Ronald Lett
President and International Director
lett@cnis.ca
Co-founder of the Canadian Network for International Surgery (CNIS), Dr. Ronald Lett did his undergraduate medical training and his post-graduate surgical training at the University of Alberta. He completed his Masters in Injury Epidemiology at McGill University. In 1996, Dr. Lett co-founded the Injury Control Centre – Uganda, the first lead-agency for injury control in sub-Saharan Africa. The following year, he was one of the founding members of the 10-country network Injury Prevention Initiative for Africa (IPIFA). In 2000, he participated in the establishment of the African Canadian Committee for Essential Surgical Skills (ACC-ESS). At present Dr. Lett is International Director of CNIS. He resides in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from where he directs CNIS African programs.
Philip Hassen
Vice President
phassen@cnis.ca
Phil Hassen has volunteered with CNIS for over ten years. Serving initially on the Finance Committee, Phil progressed through the various roles on the Board, eventually becoming Chair for two terms. During his nine years on the board, he guided CNIS through very difficult financial and organizational issues, ultimately seeing CNIS become a stable and successful NGO. Phil has assisted the Injury Control Centre – Uganda with improving their administration and management. With his wife, Jane, he taught a course on leadership and management to senior physicians in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He now volunteers with CNIS as Vice President.
Elizabeth Schaefer
Office Manager
elizabeth@cnis.ca
Elizabeth is the Office Manager at CNIS and has been working for CNIS since September 2001. She enjoys contributing to the life-saving work of the organization and working with other staff, volunteers or donors. Elizabeth plays an essential role in the organization and whether it involves making telephone calls, providing information, or setting up a room for an event, she is the one who ensures that everything runs smoothly in the office. Elizabeth finds that contributing positively to the lives of others in Africa is a very rewarding experience!
Robert Taylor
Surgical Associate
surgeon@cnis.ca
Dr. Robert Taylor is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia. Over the years he has been involved in a number of countries, both in surgical service and surgical training, including establishing the Essential Surgical Skills (ESS®) course at two centres in Malawi for CNIS. Bob is currently developing and editing new surgical curriclum material for CNIS.
Barry Elkin
Chartered Accountant
belkin@cnis.ca
Barry is the Accountant at CNIS. He is a Chartered Accountant with experience in both the public and private sectors. Barry was a Special Advisor, Canada Revenue Agency; Principal, Office of the Auditor General of Canada; and a Senior Partner in a National Accounting Firm. He is a member of the Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia’s Audit Advisory Committee.
Tim Steeves
IT Projects Coordinator
Tim is a Business Analyst and IT Consultant from iTeam. For over 10 years, he has led the development of multiple projects deployed in large-scale mission critical systems throughout the IT industry. Tim works with the CNIS to help improve the web and software systems, coordinate IT volunteers, and facilitate Public Engagement activities digitally.
Contact Tim on Twitter or LinkedIn
Lorne Braun
Program Associate
lbraun@cnis.ca
Lorne is an International Development Consultant, currently working on contract with CNIS as a Program Associate. His responsibilities include drafting documents and proposals, fulfilling reporting requirements for agreements that CNIS has with the Canadian International Development Agency, the Donner Canadian Foundation and the Wild Rose Foundation, among others.
Karethe Linaae
Public Engagement Coordinator
karethe@cnis.ca
Karethe joined CNIS as Public Engagement Coordinator in 2008. She is in charge of CNIS events, designing and producing information material, newsletters and web content, recruiting and coordinating volunteers and implementing CNIS’ global classroom, the Salama Safari. Karethe sits on the board of Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce.
Contact Karethe on LinkedIn
Grace Green
Office Assistant
ggreen@cnis.ca
Grace is the current Assistant to the Office Manager. Having worked in both the government and corporate worlds, she is happy to be working for the non-profit sector for the first time. She is proud to be a part of the dedicated team at CNIS and enjoys contributing to its meaningful work in Africa.