Sue LeBeau
Chair, NOSM University Board of Governors (2024)
Executive Director of L’équipe Santé Ontario Sudbury Espanola Manitoulin Elliot Lake

Sue LeBeau is the second Chair appointed to the NOSM University Board of Governors, beginning her term in January 2024. She currently serves as the Executive Director of L’équipe Santé Ontario Sudbury Espanola Manitoulin Elliot Lake Ontario Health Team, a network of health and social service providers collaborating to enhance the health and well-being of individuals living in the Greater Sudbury area, Sudbury East, Espanola, Manitoulin Island, Elliot Lake, and surrounding communities.

Previously, Sue held the position of CEO at the West Nipissing General Hospital in the picturesque Sturgeon Falls. With extensive experience in hospital administration, community service, and education, she has supported regional healthcare planners and home care as the Director of Quality and Risk at the North East Local Health Integration Network. Her twelve years of progressive leadership at the North Bay Regional Health Centre included roles such as Director of Surgical Services, Critical Care, Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory, Pharmacy, Quality, Professional Practice, and Education. Additionally, she has over fourteen years of experience as a post graduate university course professor in Nursing, Nurse Practitioner, and healthcare leadership programs across Ontario and New Brunswick.

Sue has enjoyed working in various community settings, including Public Health, Community Health Centres, and the Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centre, as well as maintaining an independent practice as a nurse practitioner. She values volunteerism and has served as a Director on boards for an NP-led clinic, Victim Crisis Services, a Francophone association, and the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario. Furthermore, she has been an active member of the Canadian College of Health Leaders’ national ethics committee and chapter executive.

Sue is delighted to support NOSM University in fulfilling its social accountability mandate and working towards its vision of innovative education and research for our wonderful North!

Virginia May ‘Mae’ Katt
Vice Chair, NOSM University Board of Governors
Chair, Board Executive Committee
Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner, Honorary LLD

Mae is Ojibway from Temagami First Nation. She is a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner and holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, Master of Education (Curriculum Specialty) and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws degree from Trent University.

Her diverse nursing career includes mental health & substance use, adolescent health, maternal and child health and community health. She has a strong health policy and research background in community development, youth suicide, early psychosis, cancer care, health human resources and acquired brain injury.

In clinical practice she provides primary care in an Indigenous high school and mental health & substance use treatment in remote and rural First Nations.  She coordinated an opiate-agonist treatment program at a high school that successfully eliminated high opioid prevalence at the school.

She was appointed by the Minister of Health to the Mental Health and Addictions Leadership Council responsible for the implementation of Ontario’s Phase 2 of the Mental Health and Addictions Strategy.  She has also worked as senior administrator responsible for First Nations health programs, both as Regional Director (Ontario) for Health Canada’s First Nations and Inuit Health, and as Health Director at Nishnawbe Aski Nation, representing 49 First Nations in northern Ontario.

As a researcher affiliated with the Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research for 30 years, she has taken the lead in developing appropriate knowledge transfer strategies for several projects done in partnership with First Nations.

John Stenger
Treasurer, NOSM University Board of Governors
Chair, Finance Audit and Risk Management Committee
Treasurer Huron Shores

John is a seasoned financial professional with a strong financial background; solid problem solving and decision–making abilities with over 30 years of experience. He brings years of experience in healthcare; private enterprise and business/economic development.

Previously employed in small and rural hospitals in both northern and southern Ontario for over a decade. Positions included Chief Executive Officer of Leamington District Memorial Hospital and Chief Financial Officer of Temiskaming Hospital; Listowel Wingham Hospital Alliance and St. Joseph’s General Hospital Elliot Lake.

After completing a Bachelor of Mathematics degree at the University of Waterloo he was successful in obtaining the designations Chartered Accountant and Chartered Professional Account. His belief in life-long learning led to a Diploma in Investigative and Forensic Accounting and an Advanced Health Leadership Certificate from the Rotman School of Business (University of Toronto).

He currently resides in Elliot Lake and enjoys spending time outdoors with his spouse.

Dr. Michael Green
Ex-Officio Member, NOSM University Board of Governors
President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean & CEO, NOSM University

Dr. Michael Green is President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean and CEO of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University, where he is also Professor of Family Medicine in the Division of Clinical Sciences. He is Professor Emeritus in the Departments of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences at Queen’s University where he also has an active adjunct research appointment, and a Senior Adjunct Scientist at IC/ES. He served as the 70th President of the College of Family Physicians of Canada from Nov 2023 to Oct 2004.

Dr. Cindy Blackstock
NOSM University Chancellor

A member of the Gitxsan First Nation, Cindy is honoured to serve as the Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society and a professor at McGill University’s School of Social Work. She has over 30 years of experience working in child welfare and Indigenous children’s rights and has published more than 75 articles on topics relating to reconciliation, Indigenous theory, First Nations child welfare and human rights. Cindy was honoured to work with First Nations colleagues on a successful human rights challenge to Canada’s inequitable provision of child and family services and failure to implement Jordan’s Principle. This hard-fought litigation has resulted in hundreds of thousands of services being provided to First Nations children, youth and families.

She recently served on the Pan American Health Commission on Health Equity and Inequity and fundamentally believes that culturally-based equity is essential to meaningful reconciliation. Cindy is frequently sighted in the company of the Caring Society’s reconciliation Am-bear-rister, Spirit Bear, engaging children in meaningful actions to implement the TRC Calls to Action.

Craig Abotossaway
Member, NOSM University Board of Governors
Executive Director, Mnaamodzawin Health Services, Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island)

Craig has 25 plus years experience working directly on a variety of First Nations health initiatives.  Craig has a Masters of Social Work degree from Wilfred Laurier University, specializing in Indigenous Health Practice. As a former elected Chief of his First Nations community of Aundeck Omni Kaning, he brings extensive political knowledge of both the provincial and federal levels of government and health issues facing First Nations people, both regionally and nationally.

Currently, Craig is the Executive Director of Mnaamodzawin Health Services, which services five member First Nations communities on Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island).   Craig is a strong advocate of Indigenous approaches to Health practice, and ensuring they are highly promoted and expected by the staff of the agency, ensuring health services meet the unique needs of First Nations people.  Annually, Mnaamodzawin Health Services is an active partner with NOSM/NOSM U, taking first year students for their CBM 106 placement.

Craig is passionate and always striving to bring about positive growth within First Nations Health services.

As a newly appointed member to the Board of Governors, Craig is looking forward to working with the other valued members and contributing to the success of NOSM University.

Imran Bagha
Member, NOSM University Board of Governors
NOSM University Class of 2023 Elected Learner

Imran Bagha is a final-year MD candidate at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. He holds a Master in Philanthropy and Non-Profit Leadership from Carleton University, and has served as a Director and Evaluator for local, national, and international non-profit organizations since 2017. In addition to serving NOSM, he is the President and Director of two regional recreational organizations in Thunder Bay, a previous Board member of the Health Sciences North Volunteer Association in Sudbury, and an evaluator of Youth Without Shelter in Toronto and CanUgan in Ottawa.

Aside from his medical studies and Board work, Imran is the owner of Northern Writing Consultants, a writing firm which he founded and grew while in medical school. Previously, he worked in business development for the City of Sudbury at the Regional Business Centre. An avid volunteer, Imran serves his community regularly at the local soup kitchen, homeless shelter, and as a chaplain for the local jail.

For leisure, Imran enjoys travelling (14 countries so far!), ultimate frisbee, and working on his car. He has been a member of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine Board of Governors since 2022.

John Beaucage
Member – LGIC Appointee, NOSM University Board of Governors
Grand Council Chief, First Nations of the Anishinabek Nation

In October 2004, John Beaucage was elected as Grand Council Chief to serve the 42-member First Nations of the Anishinabek Nation. John was re-elected in 2006, by acclamation, a rare occurrence in the history of one of Canada’s oldest First Nation political organizations. Prior to his election as Grand Council Chief, Beaucage was the elected Chief of Wasauksing First Nation and served in that capacity for four consecutive terms. Beaucage is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario with a combined degree in English and economics, and he has done post-graduate work in First Nation planning at the University of British Columbia. He also was the recipient of a Honorary Doctor of Letters from Nipissing University in the 2009 Convocation.

Grand Council Chief Beaucage played an instrumental role in the First Ministers Meeting which took place in Kelowna, BC in November of 2005.  Leading up to the First Ministers Meeting, Beaucage served as the Co-chair for First Ministers Working Groups for both Housing and Relationships. Since leaving his position as Grand Council Chief, Beaucage now serves on a number of boards and is working on developing green energy projects with several First Nations across the country. He has also been involved as a mediator with land disputes and was appointed as Special Advisor to the Minister of Children & Youth Services, which resulted in a much publicized report on the state of native child welfare in Ontario.

Eyaabay (his traditional name) is a Pipe Carrier from the Bear Clan.  A citizen of Wasauksing First Nation, he was raised on the Shawanaga First Nation and has extended family in Nipissing, Curve Lake and Moose Deer Point First Nations. John and his wife Bonnie have been married for 45 years and have four children and thirteen grandchildren.

Note: Mr. John Beaucage is the first of five Lieutenant Governor in Council appointees.

Angela Carter
Member, NOSM University Board of Governors
CEO – Ka-Na-CHi-Hih Treatment Center

Angela Carter is an Ojibway from Michipicoten First Nation.  She is the CEO of Ka-Na-CHi-Hih Treatment Center (Wakenagun Youth Healing Lodge and Pelican High Peak Youth Healing Lodge).  Angela holds a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Learning, a Masters of Social Work and is presently pursuing her PhD Indigenous Health.

Angela has been working in the health field for the past 30 years in a diversity of positions with her most recent position in expanding resources in mental wellness and addiction for Indigenous youth.  Angela brings to the board her passion in working  on identifying and implementing strategic direction to include equitable practices in the health-care field.

She is excited in the journey of being part of the Directors team and moving forward in the exciting work ahead.

Dr. Kristy Côté
Member, NOSM University Board of Governors
NOSM University – Elected Staff

Kristy Côté, Ph.D. joined NOSM University in April 2003 and has held several progressive positions in various portfolios where she acquired an in-depth knowledge and understanding of human resources, leadership development, financial planning, policy development, strategic planning, transformational change and direct service/program development and delivery. Dr. Côté currently holds the position of Administrative Director, Family Medicine and Strategic Advisor to the President. She is the former Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) Manager within the PGME Unit of NOSM University.

Having completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts degree through Laurentian University, her Master of Arts – Integrated Studies degree through Athabasca University, and her doctorate in Rural and Northern Health at Laurentian University, Dr. Côté is a strong advocate for health, and health research in the North. Her doctoral thesis focused on the lived experiences of Francophone prostate cancer patients from Northeastern Ontario and her ongoing work with NOSM U currently centers on NOSM University’s comprehensive expansion initiatives within Undergraduate and Postgraduate Medical Education as well as ongoing work within the discipline of Family Medicine. Dr. Côté also holds the designation of Certified Human Resource Leader (CHRL) as recognized by the Human Resource Professionals Association and is an active volunteer member, currently serving as Past-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Northern Cancer Foundation in Sudbury.

Dr. Côté is committed to ongoing quality improvement initiatives through provincial and national interdisciplinary collaborations within Family Medicine postgraduate medical education. Kristy is a proud Francophone and honoured member of the Métis Nation of Ontario with Treaty 5 ancestry. She and her husband Simon enjoy travelling and spending time camping with their three amazing children: Alex, Emma and Éliana.

Killian deBlacam
Member – LGIC Appointee, NOSM University Board of Governors

Dr. Killian deBlacam is a Family Physician in Sudbury since 1983. He has worked in Emergency Medicine from 1983-2001 in Sudbury and Buffalo, New York and Atlanta Georgia. He has worked as a Hospitalist in Sudbury and Buffalo New York. He was Medical Director of Garson Manor Nursing Home prior to it becoming Finlandia Nursing Home. He has been the Lead Physician of the largest group of Family Physicians in Sudbury from 2017 to 2023. He is a Fellow of the College of Family Practice of Canada and a Diplomat of the American Board of Family Physicians. He has recently retired from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine where he served as Assistant Professor in the Family Practice Faculty from 2006 to 2023. ​

He has been President of The Sudbury and District Medical Society, Board Member of Ontario Medical Association, Chief of Family Practice at Laurentian Hospital (now Health Sciences North), President of Medical Staff at HSN and Board member at Health Sciences North 2016 to 2021. 

Mark Hartman
Member, NOSM University Board of Governors
Vice Chair, Governance Committee
Senior Vice President, Patient Experience and Digital Transformation

Mark Hartman completed a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Radiation Therapy in Melbourne, Australia in 1989. Since arriving in Sudbury in 1992, he worked as a radiation therapist at the Northeastern Ontario Regional Cancer Centre before entering management positions in the Radiation Treatment Program and as Director of the $44M Cancer Centre capital expansion project.

In 2004, Mark became the Administrative Director of the Regional Cancer Program of the former Sudbury Regional Hospital. He completed a Masters in Business Administration through Athabasca University in 2009 and between 2010 and 2018 provided leadership as the Vice President of Cancer and Clinical Support Programs at Health Science North as well as the Regional Vice President of Cancer Care Ontario for the Northeast. During this time Mark led the development of two Regional Cancer Plans for the Northeast along with the development of the first Regional Aboriginal Cancer Plan for the region. In 2018 Mark was appointed to the role of Senior Vice President, Patient Experience and Digital Transformation at Health Sciences North. This portfolio includes leadership of 2,298 FTE employees with a budget of $382 million and comprises all clinical programs, quality and patient safety and information technology. Mark has executive leadership for the HSN Strategic Plan 2019-2024 goal to become digitally enabled through implementation of a regional electronic medical record and secure patient portal.

Mark began his post-secondary education at Glendon College, York University earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in History and a minor in French.  Following his initial foray into the hospital environment, working as a Human Resources recruitment officer for St. Joseph’s Hospital in Toronto, Mark decided to continue his education in this field at the University of Toronto, receiving a Post Graduate Diploma in Hospital Administration.

As President and CEO, Mark played a significant leadership role in the merger of North Bay Civic Hospital and St. Joseph’s General Hospital in 1995, and became President & CEO of the newly consolidated North Bay General Hospital at that time.

Mark became involved initially with the Board of Directors at NOSM in 2015 when he joined the Governance Committee as a Non-Director member.  After enjoying his experiences in and around NOSM University, he submitted his application for the 2016 year, welcoming the opportunity to participate at the governance level in helping to ensure continued positive outcomes.

Dawn Morissette
Member, NOSM University Board of Governors
CEO, Services de santé de Chapleau Health Services

Dawn Morissette was born and raised in northeastern Ontario and is passionate about access to equitable healthcare for northerners. She is bilingual and has extensive experience working across the healthcare sector. She has had the opportunity to live and work in Alberta, Quebec and in Ontario.

Ms. Morissette is currently the CEO of Services de santé de Chapleau Health Services, an integrated rural health hub in northeastern Ontario. Past roles include Professor of Business at Sault College, Executive Director of the Huron Shores Family Health Team, Executive Director in a private healthcare organization, Private Consultant, Interim Leader, Deputy Mayor of the City of Elliot Lake, Physician Recruiter, and Organizational Development Specialist. With exposure to so many facets of healthcare, she is especially interested in facilitating the integration of healthcare and finding efficiencies in process.

Ms. Morissette completed a Bachelor of Business Administration at Wilfrid Laurier University, a Masters of Arts (Leadership) at the University of Guelph, and completed the Third Party Neutral Program with the Canadian Institute of Conflict Resolution.  She has also completed the AdvantAge Ontario Administrator Leadership Program for Long-term Care.

Ms. Morissette enjoys hiking, skiing, paddling, time with her family, and always looks forward to a new good book.

Shemer Ratner
Member, NOSM University Board of Governors
Nephrologist-Internist, Health Sciences North Elected Faculty

Shemer Ratner is a physician recruited to HSN to join the Nephrology Department in serving the Northeastern Ontario region.

He brings his medical expertise with thirteen total years of post-secondary education that have taken him all over the world including to parts of Africa, Europe, Asia, the U.S. and South America. He attended medical school at Western on a full scholarship.

He has served as Chief Fellow of the Nephrology Program at Western, held various roles on local, provincial, and national level medical organizations.

In his free time, Shemer loves to spend time with family, kayak around Ramsey Lake, and hike in the Laurentian Conservation Area.

Susan Soldan
Member, NOSM University Board of Governors
Chair, Governance Commttee
Retired Public Servant

Susan Soldan is known for her commitment to public service and volunteerism within Thunder Bay and beyond. She is also proud of her Ukrainian roots and is active within the diaspora.
At the end of 2019, Susan retired from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, where she was part of the Northwestern Region senior management team.

Susan’s career includes roles within the Ontario Public Service (OPS) and the Broader Public Service (BPS), after leaving public accounting practice where she obtained her Chartered Accountant (CA) designation. Susan worked for the Ministry of Natural Resources as Manager of Internal Audit, for the Ministry of Education as Finance Officer, and for the Ministry of Transportation as Regional Services Manager.

Susan holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from Lakehead University, and earned Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and Chartered Professional Accountant (FCPA, FCA) designations. In 2013, she was proud to be elected as a Fellow of the former Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario (now CPA Ontario), in recognition of her long and varied history of service to her profession and her community. She is a long-standing director of the Thunder Bay-Northwest chapter of CPA Ontario, President (and 2nd soprano) of Lakehead Choral Group, and Treasurer of Holy Cross Ukrainian Catholic Church. Past roles on volunteer boards of directors include as Treasurer of the United Way of Thunder Bay, President of the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Board, President of the Education Safety Association of Ontario, and President of the Thunder Bay-Atikokan Federal Liberal Constituency Association.

In March 2018, Susan became a community member of the Governance Committee of NOSM and currently serves as Chair.

Joy Warkentin
Member, NOSM University Board of Governors
Chair Presidential Search Committee
Retired / Self Employed Consultant

Joy Warkentin is passionate about Leadership and Service. She was educated first as a nurse and then as an educator, holding a degree in Sociology and a MEd in Curriculum Development.

She taught Nursing, became Chair of Health Sciences and then Associate Dean Academic at Confederation College. She then relocated to London, Ontario where she was the Senior Vice President at Fanshawe College from 2000 to 2009. While at Fanshawe, she led the improvement in Graduation Rates, started the first Research Department, led the development of the first Applied Degrees, established Student Success Advisors in every School, and developed the College’s first Academic Plan. For 6 years she co-led a residential Leadership Development Program on behalf of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges.

She was awarded an Honorary Degree from Fanshawe in 2008 for her contributions to Applied Learning. She was the 2009 recipient of the Minister’s Lifetime Achievement Award from the Minister of Training, Colleges, and Universities and was awarded the YMCA of London, Women of Excellence Award.  The Fanshawe College Board of Governors named her the College’s first Vice President Emeritus in recognition of her 40 years of service to Ontario’s Colleges and Students.

Gina Kennedy
University Secretary (Non-voting)
Director, Office of the President

Since 2006, Gina Kennedy as Corporate Secretary has been responsible for directing the activities and operations of the Board of Directors and Academic Council and now since the proclamation of NOSM University in April 2022, she is the University Secretary and Director in the Office of the President. During her time at NOSM University, she has received the Innovation Award implementing several initiatives to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of the School’s governance system. She is a member of the Canadian University Board Association since 2006. As an active community member, she received the volunteer leadership award for United Way in 2018, recognizing her passion for the Young Leaders On Board program. Appointed to the Brain Injury Association of Sudbury and District in 2018, she demonstrated her leadership in spearheading the inaugural Unmasking Brain Injury Initiative in Sudbury.  In February 2019, she was appointed Vice Chair of the Accessibility Panel for the Greater City of Sudbury, a position that gives her great pride in being a part of helping the City be accessible for all. In October 2020 she was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Association of College and University Policy Administrators for a three year term, where she is serves as a member on the Membership and Blog Committee. In 2022 she was appointed to the Emergency Measures Technical Committee for Accessibility Standards Canada.

A Toastmaster since 2009, Gina has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization in 2016 and 2020. “Knowledge is only valuable if you share it”

Since October 2021, Aley has been the Assistant Secretary in the Office of the President.

Nancy Jacko
Member, NOSM University Board of Governors
Retired Health Care Professional

We’d like to pay tribute to Nancy Jacko, a long standing NOSM/NOSM U board member and champion of the health care.

Local news – Kiwanis Club Gives Citizen of the year to Nancy Jacko

Obituary

Nancy Jacko retired from the North Bay Regional Health Centre in December 2014 where she was Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive.  On retirement, she managed a project with the North East LHIN implementing Quality Based Procedures across the region and also has done private consulting. Nancy has had a progressively varied career in health care spanning 43 years including two hospital corporate amalgamations and the planning and moving to a new hospital in 2011. She has led several initiatives to achieve operational and systemic efficiencies and processes for truly patient-centered care.

Nancy is a graduate of St. Joseph School of Nursing (Hamilton) and the University of Windsor. She worked in Critical Care and Public Health at the beginning of her career in the Hamilton and the Toronto areas. Since 1980, Nancy has been employed in the hospital system in North Bay where she held various management roles. Since 1997 until her retirement, Nancy had been a member of the senior administration team with responsibility for numerous clinical programs and participated in corporate planning and goal setting.

Nancy has served on many hospital, local, LHIN and provincial Boards and committees such as a Family Health Team, the Ontario Hospital Association, and the Canadian Military.  She has presented at various district, regional, provincial, and international conferences on various topics related to health care. In 2011, Nancy was honoured to receive the Influential Women of Northern Ontario Award for the Public Sector in recognition of her leadership in health care. In March 2020, she was awarded the Davedi Order of Merit for her contribution to healthcare in the community.

Nancy was an active member of the community involved in various volunteer activities. She was the Chair of the Board of the North Bay Parry Sound District Public Health Unit. Nancy resided in North Bay with her husband Bill.  She was a strong advocate for healthy lifestyles and fitness.

The NOSM University transition Board of Governors was confirmed on April 5, 2022 and on November 24, 2022, the NOSM University Board of Governors was confirmed and announced.