CMHA National Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

CMHA National has 7 executives leading key functions including national strategy, regional mental health services, operational oversight, technology integration, and board governance.

Committed to advancing mental health for all, CMHA National delivers essential advocacy, research, and support services across Canada to improve community well-being and foster inclusive mental health care systems.

Leadership Roles at CMHA National

  • Chief Executive Officer - Susan Farrell
  • Chief Executive Officer Saskatchewan - Trevor Gates
  • Chief Operating Officer - Joseph Kim
  • Board Member - President - Debra Dawe
  • President of Team Time Socail Club - Louise Patterson
  • Case Manager Chief Technology Officer West Team - Rand Hilaneh
  • Chief Operations Officer - Anne MacPhee
  • Susan Farrell - Chief Executive Officer

    Susan Farrell, the Chief Executive Officer at CMHA National, directs the overarching strategic vision for mental health advocacy and service delivery across Canada. Farrell coordinates with national stakeholders to expand research initiatives and educational programs designed to support individuals experiencing mental illness. By aligning organizational goals with federal health mandates, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent quality in service provision throughout the country. Susan Farrell maintains rigorous oversight of national policy development, driving systemic change within the mental health sector. This leadership role involves managing complex relationships with provincial branches to unify the national approach to care. Through the implementation of evidence-based practices, the Chief Executive Officer strengthens the capacity of the association to address diverse community needs. Ultimately, Farrell secures the long-term sustainability of national mental health programs while championing the rights of those navigating mental health challenges.

    Trevor Gates - Chief Executive Officer Saskatchewan

    Trevor Gates, the Chief Executive Officer Saskatchewan at CMHA National, manages regional mental health operations and service delivery across the province. Gates architects localized support frameworks that address specific community requirements within the Saskatchewan region. By overseeing the implementation of provincial advocacy and education initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer Saskatchewan ensures that mental health resources remain accessible to diverse populations. Trevor Gates coordinates with local health authorities to integrate specialized services into the broader provincial care network. This leadership role involves optimizing regional resource allocation to maximize the impact of mental health programs. Through the development of community-based partnerships, the Chief Executive Officer Saskatchewan drives regional engagement and awareness. Ultimately, Gates strengthens the provincial infrastructure for mental health support, ensuring that the association effectively meets the evolving needs of residents throughout the Saskatchewan territory.
    Trevor Gates

    Joseph Kim - Chief Operating Officer

    Joseph Kim, the Chief Operating Officer at CMHA National, directs the internal business functions and administrative efficiency of the organization. Kim oversees the daily operational workflows that support the delivery of mental health services and research initiatives. By streamlining organizational processes, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that resources reach frontline programs effectively across the national network. Joseph Kim manages the integration of operational policies with the broader mission of the association, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence. This leadership role involves collaborating with other executives to align administrative capacity with strategic growth objectives. Through the optimization of internal systems, the Chief Operating Officer drives organizational stability and operational readiness. Ultimately, Kim supports the mission by maintaining a robust infrastructure that allows the association to focus on providing high-quality mental health advocacy and support services to Canadians nationwide.

    Debra Dawe - Board Member - President

    Debra Dawe, the Board Member - President at CMHA National, directs the governance and strategic oversight of the association. Dawe leads the board in establishing long-term policies that guide the mission of providing mental health services and advocacy. By overseeing the alignment of board decisions with the needs of the Canadian public, the Board Member - President ensures that the organization remains focused on its core objectives. Debra Dawe facilitates communication between the board and executive leadership to maintain transparency and accountability in all organizational activities. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of ethical governance and strategic foresight. Through the guidance of the board, the Board Member - President drives the association toward sustainable growth and increased impact in the mental health sector. Ultimately, Dawe secures the integrity of the organization, ensuring that the association continues to serve as a trusted leader in mental health support.

    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 facilitate peer engagement and mental health recovery. Patterson oversees the development of social initiatives designed to reduce isolation and promote community integration for individuals experiencing mental illness. By managing the daily activities and outreach efforts of the club, the President of Team Time Socail Club ensures that participants receive consistent support and social connection. Louise Patterson coordinates with national program leads to align local social activities with the broader mission of the association. This leadership role involves fostering a welcoming environment that encourages personal growth and peer-to-peer support. Through the expansion of social programming, the President of Team Time Socail Club drives community participation and awareness. Ultimately, Patterson strengthens the social fabric of the association, providing essential support networks that complement clinical mental health services.

    Rand Hilaneh - Case Manager Chief Technology Officer West Team

    Rand Hilaneh, the Case Manager Chief Technology Officer West Team at CMHA National, architects the digital infrastructure and case management systems for the western regional operations. Hilaneh drives the adoption of secure technology platforms to enhance the delivery of mental health services and client tracking. By overseeing the technical integration of case management tools, the Case Manager Chief Technology Officer West Team ensures that clinical data remains accurate and accessible for regional support teams. Rand Hilaneh coordinates with IT departments to implement innovative solutions that improve the efficiency of mental health service delivery. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between technical requirements and the practical needs of case managers in the field. Through the modernization of digital workflows, the Case Manager Chief Technology Officer West Team supports the expansion of mental health outreach across western provinces, ultimately improving client outcomes through data-driven care.

    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. MacPhee oversees the coordination of cross-functional teams to ensure that educational and research projects meet established performance benchmarks. By driving operational excellence in service delivery, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that the association maintains high standards of care across all Canadian regions. Anne MacPhee collaborates with regional leaders to standardize operational procedures and improve the scalability of mental health support services. This leadership role involves monitoring project timelines and resource utilization to support the overall mission of the organization. Through the implementation of strategic operational frameworks, the Chief Operations Officer enhances the effectiveness of national advocacy efforts. Ultimately, MacPhee strengthens the operational foundation of the association, ensuring that mental health services remain responsive to the needs of the public.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CMHA National Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads CMHA National?
    CMHA National is led by Susan Farrell (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Trevor Gates (Chief Executive Officer Saskatchewan) and Joseph Kim (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of CMHA National’s executive team?
    The executive team of CMHA National includes leaders such as Susan Farrell (Chief Executive Officer), Trevor Gates (Chief Executive Officer Saskatchewan), Joseph Kim (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does CMHA National have?
    CMHA National has 7 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 Operating Officer, Board Member - President, President of Team Time Socail Club.