The Northern Health Region has a new public voice.
Twyla Storey took over as communications coordinator for the NHR in early August.
“I am excited about this role and the great people that I get to continue to work with at the Northern Health Region,” says Storey, who takes over PR duties from Glenn Hildebrand.
The Reminder spoke with the Flin Flon-based Storey about her career and new role:
Reminder: What are the duties of the communications coordinator for the NHR?
Storey: As the communication coordinator, I am responsible for enhancing the corporate and public image of the Northern Health Region in support of the vision, mission and values of the region.
In doing that, I develop, implement and evaluate communication and public relations strategies and activities which support the delivery of the board’s strategic directions and priorities.
I am the entry point for all media inquiries, so I work with members of the senior leadership team to respond accurately, appropriately and in a timely manner.
My position supports the region’s organizational culture through consistent language and messaging that is clear, responsive and timely. My duties include the reviewing and preparation of all advertising and communication throughout the Northern Health Region.
Reminder: How long have you been with the NHR? In which capacities?
Storey: I have been with the region for a total of 10-and-a-half years. I started in June 2001 as an administrative assistant in the corporate office with the former NOR-MAN Regional Health Authority, where I stayed until late 2008.
I left the region’s employment from November 2008 to January 2011, but returned at that time for a position as an administrative assistant.
In November 2011, I became executive assistant to the region’s CEO and [had] been in that position until I started this role.
Reminder: How do you feel about taking this step in your professional life?
Storey: I feel excited about this position. I took a management course back in January 2014, which got me thinking about my future with the Northern Health Region.
Working in the CEO’s office, I would regularly see the enquiries coming in through the media as well as other communications activities, which intrigued and interested me.
When I saw the opportunity to take on the role of communication coordinator, I knew I was ready for that challenge, as it was something that had interested me for some time. I look forward to this opportunity and what I will learn in the coming months.
Reminder: A bit of background: Where are you from originally? Education? Kids? Married?
Storey: I was born and raised in Flin Flon and moved to Winnipeg in 1985 to obtain my legal assistant certificate with Success Business College. I worked in the legal field in Winnipeg for nine years.
While living in Winnipeg, I met my husband Pat and we both moved back to Flin Flon in 1995. We have two girls: Kari, who is currently a rehab assistant with the NHR in The Pas and will be attending UCN in the fall to take the nursing program; and Nicole, who is enrolled in the psychiatric nursing program in Brandon.
I am currently enrolled in the public relations certificate program at Ryerson University and pursing my certificate via distance.
