Executive Leadership Team

Rob MacIsaac
President and CEO

Rob MacIsaac became the President and CEO of Hamilton Health Sciences on February 1, 2014. Since joining HHS, he has led the development of a new strategic plan and approach for HHS, focused on enhancing HHS’ role and relationships with the communities it serves. Rob has also placed a significant focus on engaging physicians and front line staff at HHS in the organization’s vision and mission. Rob has received numerous awards for his accomplishments in community building including the Canada 125 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medals, and a Paul Harris Fellowship. He completed his undergraduate degree in Economics at the University of Waterloo in 1984 and received a Law degree at the University of Western Ontario in 1987.

Rob MacIsaac became the President and CEO of Hamilton Health Sciences on February 1, 2014. Since joining HHS, he has led the development of a new strategic plan and approach for HHS, focused on enhancing HHS’ role and relationships with the communities it serves. Rob has also placed a significant focus on engaging physicians and front line staff at HHS in the organization’s vision and mission. Rob has received numerous awards for his accomplishments in community building including the Canada 125 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medals, and a Paul Harris Fellowship. He completed his undergraduate degree in Economics at the University of Waterloo in 1984 and received a Law degree at the University of Western Ontario in 1987.

Dave McCaig
Dave McCaig
Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Chief Financial Officer

Dave has over 25 years of leadership experience in financial, business development and operational roles in both private and public sectors. He was VP & CFO at William Osler Health System with cross-appointments at both Headwaters Health Care Centre and the Central West CCAC. Prior, Dave held senior financial positions at Bell Mobility/Bell Canada (BCE Inc.) and Yahoo! Inc. Provincially, Dave participates in Ministry of Health (MOHLTC) and the Council of Academic Hospitals of Ontario (CAHO) initiatives regarding sector funding, supporting innovation and high quality of care in Ontario. He received his Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Co-op) from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA).

Sharon Pierson
Sharon Pierson
Executive Vice President, Clinical Operations, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Nursing Executive

Sharon is integrally involved with all aspects of the hospital’s daily operations and strategic planning for its long-term sustainability. This includes the execution of a once-in-a-generation transformation program comprised of one of the largest implementations of a lean management system in a Canadian hospital; the installation of a leading edge, electronic health record system; and, a capital equipment renewal program.

With over 30 years of healthcare experience, Sharon is an expert in clinical and healthcare operations, and advancing the hospital’s quality agenda. She has led numerous clinical services realignments and consolidations within HHS and the region, including two different hospital system mergers, in order to provide patients with access to the best care. Her deep knowledge of community care has also given momentum to HHS’ strategic direction in population health, and she is known as a collaborative partner both internally and externally. Sharon’s career has also included work in all domains of nursing including practice, education, administration, policy, and advocacy.

Her expertise is widely sought and she has provided consultation to other institutions in the areas of organizational leadership, managing organizational change, guiding health and public policy and conducting hospital and community care operational reviews. Additionally, Sharon has served on a number of expert panels tasked with improving the overall effectiveness of our health care system. Presently, these include the Provincial Emergency Advisory Committee and the Provincial Complex Care/Rehabilitation Council to name a few.

She holds a Masters of Public Administration from Queen’s University and is a graduate of the Rotman Advanced Health Leadership Program at the University of Toronto.

Dr. Tamar Packer
Executive Vice President, Academic and Chief Medical Executive

Dr. Packer began her career in 1990 as a family physician in Hamilton. Since then, she has held progressive leadership roles within HHS, SJHH, including Chief of Family Medicine for HHS and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH), and both hospitals’ Clinical Advisor for the Greater Hamilton Health Network (GHHN). Throughout her career she has provided inpatient care as a hospitalist in adult and pediatric services. Most recently, she has held the role of Chief of Family Medicine, Complex Continuing, and Post-Acute Care at HHS.

Dr. Packer holds keen interest and experience in advancing hospital and community care delivery, care transitions, quality of care, and patient experience. She brings to the EVP Academic & CME role a wealth of experience leading diverse, inter-organizational teams and implementing large-scale programs and innovative care models.

Her experience in health administration has been bolstered by her involvement in a number of leadership programs, including HHS’ Reimagining Leadership leader development program (2019). She is also an alumnus of leadership programs at Harvard University, McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business, and the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.

Dave has over 25 years of leadership experience in financial, business development and operational roles in both private and public sectors. He was VP & CFO at William Osler Health System with cross-appointments at both Headwaters Health Care Centre and the Central West CCAC. Prior, Dave held senior financial positions at Bell Mobility/Bell Canada (BCE Inc.) and Yahoo! Inc. Provincially, Dave participates in Ministry of Health (MOHLTC) and the Council of Academic Hospitals of Ontario (CAHO) initiatives regarding sector funding, supporting innovation and high quality of care in Ontario. He received his Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Co-op) from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA).

Sharon is integrally involved with all aspects of the hospital’s daily operations and strategic planning for its long-term sustainability. This includes the execution of a once-in-a-generation transformation program comprised of one of the largest implementations of a lean management system in a Canadian hospital; the installation of a leading edge, electronic health record system; and, a capital equipment renewal program.

With over 30 years of healthcare experience, Sharon is an expert in clinical and healthcare operations, and advancing the hospital’s quality agenda. She has led numerous clinical services realignments and consolidations within HHS and the region, including two different hospital system mergers, in order to provide patients with access to the best care. Her deep knowledge of community care has also given momentum to HHS’ strategic direction in population health, and she is known as a collaborative partner both internally and externally. Sharon’s career has also included work in all domains of nursing including practice, education, administration, policy, and advocacy.

Her expertise is widely sought and she has provided consultation to other institutions in the areas of organizational leadership, managing organizational change, guiding health and public policy and conducting hospital and community care operational reviews. Additionally, Sharon has served on a number of expert panels tasked with improving the overall effectiveness of our health care system. Presently, these include the Provincial Emergency Advisory Committee and the Provincial Complex Care/Rehabilitation Council to name a few.

She holds a Masters of Public Administration from Queen’s University and is a graduate of the Rotman Advanced Health Leadership Program at the University of Toronto.

Dr. Packer began her career in 1990 as a family physician in Hamilton. Since then, she has held progressive leadership roles within HHS, SJHH, including Chief of Family Medicine for HHS and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH), and both hospitals’ Clinical Advisor for the Greater Hamilton Health Network (GHHN). Throughout her career she has provided inpatient care as a hospitalist in adult and pediatric services. Most recently, she has held the role of Chief of Family Medicine, Complex Continuing, and Post-Acute Care at HHS.

Dr. Packer holds keen interest and experience in advancing hospital and community care delivery, care transitions, quality of care, and patient experience. She brings to the EVP Academic & CME role a wealth of experience leading diverse, inter-organizational teams and implementing large-scale programs and innovative care models.

Her experience in health administration has been bolstered by her involvement in a number of leadership programs, including HHS’ Reimagining Leadership leader development program (2019). She is also an alumnus of leadership programs at Harvard University, McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business, and the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.

Dr. Khalid Azzam
Dr. Khalid Azzam
Physician-in-Chief

Dr. Khalid Azzam is a Professor in the Department of Medicine at McMaster University. He holds an MBBS in medicine and surgery from the University of Rajasthan, India, and an MSc in Healthcare Quality and Safety Management (International Track) from the Jefferson College of Population Health at Thomas Jefferson University.

He is a Certified Physician Executive by the American Association for Physician Leadership. Dr. Azzam completed his Internal Medicine training from the University at Buffalo in 2002 and he is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada in Internal Medicine and General Internal Medicine.

Dr. Azzam joined the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University in 2008. He is involved in the continuum of medical education at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing health professions education. He previously served as the Assistant Dean for Continuing Health Sciences Education and most recently as the inaugural Associate Dean for Continuing Professional Development.

His clinical practice is focused on inpatient General Internal Medicine with time spent in the outpatient setting. He served as the Site Chief of Medicine at the Hamilton General Hospital for five years prior to assuming the responsibilities of the Physician-in-Chief.

Amit Bansal
Vice President, Finance & Deputy Chief Financial Officer

Most recently, Amit was the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Kingston Health Sciences Centre. Amit has held executive positions with hospitals in the US, Australia and Canada, where he has led initiatives focused on system performance, financial accountability and quality improvement. Amit acquired his Chartered Professional Accountant designation in Australia, where he obtained an MBA from the University of Adelaide. He also holds a post-grad diploma in Management and Business Law from Queensland Central University in Melbourne, a Bachelor of Technology degree from Kurukshetra University in India, and a “Master Black Belt” in Lean Six Sigma management.

Deb Bedini
Vice President, Adult Regional Care

Deb is committed to supporting and promoting an environment conducive to continuous learning, research, innovation and clinical excellence. She has had a long and distinguished career at HHS in various clinical and leadership roles including ICU and ED staff nurse, education and development clinician in the Cardiac Program, Clinical Manager for General Internal Medicine (8 South) and then the Heart Investigation Unit, Director of the Cardiac and Vascular Program, and Site Administrator for the Hamilton General Hospital. Deb is also an Assistant Part-Time Clinical Professor in the School of Nursing at McMaster University’s Faculty of Health Sciences. She has served on multiple provincial committees at CorHealth Ontario including Vascular Surgery and the Clinical Advisory Committee. Deb received her BScN from the University of Toronto and Masters of Health Studies (MHS) from Athabasca University.

Dr. Khalid Azzam is a Professor in the Department of Medicine at McMaster University. He holds an MBBS in medicine and surgery from the University of Rajasthan, India, and an MSc in Healthcare Quality and Safety Management (International Track) from the Jefferson College of Population Health at Thomas Jefferson University.

He is a Certified Physician Executive by the American Association for Physician Leadership. Dr. Azzam completed his Internal Medicine training from the University at Buffalo in 2002 and he is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada in Internal Medicine and General Internal Medicine.

Dr. Azzam joined the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University in 2008. He is involved in the continuum of medical education at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing health professions education. He previously served as the Assistant Dean for Continuing Health Sciences Education and most recently as the inaugural Associate Dean for Continuing Professional Development.

His clinical practice is focused on inpatient General Internal Medicine with time spent in the outpatient setting. He served as the Site Chief of Medicine at the Hamilton General Hospital for five years prior to assuming the responsibilities of the Physician-in-Chief.

Most recently, Amit was the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Kingston Health Sciences Centre. Amit has held executive positions with hospitals in the US, Australia and Canada, where he has led initiatives focused on system performance, financial accountability and quality improvement. Amit acquired his Chartered Professional Accountant designation in Australia, where he obtained an MBA from the University of Adelaide. He also holds a post-grad diploma in Management and Business Law from Queensland Central University in Melbourne, a Bachelor of Technology degree from Kurukshetra University in India, and a “Master Black Belt” in Lean Six Sigma management.

Deb is committed to supporting and promoting an environment conducive to continuous learning, research, innovation and clinical excellence. She has had a long and distinguished career at HHS in various clinical and leadership roles including ICU and ED staff nurse, education and development clinician in the Cardiac Program, Clinical Manager for General Internal Medicine (8 South) and then the Heart Investigation Unit, Director of the Cardiac and Vascular Program, and Site Administrator for the Hamilton General Hospital. Deb is also an Assistant Part-Time Clinical Professor in the School of Nursing at McMaster University’s Faculty of Health Sciences. She has served on multiple provincial committees at CorHealth Ontario including Vascular Surgery and the Clinical Advisory Committee. Deb received her BScN from the University of Toronto and Masters of Health Studies (MHS) from Athabasca University.

Kelly Campbell
Vice President, Corporate Services and Capital Development

With a team of over 1200 staff, Kelly and her Directors manage all facility infrastructure, capital development and many support services across 5 hospital campuses. Kelly has led significant capital redevelopment over the years, most recently with the Our Healthy Future Master Plan as well as significant infrastructure renewal across all of Hamilton Health Sciences' sites. In previous roles, Kelly was the AVP of Clinical Planning providing oversight for transition planning and operational readiness prior to the implementation of Access to the Best Care, the largest clinical realignment in the organization’s history. Kelly currently serves on the board of the Mohawk Medbuy Corporation, the Healthcare Supply Chain Network and the HHS Volunteer Association.

Leslie Gauthier
Leslie Gauthier
Vice President, Clinical Support Services and Surgery

Leslie is responsible for Clinical Support Services and Surgery. She has had a long and distinguished career at HHS in both clinical and leadership roles. A graduate of McMaster University, Leslie holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and a Master of Science in Teaching. Part of the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University School of Nursing, she has been a clinical lecturer and is, at present, an Assistant Clinical Professor. Leslie is a Board Member of Mark Preece Family House, and has been involved in mentoring activities through the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario. She also holds a Cardiovascular Nursing Leadership Award from the Canadian Cardiovascular Nursing Association.

Leslie Gillies
Vice President, Nursing, Practice and Education, and Community Health

Leslie oversees key clinical program areas including Urgent & Ambulatory Care, Community and Population Health Services, and the Complex Care, Seniors, Palliative and Musculoskeletal Program. She is also responsible for HHS facilities as site VP supporting West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, St. Peter’s Hospital and the Satellite Health Facility.

Leslie has various experiences at HHS as a nurse, clinical educator, chief of nursing practice, chief of inter-professional practice, manager, program director and site administrator. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from McMaster University and a Master’s of Education (Administration) from Brock University. She serves as a clinical faculty member at McMaster University’s School of Nursing as an Assistant Clinical Professor.

With a team of over 1200 staff, Kelly and her Directors manage all facility infrastructure, capital development and many support services across 5 hospital campuses. Kelly has led significant capital redevelopment over the years, most recently with the Our Healthy Future Master Plan as well as significant infrastructure renewal across all of Hamilton Health Sciences' sites. In previous roles, Kelly was the AVP of Clinical Planning providing oversight for transition planning and operational readiness prior to the implementation of Access to the Best Care, the largest clinical realignment in the organization’s history. Kelly currently serves on the board of the Mohawk Medbuy Corporation, the Healthcare Supply Chain Network and the HHS Volunteer Association.

Leslie is responsible for Clinical Support Services and Surgery. She has had a long and distinguished career at HHS in both clinical and leadership roles. A graduate of McMaster University, Leslie holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and a Master of Science in Teaching. Part of the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University School of Nursing, she has been a clinical lecturer and is, at present, an Assistant Clinical Professor. Leslie is a Board Member of Mark Preece Family House, and has been involved in mentoring activities through the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario. She also holds a Cardiovascular Nursing Leadership Award from the Canadian Cardiovascular Nursing Association.

Leslie oversees key clinical program areas including Urgent & Ambulatory Care, Community and Population Health Services, and the Complex Care, Seniors, Palliative and Musculoskeletal Program. She is also responsible for HHS facilities as site VP supporting West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, St. Peter’s Hospital and the Satellite Health Facility.

Leslie has various experiences at HHS as a nurse, clinical educator, chief of nursing practice, chief of inter-professional practice, manager, program director and site administrator. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from McMaster University and a Master’s of Education (Administration) from Brock University. She serves as a clinical faculty member at McMaster University’s School of Nursing as an Assistant Clinical Professor.

Dr. Marc Jeschke
Vice President, Research and Chief Scientific Officer

Dr. Jeschke has world-renowned expertise in the field of translational research. He is a research leader with a proven ability to attract funding and grants from various national programs and agencies to advance innovative medical care in burns. Under his direction since 2010, the Ross Tilley Burn Centre (RTBC) at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre became a leading surgical and burn care institution in North America. Prior to being the Director of the RTBC, Dr. Jeschke held faculty positions at the University of Texas Medical Branch and Shriners Hospital for Children. There, in addition to his work as a surgeon, he coordinated research activities with a focus on increasing productivity and obtaining grants. Dr. Jeschke became an MD in Germany, moved to the United States and obtained a Master of Medical Science degree at the University of Texas, then returned to Germany to complete his PhD (Habilitation) in Experimental Surgery at the University of Regensburg in Bavaria.

Neil Johnson
Neil Johnson
Vice President, Oncology & Regional VP Ontario Health (CCO) for HNHBB Regional Cancer Program

Neil Johnson, RPh, MBA, CHE, FCSHP

Neil is a registered pharmacist receiving his pharmacy education at the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto. He completed a hospital pharmacy residency at the Kingston General Hospital before embarking on a clinical career in oncology pharmacy and a pharmacy leadership career that saw him head  the pharmacy department at the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC),  lead provincial and national organizations as well as serves as board chair of the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists.

After completing a Master’s in Business Administration at Wilfrid Laurier University, Neil embarked on a health executive career leading numerous clinical and service portfolios at LHSC and at St Joseph’s Health Care, in London. He served as Regional Vice President of the South West Regional Cancer Program for eight years, and contributed to many committees and initiatives within Cancer Care Ontario. Neil has held positions as Chief Quality Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer.

Neil has a range of governance experience in community based and professional organizations such as St Joseph’s Hospice of London, Thames Valley Family Health Team, Western ProResp and the Fowler Kennedy Sports Medicine Clinic.  A Certified Health Executive and Fellow of the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists, Neil has served a variety of hospitals and private sector corporations by providing consultation services.

In his current role, Neil serves both as Vice President, Oncology, Site Executive Lead of the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre at Hamilton Health Sciences, and Regional Vice President of the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Regional Cancer Program of Ontario Health – Cancer Care Ontario.

Headshot of Dr. Stephen Kelly
Dr. Stephen Kelly
Surgeon in Chief

Dr. Kelly studied medicine at Cambridge University and St Mary’s Hospital in the United Kingdom. After finishing General Surgery training in the U.K. (including a Masters degree in Surgery at Southampton University), he completed a Colorectal Surgery Fellowship at the University of Toronto and joined the Faculty of the Department of Surgery at McMaster University where he is now the Associate Chair of Education. He is also Chair of the Departmental Educational Coordinators Committee and sits on the McMaster Postgraduate Medical Education committee. Dr. Kelly is Chief of Surgery at Juravinski Hospital and Head of Surgical Oncology for HHS. For the last five years, he has been a member of the Executive Committee of the Canadian Society of Colorectal Surgery.

Dr. Jeschke has world-renowned expertise in the field of translational research. He is a research leader with a proven ability to attract funding and grants from various national programs and agencies to advance innovative medical care in burns. Under his direction since 2010, the Ross Tilley Burn Centre (RTBC) at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre became a leading surgical and burn care institution in North America. Prior to being the Director of the RTBC, Dr. Jeschke held faculty positions at the University of Texas Medical Branch and Shriners Hospital for Children. There, in addition to his work as a surgeon, he coordinated research activities with a focus on increasing productivity and obtaining grants. Dr. Jeschke became an MD in Germany, moved to the United States and obtained a Master of Medical Science degree at the University of Texas, then returned to Germany to complete his PhD (Habilitation) in Experimental Surgery at the University of Regensburg in Bavaria.

Neil Johnson, RPh, MBA, CHE, FCSHP

Neil is a registered pharmacist receiving his pharmacy education at the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto. He completed a hospital pharmacy residency at the Kingston General Hospital before embarking on a clinical career in oncology pharmacy and a pharmacy leadership career that saw him head  the pharmacy department at the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC),  lead provincial and national organizations as well as serves as board chair of the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists.

After completing a Master’s in Business Administration at Wilfrid Laurier University, Neil embarked on a health executive career leading numerous clinical and service portfolios at LHSC and at St Joseph’s Health Care, in London. He served as Regional Vice President of the South West Regional Cancer Program for eight years, and contributed to many committees and initiatives within Cancer Care Ontario. Neil has held positions as Chief Quality Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer.

Neil has a range of governance experience in community based and professional organizations such as St Joseph’s Hospice of London, Thames Valley Family Health Team, Western ProResp and the Fowler Kennedy Sports Medicine Clinic.  A Certified Health Executive and Fellow of the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists, Neil has served a variety of hospitals and private sector corporations by providing consultation services.

In his current role, Neil serves both as Vice President, Oncology, Site Executive Lead of the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre at Hamilton Health Sciences, and Regional Vice President of the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Regional Cancer Program of Ontario Health – Cancer Care Ontario.

Dr. Kelly studied medicine at Cambridge University and St Mary’s Hospital in the United Kingdom. After finishing General Surgery training in the U.K. (including a Masters degree in Surgery at Southampton University), he completed a Colorectal Surgery Fellowship at the University of Toronto and joined the Faculty of the Department of Surgery at McMaster University where he is now the Associate Chair of Education. He is also Chair of the Departmental Educational Coordinators Committee and sits on the McMaster Postgraduate Medical Education committee. Dr. Kelly is Chief of Surgery at Juravinski Hospital and Head of Surgical Oncology for HHS. For the last five years, he has been a member of the Executive Committee of the Canadian Society of Colorectal Surgery.

Michelle Leafloor
Vice President, Health Information and Technology Services & Chief Information Officer

Michelle is an experienced director of clinical services with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital and health care industry. She has created and led high-performing teams through large digital transformation initiatives throughout her 20 years of IT experience. Michelle has led organizational transformation through the strategic adoption and management of IT solutions, and has navigated and resolved enterprise-level governance issues. Prior to joining HHS, Michelle spent most of her career at The Ottawa Hospital where she led the implementation of a new hospital information (HIS) system across six separate organizations and a family health team leading to an extensive digital footprint. More recently Michelle led the HIS implementation at HHS with a successful organizational digital transformation. Michelle is passionate about digital health and the role that technology can serve in furthering excellent and innovation in patient care.

Aaron Levo
Vice President, People, Culture, & Communications

Aaron is a committed advocate for the people and mission of Hamilton Health Sciences. Since joining HHS in 2014, he has helped create engagement and change management strategies for many of the organization’s important operational and cultural transformations. He has led work focused on positive growth in the organization’s reputation and improving how our workforce stays engaged, both internally and with the public we serve. Aaron currently leads HHS’ teams for communications, public affairs, volunteer resources, and on an interim basis, human resources. During his career, he has held leadership roles at several national health organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society and the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and has been a part of some rewarding public policy advocacy to remove barriers to good health all across the country.

Janet Ozembloski
Vice President, Legal Services, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

Janet brings her passion for the evolution and transformation of healthcare to Hamilton Health Sciences as its Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary. With more than two decades of extensive legal experience, Janet will have oversight of HHS’ legal affairs and board governance. Janet possesses a wide spectrum of expertise including health law, privacy, insurance, risk management, and patient and healthcare provider interactions. Janet also serves as a trusted advisor to the Board of Directors of Hamilton Health Sciences as its Corporate Secretary.

Janet joined HHS from the leading national law firm Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG). At BLG, she specialized in the negotiation of complex agreements while supporting hospitals and health sector organizations navigate the complex regulatory requirements associated with new and established healthcare ventures. Early in her career, Janet practiced as a litigation lawyer and also has experience in the oversight and management of litigation in various forums and jurisdictions. She has been recognized in Best Lawyers in Canada in Health Care Law and has extensive professional legal expertise in both private practice and as corporate counsel.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Western University and two law degrees (JD and BCL) from McGill University. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 1997.

Michelle is an experienced director of clinical services with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital and health care industry. She has created and led high-performing teams through large digital transformation initiatives throughout her 20 years of IT experience. Michelle has led organizational transformation through the strategic adoption and management of IT solutions, and has navigated and resolved enterprise-level governance issues. Prior to joining HHS, Michelle spent most of her career at The Ottawa Hospital where she led the implementation of a new hospital information (HIS) system across six separate organizations and a family health team leading to an extensive digital footprint. More recently Michelle led the HIS implementation at HHS with a successful organizational digital transformation. Michelle is passionate about digital health and the role that technology can serve in furthering excellent and innovation in patient care.

Aaron is a committed advocate for the people and mission of Hamilton Health Sciences. Since joining HHS in 2014, he has helped create engagement and change management strategies for many of the organization’s important operational and cultural transformations. He has led work focused on positive growth in the organization’s reputation and improving how our workforce stays engaged, both internally and with the public we serve. Aaron currently leads HHS’ teams for communications, public affairs, volunteer resources, and on an interim basis, human resources. During his career, he has held leadership roles at several national health organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society and the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and has been a part of some rewarding public policy advocacy to remove barriers to good health all across the country.

Janet brings her passion for the evolution and transformation of healthcare to Hamilton Health Sciences as its Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary. With more than two decades of extensive legal experience, Janet will have oversight of HHS’ legal affairs and board governance. Janet possesses a wide spectrum of expertise including health law, privacy, insurance, risk management, and patient and healthcare provider interactions. Janet also serves as a trusted advisor to the Board of Directors of Hamilton Health Sciences as its Corporate Secretary.

Janet joined HHS from the leading national law firm Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG). At BLG, she specialized in the negotiation of complex agreements while supporting hospitals and health sector organizations navigate the complex regulatory requirements associated with new and established healthcare ventures. Early in her career, Janet practiced as a litigation lawyer and also has experience in the oversight and management of litigation in various forums and jurisdictions. She has been recognized in Best Lawyers in Canada in Health Care Law and has extensive professional legal expertise in both private practice and as corporate counsel.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Western University and two law degrees (JD and BCL) from McGill University. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 1997.

Ted Scott
Vice President Innovation

Ted Scott brings resources, partnerships and thought leadership to healthcare innovation. He is Chair of the Synapse Life Sciences Consortium in Hamilton, and was previously Chief Innovation Officer and Dean of Applied Research at Mohawk College, where he studied Radiography and Sonography. Scott is an expert digital health strategist and has a wealth of experience in industry relations and procurement, as well as innovation policy. He returned to HHS where he started his career as a sonographer after working at The Hospital for Sick Children and Huntsville District Memorial Hospital. Ted is a lifelong learner who earned his Masters of Applied Science in Medical Ultrasound and his PhD in Diagnostic Imaging from Charles Sturt University of Australia.

Rochelle Reid
Senior Lead & Strategic Advisor, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Rochelle’s professional background includes fifteen years of co-creating fairer and more inclusive workplaces and communities through meaningful engagement and strategic planning. Her previous roles include serving as the Director of Service Operations and Student Life at Mohawk College, and creating the BYND BLK advocacy program for black students. Rochelle also founded a consultancy company focused on helping organizations to enhance their strategic initiatives and operations through equity, diversity and inclusion. A life-long learner with credentials in coaching, service excellence, and accessibility, Rochelle is a graduate of both Mohawk College and George Brown College.

Image of Bruce Squires
Bruce Squires
President, McMaster Children's Hospital and Vice President, Women’s and Children’s Health

Bruce is an accomplished leader in Ontario’s healthcare sector and an advocate for patient safety and quality improvement. Prior to joining HHS he was VP, People, Strategy & Performance at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario where he led several successful patient safety initiatives, including implementation of the hospital’s continuous quality improvement management system. Formerly, Bruce was VP, Corporate Affairs at the Canadian Medical Association and CEO at the Newfoundland & Labrador Medical Association. Currently he is Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Children’s Healthcare Canada and board member with the Ontario College of Family Physicians. Bruce holds an MBA from Dalhousie University and is a doctoral candidate at Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business.

Ted Scott brings resources, partnerships and thought leadership to healthcare innovation. He is Chair of the Synapse Life Sciences Consortium in Hamilton, and was previously Chief Innovation Officer and Dean of Applied Research at Mohawk College, where he studied Radiography and Sonography. Scott is an expert digital health strategist and has a wealth of experience in industry relations and procurement, as well as innovation policy. He returned to HHS where he started his career as a sonographer after working at The Hospital for Sick Children and Huntsville District Memorial Hospital. Ted is a lifelong learner who earned his Masters of Applied Science in Medical Ultrasound and his PhD in Diagnostic Imaging from Charles Sturt University of Australia.

Rochelle’s professional background includes fifteen years of co-creating fairer and more inclusive workplaces and communities through meaningful engagement and strategic planning. Her previous roles include serving as the Director of Service Operations and Student Life at Mohawk College, and creating the BYND BLK advocacy program for black students. Rochelle also founded a consultancy company focused on helping organizations to enhance their strategic initiatives and operations through equity, diversity and inclusion. A life-long learner with credentials in coaching, service excellence, and accessibility, Rochelle is a graduate of both Mohawk College and George Brown College.

Bruce is an accomplished leader in Ontario’s healthcare sector and an advocate for patient safety and quality improvement. Prior to joining HHS he was VP, People, Strategy & Performance at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario where he led several successful patient safety initiatives, including implementation of the hospital’s continuous quality improvement management system. Formerly, Bruce was VP, Corporate Affairs at the Canadian Medical Association and CEO at the Newfoundland & Labrador Medical Association. Currently he is Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Children’s Healthcare Canada and board member with the Ontario College of Family Physicians. Bruce holds an MBA from Dalhousie University and is a doctoral candidate at Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business.

Anissa Hilborn
Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation, CEO
Anissa Hilborn is CEO of Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation (HHSF). Anissa brings more than 25 years’ experience in leadership roles with a focus on operational excellence and a donor-centred approach to fundraising. Before joining HHSF, Anissa served as President & CEO of the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation in Burlington for 12 years. Previously, she served as Vice President at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Foundation. She is also an active community volunteer. Anissa holds a degree from Western University and has achieved the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation since 2001. In 2015, she was recognized as the Outstanding Fundraising Professional by the AFP Golden Horseshoe Chapter.
Anissa Hilborn is CEO of Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation (HHSF). Anissa brings more than 25 years’ experience in leadership roles with a focus on operational excellence and a donor-centred approach to fundraising. Before joining HHSF, Anissa served as President & CEO of the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation in Burlington for 12 years. Previously, she served as Vice President at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Foundation. She is also an active community volunteer. Anissa holds a degree from Western University and has achieved the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation since 2001. In 2015, she was recognized as the Outstanding Fundraising Professional by the AFP Golden Horseshoe Chapter.