Board of Directors & Senior Staff
CPAR’s dedicated Board members bring a diversified skill set and wide-ranging expertise in health care, community development, law, government relations and communications. Recruited from both Canada and from each of CPAR’s program countries, the Board of Directors’ role is to lead the organization towards achieving our vision, mission.
Executive Director
Kathrina Loeffler
Kathrina Loeffler has been the Executive Director of CPAR since 2019. Kathrina’s interest in international development started at a young age, when she lived in Papua New Guinea and then in Lesotho. Those experiences sparked in her a passion to learn about other cultures and a drive to contribute to ending poverty.
After graduating from high school in Papua New Guinea, Kathrina returned to Canada where she obtained a degree in cultural anthropology from Western University. She then worked in international development for many years while pursuing her Bachelor of Education and Masters of Education in Organizational Studies from the University of Ottawa. Those studies honed her expertise in program evaluation and knowledge transfer that she put to good use as an adult educator and professional facilitator. Her specific areas of expertise include cross-cultural communication, health systems strengthening, continuous quality improvement, and leadership effectiveness.
Throughout her career, Kathrina has had a particular focus on understanding and improving health systems. To that end, she became a Certified Health Executive with the Canadian College of Health Leaders in 2018.
Kathrina brings her unique combination of skills and expertise to advance CPAR’s vital work in Africa. She supports the board of directors, oversees staff operations in Canada and Africa, and represents CPAR with partners and other stakeholders.
Chair
Judith Dyck
Judith is a communications professional with a Masters in Communications and Technology from the University of Alberta. A long time independent consultant, much of her practice has been public sector and health-related, including public engagement and policy work in primary care, health human resources, patient safety, and legislation.
Vice-Chair
Dr. Graeme McKillop
Dr. Graeme is a Family Physician working in Almonte, Ontario. He started out as a Crop Scientist working with an NGO in West Africa before returning to Canada and training in medicine. He holds a Diploma in Tropical Medicine and he is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the University of Ottawa’s Department of Family Medicine.
Treasurer
Claire Huxtable
Claire Huxtable is a research analyst from Vancouver, British Columbia with extensive knowledge in the financial and forestry sectors. She holds a Masters of Business Administration with concentrations in Strategic Management and Finance from the University of British Columbia, and a Bachelor of Science in Forest Resource Management from Laval and the University of British Columbia. A long- time supporter of CPAR, Claire brings valuable skills and perspectives to the Board in key areas for CPAR’s future: ensuring financial sustainability and understanding the impacts of climate change.
Board Members
Getachew Tesfaye
Based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Getachew is the Program Director for ChildFund Ethiopia (a US-based International NGO). Getachew holds an M.Sc. degree in National Development and Project Planning from the University of Bradford (UK), a post-graduate diploma in Development Planning Techniques from the International Institute of Social Studies in The Hague, the Netherlands, and a BA in Economics from Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia.
He previously worked as a Senior Resource Mobilization and Response Officer for the Government of Ethiopia’s Disaster Risk Management and Food Security Sector (DRMFSS), and in various positions for the Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Commission.
George Vilili
George Vilili is the current Executive Director for Farm Radio Trust, the leading organization is the use of ICT based extension services and technologies in Malawi. He has more than 17 years of practical experience in the areas of Program Design and Implementation, Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Strategic management, Social Research and Data Management, in the sectors of Agriculture, Food Security, Nutrition and Livelihood. Before joining Farm Radio Trust, he worked with Farmers Union of Malawi, DanChurchAid, JHPIEGO and Care International. He holds a Masters Degree in Health Geography and Bachelors Degree in Education majoring Demography and Geography.
Susan Williams
Susan Williams enjoyed a long and productive career with the Alberta government. Her last position was Chief Strategy Officer with Alberta Health. Over her 31 years, she worked in finance, economic development, social services and adult education, health and leadership development. In retirement, Susan is travelling extensively and she skis and cycles. Susan lives in Edmonton, Alberta.
A Warm Welcome to Our New Board Members
Dr. Sam Appavoo
Dr. Sam Appavoo is currently practicing at the Riverside Health Care Facility for Emergency and Family Medicine. Dr. Sam Appavoo has achieved a Bachelor of Science (with Honors), a Doctors of Medicine degree, has Fellowship in the College of Family Physicians, and is certified in Emergency Medicine.
Kim Cook
Kim Cook is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Inspiro Healthcare Consulting in Toronto. Kim is a Registered Nurse and has a Master of Sciences in Health Services Administration.
Dr. Avnesh Mehta
Dr. Avnesh Mehta is the Family and Community Medicine Corporate Chief and Medical Director for Family Medicine at the Scarborough Health Network. Dr. Avnesh Mehta has achieved a Bachelor of Science, a Doctors of Medicine degree, and has Fellowship in the College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Paul Mkandawire
Dr. Paul Mkandawire is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies for Human Rights and Social Justice at Carleton University. Dr. Paul Mkandawire has a BA in Economics, Master in Sciences, and PhD.
Trish Paton
Trish Paton is an Evaluation Consultant and Researcher, and has a Master of Arts degree.
Dr. Meshesha Shewarega Gebretsadik
Dr. Meshesha Shewarega Gebretsadik is a Coordinator for The African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Dr. Meshesha Shewarega Gebretsadik has achieved a Bachelor of Arts degree, Master of Arts degree, and a PhD.