I was the inaugural Vice-President, Research (nationally) as well as the first Scientific Director of the recently established Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute (which was formed after the formal integration, in 2009, of the CCS with the former National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC)).

In these roles, my mandates included the oversight of all of the Society’s research programs across the country, managing a portfolio of between $40 and $50 Million annually. One of my key roles was the engagement of the public to build both understanding and commitment for cancer research. As a result, I became a much-sought after speaker, because my passion for cancer research showed through in everything I did and presented. I have given talks in all parts of the country and have had an extensive array of media engagements, including television, radio and all print media.

After the integration of CCS and NCIC, I oversaw the drafting of a first-ever CCS research strategy as an integral part of the development of an overall CCS strategic plan, which the CCS National Board approved in 2010. To ensure alignment with the new strategic plan, I also oversaw, prior to my retirement,