Brianna Mayes, Honorary Counsel
Brianna is a corporate lawyer at Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP, and acts as the Foundation’s Honorary Counsel. She joined the Business Law Group at Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP/s.r.l.in 2019 after completing both her summer and articling program with the firm. Brianna graduated Cum Laude from a joint program at the University of Ottawa in 2018, earning both an Honours Bachelor of Social Science with Specialization in Political Science (B. Soc. Sc.) and Juris Doctor (J.D.).
Brianna joined the Foundation to share her passion for animals and the importance of the bond between humans and animals.
Christina Locmelis, Director of Marketing and Communications
Christina's professional background within the public and private sectors along with her extensive communications design and implementation experience couldn't have been a better fit. Christina is skilled in content development and through the execution of several successful campaigns has acquired considerable knowledge of the best practice methods involved in creating and marketing content for a variety of audiences. Christina joined the Foundation with the goal of utilizing her professional expertise to benefit a cause that is very dear to her heart. Befittingly she is a devoted pet parent, avid animal lover, and strongly believes in the value of the bond between people and their pets. Giving of her time and talents is not limited to CFAS. Rather, she gives generously to other worthy charities such as the Ottawa Humane Society. This talented lady holds a Master of Arts degree with a Specialization in Organizational Communication, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a Minor in Psychology from the University of Ottawa.
Krista Connell, Director of Strategic Planning
Krista is the President and CEO of Fertiloam Inc. A firm she launched in June of 2019 to allow her to pursue her interests and to continue to contribute to the health and research sectors in Canada. Krista completed her tenure as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation (NSHRF), a position she held for almost 19 years, on March 29, 2019. As the inaugural CEO, Krista was responsible for the establishment and development of the organization. She worked collaboratively with the NSHRF Board of Directors and its many stakeholders to support increased research activity and capacity in Nova Scotia. Acting as a knowledge broker she facilitated the use of health research results in health-system decision making. In addition to working within Nova Scotia, Krista also championed health research initiatives nationally and internationally. She has contributed to several national initiatives (e.g. SPOR, CIHR Partners Table, Canadian Health Services and Policy Research Alliance, among others), has served on external review committees and on various boards and working groups including the Canadian Cochrane Network Centre Advisory Board (Chair); the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging Advisory Council (Chair) and the Canadian Arrhythmia Network's (CANet) Board of Directors.
Krista is the founding member of the National Alliance of Provincial Health Research Organizations (NAPHRO) and served as a co-chair on three separate occasions. She was awarded a Canadian Progress Club of Halifax Women of Excellence Award in the Management and Professions Category in 2012; a 2013 WXN Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award in the Public Sector Category; and was named one of Atlantic Canada's Top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine in 2014.
Krista held various positions in the health sector evolving from a practicing Physiotherapist in a clinical setting in New Brunswick, Alberta and Nova Scotia to a Post graduate Fellowship and Task Force Coordinator with the NS Department of Health and Wellness, as well as a program manager responsible for health care benefits, programs and policy at the Workers’ Compensation Board in Nova Scotia. Krista has also taught at the university level and currently enjoys an Adjunct Appointment in the Faculty of Health at Dalhousie University. Krista holds a Master of Health Services Administration from the University of Alberta and a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy from Dalhousie University. She has also completed the Province of Nova Scotia’s Executive Leadership Development Program.
Krista is the President and CEO of Fertiloam Inc. A firm she launched in June of 2019 to allow her to pursue her interests and to continue to contribute to the health and research sectors in Canada. Krista completed her tenure as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation (NSHRF), a position she held for almost 19 years, on March 29, 2019. As the inaugural CEO, Krista was responsible for the establishment and development of the organization. She worked collaboratively with the NSHRF Board of Directors and its many stakeholders to support increased research activity and capacity in Nova Scotia. Acting as a knowledge broker she facilitated the use of health research results in health-system decision making. In addition to working within Nova Scotia, Krista also championed health research initiatives nationally and internationally. She has contributed to several national initiatives (e.g. SPOR, CIHR Partners Table, Canadian Health Services and Policy Research Alliance, among others), has served on external review committees and on various boards and working groups including the Canadian Cochrane Network Centre Advisory Board (Chair); the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging Advisory Council (Chair) and the Canadian Arrhythmia Network's (CANet) Board of Directors.
Krista is the founding member of the National Alliance of Provincial Health Research Organizations (NAPHRO) and served as a co-chair on three separate occasions. She was awarded a Canadian Progress Club of Halifax Women of Excellence Award in the Management and Professions Category in 2012; a 2013 WXN Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award in the Public Sector Category; and was named one of Atlantic Canada's Top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine in 2014.
Krista held various positions in the health sector evolving from a practicing Physiotherapist in a clinical setting in New Brunswick, Alberta and Nova Scotia to a Post graduate Fellowship and Task Force Coordinator with the NS Department of Health and Wellness, as well as a program manager responsible for health care benefits, programs and policy at the Workers’ Compensation Board in Nova Scotia. Krista has also taught at the university level and currently enjoys an Adjunct Appointment in the Faculty of Health at Dalhousie University. Krista holds a Master of Health Services Administration from the University of Alberta and a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy from Dalhousie University. She has also completed the Province of Nova Scotia’s Executive Leadership Development Program.
Rubina Sultan, Director of Procurement
Rubina is a mother of three young children and the owner of three elderly dogs whom she rescued. Professionally, she has worked as a Chemist, science Educator, Property Manager, and as a Store Manager for an outreach mission. She also devotes considerable time volunteering at her children’s' school and operating community based programs such as homework clubs. Up until five years ago, she was the co-owner of a not-for-profit Labrador and golden retriever dog rescue organization called Save-A-Lab. Rubina and her husband rescued over 50 labs and Golden’s over the years and successfully placed them in good, stable, and loving homes. Many of the dogs they rescued had been abused and required considerable rehabilitation. Rubina came on board with the Foundation because it allows her to combine her love of animals with her desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
Joanne Moss, CEO
Joanne is the founder and CEO of the Foundation. She is a passionate servant leader and devoted disability advocate with hands-on experience in the AAS field. Among her professional designations is a Bachelor Degree in Counselling and specializations in areas such as voluntary sector and project management.
Photo Credit: Winchester resident Joanne Moss, left, receives the Caring Canadian Award from Gov-Gen. David Johnston on Tuesday April 14, 2015 in Ottawa. MCpl Vincent Carbonneau/Submitted.
Joanne Moss, CEO
Joanne is the founder and CEO of the Foundation. She is a passionate servant leader and devoted disability advocate with hands-on experience in the AAS field. Among her professional designations is a Bachelor Degree in Counselling and specializations in areas such as voluntary sector and project management.
Photo Credit: Winchester resident Joanne Moss, left, receives the Caring Canadian Award from Gov-Gen. David Johnston on Tuesday April 14, 2015 in Ottawa. MCpl Vincent Carbonneau/Submitted.