Our Teams
The people behind
the mission.
It takes a village to support our community. Learn more about the talented
people making our work possible and explore opportunities to join us.
Why we’re here
We support individuals and families at every step on their cancer journey, whether it’s navigating a diagnosis, managing treatment, or adjusting their day-to-day lives.
We’re here to provide the personalized care, resources, and community needed to face each challenge with strength, hope, and connection.
Our Values
Supportive Care
We address the full spectrum of client needs—physical, psychological, emotional, social, and practical—ensuring that no aspect of their well-being is overlooked.
Community Partnership
Our programs are developed in collaboration with our clients as well as 70+ service providers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations.
Evidence-Based
Our spaces, programs and providers stay informed and grounded in the latest clinical research and evidence, enhancing outcomes quality of care.
Accessible and Intentional
Our physical and digital spaces are thoughtfully designed to make daily life easier and more manageable, with features that address both immediate and long-term needs.
Funded by Community, Free to Clients
Community-driven efforts enable us to offer vital resources and support at no cost. Generous donors, events and sponsors fuel our mission.
A message from our CEO
“Driving change in our city may be challenging, but it’s a meaningful journey. As the stewards of our society, we deeply understand the unique needs of our fellow Ottawa residents.”
— Deborah Lehmann
Meet the Leadership Team
Deborah Lehmann
President & CEO
Lorraine Prezeau
Executive Assistant
to the CEO
Sue Merrill
Senior Director,
Programs & Partnerships
Tricia Ross
Director, Special Events &
Community Engagement
Allen LeBlanc
(Acting) Senior Vice-
President, Philanthropy
Paula Muldoon
(Currently on leave) Leadership
Meet the Board of Directors
Julia Knox
Past-Chair
Chief Technology and
Analytics Officer, Sobeys
Karen Brownrigg
Chair
Founder & CEO, iHR Advisory
Services
Ian Sherman
Vice-chair
CEO, Relationship Capital Inc.
Pete Low
Treasurer
Retired
Anthonette Jacob
Director
CEO/Founder, African, Caribbean
& Black Wellness Resource Centre
Joanne Kudakiewicz
Director
Manager of Community Relations and Philanthropy, Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network
Mita Meyers
Director
Associate Partner, Ernst & Young LLP
Tina Nagratha
Director
Finance Officer, Heart & Stroke Foundation Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery
Suzanne Pellerin
Director
Associate Advisor, RBC Dominion Securities
Mashooda Syed
Director
Owner/CEO, Ottawa Prestige Properties Ltd.
Greg Walker
Director
Association for Smarter Homes & Buildings (ASHB)
Join our Team
There are many career opportunities with The Ottawa Cancer Foundation, ranging from marketing, to finance, fundraising, and survivorship care.
We offer a warm and welcoming environment for employees, which encourages top-of-the-line teamwork and growth. Together, we join our efforts to change the cancer experience for local families.
Help make our free programs and services possible.
