Board of Directors
Nancy Hopkins, Chair
Andrew Branion, Vice-Chair
Jeffrey Brown
John Chippindale
Jay-Ann Gilfoy
Deborah Greenberg
Jeff McCann
Lynn Oldfield
Neal Oswald
Vas Rao
Michele Walsh
Stephen Weiss
Ex-Officio Members:
Trish Barbato, Executive Lead
Dr. Nigil Haroon, Director
Michael Whitcombe, Honorary Solicitor
Executive team
Trish Barbato, President and CEO
Jennifer Stewart, Chief Development Officer
Dr. Siân Bevan, Chief Science Officer
Cheryl McClellan, Chief Operations Officer
How we work
The Arthritis Society Canada network includes a Support Office in Toronto and employees across the country. Our work is supported by a robust community of more than 500 dedicated volunteers in communities coast to coast to coast.
National Council, 2024-25
Made up of some of Canada’s leading thinkers and passionate arthritis ambassadors, the National Council provides strategic guidance and plays an active role in fundraising for Arthritis Society Canada, building meaningful connections with both new and long-time donors.
With a shared commitment to advancing arthritis care and research, these dedicated executive volunteers help drive critical funding and amplify Arthritis Society Canada’s mission, all while championing the strength and resilience of those with arthritis.
John Chippindale, Chair
Diana Gazdar, Vice-Chair
Paul Alexander
Kim Appelt
Al Behrouzan
Jeff Brown
Alison Coville Khush Dadyburjor
George Dalal
Mark Hickman
Jeff Hillyard
Shareef Isa
Jessie Lehail
Nadia Malik
Dr. Brent Norton
Keith Nugara
Bill Papadimitriou Melanie Philip Vas Rao
Jeff Setterington
Murali Sundar
Peter Sweers Kanish A Thevarasa Dorothea Dowling
Trish Barbato
Jennifer Stewart
Interested in getting involved in the National Council? Contact President & CEO Trish Barbato at [email protected].
Integrated Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee
Members of the Integrated Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee (ISMAC) provide expert advice to the Chief Science Officer on strategic directions and priorities for Arthritis Society Canada's research, information, support tools and resources.
Dr. Hani El-Gabalawy, Chair
Dr. Tom Appleton
Dr. Cheryl Barnabe
Jennifer Boyle
Dr. Maria Fernandes
Dr. Monique Gignac
Cathie Hofstetter
Cheryl Hubley-Kozey
Dr. Igor Jurisica
Dr. Linda Li
Laurie Proulx
Dr. Raja Rampersaud
Dr. Marinka Twilt
Dr. Jackie Whittaker
Dr. James Young
Dr. Siân Bevan
Executive Fundraising Volunteers
Our work would not be possible without the expertise and support of our executive fundraising volunteers who bring immeasurable value to our fundraising efforts through their contributions to our committees.
Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs
John Chippindale, Chair, National CouncilDiana Gazdar, Vice Chair, National Council
Peter Sweers, Chair, Innovation Committee
Sikin Dharamshi, Fire Ball TO & Fashion on Fire
Carmen Martinez, Vice-Chair, Fashion on Fire
Dorothea Dowling, Co-Chair, Arthritis Fire Ball (Vancouver)
Sean Flinn, Co-Chair, All-in for Arthritis
Shane McAdam, Co-Chair, All-in for Arthritis
Cecilia Tse, Chair, Multisensory Star Chef Soirée