CMHA National Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

CMHA National has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, regional operations, financial oversight, operational management, and technology integration.

Committed to advancing mental health support across Canada, CMHA National drives systemic change through advocacy, research, and accessible community services to improve well-being for all citizens.

Leadership Roles at CMHA National

  • Chief Executive Officer - Rashaad Vahed
  • Chief Executive Officer Saskatchewan - Trevor Gates
  • Chief Financial Officer - Iskandar Massis
  • Chief Operating Officer - Joseph Kim
  • President - Kelly Howey
  • Board Member - President - Debra Dawe
  • President of Team Time Socail Club - Louise Patterson
  • Case Manager Chief Technology Officer West Team - Rand Hilaneh
  • Chief Technology Officer, Case Management & Nurse - Anne Manley
  • Chief Operations Officer - Anne MacPhee
  • Rashaad Vahed - Chief Executive Officer

    Rashaad Vahed, the Chief Executive Officer at CMHA National, directs the overarching strategic vision for mental health advocacy and service delivery across Canada. By aligning national research initiatives with community-based support programs, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that mental health resources reach diverse populations effectively. Rashaad Vahed maintains constant communication with the Board to refine organizational goals and secure long-term sustainability for the association. This leadership role involves navigating complex policy landscapes to influence federal mental health standards while fostering partnerships with provincial branches. Through rigorous oversight of national programs, the Chief Executive Officer strengthens the impact of mental health services. By prioritizing evidence-based practices, Vahed advances the mission of providing comprehensive support to persons experiencing mental illness. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer champions a national framework that promotes mental wellness and reduces systemic barriers to care throughout the country.
    Rashaad Vahed

    Trevor Gates - Chief Executive Officer Saskatchewan

    Trevor Gates, the Chief Executive Officer Saskatchewan at CMHA National, manages regional mental health service delivery and community engagement initiatives within the province. Overseeing local advocacy efforts, the Chief Executive Officer Saskatchewan ensures that provincial programs align with national standards while addressing specific regional needs. Trevor Gates coordinates with local stakeholders to expand access to mental health education and support services. This leadership role requires balancing operational efficiency with the compassionate delivery of care to individuals facing mental illness. By optimizing resource allocation across Saskatchewan, the Chief Executive Officer Saskatchewan drives measurable improvements in community mental health outcomes. Gates fosters collaborative relationships with healthcare providers to integrate services seamlessly. Through strategic planning and local outreach, the Chief Executive Officer Saskatchewan strengthens the presence of the association in the region. Ultimately, Gates secures the necessary support to sustain vital mental health programs for the Saskatchewan population.
    Trevor Gates

    Iskandar Massis - Chief Financial Officer

    Iskandar Massis, the Chief Financial Officer at CMHA National, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for all national mental health programs. Overseeing financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that funding for research, advocacy, and community services remains stable and transparent. Iskandar Massis directs budget development and monitors expenditures to maximize the impact of charitable contributions. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board to maintain rigorous financial compliance and reporting standards. By analyzing economic trends, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of mental health services across Canada. Massis implements robust financial controls to protect the assets of the association. Through strategic investment in operational infrastructure, the Chief Financial Officer enhances the capacity of the organization to serve those experiencing mental illness. Ultimately, Massis provides the financial foundation necessary for the association to execute its mission and achieve long-term growth in the mental health sector.

    Joseph Kim - Chief Operating Officer

    Joseph Kim, the Chief Operating Officer at CMHA National, directs the daily operational functions and service delivery workflows that support mental health initiatives nationwide. Overseeing internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that advocacy, education, and research programs function with maximum efficiency. Joseph Kim coordinates cross-departmental efforts to streamline the delivery of mental health services to communities throughout Canada. This leadership role involves optimizing organizational structures to improve responsiveness to the needs of persons experiencing mental illness. By implementing scalable operational models, the Chief Operating Officer supports the growth of the association. Kim works closely with other executives to align operational output with the strategic mission of the organization. Through continuous process improvement, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the quality and accessibility of mental health support. Ultimately, Kim ensures that the operational backbone of the association remains resilient and capable of meeting the evolving demands of the mental health landscape.

    Kelly Howey - President

    Kelly Howey, the President at CMHA National, provides high-level leadership and governance to guide the association in its mission to support mental health across Canada. Overseeing the strategic direction of the organization, the President ensures that advocacy and research efforts remain focused on the needs of those experiencing mental illness. Kelly Howey represents the association in national forums to influence mental health policy and public awareness. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of excellence and accountability within the organization. By engaging with stakeholders and partners, the President expands the influence of the association. Howey collaborates with the Board to set long-term objectives that address the evolving mental health landscape. Through visionary leadership, the President strengthens the commitment of the association to community well-being. Ultimately, Howey guides the organization toward achieving its goals of providing comprehensive mental health services and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness.

    Debra Dawe - Board Member - President

    Debra Dawe, the Board Member - President at CMHA National, oversees the governance and fiduciary responsibilities of the association to ensure alignment with its charitable mission. Leading the Board, the Board Member - President directs the strategic oversight of national mental health programs and advocacy initiatives. Debra Dawe facilitates communication between the Board and the executive team to ensure that organizational goals are met with integrity. This leadership role involves setting policies that govern the delivery of mental health services and research. By maintaining high standards of corporate governance, the Board Member - President protects the interests of the association and the communities served. Dawe evaluates the performance of the organization against its mission to provide support for mental illness. Through diligent oversight, the Board Member - President ensures the long-term viability of the association. Ultimately, Dawe provides the necessary guidance to maintain the focus of the organization on its core values.

    Louise Patterson - President of Team Time Socail Club

    Louise Patterson, the President of Team Time Socail Club at CMHA National, directs the community-based social support programs that provide essential peer interaction for individuals experiencing mental illness. Overseeing the daily activities of the social club, the President of Team Time Socail Club ensures that members receive consistent support and engagement opportunities. Louise Patterson manages the local operations and volunteer coordination necessary to maintain a welcoming environment. This leadership role involves creating programs that foster social inclusion and reduce isolation for club members. By facilitating group activities, the President of Team Time Socail Club promotes mental wellness and community connection. Patterson works to integrate the club into the broader network of mental health services provided by the association. Through dedicated leadership, the President of Team Time Socail Club enhances the quality of life for participants. Ultimately, Patterson ensures that the social club remains a vital resource for community-based mental health support.

    Rand Hilaneh - Case Manager Chief Technology Officer West Team

    Rand Hilaneh, the Case Manager Chief Technology Officer West Team at CMHA National, architects digital solutions to enhance case management efficiency for the western regional operations. Overseeing the integration of technology into mental health service delivery, the Case Manager Chief Technology Officer West Team ensures that data-driven insights improve patient support outcomes. Rand Hilaneh manages the deployment of software tools that assist case managers in tracking progress and coordinating care for individuals with mental illness. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between clinical requirements and technical capabilities to streamline workflows. By modernizing digital infrastructure, the Case Manager Chief Technology Officer West Team facilitates better communication across the western team. Hilaneh drives innovation in how the association manages complex cases. Through the application of advanced technology, the Case Manager Chief Technology Officer West Team optimizes the delivery of mental health services. Ultimately, Hilaneh secures the digital tools necessary for effective, high-quality care.

    Anne Manley - Chief Technology Officer, Case Management & Nurse

    Anne Manley, the Chief Technology Officer, Case Management & Nurse at CMHA National, directs the implementation of clinical technology systems that support nursing staff and case management teams. Overseeing the digital transformation of patient care records, the Chief Technology Officer, Case Management & Nurse ensures that clinical data remains secure and accessible for improved mental health outcomes. Anne Manley integrates nursing expertise with technical strategy to design systems that simplify complex care coordination. This leadership role involves training staff on new platforms and ensuring that technology enhances the quality of direct support provided to individuals. By leveraging digital health tools, the Chief Technology Officer, Case Management & Nurse improves the efficiency of clinical interventions. Manley collaborates with the broader technology team to maintain robust systems. Through the strategic use of health informatics, the Chief Technology Officer, Case Management & Nurse advances the standard of care. Ultimately, Manley optimizes clinical workflows to better serve the community.

    Anne MacPhee - Chief Operations Officer

    Anne MacPhee, the Chief Operations Officer at CMHA National, manages the logistical execution of national mental health programs and service expansion efforts. Overseeing the implementation of community-based support models, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that operational activities align with the mission of providing accessible mental health services. Anne MacPhee coordinates regional resources to maintain consistent service quality across the country. This leadership role involves managing complex supply chains for educational materials and research resources. By refining operational procedures, the Chief Operations Officer increases the reach of the association. MacPhee works with the executive team to translate strategic goals into actionable operational plans. Through rigorous oversight of program delivery, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that the association meets the needs of persons experiencing mental illness. Ultimately, MacPhee drives the operational excellence required to sustain the national impact of the organization and support its long-term growth objectives.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CMHA National Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads CMHA National?
    CMHA National is led by Rashaad Vahed (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Trevor Gates (Chief Executive Officer Saskatchewan) and Iskandar Massis (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of CMHA National’s executive team?
    The executive team of CMHA National includes leaders such as Rashaad Vahed (Chief Executive Officer), Trevor Gates (Chief Executive Officer Saskatchewan), Iskandar Massis (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does CMHA National have?
    CMHA National has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in CMHA National’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of CMHA National includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer Saskatchewan, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President.