Deborah Gordon, CHE, Interim CEO, Health Workforce Canada

Deb Gordon has been working as the interim CEO for Health Workforce Canada since late November 2023. Prior to joining Health Workforce Canada, Deb worked for more than 15 years in executive leadership roles at Alberta Health Services. Her last role at AHS was Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In that role, she was responsible for the effective provision of patient-focused, integrated and sustainable health services across Alberta. Prior to her executive leadership career, she worked in progressive clinical nursing and leadership roles in British Columbia and Alberta.

Dr. Ivy Bourgeault, CIHR Chair in Gender, Work and Health Human Resources, University of Ottawa

Ivy Lynn Bourgeault, PhD, is a Professor in the School of Sociological and Anthropological Studies at the University of Ottawa and the University Research Chair in Gender, Diversity and the Professions. She leads the Canadian Health Workforce Network, the Empowering Women Leaders in Health initiative and co-leads the Team Primary Care: Training for Transformation project. Dr. Bourgeault has garnered an international reputation for her research on the health workforce, particularly from a gender lens. She was inducted into the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences in September 2016 and received the 2016/17 University of Ottawa Award for Excellence in Research.

Facilitator
Dr. Michael Gardam, MSc, MD, CM, MSc, FRCPC, CHE

Michael is the Chair of the Board of Directors at HealthCareCAN and former Chief Executive Officer of Health PEI.  He is a pioneer of using complexity science-based approaches to improve patient safety, system transformation, staff engagement and other complex challenges. Michael has advised organizations in Canada and internationally. His interest in physician leadership and organizational culture led him to become Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee at UHN (2015-2017) and Chief of Staff at Humber River Hospital in Toronto (2018-2020). He currently Program Director of Schulich School of Business Healthcare Leadership Development Program and is an instructor for the Physician Leadership Institute of the Canadian Medical Association.

Kathryn MacNeil, President and CEO, Island Health

Kathy MacNeil is proud to be the President and Chief Executive Officer of Island Health.  One of five regional health authorities in British Columbia, Island Health provides health care across the continuum to more than 765,000 people on Vancouver Island and the surrounding islands. She is driven by her passion to improve the health and the care of patients, staff, medical staff and communities aligned with the vision to provide “excellent health and care for everyone, everywhere, everytime”.

Kelly Kimens, CHE, Executive Vice President, People and Governance, William Osler Health System

Kelly Kimens provides senior leadership across William Osler Health Systems People Services and Governance teams, spearheading the development of their people strategy for the organization. Kelly is a passionate executive focused on creating a people-centred culture that aligns with Osler’s Values and Mission. She is a Certified Human Resources Professional and Certified Executive Coach. Kelly has had a successful 20+ year career with a variety of leadership roles across the broader public/health care sector in Ontario. Kelly has previously served as the inaugural Chief Human Resources Officer for the new government start-up and has also held senior leadership roles at Public Health Ontario, Humber River Hospital and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. 

Mike Nader, President and CEO, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority

Mike Nader is the President and CEO of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.  Prior to this role, he served as the Chief Transformation Officer at Ontario Health, with responsibility for leading the transition of 20 provincial agencies and local health integration networks into a single provincial agency.  He was on secondment from the University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto, Ontario where he had served as the Executive Vice-President, Clinical Support and Performance with operational responsibility for the diagnostic and pharmaceutical portfolios, facility operations, capital redevelopment, business development and commercialization, and performance of the organization.  Prior to this role at UHN, he served at the Chief Operating Officer with responsibility for the clinical operations at the Toronto General and Toronto Western Hospitals, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. 

Co-Facilitator
Brenda Lammi, Senior Vice President, Professional and Leadership Development, Canadian College of Health Leaders

Since 2013, Brenda and the Professional and Leadership Development team have been instrumental at the Canadian College of Health Leaders, expanding programs and partnerships nationwide to integrate LEADS along with leadership development and integration initiatives across all provinces. Under her leadership, the Certified Health Executive (CHE) credential and Fellowship designation programs were refreshed, resulting in record uptake and surpassing registration expectations. Brenda also spearheaded the creation of the CCHL Circle, an exclusive networking and leadership development platform for members. She and the Professional and Leadership team have fostered numerous academic and employer alliances, building collaborative relationships that promote health leadership and lifelong learning.

Co-Facilitator
Steve Kovacic, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Good Samaritan Head Office

Steve Kovacic is an accomplished executive with over 20 years of expertise in strategic planning, business development, change management, IT, and human resources. Known for his collaborative work with executives, employees, and his proficiency in data storytelling, Steve has effectively implemented strategic solutions and enhanced operational processes. As the CHRO and VP at the Good Samaritan Society & Good Samaritan Canada, he oversees Human Resources, Information Management, Technology, Facilities Maintenance, Privacy, Market Housing, Innovation, Employee Wellness, and Analytics.

Healthcare Excellence Canada presenter:
Jan Byrd, CHE, Director, Health Policy, Healthcare Excellence Canada

Jan Byrd, Healthcare Excellence Canada’s Director of Health Policy, is passionate about co-designing policy solutions that improve care and safety in healthcare systems and communities. Jan was an early adopter in the Canadian patient safety and quality movement, having worked at the Manitoba Institute for Patient Safety (MIPS), and at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, as Manager of Quality, Patient Safety, and Patient Relations for several years. She holds a Master’s degree, focused in Sociology of Health; a Lean Certification; and the Certified Health Executive (CHE) designation from the Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL). In 2022 She received the designation of Fellow with ISQua (FISQua). In 2018, she was first runner up in The Great Canadian Healthcare Debate, at the National Health Leaders Conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Jan served two consecutive Ministerial Appointments on the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Board of Directors, where she also Chaired the WRHA Board’s Quality and Safety Committee. Jan is excited to be incoming Chair of the Manitoba Chapter of the Canadian College of Healthcare Leaders Board.