Our Leadership

Lori joined Crohn’s and Colitis Canada as President & CEO in May 2021. Lori’s background includes twenty-five years of progressive leadership experience in business development, marketing, and partnership activation across the corporate and not-for-profit sectors. Most recently at Wilfrid Laurier University where she led the campus-wide development strategy and in executive roles at the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.

Lori served as the National Vice President of Development and Marketing at the MS Society of Canada, after joining the organization in 2014. She was also the Executive Director of the MS Scientific Research Foundation, where she worked closely with the foundation chair, board members, and others to lead cultivation and solicitation of the current $75 million Acts of Greatness campaign.

In addition to her work at the MS Society of Canada, Lori’s career involves leadership roles in corporate strategy, corporate partnerships, marketing and events at organizations such as Baycrest Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Canada, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, and IMG Canada.

Lori resides in Stratford, Ontario and she is an avid fan of the arts and sports. Like many Canadians, Lori is personally impacted by the disease and shares a deep connection to this cause.

Shawna joined Crohn’s and Colitis Canada in January 2023. A strategic healthcare and non-profit leader, Shawna brings senior expertise in leading mission-critical strategic and governance processes that transform organizations.  Most recently, Shawna led the planning, development and implementation of a ground-breaking new strategic and impact framework for the MS Society of Canada providing greater clarity and impact for the MS community. Previously, Shawna worked at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Public Health Ontario developing and implementing transformational strategic initiatives, establishing policy and process frameworks, and cultivating key partnerships to shape the organizations.  
 
With a passion for creating positive change, Shawna looks forward to contributing her expertise to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. 

Lisa Larsen joined Crohn’s and Colitis Canada in August 2022. Lisa thrives on the dual demands of her portfolio as head of finance and administration: ensuring finance accountability and compliance while at the same time driving technological innovation and process improvements in support of the organization’s strategic goals. 

Most recently at Make-A-Wish Canada as VP Finance, Lisa led the finance team at a critical time of transformation including the financial integration of systems and process following the amalgamation of 9 separate legal entities. She is adept at effectively communicating complex financial information as well as improving day-to-day functions.
Prior to joining Make-A-Wish Canada, Lisa worked eight years in the public sector for the government agency Groupe Media TFO, a digital and distribution powerhouse of educational, French language content. During her tenure, she contributed to the organization’s transformation from a slow-moving, traditional broadcasting company to a cutting-edge leader in content production. She also has experience in the corporate world, with eight years in various finance roles at Xerox Canada. Lisa is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Accountant (CA). As an added bonus, Lisa is also bilingual.

Lisa dives deep and thinks big, always questioning how best to equip her colleagues to find creative solutions, make better decisions, and deliver efficiencies.

Lisa is an avid reader and when she is not reading, she is trying to keep up with her two sons, who are active with their local hockey team and Scouts Canada. Lisa is a devout volunteer and volunteers as a member of Scouts Canada.

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.

Brian joined Crohn’s and Colitis Canada as VP Development and Community Engagement in September 2021. A seasoned professional with more than 14 years of experience, Brian has led the strategy and execution of numerous aspects of non profit fundraising, including business development, sponsorship, major gift solicitation, volunteer support, and event planning. Most recently, Brian served as the Director, Corporate Engagement at the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, leading organizational efforts in sponsorship and cause marketing, corporate philanthropy, workplace giving, and donor cultivation. His work includes raising major corporate donations for the $75 million Acts of Greatness campaign, along with the A&W Burgers to Beat MS cause marketing campaign, a two-time winner of the Sponsorship Marketing Council of Canada Award.

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.