VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwired – Aug. 5, 2014) – The Association of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (ARNBC) is pleased to welcome Joy Peacock as its new Executive Director, ARNBC President Julie Fraser announced today.

“We are very pleased that Joy has accepted the opportunity to work with ARNBC at a time when nursing is regaining momentum as a strong voice for patients and healthcare in the province,” said Fraser. “Joy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, and as a known relationship-builder will be pivotal in helping ARNBC reach out to nurses, stakeholders, partners and others in the months and years to come.”

For the past two years, Peacock has been the Executive Director of the Yukon Registered Nurses Association (YRNA). No stranger to managing significant legislative changes, during her tenure, Peacock oversaw a number of significant milestones in nursing in the Yukon including enactment of the updated Registered Nurses Profession Act in 2012; launch of Standards for Practice in 2013; and a new territorial Clinical Services Plan in 2014. Peacock also had an advisory role to the Canadian Nurses Association and served on the Board of the Canadian Council of Registered Nurse Regulators.

Known for her ability to develop strong partnerships and collaborative relationships, Peacock has a comprehensive understanding of health and public policy, an appreciation for the power a nursing advocacy voice brings to health and public policy discussions, and a desire to motivate registered nurses and nurse practitioners to strive towards nursing excellence.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with registered nurses, nurse practitioners, stakeholders, partners and other health professions in B.C.’s complex health environment,” said Peacock. “B.C. registered nurses and nurse practitioners have a long legacy of advocacy and achievement, and I am committed to helping to guide a renewed vision for the role of nursing in British Columbia.”

Peacock achieved her Nursing Diploma from Loyalist College in Belleville, followed by a Critical Care Nursing Diploma from St. Lawrence College in Kingston, Ontario. She completed her nursing education with a Bachelor of Nursing Science from the University of Victoria and a Master of Science Nursing from Queen’s University. An experienced Registered Nurse who has worked in ICU, hemodialysis and surgery, she also brings years of experience as a business owner and operator to the Association.

In addition to welcoming a new Executive Director, B.C. nurses recently voted in a number of new ARNBC Directors including:

• Zak Matieschyn, President Elect
• Marcia Carr, Director at Large
• Linda Axen, Northern Regional Director
• Wendy Bowles, Fraser Valley Regional Director
• Melissa Nuttall, Vancouver Island Regional Director
• Tanya Sanders, Interior Regional Director

The Association of Registered Nurses of BC (ARNBC) is the professional organization providing a voice for Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners in the development of health, nursing and public policy that advances the health of British Columbians.