B.C. business leader and PHSA Chair honored for entrepreneurship and commitment to province
April 3, 2014, Vancouver B.C. – Last night at the Hotel Vancouver, in a room full of more than 700 guests from across North America, $206,000 was raised for the BCIT Foundation as a tribute to Wynne Powell and his distinguished business career and leadership in British Columbia.
Wynne Powell retired as president and CEO of London Drugs on February 23, 2014. His 30 years with London Drugs shaped the evolution of one of B.C.’s largest and most respected entities. And as Premier Christy Clark stated in her message presented in the aptly named ‘British Columbia’ room of the hotel, Wynne’s contributions to the province extend far beyond the running of one of its most successful companies.
Wynne has served as a volunteer board member on various provincial committees for decades; most notably his 13 years of volunteer service chairing the Provincial Health Services Authority. His role as chair has meant fierce dedication to improving the health care system in British Columbia. Agencies operating under PHSA include BC Children’s Hospital, BC Transplant, and the BC Cancer Agency. BC Ambulance, the Patient Transfer Network and Trauma Services BC is also overseen by PHSA through BC Emergency Health Services. Wynne’s tireless work and work ethic continue to positively impact the entire health care network of the province.
The winner of Wynne’s tribute night was the BCIT Foundation. $206,000 was raised to help current and future students at Wynne’s alma mater. Wynne’s career accomplishments and accolades are lengthy; his commitment and belief in BCIT has continued throughout his further education, achievements and career. Wynne remains actively involved in the growth and success of BCIT and this latest donation is further testament to the strengths of the school.
“This generous contribution will add to Wynne Powell’s legacy at BCIT by supporting students financially,” said BCIT president Kathy Kinloch. “In recognition of such an outstanding business leader and the London Drugs family, I am pleased to announce the Dr. Wynne Powell Study Gallery at the Aerospace Technology Campus. We hope that future students will be inspired by Wynne’s commitment to community.”
The sentiment of the evening rang true to its title; it was a great tribute to Wynne rather than a retirement salute. After all, he will continue to run London Drugs’ sister companies as president and CEO of London Air Services and Sonora Resort as well as continue to Chair the PHSA.
So although Wynne has retired as president and CEO of London Drugs, British Columbians will still benefit from his leadership.
As Mr. Brandt Louie eloquently described in his tribute to Wynne, “If you know Wynne at all, you will know that telling him something is impossible, is his idea of a challenge. While others are still thinking about it, he will just push ahead and show you how it gets done.”
From all of us at London Drugs, our business partners, fellow community and business leaders and the beneficiaries of the BCIT Foundation, thank you Wynne.
