Please join me in officially welcoming Dr. Mary Forhan, Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy and Associate Professor, Faculty of Rehabilitation at the University of Alberta as our new Scientific Director. Mary has volunteered with OC since before day one, contributing to the original funding application that launched the Canadian Obesity Network. She brings a wealth of research and professional expertise in obesity care and advocacy to OC, including interests in improving the quality of life and reducing the disability experienced by people living with obesity, as well as addressing institutional and social barriers that restrict access to engagement in life roles.
We also welcome Bemal Mehta, Managing Director, Energy Intelligence, geoLOGIC Systems Ltd. as the new Chair of OC’s Board of Directors. Bemal is a professional engineer with a B.Sc. and an M.Sc. in chemical engineering from the University of Alberta, and an MBA from Queen’s University. With over 25 years of experience across multiple industries, Bemal brings a breadth of experience in the areas of strategy, analytics, operational excellence, and communications. He is a problem solver who helps organizations navigate complex problems.
As we look to the future, I want to express our gratitude for Dr. Arya M. Sharma’s nearly 15 years of volunteer service as OC’s Scientific Director. We are also indebted to Kelly Isfan, President & CEO Ross Memorial Hospital for her nine years of leadership as OC’s Chair. Arya and Kelly will assume Past Scientific Director and Past Chair roles, so we will all benefit from their continued collaboration.
Dawn Hatanaka, Executive Director,
Obesity Canada
