[All eHLbc contacts] Announcement: Anita Cocchia's Retirement from eHLbc and BC ELN [1]
[Apologies for cross-posting]
February 15, 2023
It is with incredibly mixed emotions that we share the news that Anita Cocchia will be retiring from eHLbc and BC ELN this summer.
As executive director of the BC Electronic Library Network (BC ELN), eHLbc’s administrative host, Anita was instrumental in the formation of eHLbc, from the earliest conversations at the BC Academic Health Council (BCAHC) table in 2003, to the consortium’s founding in April 2006. She established the eHLbc Administrative Centre, hired the first eHLbc Coordinator, and was on the negotiating team for the first Core Suite. Following the dissolution of the BCAHC, she guided eHLbc through its critical transfer to Simon Fraser University. Anita will cheerfully recount tales of eHLbc’s progress through the years, growing from 24 founding members to 51 members today. What Anita will neglect to mention is how vital her leadership has been to the consortium throughout its development.
As executive director, Anita has expertly steered eHLbc through its many phases of growth, while simultaneously ensuring its ongoing sustainability. A steadfast believer in the power of collaboration and the importance of equity, Anita has implemented systems and solutions that leverage members’ strengths to deliver broad-reaching benefits. She has negotiated superior discounts on licenses for essential health resources, ensuring equitable access to health resources for students, researchers, practitioners and health care providers across BC and the Yukon. Ever an optimist, Anita approaches challenges with creativity and confidence, proving always that together we are stronger.
While Anita’s departure from eHLbc will signify a loss for the consortium, we are delighted at the thought of the many new adventures Anita will experience, and we are reassured by the fact that she leaves behind a solid foundation for future leadership. The BC ELN Steering Committee has begun planning a search process to find a new BC ELN Executive Director. A celebration for Anita is also being planned; we will communicate more details in the near future.
Please join us in extending our deep appreciation and warm congratulations to Anita!
Debbie Schachter, Langara College
eHLbc Management Committee Chair
Chantalle Jack, BC Cancer
eHLbc Management Committee Vice-Chair
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eHLbc Office
Electronic Health Library of BC
778.782.7003
office@ehlbc.ca [3]
I respectfully acknowledge the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations on whose traditional territories the eHLbc Office is privileged to operate.