advocating for trauma-informed culturally safe services for First Nation and Indigenous people across BC.

Driven by her passionate desire to influence change, Naomi has held numerous Leadership roles within First Nation Communities, Board of Directors, Senior Executive Management, and frontline services with organizations such as the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, The Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of British Columbia, The Law Society of British Columbia, Vancouver Native Housing Society, City of Vancouver Urban Indigenous Peoples’ Advisory Committee, and Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society.

Since joining the FNHA in 2014, Naomi has contributed to the advancement of FNHA’s monumental journey to transfer, transition, and transform how health and wellness programs and services are designed and led by First Nations regional governance structures. Over the past 10 years in service with FNHA, Naomi has provided strategic leadership in various roles intended to advance Regionalization and bring services closer to home. These include. Vancouver Coastal (VC) Community Engagement Coordinator, VC Regional Manager, VC Regional Director, Director of Regional Engagement, and most recently the Executive Director, Office of the Chief Executive Officer.

Grounded by her strong First Nation cultural and traditional values, she has been instrumental in FNHA’s progress toward achieving our shared vision and is excited to continue doing so in her role as the Vice President, Regional Operations serving Fraser Salish Region.