With nearly four decades of experience in procurement and supply chain, Lis Anderson has built her career around helping organizations improve how they work, adapt to change and deliver results. After spending much of her career in the private sector, Lis made the move into healthcare, drawn by the opportunity to apply her experience in a way that could make a broader difference. 

As one of HealthPRO Canada’s newest Board Members, Lis brings extensive industry knowledge and a practical perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare procurement. In the Q&A below, she discusses where she sees opportunities to improve collaboration and efficiency across Canada, strengthen the resilience of the healthcare supply chain, and contribute to HealthPRO Canada’s mission. 

1. What drew you to a career in healthcare?  

I had worked in private sector for the majority of my career, and I was interested in the opportunity to work in the public sector. I also am at the point in my career that for me trying to make a difference in other’s lives is more important than earning a bonus. 

2. In your view, what does the future of healthcare procurement look like?  

There is a lot of opportunity to improve the efficiencies within procurement in healthcare. I think there is an opportunity to not only work more closely within each province but to also to have the provinces work more closely from a pan-Canadian perspective.  

I also think that we can do better with leaner processes, more competition and working on doing things differently to drive better results. The supplier community has been used to a certain way of doing business so maybe we can change that up and work on developing more vested partnerships. 

3. What makes the mission of HealthPRO Canada meaningful to you?  

I think it is the focus on bringing us together to support healthcare for the country. 

4. With an accomplished and impressive career, what are you most looking forward to in this next chapter?    

I am a supply chain professional and have been working in this field for almost (or maybe) 40 years, so I am looking forward to providing my perspective – a boots on the ground perspective. 

5. What are your personal interests outside of work?   

I enjoy being active so golfing, working out – strength training, running, cycling on my bike that goes nowhere – boating, gardening, spending time with family (I am a grandma of 5), and I love my cats (I have 2). 

6. Favourite quote or motto? 

“If you don’t like something change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.” – Maya Angelou  

7. With more than 30 years of experience in procurement and supply chain, what do you see as the biggest opportunities to strengthen resilience and create value across Canada's healthcare system? 

I think have visibility at a pan-Canadian level would really help to strengthen resilience and create value. Instead of working in a closed loop system.