ALS Canada expresses deep gratitude to four departing members of our Board of Directors who have completed their terms this year. Thank you, Dr. Ken Chan, Dr. Leslie Green, Dr. Wendy Johnston, and Craig Storey, for your dedication, leadership, and guidance throughout your service to the organization.
Dr. Ken Chan
Dr. Ken Chan’s dedication to the ALS community is personal, as his father passed away from the disease more than 20 years ago. This loss continues to inspire his dedication and led him to join ALS Canada’s Board of Directors as a meaningful way to honour his father’s memory and contribute toward a world free of ALS.
With extensive leadership experience across the private, non-profit, and public sectors, Dr. Chan currently serves as a Partner and Health, Government, and Public Sector Practice Leader at Optimus SBR. During his tenure on the Board, including the past year as Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee, he played a key role in strengthening governance practices, enhancing financial oversight, and supporting the organization’s long-term stability.
“One of the most memorable moments was receiving the news that the Ontario Government had committed $13 million over three years to provide comprehensive care for people living with ALS,” says Dr. Chan. “This investment was the result of years of relentless advocacy by our staff, volunteers, and clinicians. It was a milestone that underscored the power of collective effort and the tangible impact we can have in improving the lives of people affected by ALS.”
Dr. Leslie Green
After being diagnosed with ALS, Dr. Leslie Green joined ALS Canada’s Board of Directors, bringing both his lived experience and professional expertise to the role. He has provided invaluable insight into the realities of navigating the healthcare system. His contributions have helped shape ALS Canada’s efforts, including his participation in government meetings to advocate for improved care and support for the ALS community.
Dr. Green is Professor Emeritus in the Law Faculty at Queen’s University and at the University of Oxford. A widely published expert in human rights, ethics, and constitutional theory, he has served on the boards of educational and cultural organizations in Canada and the UK. His background in law and ethics has been instrumental in discussions on research, drug regulation, and healthcare policy.
Dr. Wendy Johnston
Dr. Wendy Johnston joined the ALS Canada Board of Directors in the fall of 2019 after previously serving on the Scientific and Medical Advisory Council (SMAC). She has also served in a leadership capacity with Canadian ALS Research Network (CALS) and remains an active contributor. A Professor of Medicine at the University of Alberta, Dr. Johnston is the founder and Director of the multidisciplinary ALS clinic in Edmonton, Alberta. Her expertise as a clinician and leader have provided valuable insight to the Board, particularly in shaping discussions around clinical care, research, and advocacy.
Dr. Johnston is a recent recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medals, recognized for her outstanding and lasting contributions to the ALS community nationally and globally.
Dr. Johnston shared that one of her achievements during her time on the Board has been the opportunity for personal growth, particularly in gaining familiarity and confidence in governance. She also reflected on her early experiences with the Board, saying one of the most defining moments was the immediate response to the pandemic in early 2020.
“I joined the Board just before the pandemic, and the speed at which ALS Canada and the Board responded was remarkable,” shares Dr. Johnston. “It was an immersion in what a health charity must do in a crisis that disproportionately affects its community. The camaraderie and sense of purpose were truly ‘ramped up’ in those early months. Managing the impact across the organization—especially fundraising—was an eye-opener for me, as my career had primarily focused on healthcare.”
Craig Storey
Inspired by a deep personal connection, Craig Storey joined the ALS Canada Board of Directors, bringing decades of leadership experience in business development, technology, and corporate governance. With a career spanning executive roles in both the public and private sectors, he provided strategic insights to ALS Canada, particularly in areas of financial sustainability, organizational growth, and efficiency.
Throughout his time on the Board, Craig applied his expertise to help strengthen ALS Canada’s long-term vision and goals. His commitment reflects his broader dedication to supporting meaningful causes and driving impact through strong governance.
These departing Board members have played a vital role in advancing our organization, drawing insight from the lived experiences of people affected by ALS, caregivers, clinicians, and the broader community. Their leadership has helped ensure that we remain true to our mission, always keeping the person living with ALS at the centre of our work.
Thank you for your contributions, Ken, Les, Wendy, and Craig, we are grateful for your generosity and dedication.
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