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 Master 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.   

Dr. Graeme McKillop 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. 

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 Master's in Health Geography and Bachelor's in Education majoring in Demography and Geography. 

Claire Huxtable is a research analyst from Vancouver, British Columbia with extensive knowledge in the financial and forestry sectors. She holds a Master’s in 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. 

Claire Huxtable is a research analyst from Vancouver, British Columbia with extensive knowledge in the financial and forestry sectors. She holds a Master’s in 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. 

Claire Huxtable is a research analyst from Vancouver, British Columbia with extensive knowledge in the financial and forestry sectors. She holds a Master’s in 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. 

Judith is a communications professional with a Master’s 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. 

Dr. Sam Appavoo is currently practicing at the Riverside Health Care Facility for Emergency and Family Medicine. Dr. Sam Appavoo has achieved BSc (with Honors), a Doctors of Medicine degree, has Fellowship in the College of Family Physicians, and is certified in Emergency Medicine. 

Kim Cook is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Inspiro Healthcare Consulting in Toronto. Kim is a Registered Nurse and has a MSc degree in Health Services Administration. 

Dr. Avnish Mehta is the Family and Community Medicine Corporate Chief and Medical Director for Family Medicine at the Scarborough Health Network. Dr. Avnish Mehta has achieved a Bachelor of Science, a Doctors of Medicine degree, and has Fellowship in the College of Family Physicians. 

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’s in Sciences, and PhD.

Trish Paton is an Evaluation Consultant and Researcher and has a Master of Arts degree. 

Dr. Godfred Boateng is an assistant professor at the School of Global Health, director of the Global and Environmental Health Lab, and a faculty fellow at the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research at York University.  His research program is transdisciplinary and focuses on topics such as resource insecurity, health, sustainable livelihoods, and social inequity in health systems. 

Dr. Godfred Boateng is an assistant professor at the School of Global Health, director of the Global and Environmental Health Lab, and a faculty fellow at the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research at York University.  His research program is transdisciplinary and focuses on topics such as resource insecurity, health, sustainable livelihoods, and social inequity in health systems. 

Mary Mkonyi is the Country Manager for Solidaridad Network in Tanzania, an international NGO dedicated to promoting fair and sustainable supply chains. Based in Arusha, Tanzania, Mary leads strategic initiatives, oversees program implementation, and fosters partnerships with key stakeholders to drive sustainable development. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with Education from the University of Dar es Salaam and a Master of Business Management from the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute. 

Matthew Barnes is a strategic communications leader with more than a decade of experience advising government leaders, C-suite executives, and Boards across Canada on public affairs, crisis management, and reputational risk. He currently serves as a Principal at Navigator Ltd., Canada’s leading high-stakes strategic advisory and communications firm.
 

Previously, he served as a senior advisor to Canada's Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister, where he led the management of high-profile issues, including economic initiatives and Canada's COVID-19 response.
  

Matt's work frequently involves health care and social impact sectors, and as a volunteer he has supported Canada's response to the Afghan and Syrian refugee crises. He brings to the Board deep expertise in governance, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications in high-stakes environments.