Leadership Page
Our bench strength.
From leading research minds to extensive market knowledge, our leadership team brings together the expertise and experienced oversight to advance our goal of leveraging cancer breakthroughs to build viable commercial opportunities.
Management
Management
Jeff Courtney, BSc
PresidentMr. Jeff Courtney has extensive experience in venture capital, business development and strategic planning. Prior to joining FACIT, Mr. Courtney was Managing Director of Verde Ventures...
David O’Neill, PhD
Vice President, Business DevelopmentDr. David O’Neill joined FACIT in 2013 and is responsible for start-up company corporate strategy and pharmaceutical partnerships. He brings a wealth of networks and experience...
Nicole Baryla, PhD
Director, Alliance and Project ManagementDr. Nicole Baryla joined the FACIT team with 12 years combined experience in not-for-profit organizations, biotech start-up companies, the pharmaceutical industry, and academic research settings...
Connie Chen, PhD
Director, Business Intelligence and StrategyDr. Connie Chen joined FACIT in 2013 with over 12 years of experience in the life sciences, biotechnology and capital markets sectors. Several leadership roles in both the corporate world as well as in the capital markets...
Frank Gleeson, BBA, MBA
Executive-in-ResidenceMr. Frank Gleeson has more than 20 years of leadership and business building experience as an operating executive and venture capitalist. During his career, he has completed more than $300 million...
David Koehler, PhD, CLP
Director, Fund OperationsDr. David Koehler joined OICR’s Commercialization group in 2007. His responsibilities include managing the Intellectual Property Development and Commercialization (IPDC) Fund...
Robert M. Sutherland, BSc, PhD
Senior Investment AdvisorDr. Robert Sutherland facilitates and advises FACIT in the identification of projects for early stage development and the engagement of market receptors and investor groups...
Lisa Milestone, PhD, P.Eng.
Senior Project ManagerDr. Lisa Milestone joined the FACIT team with 10 years combined experience in academic research settings and technical consulting...
Brent Zanke, MD, FRCPC, PhD
Executive-in-ResidenceDr. Brent Zanke consults widely on matters of biomarkers, laboratory molecular pathology, innovation policy and health care delivery systems...
Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees
John Morrison, BSc
Mr. John Morrison is a retired chief executive and has been an active corporate director of leading companies and voluntary organizations. He has been responsible for operations in Canada, the U.S., Europe and Asia...
Kevin Empey, CPA, ICD.D
Mr. Kevin Empey is currently the Supervisor of Brockville General Hospital. Prior to this role, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Lakeridge Health for 8 years....
Cynthia Goh, PhD
Dr. Cynthia Goh is a Professor at the Department of Chemistry, the Institute of Medical Science, the Munk School of Global Affairs, and Director of the Impact Centre at the University of Toronto. She received her PhD from...
Gregory D. Gubitz, BA, LLB
Mr. Gregory Gubitz is a seasoned life science executive and business lawyer, with significant transaction, investment and operating experience...
Shana Kelley, PhD
Dr. Shana Kelley is a Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto. Dr. Kelley received her Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology....