Meet the Board of Directors

Keith Monrose
Chair

Keith Monrose has held leadership positions in the public and private sector, and is currently Executive Director International at Seneca Polytechnic. His professional experience spans health, education, and information technology, arising from leadership roles with McMaster University, Mohawk College, Telus, Canada Health Infoway and Merck. Keith has served on the Board of the United Way of Halton and Hamilton, Literacy South Halton and is a community representative with Burlington Economic Development. Keith is an alumnus of the Rotman School of Management, and McMaster University’s Faculty of Health Sciences.

Andrea McKinney
Vice Chair

Andrea is the Chief, Corporate Services and Technology with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario. In her role she oversees a diverse portfolio that includes technology, innovation, data analytics, communications and strategic sourcing. She is known as a passionate community builder and active volunteer focused on supporting positive change. Prior to this role, Andrea has held several senior positions in the public and broader public sectors and is a public speaker on smart cities and digital transformation.

Sharon Pierson
Sharon Pierson
Executive Vice President, Clinical Operations, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Nursing Executive

Sharon is integrally involved with all aspects of the hospital’s daily operations and strategic planning for its long-term sustainability. This includes the execution of a once-in-a-generation transformation program comprised of one of the largest implementations of a lean management system in a Canadian hospital; the installation of a leading edge, electronic health record system; and, a capital equipment renewal program.

With over 30 years of healthcare experience, Sharon is an expert in clinical and healthcare operations, and advancing the hospital’s quality agenda. She has led numerous clinical services realignments and consolidations within HHS and the region, including two different hospital system mergers, in order to provide patients with access to the best care. Her deep knowledge of community care has also given momentum to HHS’ strategic direction in population health, and she is known as a collaborative partner both internally and externally. Sharon’s career has also included work in all domains of nursing including practice, education, administration, policy, and advocacy.

Her expertise is widely sought and she has provided consultation to other institutions in the areas of organizational leadership, managing organizational change, guiding health and public policy and conducting hospital and community care operational reviews. Additionally, Sharon has served on a number of expert panels tasked with improving the overall effectiveness of our health care system. Presently, these include the Provincial Emergency Advisory Committee and the Provincial Complex Care/Rehabilitation Council to name a few.

She holds a Masters of Public Administration from Queen’s University and is a graduate of the Rotman Advanced Health Leadership Program at the University of Toronto.

Keith Monrose has held leadership positions in the public and private sector, and is currently Executive Director International at Seneca Polytechnic. His professional experience spans health, education, and information technology, arising from leadership roles with McMaster University, Mohawk College, Telus, Canada Health Infoway and Merck. Keith has served on the Board of the United Way of Halton and Hamilton, Literacy South Halton and is a community representative with Burlington Economic Development. Keith is an alumnus of the Rotman School of Management, and McMaster University’s Faculty of Health Sciences.

Andrea is the Chief, Corporate Services and Technology with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario. In her role she oversees a diverse portfolio that includes technology, innovation, data analytics, communications and strategic sourcing. She is known as a passionate community builder and active volunteer focused on supporting positive change. Prior to this role, Andrea has held several senior positions in the public and broader public sectors and is a public speaker on smart cities and digital transformation.

Sharon is integrally involved with all aspects of the hospital’s daily operations and strategic planning for its long-term sustainability. This includes the execution of a once-in-a-generation transformation program comprised of one of the largest implementations of a lean management system in a Canadian hospital; the installation of a leading edge, electronic health record system; and, a capital equipment renewal program.

With over 30 years of healthcare experience, Sharon is an expert in clinical and healthcare operations, and advancing the hospital’s quality agenda. She has led numerous clinical services realignments and consolidations within HHS and the region, including two different hospital system mergers, in order to provide patients with access to the best care. Her deep knowledge of community care has also given momentum to HHS’ strategic direction in population health, and she is known as a collaborative partner both internally and externally. Sharon’s career has also included work in all domains of nursing including practice, education, administration, policy, and advocacy.

Her expertise is widely sought and she has provided consultation to other institutions in the areas of organizational leadership, managing organizational change, guiding health and public policy and conducting hospital and community care operational reviews. Additionally, Sharon has served on a number of expert panels tasked with improving the overall effectiveness of our health care system. Presently, these include the Provincial Emergency Advisory Committee and the Provincial Complex Care/Rehabilitation Council to name a few.

She holds a Masters of Public Administration from Queen’s University and is a graduate of the Rotman Advanced Health Leadership Program at the University of Toronto.

Farah Alexis
Board Member

Farah Alexis is the Chief Ethics Officer at Hydro One Networks Inc., providing leadership for administering the Code of Business Conduct and providing employees and managers with tools and advice to live the Company’s values. Over her career, Farah has held several progressive senior leadership roles in Human Resources, specializing in Talent Management, Culture & Change and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. She has more than twenty years of experience in the human resources field and serves as an Executive Board member at Electricity HR Canada. Farah holds a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba.

Dr. Anthony Crocco
Chair, Medical Advisory Committee

Dr. Anthony Crocco is a pediatric emergency physician with a special interest in quality improvement and a breadth of experience in medical and organizational leadership. In addition to his role as Chair of HHS’ Medical Advisory Committee, he is deputy chief of pediatrics at McMaster Children’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.

During his tenure at HHS, Dr. Crocco has been recruited to lead several teams and visions through work aimed at improving quality and efficiency of care, establishing new and innovative care pathways, and addressing physician and team performance.

Dr. Crocco has recently completed the Rotman School of Management’s Global Executive MBA in Healthcare & Life Sciences. There, his studies have focused on global best practices in healthcare administration, developing leadership capacity, and applying business strategy to the public healthcare environment.

In addition to his clinical and administrative roles, Dr. Crocco is an associate professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Pediatrics at McMaster University.

Rob Galaski
Board Member

Rob Galaski is Vice-Chairman & Managing Partner, Financial Services at Deloitte, the world’s leading professional services organization. In this role, Rob oversees all Deloitte’s business with Financial Services clients, across Consulting, Audit, Risk, M&A and Tax. As a practitioner, Rob is a senior advisor to the world’s most important institutions, working with boards and executive management teams to shape growth-oriented transformations. In addition to his work at Deloitte, Rob serves as Executive Advisor to the World Economic Forum on Disruptive Innovation in Financial Services, where he has led groundbreaking work on behalf of the global industry. In recognition of his global accomplishments, Rob was honored by the IIF as a Global Leader Under 40. Rob and his wife Chantal are parents to Henri and Élodie. Rob and family are active within the community and supporters of several important organizations.

Farah Alexis is the Chief Ethics Officer at Hydro One Networks Inc., providing leadership for administering the Code of Business Conduct and providing employees and managers with tools and advice to live the Company’s values. Over her career, Farah has held several progressive senior leadership roles in Human Resources, specializing in Talent Management, Culture & Change and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. She has more than twenty years of experience in the human resources field and serves as an Executive Board member at Electricity HR Canada. Farah holds a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba.

Dr. Anthony Crocco is a pediatric emergency physician with a special interest in quality improvement and a breadth of experience in medical and organizational leadership. In addition to his role as Chair of HHS’ Medical Advisory Committee, he is deputy chief of pediatrics at McMaster Children’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.

During his tenure at HHS, Dr. Crocco has been recruited to lead several teams and visions through work aimed at improving quality and efficiency of care, establishing new and innovative care pathways, and addressing physician and team performance.

Dr. Crocco has recently completed the Rotman School of Management’s Global Executive MBA in Healthcare & Life Sciences. There, his studies have focused on global best practices in healthcare administration, developing leadership capacity, and applying business strategy to the public healthcare environment.

In addition to his clinical and administrative roles, Dr. Crocco is an associate professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Pediatrics at McMaster University.

Rob Galaski is Vice-Chairman & Managing Partner, Financial Services at Deloitte, the world’s leading professional services organization. In this role, Rob oversees all Deloitte’s business with Financial Services clients, across Consulting, Audit, Risk, M&A and Tax. As a practitioner, Rob is a senior advisor to the world’s most important institutions, working with boards and executive management teams to shape growth-oriented transformations. In addition to his work at Deloitte, Rob serves as Executive Advisor to the World Economic Forum on Disruptive Innovation in Financial Services, where he has led groundbreaking work on behalf of the global industry. In recognition of his global accomplishments, Rob was honored by the IIF as a Global Leader Under 40. Rob and his wife Chantal are parents to Henri and Élodie. Rob and family are active within the community and supporters of several important organizations.

Paul Gibson
Board Member

Following a successful executive career with brands such as Mattamy, Palliser, and Fidelity, Paul founded Sapien Capital, an executive search and human capital consulting group serving entrepreneurial, scale-up, private, and family businesses. Paul is an ICD-certified director who has served as Chair of AlphaPlus and Vice Chair of WaterTAP (Ontario’s water technology accelerator) as well as two terms as a Governor of the University of Guelph. His directorship experiences also include Jane Goodall Institute, West Park Healthcare rehabilitation hospital and Mohawk/Medbuy Shared Services, as well as artificial intelligence software firm Daisy Intelligence, and affordable housing lender Home Ownership Alternatives. In his private governance practice, Paul’s roles have included Board Secretary for Maple Reinders Construction and OpenWorm Foundation, a global artificial intelligence & digital modelling enterprise.

Rasha Kisswani
Board Member

Rasha Kisswani is founder and principal at Markasa Consulting, where she leads a team of consultants in providing consulting services in business transformation, project management, change management, strategy formulation and execution, and evaluations/reviews. She has more than fifteen years of experience in healthcare across public, private and non-for-profit sectors across Canada and Australia.  Prior to establishing Markasa Consulting, Rasha held a number of executive roles in large hospital networks, where she worked closely with Boards to formulate and execute effective strategies and led various complex organization-wide transformation initiatives. Rasha holds a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) and Bachelor of Science from McMaster University and a Project Management Professional (PMP) designation from the Project Management Institute.

Amit Kapur
Board Member

Amit Kapur is the Chief Financial Officer at Enwave Energy Corporation, overseeing the organization’s financial operations and strategic growth plans. He has more than fifteen years of leadership experience in financial services, industrial automation, environmental services, and technology. Amit holds a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the Johnson School at Cornell University and an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from McMaster University. In addition, Amit is a Chartered Accountant (Canada), a Certified Public Accountant (Illinois) and a Chartered Financial Analyst.

Following a successful executive career with brands such as Mattamy, Palliser, and Fidelity, Paul founded Sapien Capital, an executive search and human capital consulting group serving entrepreneurial, scale-up, private, and family businesses. Paul is an ICD-certified director who has served as Chair of AlphaPlus and Vice Chair of WaterTAP (Ontario’s water technology accelerator) as well as two terms as a Governor of the University of Guelph. His directorship experiences also include Jane Goodall Institute, West Park Healthcare rehabilitation hospital and Mohawk/Medbuy Shared Services, as well as artificial intelligence software firm Daisy Intelligence, and affordable housing lender Home Ownership Alternatives. In his private governance practice, Paul’s roles have included Board Secretary for Maple Reinders Construction and OpenWorm Foundation, a global artificial intelligence & digital modelling enterprise.

Rasha Kisswani is founder and principal at Markasa Consulting, where she leads a team of consultants in providing consulting services in business transformation, project management, change management, strategy formulation and execution, and evaluations/reviews. She has more than fifteen years of experience in healthcare across public, private and non-for-profit sectors across Canada and Australia.  Prior to establishing Markasa Consulting, Rasha held a number of executive roles in large hospital networks, where she worked closely with Boards to formulate and execute effective strategies and led various complex organization-wide transformation initiatives. Rasha holds a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) and Bachelor of Science from McMaster University and a Project Management Professional (PMP) designation from the Project Management Institute.

Amit Kapur is the Chief Financial Officer at Enwave Energy Corporation, overseeing the organization’s financial operations and strategic growth plans. He has more than fifteen years of leadership experience in financial services, industrial automation, environmental services, and technology. Amit holds a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the Johnson School at Cornell University and an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from McMaster University. In addition, Amit is a Chartered Accountant (Canada), a Certified Public Accountant (Illinois) and a Chartered Financial Analyst.

Bill Laidlaw
Board Member

After teaching at Ridley College, Bill moved onto senior HR roles at Hudson’s Bay Company, Royal Trust, Rogers Communications, Paul Revere Life Insurance and Glaxo Smith Kline Canada, where he became Director of Government Relations. He later became CEO of St. John Ambulance in Ontario followed by Executive Director roles with Ontario Association of Community Newspapers, Life Sciences Ontario, Chicken Farmers of Ontario, Feed Ontario and the Canadian Assistive Devices Association. Volunteer roles included CEO of Ontario Chamber of Commerce, President of Empire Club of Canada, President of the Toronto Lung Association and sitting on the Advisory board of the Lang School of Business at the University of Guelph. In 2020 Bill was named Alumni Volunteer of the year at the University of Guelph. Bill is retired and in addition to his work at HHS he volunteers with McMaster Innovation Park, the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the University of Guelph.

Jane Milanetti
Board Member

The Honourable Jane Milanetti has recently retired from the Superior Court of Justice where she served for 17 years. Prior to her appointment to the court, she was a partner at Agro, Zaffiro LLP in Hamilton. Ms. Milanetti is a Past President of the Hamilton Law Association, Past Chair of St. Peter’s Hospital, and the Hamilton Community Foundation, and a Director of the Art Gallery of Hamilton. Jane is pleased to rejoin the Board of HHS, a position that was given up when she was appointed to the bench.

Dr. Paul O’Byrne
Dean and Vice President, Faculty of Health Sciences

Paul M. O’Byrne obtained his Medical Degree at University College, Dublin. He is currently the Dean and Vice President of the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University. His research interests focus on the mechanisms and treatment of asthma. He has published more than 500 peer reviewed papers, and has an h-index (Google Scholar) of 118. His accolades include the James H. Graham Award of Merit of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada; election to the Royal Society of Canada; the European Respiratory Society Congress Award and Medal; election to the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences; and, McMaster’s top academic award, Distinguished University Professor. In 2017, the American College of Chest Physicians named him a Giant of Chest Medicine and more recently, he received an Honorary Life Achievement Award from the Ontario Thoracic Society, the Jack Hirsh Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement from McMaster University and Medical Graduate Distinguished Alumnus Award from University College, Dublin.

After teaching at Ridley College, Bill moved onto senior HR roles at Hudson’s Bay Company, Royal Trust, Rogers Communications, Paul Revere Life Insurance and Glaxo Smith Kline Canada, where he became Director of Government Relations. He later became CEO of St. John Ambulance in Ontario followed by Executive Director roles with Ontario Association of Community Newspapers, Life Sciences Ontario, Chicken Farmers of Ontario, Feed Ontario and the Canadian Assistive Devices Association. Volunteer roles included CEO of Ontario Chamber of Commerce, President of Empire Club of Canada, President of the Toronto Lung Association and sitting on the Advisory board of the Lang School of Business at the University of Guelph. In 2020 Bill was named Alumni Volunteer of the year at the University of Guelph. Bill is retired and in addition to his work at HHS he volunteers with McMaster Innovation Park, the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the University of Guelph.

The Honourable Jane Milanetti has recently retired from the Superior Court of Justice where she served for 17 years. Prior to her appointment to the court, she was a partner at Agro, Zaffiro LLP in Hamilton. Ms. Milanetti is a Past President of the Hamilton Law Association, Past Chair of St. Peter’s Hospital, and the Hamilton Community Foundation, and a Director of the Art Gallery of Hamilton. Jane is pleased to rejoin the Board of HHS, a position that was given up when she was appointed to the bench.

Paul M. O’Byrne obtained his Medical Degree at University College, Dublin. He is currently the Dean and Vice President of the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University. His research interests focus on the mechanisms and treatment of asthma. He has published more than 500 peer reviewed papers, and has an h-index (Google Scholar) of 118. His accolades include the James H. Graham Award of Merit of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada; election to the Royal Society of Canada; the European Respiratory Society Congress Award and Medal; election to the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences; and, McMaster’s top academic award, Distinguished University Professor. In 2017, the American College of Chest Physicians named him a Giant of Chest Medicine and more recently, he received an Honorary Life Achievement Award from the Ontario Thoracic Society, the Jack Hirsh Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement from McMaster University and Medical Graduate Distinguished Alumnus Award from University College, Dublin.

Dr. Allison Sekuler
Board Member

Dr. Allison Sekuler is a researcher with appointments at Baycrest Health Sciences and the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour at McMaster University. She is the Managing Director, Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation and Managing Director, Rotman Research Institute and Vice-President, Research, Baycrest Health Sciences. Allison serves in a variety of leadership roles including the Sandra A. Rotman Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience & Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences. She was Canada’s first Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience, and recognized in 2019 as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network for her accomplishments in science and in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusivity.

Hila Taraky
Board Member

Hila Taraky is a business lawyer that carries on a focused practice in business transactions, land development and commercial real estate. Prior to her career as a lawyer, Hila devoted her professional and academic efforts to public policy and immigration policy with a focus on the economic integration of immigrants in Canada. Hila’s academic interests resulted in numerous peer reviewed publications. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Hamilton Health Sciences, is a co-founder of Lifeline Afghanistan and a member of the International Women’s Forum Canada – Toronto Chapter. Hila is a proud alumna of McMaster University and the Toronto Metropolitan University.  She received her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Windsor and was called to the Bar of Ontario in 2017.

Shirley Thomas-Weir
Board Member

Shirley is Vice President, Special Projects at Sienna Senior Living, with over 30 years of expertise in Senior Care and Housing. She collaborates on the creation and construction of Senior Living Campuses across Ontario and integrates enterprise systems and processes that drive quality, improve experience and build positive culture. Previously she lead Thomas Health Care. She has over 10 years of Provincial and local Board and Committee experience, including the Ontario Long Term Care Association, United Way, Joseph Brant Hospital, HNHB LHIN and Hillfield Strathallan College. Designations include Certified Long Term Care Home Administrator, BSc Biology from the University of Western Ontario, and a BA from McMaster University in Gerontology.

Dr. Allison Sekuler is a researcher with appointments at Baycrest Health Sciences and the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour at McMaster University. She is the Managing Director, Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation and Managing Director, Rotman Research Institute and Vice-President, Research, Baycrest Health Sciences. Allison serves in a variety of leadership roles including the Sandra A. Rotman Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience & Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences. She was Canada’s first Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience, and recognized in 2019 as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network for her accomplishments in science and in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusivity.

Hila Taraky is a business lawyer that carries on a focused practice in business transactions, land development and commercial real estate. Prior to her career as a lawyer, Hila devoted her professional and academic efforts to public policy and immigration policy with a focus on the economic integration of immigrants in Canada. Hila’s academic interests resulted in numerous peer reviewed publications. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Hamilton Health Sciences, is a co-founder of Lifeline Afghanistan and a member of the International Women’s Forum Canada – Toronto Chapter. Hila is a proud alumna of McMaster University and the Toronto Metropolitan University.  She received her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Windsor and was called to the Bar of Ontario in 2017.

Shirley is Vice President, Special Projects at Sienna Senior Living, with over 30 years of expertise in Senior Care and Housing. She collaborates on the creation and construction of Senior Living Campuses across Ontario and integrates enterprise systems and processes that drive quality, improve experience and build positive culture. Previously she lead Thomas Health Care. She has over 10 years of Provincial and local Board and Committee experience, including the Ontario Long Term Care Association, United Way, Joseph Brant Hospital, HNHB LHIN and Hillfield Strathallan College. Designations include Certified Long Term Care Home Administrator, BSc Biology from the University of Western Ontario, and a BA from McMaster University in Gerontology.

Dr. Tomas VanHelder
President of the Medical Staff Association

In addition to practicing as a  cardiac anesthesiologist at Hamilton Health Sciences, Dr. VanHelder is currently the President of the Hamilton Health Sciences Medical Staff Association (MSA).  He is the past Vice-President and past Secretary/Treasurer of the MSA and has been a member of the executive committee for the last seven years.

Dr. VanHelder's goals during his tenure of the President of MSA will be continuation of the MSA's work in the areas of physicians-hospital relationship and introduction of the concept of Just Culture to the physicians' interactions with the HHS leadership.

Additionally Dr. VanHelder was a one term Juravinski Hospital Site Chief, Department of Anesthesia, during the development and opening of the new wing of the hospital as well as a two term Hamilton General Site Chief during the expansion of the anesthesia services and coverage at that site.

Dr. VanHelder has a long-standing involvement in research and is currently involved in several PHIR studies. His personal interest include continuous learning about history,  with the emphasis on the European history.

Debbie Zimmerman
Board Member

Debbie Zimmerman has had a long and successful career in the public and private sector and has extensive governance experience including in her current roles serving on the Board of Trustees, Brock University and a member of the Peace Bridge Authority. Her previous volunteer experience includes: Niagara Escarpment Commissioner; Chair, Municipal Assessment Corporation (MPAC); and Board Director, YMCA of Niagara. Debbie is the CEO of the Grape Growers of Ontario. She previously served as Regional Chair and CEO of the Regional Municipality of Niagara and as Alderman for the Town of Grimsby. Debbie received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Brock University in 2020.

In addition to practicing as a  cardiac anesthesiologist at Hamilton Health Sciences, Dr. VanHelder is currently the President of the Hamilton Health Sciences Medical Staff Association (MSA).  He is the past Vice-President and past Secretary/Treasurer of the MSA and has been a member of the executive committee for the last seven years.

Dr. VanHelder's goals during his tenure of the President of MSA will be continuation of the MSA's work in the areas of physicians-hospital relationship and introduction of the concept of Just Culture to the physicians' interactions with the HHS leadership.

Additionally Dr. VanHelder was a one term Juravinski Hospital Site Chief, Department of Anesthesia, during the development and opening of the new wing of the hospital as well as a two term Hamilton General Site Chief during the expansion of the anesthesia services and coverage at that site.

Dr. VanHelder has a long-standing involvement in research and is currently involved in several PHIR studies. His personal interest include continuous learning about history,  with the emphasis on the European history.

Debbie Zimmerman has had a long and successful career in the public and private sector and has extensive governance experience including in her current roles serving on the Board of Trustees, Brock University and a member of the Peace Bridge Authority. Her previous volunteer experience includes: Niagara Escarpment Commissioner; Chair, Municipal Assessment Corporation (MPAC); and Board Director, YMCA of Niagara. Debbie is the CEO of the Grape Growers of Ontario. She previously served as Regional Chair and CEO of the Regional Municipality of Niagara and as Alderman for the Town of Grimsby. Debbie received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Brock University in 2020.