Close up with Board member Mike Henry

Niagara Health System Board Member Mike Henry

The Niagara Health System Board of Trustees is made up of volunteers who live and work in Niagara. Each Board member brings unique skills and expertise to this leadership role. The Board is responsible for governing the NHS and providing strategic direction to the Hospital to ensure it meets the healthcare needs of the community within the resources that are available.

Niagara Health Now is publishing a series of question-and-answer profiles on individual members of the Board to help our readers get better acquainted with them.

This issue’s profile is of Mike Henry.

Where were you born?

London, Ontario.

Number of years living in Niagara: 3.5

Occupation:

Recently retired from one of the top five pharmaceutical companies in the world, AstraZeneca. During my career, I was President of Zeneca Canada, Senior VP for AstraZeneca Japan, Regional VP for Asia Pacific and VP for Global Licensing.

What were the greatest rewards from your job?

First and foremost was the opportunity to work with a terrific group of people in all aspects of the business – Research, Development, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Finance, Sales, Marketing, Human Resources and Administration. We achieved some amazing results that have improved the treatment of several major diseases around the world.

In addition, my family and I were blessed with the opportunity to work and live in other countries and cultures around the globe.

What influenced you to become a member of the NHS Board of Trustees?

Healthcare has been my passion throughout my career. Joining the NHS Board was a natural way to follow that passion and continue to make a contribution based on my years of experience within a related industry and first-hand knowledge of several different healthcare models in other countries.

How many years have you served on the NHS Board?

This is my first year on the Board, and I have served on the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Standing Committee for the past two years.

What is your greatest achievement or reward as a member of the Board?

I have been very impressed with the quality of the Board membership and the dedication and hard work to ensuring we oversee the ongoing evolution of the hospital system in the Niagara region for the benefit of its residents today and tomorrow. Working with this impressive team is my personal reward.

What is the greatest opportunity for the NHS?

Leveraging our combined strength as a region to create a hospital system that provides the best quality of care for its patients compared to any other provider anywhere.

What is its greatest challenge?

Unfortunately, there is too much internal competition between the local communities within the region. This hinders Niagara’s ability to objectively agree and pursue its goals without the full support of the region. This also limits Niagara’s influence on decision-makers in business and government.

Other involvement as a member of a volunteer Board, past or present?

Canadian Anaesthesia Research Foundation

Advisory Committee to Management, Therapeutic Products Programme, Department of Health and Welfare, Government of Canada

Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Canada

How would you describe yourself to someone who doesn’t know you?

I suppose I would say that I am a typical Canadian – an honest, hard-working individual that prefers to work with and share the accomplishments and spotlight with the team.

What is your greatest personal achievement?
The untimely death of my father left my mother a widow at the age of 24 with five young children dependent on welfare. Despite this, I was able to work hard enough to complete a university education and successful international business career.  «