Heppell at the Helm: leading BC Emergency Health Services

BC Emergency Health Services’ Chief Ambulance Officer and Master of Leadership alum, Leanne Heppell, leads the largest pre-hospital emergency medical health services organization in North America. During her tenure she has focused on building a respectful workplace culture and adding resources - human and capital - to BCEHS. 

As BCEHS celebrates 50 years of service in 2025, they spoke with Heppell about her career journey, her pride in BCEHS’ work, and her vision for the future. Here’s an excerpt from the article (shared with BCEHS permission):    

One of Leanne’s proudest accomplishments in her role has been to put structure and new positions in place so that BCEHS can coach, counsel, engage, support and recognize its employees. 

“If you treat people right, they’ll treat their patients right – this is my philosophy,” Heppell says. “For me, it’s all about people and relationships. Those were the values I grew up with, and those are the values that have served me well as a leader. Education and degrees have helped me become a broader thinker – but at the end of the day, health is all about people – whether it’s staff, the patients, or their families.” 

Under Heppell’s leadership, the Chief Ambulance Officer’s Commendation for Excellence in Adversity has been implemented. It honours those who go above and beyond, delivering outstanding service in the face of adversity. Since 2021, each person receiving the commendation has also received a personal phone call of gratitude and appreciation from Leanne. She also makes a point of responding personally to every letter of commendation managers across the organization send to employees. 

Read the full interview with Leanne Heppell at BC Emergency Health Services' website.

Learn more about the Master of Arts in Leadership program.