Our Leadership

Susan Cowan is a senior capital markets executive with over 20 years experience in the financial services industry including debt capital markets and investment management. Susan served as a Managing Director at BMO Capital Markets. Her focus was on origination, structuring and execution of complex public and private corporate debt financings in a variety of sectors, including infrastructure and project finance, real estate/REITS, diversified and industrial products and income trusts. Prior to this, Susan was an Investment Officer in Sun Life’s Private Placement Investment Group originating and managing a multi-billion dollar portfolio of corporate bonds, venture capital, leasing, and oil and gas equity investments.

Susan works extensively with numerous organizations. She knows how to build group capacity, empowering teams and stakeholders to exceed expectations and is respected as a leader, both within the workplace and in the wider business community.

Susan has served on the Board Development Committee for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada since 2017, building relationships to raise the funds needed to power research and develop key programs. She became a Board Director in 2018 serving on the Development and Finance and Governance Committees. Susan is also a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors and “theBoardlist”. She has a Honours degree in Economics from the University of Toronto. In November 2020, Susan stepped down as a Board Director to serve as the interim CEO of Crohn's and Colitis Canada.

Zoe is a senior finance leader with nearly three decades of experience in the non-profit sector. Most recently, Zoe was Director of Finance and Decision Support at Michael Garron Hospital (formerly Toronto East General Hospital or TEGH), where she was instrumental in maintaining a balanced budget for 13 years and achieving significant cost-efficiencies by streamlining processes and improving internal controls. 

Prior to that position, Zoe held senior finance positions at Havergal College, Durham Children’s Aid Society, and Women’s College Hospital, with a track record of success in attaining financial and operational goals.  

Zoe looks forward to applying her expertise in supporting the many people affected by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.  She also enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and cooking.

Zoe holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, and is a CPA, CGA.

Angie Specic joined Crohn’s and Colitis Canada in January 2016. An accomplished marketing leader with over 20 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, Angie brings extensive capabilities in brand strategy, advertising, communications and digital engagement. 

Known for her innovative thinking, customer focus and effective execution, Angie is passionate about the opportunity to use her skills to help the many people affected by Crohn’s and colitis in Canada. Angie previously worked at Allstream, AT&T Canada (where she led the company-wide rebranding effort) and Unitel in various marketing leadership roles. In 2015, Angie started her own firm Amplifi Marketing Services specializing in strategic communications management.  Angie recently completed her Master's in Digital Transformation from the DeGroote School of Business, as well as the Ivey Executive Leadership and Strategic Marketing programs. Angie is a member of the board of directors of HealthPartners.

Kate Lee joined Crohn’s and Colitis Canada in April 2017. Before joining our organization, Kate held the role of Vice-President of Research and Career Development at The Arthritis Society. Areas of focus during her tenure at The Society were operational efficiency, patient engagement in research and developing a knowledge translation and exchange program. Prior to joining The Arthritis Society, Kate held the roles of Director of Research and Managing Director at the Canadian Arthritis Network - a Network of Centre of Excellence funded by the tri-council funding agencies of CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC. Kate holds a PhD in biology from McGill University and an MBA from Rotman School of Management University of Toronto.  When not at work, Kate enjoys gardening and researching restaurants to try in the Greater Toronto Area. She also has an amateur appreciation of art and loves attending art fairs. Kate is driven by her passion to make a difference in health and working with the IBD community to help the many people affected by Crohn’s or colitis.

Jacquie is a long standing and valued member of the Crohn’s and Colitis Canada family.  With over 15 years of events experience and more than 10 years in the not-for-profit sector, Jacquie’s career has spanned roles ranging in scope: local, regional and national.  Within community fundraising, including a background in peer-to-peer events, Jacquie has demonstrated a strong record of driving fundraising growth, stewarding national corporate sponsors, and prospecting and engaging major donors and volunteers. More recently at Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, her portfolio has included overseeing the Toronto Gala – one of our highest revenue generating events; managing the Gutsy Walk nationally – our signature national fundraising initiative; and, leading the largest community engagement region across Canada. Reflecting her track record to work across teams, in 2015, Jacquie was peer nominated as the recipient of the Mission Staff Award.

Jacquie’s knowledge and passion for the organization, and sector, will continue to be a valuable resource to the organization. She looks forward to continuing to work closely with the Crohn’s and Colitis Canada team, and our IBD community.