New leader appointed

Aug 4, 2026 | 2:21 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – The Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society has appointed longtime community advocate and nonprofit leader Erin Connelly as its new Executive Director.

The appointment takes effect August 31, when Connelly will succeed outgoing Executive Director Donna Flood, who is being recognized for her contributions to the organization during a period of significant growth.

A lifelong Prince George resident, Connelly brings more than two decades of experience in the nonprofit and social services sectors. She currently serves as the Society’s Director of Operations, a role in which she has helped guide organizational development, strengthen community partnerships, and support the expansion of hospice services across the region.

The Society’s Board of Directors said the decision reflects confidence in Connelly’s leadership abilities and her vision for the organization’s future.

Board Chair Rod Holmes said Connelly has consistently demonstrated integrity, strategic thinking, and a strong commitment to the Society’s mission.

“Her passion for community, commitment to excellence, and ability to build meaningful partnerships will ensure the Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society continues to thrive, innovate, and remain grounded in the compassionate values that have defined Hospice for nearly four decades,” Holmes said in a news release.

Connelly holds a Master of Education in Counselling from the University of Northern British Columbia and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with Indigenous social service organizations and has developed relationships with First Nations communities, social service agencies, government partners, and funding organizations.

Her professional experience includes leadership in program development, human resources, advocacy, grant development, contract management, and clinical supervision.

Beyond her work at Hospice, Connelly is involved with several community organizations. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Soonats’ooneh Community Health Centre and volunteers with the Two Rivers Gallery, the Prince George Humane Society, and the College Heights Community Association.

In a statement, Connelly said she is honoured to lead an organization that has played a vital role in supporting people through some of life’s most difficult moments.

“Hospice has a remarkable legacy of providing compassionate care, supporting families through grief, and ensuring that no one has to face end-of-life alone,” she said.

Connelly added that she looks forward to working with staff, volunteers, donors, health-care partners, and community supporters as the organization continues to expand services and respond to changing community needs.

The Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society has grown into a recognized provider of hospice palliative care, grief and bereavement services, education programs, research initiatives, and community-based supports. Through Residential Hospice, Home Hospice, volunteer programs, and services for those living with life-limiting illnesses, the organization supports thousands of individuals and families each year throughout Northern British Columbia.

As Executive Director, Connelly will be tasked with building on that foundation while advancing the Society’s goal of ensuring access to high-quality, compassionate hospice palliative care and grief support services.

The Board also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Executive Director Donna Flood. During her tenure, the organization expanded its programs, strengthened partnerships, increased research and innovation efforts, and broadened its impact across Northern B.C.

Founded in 1987, the Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society provides hospice palliative care, caregiver support, bereavement services, education, and volunteer programs. The organization works with community partners throughout the region to support individuals and families facing serious illness, grief, caregiving responsibilities, and end-of-life challenges.