We are pleased to extend a warm welcome to Alyssa Barry, Ken Chan, Elizabeth Gandolfi and Dr. Angela Genge who recently joined the ALS Canada Board of Directors.
- Alyssa Barry became connected to the ALS community when her uncle was diagnosed with ALS. In addition to a personal connected to the cause, she brings to her role as an ALS Canada Board Member more than 15 years of communications and capital markets experience, specializing in organizational management, corporate governance, business operations, and strategic planning. Alyssa is Head of Strategy – Operations and Communications and Corporate Secretary of Artis REIT. Prior to joining Artis REIT, Alyssa held leadership roles at Sandpiper Group, a real estate private equity firm she helped found, and Amica Mature Lifestyles Inc., where she developed and executed the company’s IR strategy.
- Ken Chan lost his father to ALS 20 years ago. In addition to his personal connection to the cause he brings leadership experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors, including as an Assistant Deputy Minister with the Ontario Government, Director of Public Affairs at Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Vice President of Advocacy, Research and Healthcare at Cystic Fibrosis Canada. He has worked internationally at the UK Department for Business and at London City Hall. As a seasoned director with the ICD.D designation granted by the Institute of Corporate Directors, Ken has served on boards in the financial, health and education sectors.
- Elizabeth Gandolfi knows firsthand the challenges faced by families living with ALS, having lost her father to the disease in April 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently Vice President, Insurance for the Canadian Bank at Scotiabank, Elizabeth is a passionate leader, mentor and coach with a diverse background in Financial Services. Throughout her career, she has led and participated in enterprise-wide business improvement and growth initiatives and successfully put in place new organizational structures, delivery models, and program improvements to drive superior business performance, as well as stronger customer and employee experiences.
- A world-leading neurologist and clinician, Dr. Angela Genge has championed the need for ALS clinical trials in Canada. She is passionate about the cause and elevating Canada’s ALS leadership in the best interest of people living with the disease. Dr. Genge is currently the Director of the Clinical Research Unit at the Neuro, Director of the ALS Clinical Program and Multidisciplinary Clinic, and a neuromuscular neurologist. For her exceptional care and compassion towards ALS patients and her tireless involvement in clinical trial development and dedication to clinical research, she received the prestigious Forbes Norris Award at the 2018 International Symposium on ALS/MND. She previously served on ALS Canada’s Board of Directors from 2014 to 2020.
We are also pleased to announce that Patrick Nelson has been appointed Chair of the Board. Having lost his mother to ALS in 2014, Patrick understands how the disease affects families. His lived experience with ALS is complemented by professional experience in government relations and communications. He is currently a Principal and Partner at Santis Health and has served on the ALS Canada Board since 2017.
Our volunteer Board understands the challenges and complexities of ALS, and the urgent need to change the status quo. Their strategic guidance and governance lens ensures the organization is carrying out its work with efficiency and accountability, stewarding donor dollars wisely and in impactful ways that will make a difference to the ALS community aligned with our strategic plan. Thank you for your generous contribution of time and talent.