Mr. Van Denakker has a master’s degree in health care administration and related professional development within the health care field coupled with 30+ years of health care management. He has extensive experience in both acute care and community health related services and has intimate insight into many current health system issues. The cost of health care, proliferation of chronic disease and the health status of Aboriginal people and other vulnerable populations are a few of the pressure points where he has both interest and experience. Ron has many years of leadership experience in both hospital and community operations and prides himself on knowing the system and being able to effectively negotiate and build partnerships as well as investing in ongoing relationships. He is a strategic thinker and leader that is highly effective at building bridges and strengthening relationships with all stakeholders. Over the years, he has developed and realized operational, strategic and business plans. He is an experienced change agent, skilled communicator and someone that is able to attract energy from the team to fulfill and build on success. At present, Ron is the Executive Director of the Manitoba Association of Safety in Healthcare. With support from the health care industry and the Worker’s Compensation Board, Ron led the proof of concept process and eventually achieved approval from all stakeholders to proceed and build an all of industry safety program for Manitoba.