With over 30 years of experience across public and private healthcare settings, Lila-Mae White, CHE, has built a leadership journey shaped by service, adaptability, and a deep commitment to improving systems for both patients and staff. As she moved through roles and sectors throughout her career, she was guided by the needs of the communities she serves.
Lila-Mae began her career in Ontario, working in not-for-profit health organizations. Her path shifted after she completed her MBA, which brought her to British Columbia to work with a multinational healthcare company. Following its acquisition, she transitioned into the public health system, joining the Health Authority, where she has now spent over two decades. In that time, she has held twelve distinct positions, working across operations and corporate services.
“Don’t panic—think it through.”
A phrase Lila-Mae often returns to when navigating complex decisions and fast-moving challenges
Over the years, Lila-Mae has become known for her ability to step into high-stakes situations with calm and clarity. From leading emergency responses to advancing long-term projects like the Kelowna consolidation and the Lytton clinic, she consistently prioritizes collaboration and solution-oriented leadership. Her work is defined not only by its scope, but by the trust she builds within teams and communities.
Her sense of purpose was shaped early in life, thanks to a close relationship with her paternal grandmother. That motivation has remained with her, explaining “spending time with her helped me realize that I wanted to be in service to others.”
A long-standing member of the Canadian College of Health Leaders, Lila-Mae has played an active role in shaping both her Chapter and the broader health leadership community. She currently serves as Executive Vice-Chair of the BC Interior Chapter and leads the Chapter’s Education Committee. She is also the BC Interior representative for the BC Collaborative, which helps coordinate cross-Chapter events. Nationally, she has been a Canada West Conference planning lead, a CHE evaluator, a mentor, and a peer reviewer for journal submissions. Her work within the College is driven by a belief in continuous learning and a strong desire to give back. “The Chapter and the College provide meaningful opportunities for me to pay forward the support I’ve received throughout my career.”
Lila-Mae was selected by the BC Interior Chapter as the recipient of the 2025 Chapter Award for Distinguished Service in recognition of her leadership and longstanding commitment to healthcare improvement. She continues to find energy and purpose through her involvement with the College: learning from peers, supporting emerging professionals, and contributing to a healthcare system that reflects the values of collaboration and community.
