What is the NAPHRO Secretariat?

 

In October 2013 NAPHRO established its Secretariat with a mandate to facilitate and coordinate activities and collaborative initiatives of the alliance, to develop and foster relationships, and to gather business intelligence. 
 

 

Executive Director

Michelle Gagnon

Based in Ottawa, Michelle is a versatile leader who brings to this position expertise in executive management, health policy, research, and knowledge mobilization. Adept at working across sectors, communities, and disciplines with a broad and inclusive mindset, her career spans national and provincial leadership roles. Initially trained as a nurse (BScN, RN) she went on to pursue a graduate degree in management (MBA). She then joined the Policy Research Initiative in the Privy Council Office. Thereafter, she exceled at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), first as Assistant Director with two CIHR Institutes (Health Services and Policy Research, and Population and Public Health) and then as Director, Knowledge Translation, and Director, Research Capacity Development. In 2011, Michelle relocated to Calgary, initially working with Alberta Health Services, Strategic Clinical Networks. Following this, she was COO and then CEO of the Palix Foundation, leading the organization’s internationally recognized knowledge mobilization program to promote positive mental health outcomes for children and youth. Having completed a doctorate (PhD) in population health policy, Michelle was an Adjunct Professor at the University of Calgary, Department of Community Health Sciences. Since returning to Ottawa in 2021, she has worked as a consultant to various organizations, including CIHR, StrategyCorp, the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the PEI Alliance for Mental Well-being, and the Brain-Heart Interconnectome, a Canada First Research Excellence Funded program. Michelle brings substantive experience serving on advisory committees and Boards of Directors and holds the Institute of Corporate Directors, Director designation (ICD.D, 2018).

​