Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre has 9 executives leading key functions including finance, strategy, human resources, digital health, and research.

Driven by a commitment to innovation and patient care, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre provides comprehensive medical and healthcare services, alongside robust medical research and educational programs, significantly impacting the health and well-being of the community.

Leadership Roles at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

  • Chief Financial Officer - Michele Beals
  • Vice President, Corporate Support & Chief Financial Officer - Sarah Chow
  • Co-chair President's Task Force To Accelerate Clinical Trials (PACT) - Wesam Abuzaiter
  • Founding Chair, President's Green Task Force - Michael Lithgow
  • Co-Chair President's Anti Racism Taskforce - Michelle Lynch
  • Vice President, Corporate Strategy Development & Chief Information Officer - Sam Marafioti
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Erin Miller
  • Vice President, Digital Health & Chief Information Officer - Robert Lee
  • Services Director, Strategy & Research & To Vpri Chief of Staff - Heather Soberman
  • Michele Beals - Chief Financial Officer

    Michele Beals, the Chief Financial Officer at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, directs all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Overseeing budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, Michele Beals ensures the organization's financial health and sustainability. This leadership role involves managing investments, optimizing expenditures, and maintaining compliance with all financial regulations. By analyzing financial data, Beals provides critical insights to support strategic decision-making across all departments, including heart and stroke, cancer, trauma, and women and baby services. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight extends to managing revenue streams and ensuring efficient capital deployment for research and educational initiatives. Michele Beals drives financial integrity and supports the center's mission through sound fiscal management.

    Sarah Chow - Vice President, Corporate Support & Chief Financial Officer

    Sarah Chow, the Vice President, Corporate Support & Chief Financial Officer at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, manages critical operational support functions and oversees the organization's financial health. This dual responsibility involves ensuring the efficient delivery of essential services that underpin patient care, research, and education, while also directing financial planning, budgeting, and resource management. Sarah Chow's oversight of corporate support encompasses areas vital to the smooth operation of medical services, including facilities, procurement, and administrative functions. As Chief Financial Officer, Chow ensures fiscal responsibility, optimizes financial performance, and provides strategic financial guidance. By integrating operational support with robust financial oversight, Chow enhances the center's capacity to deliver specialized care in areas such as cancer and women's health. Sarah Chow's leadership drives organizational efficiency and financial stability.

    Wesam Abuzaiter - Co-chair President's Task Force To Accelerate Clinical Trials (PACT)

    Wesam Abuzaiter, the Co-chair President's Task Force To Accelerate Clinical Trials (PACT) at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, leads initiatives focused on expediting the process of clinical research. This leadership position involves driving strategic efforts to streamline the design, approval, and execution of clinical trials, thereby accelerating the translation of medical discoveries into patient treatments. Wesam Abuzaiter collaborates with key stakeholders across research, clinical, and administrative departments to identify and implement process improvements. The focus is on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical trial operations, ensuring Sunnybrook remains at the forefront of medical innovation. By championing the acceleration of clinical trials, Abuzaiter directly contributes to advancing patient care and medical knowledge in areas such as cancer and trauma. Wesam Abuzaiter's work is crucial for enhancing the center's research output and impact.

    Michael Lithgow - Founding Chair, President's Green Task Force

    Michael Lithgow, the Founding Chair, President's Green Task Force at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, spearheads initiatives focused on environmental sustainability and ecological responsibility within the organization. This leadership role involves developing and implementing strategies to reduce the center's environmental footprint, promote sustainable practices, and foster a culture of environmental awareness among staff and patients. Michael Lithgow guides the task force in identifying opportunities for energy efficiency, waste reduction, and responsible resource management across all operations, including medical services and research facilities. The focus is on integrating green principles into the daily functioning of the hospital, aligning with broader health and community well-being goals. By championing environmental stewardship, Lithgow contributes to Sunnybrook's commitment to creating a healthier future. Michael Lithgow's efforts support the center's long-term sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
    Michael Lithgow

    Michelle Lynch - Co-Chair President's Anti Racism Taskforce

    Michelle Lynch, the Co-Chair President's Anti Racism Taskforce at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, leads efforts to foster an equitable and inclusive environment for all individuals within the organization. This critical role involves developing and implementing strategies to identify and dismantle systemic racism, promote diversity, and ensure fair treatment and opportunities for patients and staff. Michelle Lynch collaborates with various stakeholders to advance anti-racism initiatives, enhance cultural competency, and embed principles of equity into all aspects of the center's operations, including patient care, research, and education. The focus is on creating a safe and welcoming space where diversity is celebrated and all voices are heard. By championing anti-racism efforts, Lynch contributes significantly to Sunnybrook's commitment to social justice and health equity. Michelle Lynch's leadership is vital for building a more inclusive and just healthcare environment.

    Sam Marafioti - Vice President, Corporate Strategy Development & Chief Information Officer

    Sam Marafioti, the Vice President, Corporate Strategy Development & Chief Information Officer at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, architects the organization's strategic direction and oversees its technological infrastructure. This dual role involves developing long-term strategic plans that align with the company's mission of providing advanced medical care, research, and education. Sam Marafioti drives the integration of information technology to enhance operational efficiency and patient outcomes across all service lines, including critical areas like heart and stroke, cancer, and trauma care. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include managing IT systems, data security, and digital transformation initiatives. By fostering innovation in strategy and technology, Marafioti ensures Sunnybrook remains at the forefront of healthcare delivery and medical research. Sam Marafioti's leadership supports the center's growth and its educational mandate.

    Erin Miller - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Erin Miller, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, leads all human capital management initiatives. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, and benefits, Erin Miller ensures a skilled and motivated workforce dedicated to patient care and research excellence. This critical role involves developing and implementing HR strategies that support the organization's mission across its diverse medical services, including cancer, trauma, and women and baby programs. The Chief Human Resources Officer fosters a positive and inclusive work environment, driving employee engagement and professional development. By aligning HR practices with organizational goals, Miller supports the recruitment and retention of top medical and research talent. Erin Miller's strategic leadership in human resources is fundamental to Sunnybrook's operational success and its commitment to medical education.
    Erin Miller

    Robert Lee - Vice President, Digital Health & Chief Information Officer

    Robert Lee, the Vice President, Digital Health & Chief Information Officer at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, spearheads the integration and advancement of digital health technologies. Overseeing the development and implementation of innovative digital solutions, Robert Lee enhances patient care delivery, operational efficiency, and medical research capabilities. This leadership position involves managing the organization's information technology infrastructure, ensuring data security, and driving digital transformation across all departments, including specialized areas like heart and stroke, and trauma services. The Chief Information Officer's focus is on leveraging technology to improve patient engagement, streamline clinical workflows, and support cutting-edge medical research. By championing digital health initiatives, Lee ensures Sunnybrook remains at the forefront of technological innovation in healthcare. Robert Lee's strategic vision supports the center's educational mission and its commitment to advanced patient outcomes.

    Heather Soberman - Services Director, Strategy & Research & To Vpri Chief of Staff

    Heather Soberman, the Services Director, Strategy & Research & To Vpri Chief of Staff at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, plays a pivotal role in advancing strategic initiatives and research endeavors. Overseeing key aspects of strategy development and research operations, Heather Soberman supports the Vice President, Research and Innovation in driving critical projects. This position involves coordinating efforts to enhance the center's research capabilities and facilitate the translation of discoveries into patient care, particularly in complex fields like heart and stroke and trauma. The role also involves providing high-level support to the Chief of Staff, ensuring alignment across strategic priorities and operational execution. By focusing on strategic planning and research support, Soberman contributes to Sunnybrook's mission of medical excellence and innovation. Heather Soberman's contributions are integral to the center's research growth and strategic positioning.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre?
    Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is led by Michele Beals (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Sarah Chow (Vice President, Corporate Support & Chief Financial Officer) and Wesam Abuzaiter (Co-chair President's Task Force To Accelerate Clinical Trials (PACT)).
    Who is part of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre’s executive team?
    The executive team of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre includes leaders such as Michele Beals (Chief Financial Officer), Sarah Chow (Vice President, Corporate Support & Chief Financial Officer), Wesam Abuzaiter (Co-chair President's Task Force To Accelerate Clinical Trials (PACT)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre have?
    Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Corporate Support & Chief Financial Officer, Co-chair President's Task Force To Accelerate Clinical Trials (PACT), Founding Chair, President's Green Task Force, Co-Chair President's Anti Racism Taskforce.