Mark Lepore | Board Chair
Mark is a lawyer and partner at the law firm of Spadafora Johnson Lepore LLP in Sault Ste. Marie. His practice focuses on advising individual and institutional clients in areas of corporate and commercial law, municipal law, real estate and development, and estate planning and administration.
Mark holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies from the University of Western Ontario.
Mark enjoys being an active member of the community through his experiences with many non-profit organizations. He is a proud member of the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie, as well as a member and Past President of the Algoma District Law Association and currently serves as President of the Art Gallery of Algoma.
Armand Capisciolto | First Vice Chair
Armand is the Canadian Accounting Standards Board (AcSB) Chair, leading the development of accounting standards for use by all Canadian entities outside the public sector. An active participant in Canadian standard setting, Armand has chaired and been a member of several Canadian financial reporting and assurance standard-setting committees in both the private and public sector areas.
Prior to chairing the AcSB, Armand was BDO Canada LLP’s National Accounting Standards Partner. He provided leadership to BDO on all matters related to accounting standards and financial reporting and leads BDO’s Accounting Advisory practice.
Armand’s previous community involvement includes being a Former Member of the Board of Directors of the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation.
Tim Lavoie| Second Vice Chair
Tim is Vice President, Corporate Services & Indigenous Relations, and Corporate Secretary of FortisOntario, overseeing Human Resources, Information Technology, Business Development, Legal, Indigenous Relations, and acts as Board Secretary.
He is a leader in managing complex and diverse relationships in the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Power Project ($2.02 billion). Achievements include close confidant to First Nations’ leadership, pioneer of Rural and Remote Rate Protection, experience in approval of various Ontario Energy Board applications including large construction projects, and rates, as well as experience in business development, and governance. He is an instrumental executive team member for Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project (business, regulatory, First Nation relationships).
Tim has held several leadership roles and has extensive experience in the utility sector. Prior to his appointment to his current role, he held the positions of Regional Manager & Director of Northern Development for Algoma Power, FortisOntario, and various senior management roles at Great Lakes Power.
He sits on the Board of Canadian Niagara Power Inc., Cornwall Street Railway, Light and Power Company Limited, Algoma Power Inc., and Westario Power Inc. He is community focused and formerly served as Chair of the Algoma University Board of Governors.
Greg Zambusi | Interim President and Chief Executive Officer
Greg is the Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Sault Area Hospital (SAH). A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Greg is proud to call Sault Ste. Marie home. He has been part of the SAH team since 2013, when he joined as a Senior Financial Analyst supporting a range of clinical programs.
Since joining SAH, Greg has held a series of progressively senior leadership roles across finance and corporate services. In 2015, he became Manager of Business Planning and Analytics, where he led the organization’s annual budgeting process and Decision Support function. In 2017, he was appointed Director of Finance, providing leadership across Finance, Logistics, Laundry Services, and Decision Support. During this time, he also chaired the Capital Planning and Acquisition Committee, helping guide strategic investment and prioritization across the organization.
In his current role, Greg provides executive leadership for SAH as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. He also serves as Vice President, Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer, overseeing Finance, Information and Communication Technology, Logistics, Legal and Insurance Services, Environmental Services, and Performance Improvement.
Beyond SAH, Greg contributes to the broader healthcare system as Treasurer on the Board of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Algoma.
Dr. John Heintzman | Chief of Staff
Dr. John Heintzman was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He was a Sir James Dunn scholarship recipient upon graduating from the former Bawating High School (now Superior Heights). He completed his undergraduate studies in Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo. He then studied medicine at Queen’s University, where he developed an interest in Child Psychiatry.
Dr. Heintzman accepted a psychiatric residency position at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina and completed adult training, followed by a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship position. He accepted his first position in 1998 as a Child Psychiatrist in Warren, Pennsylvania.
In October of 2002, Dr. Heintzman returned to Canada and began a career with Grand River Hospital as Medical Director of Child Psychiatry Services. Since 2004, he has served as the Chief of Psychiatry and Medical Director of the Mental Health and Addictions Program, and he also worked as the deputy chief of staff from 2017-2023. Dr. Heintzman also worked for many years as a consulting psychiatrist for student health services at the University of Waterloo, served as the psychiatry chief at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, and was the physician lead for Waterloo Wellington Canadian Mental Health Association.
Dr. Heintzman is committed to building collaborative partnerships both within SAH and the community at large.
Mindy Lindstedt | Vice President Clinical Operations and Chief Nursing Executive
Mindy began her career at SAH in 1999 as a Registered Nurse. She holds a Diploma in Nursing from Sault College and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lakehead University. Since 2006, she has held progressive leadership positions across the organization, most recently as Director of Clinical Programs.
Mindy is passionate about the care we provide to our community. She values the partnerships developed with all of our key stakeholders; locally, regionally and provincially. She is especially proud of the work done and engagement with our Patient and Family Advisors.
Mindy is a member of the Nursing Leadership Network of Ontario and an appointed member of the Provincial Cardiac Services Table. She is currently working towards the designation of Certified Health Executive from the Canadian College of Health Leaders.
Mindy was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie. She enjoys taking advantage of all of the beauty of Northern Ontario and spending time with her husband Jeff and their family on Lake Superior and Lake Huron.
Dr. Brynlea Barbeau | President Medical Staff Assoication
Dr. Barbeau completed a B.A. at the University of Western Ontario, M.Sc.(A) at McGill University and her MD at McMaster University. She attended Northern Ontario Family Medicine Residency Program for her Family Medicine Residency.
She has worked in several primary care models including Family Health Group, Rural and Northern Physician Group, Family Health Organization, and more recently a Family Health Team. Dr. Barbeau is currently the Lead Physician for the Sault Family Health Organization (Superior Family Health Team) and has a full-time family practice.
She has also worked in Addiction Medicine for the last 8 years and is one of the physicians working at the local Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic. Dr. Barbeau served a term as Head of Service for Addiction Medicine at Sault Area Hospital, is currently a member of the Department of Mental Health and Addictions as well as the Medical Director for the Sexual Assault and Care Clinic. She is currently President for the Medical Staff Executive, having previously served in the roles of Secretary and Treasurer.
Dr. Barbeau teaches medical students and residents and is an Assistant Professor at Northern Ontario School of Medicine. She is very passionate about her work in Addiction Medicine and Concurrent Disorders and is involved in presentations and research in the area.
Dr. Cissy Yi | Vice President Medical Staff Association
Dr. Cissy Yi studied pharmaceutical sciences for her undergraduate studies. She completed her MD at University of British Columbia. She moved to Sault Ste Marie, Ontario in 2019 to complete her Family Medicine Residency through Northern Ontario School of Medicine University.
She has previously worked at the Group Health Centre, the local Ontario Addiction Treatment Centre, and Sault Area Hospital providing primary family medicine care, addiction medicine care, newborn care respectively.
She currently works as a Hospitalist on Acute and Post Acute Medicine Inpatient Units at SAH. She is the Physician Partner for the Algoma Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic. She is a Clinical Lecturer at Northern Ontario School of Medicine University.
Dr. Yi is committed to continuing to give back to a community she is proud to call her home.
Lori Bertrand
Lori was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie.
After obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Laurentian University in 1987, she returned to the city and joined the SAH team. For 32 years, Lori worked in a variety of roles at the hospital including clinical care provider, Clinical Educator, Clinical Informatics, Professional Practice Specialist and various Management roles. Lori served on the SAH Board during her time as Interim Chief Nursing Officer.
Lori transitioned into the education field in 2019, joining the Health Programs team at Sault College where she currently works as a Professor of Nursing.
Lori has board experience with the charitable / non-profit sector of the community, serving as a Director with the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA for 7 years, and more recently, the Soo Curlers’ Association.
Mia Carella
Originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Mia practices law as an Associate Lawyer at Wishart Law Firm LLP. Mia’s practice focuses mainly on municipal law and litigation as well as other areas. In addition to her law degree, Mia holds an Honours Degree in Sociology, a Certificate in Human Resources Practices and a Certificate of Training in Facilitative Mediation.
In law school, Mia was a member of Amnesty International where she was involved in bringing awareness to human rights. She was also a member of the Italian Law Society where she was able to enjoy the celebration of her culture and continues to do so today by being a member of the Elettra Marconi Society.
In addition, Mia gives back to her community in a variety of ways including becoming a Member of the Board of Directors for the Algoma District Law Association. Prior to becoming a Director with the Sault Area Hospital Board of Directors, Mia was a Community Member with the Board and spent time on both the Quality and Services and Resource Committees.
Emily Cormier
Emily is a bilingual business and sustainability professional with over a decade of experience, in the Canadian private, public and non-profit sector. She is currently employed at the City of Sault Ste. Marie where she leads sustainability initiatives across the organization. Emily is also a part-time Professor at Sault College in their School of Natural Environment.
Emily has held positions in the energy and natural resource space as a Program Manager for QUEST Canada in New Brunswick and has also worked on large scale energy conservation and demand management projects in Northwestern Ontario for Synergy North. She also developed the Wawa Municipal Energy Plan which received the 2017 Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA) Community Project of the Year award.
Emily has experience in planning and operations for Forest Resource Inventory projects across Ontario, and has worked for the Federal Government in Ottawa. Emily holds an Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in International Development and Globalization from the University of Ottawa and a Master’s in International Business from Hult International Business School in San Francisco, California. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
Emily is passionate about giving back to her community. Since 2021, she has served on the board of the Algoma Community Legal Clinic. Emily is also a Board Member on StepUp, a volunteer run non-profit that focusses on advancing gender, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the Canadian energy space. She has volunteered in the past as the Advocacy and Community Outreach Officer on the Sault Ste. Marie Strive Young Professionals Group, and with the United Way of Thunder Bay.
Ian Grant
Ian Grant is the President & CEO of Algoma Technology Services (ATS), with over 25 years of technology leadership experience across diverse sectors, including healthcare, telecommunications, transportation, finance, and non-profit organizations. Prior to his current role, Ian served as the Director of Information Technology, Infrastructure, and Operations at Lakeridge Health, where he oversaw critical infrastructure, network, and information security upgrades across five hospitals, long-term care homes, and numerous community healthcare locations. He also played a pivotal role in the implementation of the regional Clinical Information System (CIS).
Before Lakeridge Health, Ian held the position of Director of IT Architecture and Physical Security at Toronto International Airport, Canada’s busiest airport, where he led essential technology operations encompassing both physical and information security. Ian’s career also includes key roles with major organizations such as World Vision, RBC Royal Bank, Rogers Communications, and Telus Mobility.
In addition to his professional achievements, Ian serves as a board member for Algoma University and Sault Ste Marie Chamber of Commerce . He holds an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario, a BSc in Electronic Engineering from the University of Phoenix, and diplomas in Electronic Engineering Technology.
Deborah Graystone
Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Deborah Graystone completed her Nursing Diploma at Sault College in 1986 before beginning her career at Sault Area Hospital. She started in Labour and Delivery and went on to spend 14 years providing front-line care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Deborah later held a variety of leadership roles within the hospital for seven years before completing her Bachelor Science in Nursing Degree along with her Nurse Practitioner Certificate in 2005. She then transitioned into her Nurse Practitioner role in the Emergency Department, where she worked for the final 14 years of her time at Sault Area Hospital. She retired from the hospital in 2021 and currently works as a Nurse Practitioner at the Group Health Centre.
Deborah’s community involvement includes serving as the Nurse Practitioner Lead in the development and opening of the Algoma Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic in 2011, as well as serving as its inaugural Chair for the first six years. Her board experience also includes serving on the Board of Directors for the College of Nurses of Ontario from 2014 to 2020. In addition, Deborah served for nine years as a board member and Second Vice Chair of the Algoma Public Health Unit, where she also chaired the Governance Committee.
She currently serves as Chair of the Algoma Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic Board of Directors.
Erich Isopp
Born in Edmonton, raised in Toronto, and followed by 10 years in Vancouver, Erich moved to Sault Ste. Marie 5 years ago, after his wife (now of 10 years) was recruited to provide Autism support to the Algoma district. He is of Métis heritage, and his great-grandmother was a residential school survivor.
Erich has worked at TELUS for the past 15 years, as a Business Analyst and Consultant, providing analytical thought leadership to process improvement and large scale efficiency programs, as well as leading and managing cross functional business transformation programs. Since November 2020, Erich has worked for TELUS Health, where he has focused on improving customer retention and improving the end-to-end patient experience for the TELUS MyCare service.
Erich holds an undergraduate business degree from the University of Western Ontario, and a Master of Business Administration from the Richard Ivey School of Business, where he authored a business case, and graduated with distinction as a dean’s list member.
Outside of work, Erich has served as the Treasurer of the Mole Hill Housing Society, in Vancouver, BC, and has volunteered to coach various youth soccer, hockey & baseball teams. He also keeps very busy as the father to a 7-year-old son, and an 18-month old daughter. He is a huge Toronto Raptors fan.
Frank Kennedy
Frank retired from the Ontario Public Service as the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Science and Information Resources Division of the Ministry of Natural Resources. He has over thirty-five years of experience in science, resource management, land use and forestry planning and environmental assessment. He has served as Chairperson for several provincial and national committees.
After serving for eighteen years on the Board of Directors of the Anishinabek/Ontario Fisheries Resource Centre, Frank recently retired from the role of Treasurer.
Frank has a Bachelor of Forestry from Lakehead University. He is also a retired Registered Professional Forester and a member of the Ontario Professional Foresters Association.
Johanne Messier-Mann
Johanne joined our hospital team in 1978. She has forty years of experience in the health care field working in various clinical and management roles, which include: Registered Nurse, Teaching Master of the Sault College Diploma Nursing Program, Manager and Director of various SAH departments and culminating in her role as the SAH Chief Nursing Officer.
Johanne went on to gain additional experience in another health care sector as the Administrator of a Long Term Care Facility from which she retired. Her academic preparation includes a Nursing Diploma, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, a Masters in Education, a Masters in Business Administration, a certificate in Catholic Leadership. Johanne is a Certified Health Executive and is very active on the Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL) including serving as Chair of the Canadian CCHL Quality Committee.
Johanne is bilingual, has been involved with several local and provincial organizations and has published one article on the Dynamics of Long Term Care.
Stephanie Pagnucco
Stephanie Pagnucco is Director of Corporate Communications and Stakeholder Relations at Sault College, where she leads strategic communications, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement to support student success, institutional growth, and community partnerships. She also serves as Chair of the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB) and Sault Ste. Marie Housing Corporation, providing governance oversight for housing, homelessness prevention, childcare, and community paramedicine services in the region.
Stephanie is the Past President of the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) and represents Ontario on the national Board of Directors of the Economic Developers Association of Canada, advancing economic development practice and advocating for equitable visibility and resources for Northern Ontario communities. Prior to joining Sault College, she spent a decade in tourism and destination development with Destination Northern Ontario, collaborating with municipal and regional partners to grow tourism, investment, and community capacity across Northern Ontario.
Joe Santa Maria
Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Joe is very proud to have worked at the Algoma District School Board for the past 25 years and for the past 12 years as the Executive Superintendent of Business and Operations. He has supported the vision of the Board of Trustees and the organization as a whole through many continuous risk management and corporate governance strategies.
Joe is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and has his Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Ottawa. His portfolio has led to strategic leadership experiences in many organizational responsibilities in Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Information Technology, Plant and Corporate Services. Joe also enjoyed serving on the Board of the John Howard Society for 8 years and coaching minor hockey for over 13 years.
He prides himself on the many personal and professional relationships he has been fortunate to be a part of and learn from over the years. Joe looks forward to working with the SAH Board and Senior team to give back by contributing where he can and continuing to learn.
Sherri Smith
Sherri is the Vice President of Academics, Innovation, and Student Services at Sault College She was born in Sault Ste. Marie and raised in southern Ontario. With 17 years of dedicated service at Sault College, Sherri has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to student-centred education.
Sherri holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees in history from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She is deeply committed to inclusivity and celebrates the richness of human diversity.
In addition to her professional achievements, Sherri is grateful for opportunities to serve the community. She previously served on the Board of Directors for the Thrive Children’s Development Centre and was also the Chair. Sherri looks forward to continuing her community involvement on the SAH Board and values the growth and lessons from these meaningful experiences.
David Zuccato
David has worked for over 40 years in the public sector and for thirty-five years with the Ontario Government in the Ministries of Community and Social Services and Children’s and Youth Services.
He has held several progressive senior leadership positions in social service administration throughout Northern Ontario. David retired as the Assistant Deputy Minister of the operations division within the Ministry of Community and Social services.
David has had extensive leadership experience in the planning, implementation, and management of provincial government priorities and programs. He has also held senior leadership positions in project, and risk management.
Since his retirement David has operated his own consulting business specializing in organizational review, change management planning and executive coaching.
David received an Honours Bachelor of Social Work, from Laurentian University. He also attended executive career development through the Niagara Institute and Queen’s University, School of Business.
David also has governance experience having sat as volunteer on the Board of Governors Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology, the Water Commission and the Power Distribution Board at the Public Utilities.
Community Members
Community members are an integral voice on the committees of the Board and they are our future members of the Board of Directors:
Kaela Campbell
Kaela Campbell is an experienced healthcare leader with more than 12 years of clinical experience in primary care and a strong passion for quality improvement and health system transformation. Most recently, she has led the implementation of provincially driven digital health initiatives across Northeastern Ontario through her work with Ontario Health and Health Sciences North. She currently serves as Regional Lead for Central Intake at Health Sciences North, overseeing a regional initiative designed to improve access to care and streamline referrals for patients and providers across Northeastern Ontario.
A Registered Respiratory Therapist, Kaela holds a Bachelor’s degree in Adult Education, a Master’s degree in Health Administration, and is a certified Change Management practitioner. She brings more than a decade of experience in provincial healthcare governance, having served with the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario and as Past President of the Respiratory Therapy Society of Ontario. She has also contributed to numerous provincial and national advisory committees, helping shape healthcare policy and system improvement initiatives.
Becky Langille-Rowe
Becky Langille-Rowe is a Co-Founding Partner of Langille & Little LLP and an employment lawyer, workplace investigator, and facilitator. Her practice focuses on conducting workplace investigations involving allegations of discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), workplace violence, sexual assault, and other forms of misconduct. She also leads workplace assessments and culture reviews, delivers training, and facilitates discussions to support conflict resolution.
Becky’s practice is dedicated to helping organizations build respectful, accountable, and psychologically safe workplaces while supporting leaders in navigating complex workplace issues. Prior to co-founding Langille & Little LLP, she practised litigation and employment law with regional and national law firms for approximately five years.
Becky is actively involved in her community, having previously served on the Board of the John Howard Society of Sault Ste. Marie. She currently serves on the Board of the Algoma Community Legal Clinic.
Jane Omollo
Jane is the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Manager at Algoma University, a role she has held since 2020. Before joining Algoma University, Jane was the Manager of Newcomer Programs at the Sault Community Information and Career Centre.
Jane is a dedicated community leader with extensive experience promoting inclusion and equity for underserved groups. She has worked in diverse environments, advocating for equity within organizations and communities.
In addition to her role at Algoma University, Jane is a member of the Board of Directors of Algoma Family Services and serves as the director of the ACCANO Parents, Caregivers, and Guardians Program, funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation. As a community builder, she is the founding president emeritus of the African Caribbean Association of Northern Ontario (ACCANO). Jane has also contributed to various boards, including the City of Sault Ste. Marie Cultural Vitality Committee, Refugee705, the Local Immigration Partnership, and the Rural Northern Immigration Partnership Endorsement Committee.
Jane’s dedication has been recognized through numerous awards, including the 2023 Brock University Faculty of Education Distinguished Graduate Award, the 2023 BlackNorth Initiative Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2023 ACCANO Leadership Service Award, the 2022 Athena Leadership Award, the 2018 Honda Community Newcomer Ambassador Award, the 2017 Business and Professional Women’s Club of Sault Ste. Marie International Women’s Day Honoree, and the Great Lakes Honda Community Driven Passport to Unity Award.