Board of Directors
Claudio Munoz, MD PhD, Scientific Director, Head of Research
Claudio Munoz has an MD degree from Chile, and MSc and PhD degrees in Pharmacology and Toxicology from University of Western Ontario. Since 1988, he has participated as a co-investigator or sub-investigator in more than 50 clinical trials of new cardiovascular drugs in Canada, first at the Hypertension Research Unit, and since 1996 at the Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Centre (SPARC) of the London Health Sciences Centre and the Robarts Research Institute, London. Through this work, he has gained extensive experience in all aspects of conducting academic- and industry-sponsored clinical research. He will be responsible for promoting Gateway as a centre of excellence for community-driven clinical research and ensure a constant stream of appropriate research projects. He will be also be responsible for ensuring proper training of clinicians to obtain investigator certification, supervising research coordinators, and organizing and coordinating an external ethic review board. He will also continue his involvement with SPARC, and maintain strong networking and collaboration with other rural research centres and academic institutions.
Mary Lapaine, chair of the Board
A native of Goderich, Huron County, Mary attended Bishop Straughan in Toronto and later Michigan State University. Operated a family hotel, the Bedford in Goderich, and a motel and in 1993, was chair of the Ontario Motel & Hotel Association for two years. Also served on the Goderich Marine Hospital board and in 2003, became chair of the Ontario Hospital Association. In May 2004, became chair of the Canadian Healthcare Association. In January, 2007, appointed to the new South West region Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) Board for a three year term and now serving as vice-chair.
Lin Steffler, president
A resident of Huron East, the last 20 years in Seaforth, Lin has many years experience working with provincial ministries and committees and over 10 years local experience as Police Services Board chair, municipal councilor, municipal reeve and mayor following the Ontario amalgamation process. Lin is also an active community leader and volunteer.
Gwen Devereaux, vice-president
A Huron County native, registered RN and former clinic administrator, Gwen is a physician- and healthcare- recruiter for a number of local hospital agencies. As a community key volunteer, she conceived and initiated the Healthkick program and was also instrumental in creating one of the first community-driven Family Health Teams in Ontario with a mandate of delivery of primary healthcare to local residents. A keen community activist, she continues to promote health care services in the region in both work and private settings.
Chris Lee, Secretary/Treasurer
A resident of Walton in Huron East, Chris is a self-employed businessman and consultant with wide-ranging interests as an entrepreneur. He has had diverse experience on a local and international scale in farming, manufacturing, event promotion and management. He has served a variety of organizations with special interest in issues affecting our community such as the environment, health & wellness and economic development.
