HOOPP Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

HOOPP has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, human capital, risk management, and operational excellence.

Committed to securing the retirement future of healthcare workers, HOOPP delivers sustainable pension solutions through disciplined investment management and member-focused service across the Ontario healthcare community.

Leadership Roles at HOOPP

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Karim Mamdani
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Annesley Wallace
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Jeff Wendling
  • Chief Financial Officer - Reena Carter
  • Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Barbara Thomson
  • Manager, Office of the Chief Operating Officer - Marissa Aguila-Santos
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Cathy Sprague
  • Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer - Linda Halley
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Elena Palumbo-Sergnese
  • Chief Legal Officer - Mary Abbott
  • Karim Mamdani - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Karim Mamdani, the President & Chief Executive Officer at HOOPP, directs the overarching strategic vision for the pension plan. Focusing on long-term sustainability, the President & Chief Executive Officer manages the alignment of investment performance with the retirement needs of Ontario healthcare workers. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to ensure the fund remains robust against market volatility. By prioritizing the financial security of nurses and medical technicians, Mamdani drives the organization toward its core mission of providing reliable retirement income. The President & Chief Executive Officer oversees the integration of complex actuarial data into actionable policy, ensuring that the pension fund maintains its competitive edge within the Canadian healthcare sector. Through rigorous oversight of organizational health, Mamdani secures the future for thousands of members across the province.

    Annesley Wallace - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Annesley Wallace, the President & Chief Executive Officer at HOOPP, architects the operational framework necessary to support the diverse needs of community-based healthcare staff. While the President & Chief Executive Officer focuses on internal efficiency, Wallace also champions the expansion of member services to reach a broader demographic of healthcare professionals. This role requires deep collaboration with external stakeholders to maintain the integrity of the pension plan. By streamlining administrative processes, Wallace enhances the overall member experience for food services staff and laundry workers. The President & Chief Executive Officer monitors the effectiveness of service delivery models, ensuring that every operational decision supports the long-term viability of the fund. Through strategic resource allocation, Wallace strengthens the organizational capacity to serve the evolving requirements of the Ontario healthcare workforce.
    Annesley Wallace

    Jeff Wendling - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Jeff Wendling, the President & Chief Executive Officer at HOOPP, manages the investment portfolio and capital allocation strategies that define the fund's market impact. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Wendling oversees the deployment of assets to generate consistent returns for pensioners. This leadership function involves navigating global financial markets to mitigate risk while capturing growth opportunities. By maintaining a focus on liability-driven investment strategies, Wendling ensures that the pension plan meets its obligations to members across the healthcare sector. The President & Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the investment committee to refine asset allocation models, directly influencing the financial health of the organization. Through disciplined market analysis and strategic foresight, Wendling secures the capital base required to support the retirement goals of the entire HOOPP membership.
    Jeff Wendling

    Reena Carter - Chief Financial Officer

    Reena Carter, the Chief Financial Officer at HOOPP, directs the fiscal planning and reporting functions essential for maintaining the fund's solvency. Overseeing the integrity of financial statements, the Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with regulatory standards governing pension plans in Ontario. This role involves managing the liquidity requirements necessary to support ongoing pension payments to retirees. By analyzing fiscal trends, Carter provides the executive team with the data needed to make informed decisions regarding fund sustainability. The Chief Financial Officer coordinates with internal audit teams to strengthen financial controls and risk mitigation strategies. Through meticulous management of the organization's balance sheet, Reena Carter supports the long-term financial stability of the pension plan, ensuring that every dollar is accounted for and optimized for the benefit of the healthcare workforce.
    Reena Carter

    Barbara Thomson - Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Barbara Thomson, the Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at HOOPP, oversees the comprehensive financial reporting and treasury functions that support the fund's operations. As the Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Thomson manages the cash flow requirements and investment accounting processes. This role involves providing detailed financial analysis to the Board to support informed decision-making regarding pension benefits. By ensuring the accuracy of financial data, Thomson maintains the trust of the members and regulatory bodies. The Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer coordinates with external auditors to verify the financial health of the organization. Through the rigorous management of financial systems, Barbara Thomson ensures that the pension plan remains transparent and accountable, providing a solid foundation for the retirement security of the healthcare professionals served by the fund.
    Barbara Thomson

    Marissa Aguila-Santos - Manager, Office of the Chief Operating Officer

    Marissa Aguila-Santos, the Manager, Office of the Chief Operating Officer at HOOPP, coordinates the daily operational workflows that keep the pension plan running smoothly. Supporting the Chief Operating Officer, the Manager, Office of the Chief Operating Officer facilitates communication between departments to ensure operational alignment. This role involves managing project timelines and tracking the progress of key initiatives that impact service delivery. By streamlining administrative tasks, Aguila-Santos allows the executive team to focus on high-level strategy. The Manager, Office of the Chief Operating Officer monitors the efficiency of internal processes and identifies areas for improvement. Through the diligent management of operational logistics, Marissa Aguila-Santos ensures that the organization maintains the high standards of service expected by the healthcare workers who rely on the pension plan for their future security.

    Cathy Sprague - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Cathy Sprague, the Chief Human Resources Officer at HOOPP, architects the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies that drive internal performance. Focusing on the recruitment of specialized professionals, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the organization maintains the expertise required to manage a complex pension fund. This role involves designing compensation structures and performance management systems that align with the mission of serving healthcare workers. By fostering a culture of excellence, Sprague supports the retention of top-tier talent across all departments. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with leadership to implement training programs that enhance operational capabilities. Through the strategic management of human capital, Cathy Sprague ensures that the workforce remains agile and capable of meeting the evolving demands of the pension industry and the needs of the members.

    Linda Halley - Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer

    Linda Halley, the Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer at HOOPP, manages the dual mandate of protecting the fund from market threats while identifying opportunities for revenue growth. As the Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer, Halley oversees the enterprise risk management framework to ensure the security of pension assets. Simultaneously, the Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer drives initiatives to optimize revenue streams through strategic partnerships and market engagement. This role requires balancing risk appetite with the need for consistent financial performance. By implementing robust monitoring systems, Halley identifies potential vulnerabilities before these issues impact the fund. Through the integration of risk and revenue strategies, Linda Halley ensures that the organization remains resilient while actively pursuing growth that benefits the entire membership base.

    Elena Palumbo-Sergnese - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Elena Palumbo-Sergnese, the Chief Human Resources Officer at HOOPP, directs the employee engagement and diversity initiatives that define the organizational environment. Focusing on the well-being of the staff, the Chief Human Resources Officer implements wellness programs and professional development pathways that support a high-performing workforce. This role involves managing labor relations and ensuring that the internal culture reflects the values of the healthcare sector. By championing inclusive hiring practices, Palumbo-Sergnese builds teams that bring diverse perspectives to the pension management process. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with the executive team to align human resource policies with the long-term strategic goals of the fund. Through the cultivation of a supportive and productive workplace, Elena Palumbo-Sergnese ensures that the organization attracts and retains the talent necessary to serve its members effectively.
    Elena Palumbo-Sergnese
    Mary Abbott, the Chief Legal Officer at HOOPP, directs the legal and compliance framework that governs the pension plan's activities. Overseeing the interpretation of pension legislation, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that all organizational actions align with provincial and federal requirements. This role involves managing legal risks associated with investment contracts and member services. By providing counsel on regulatory changes, Abbott enables the executive team to navigate the complex legal landscape of the healthcare sector. The Chief Legal Officer coordinates with external legal counsel to protect the interests of the fund in all contractual matters. Through the proactive management of legal affairs, Mary Abbott ensures that the organization operates with integrity and remains fully compliant with the laws that protect the retirement savings of the healthcare workforce.
    Mary Abbott

    Explore Leadership Teams in Insurance

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding HOOPP Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads HOOPP?
    HOOPP is led by Karim Mamdani (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Annesley Wallace (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Jeff Wendling (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of HOOPP’s executive team?
    The executive team of HOOPP includes leaders such as Karim Mamdani (President & Chief Executive Officer), Annesley Wallace (President & Chief Executive Officer), Jeff Wendling (President & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does HOOPP have?
    HOOPP has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in HOOPP’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of HOOPP includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer.