Telfer Health Systems Conversations 2026

Today's most pressing health and social challenges do not fit neatly within a single organization, sector, or system. From mental health and housing to primary care and community services, the issues affecting our communities are increasingly interconnected, requiring new approaches to collaboration and leadership.

As a result, a new front line is emerging between organizations, sectors, and systems. Success depends not only on what happens within institutions, but on our collective ability to work across boundaries, align diverse stakeholders, and create solutions that no single organization can achieve alone.

Join us at the Telfer Health Systems Conversations 2026 and participate alongside health system leaders, practitioners, researchers, faculty, alumni, students, and community partners. Share your perspective and explore what it means to lead in this evolving environment and the leadership capabilities needed to drive meaningful change across systems.

What leadership capabilities and practices are needed to tackle challenges that no single organization can solve alone?

Participants will leave with:

• New perspectives on the evolving nature of health systems leadership

• Insights into how collaboration across sectors is reshaping the future of health care and community impact

• A deeper understanding of the role leadership plays in creating collective impact

• Practical lessons from leaders navigating complex, interconnected challenges

• Opportunities to connect with peers from across Ottawa’s Area health and community sectors

Hear from an accomplished group of leaders who are working at the forefront of collaboration, innovation, and system transformation:

• Dr. Samia Chreim, Full Professor and Ian Telfer Professor of Organization Studies, Telfer School of Management, whose research explores how leaders, professionals, and organizations work together to address complex challenges in increasingly interconnected systems.
  
• Nina Gorka, Chief Executive Officer, Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa, a recognized leader in youth services, housing, shelters, and community-based programs who is known for fostering meaningful partnerships and innovative approaches to community well-being.
  
• Dr. Lindy Samson, Strategic Lead for Integrated Child and Youth Health Systems and Population Health Outcomes at CHEO, whose work focuses on advancing integrated models of care and strengthening collaboration across health, community, and family support systems.
  
• Suzanne Obiorah, Chief Executive Officer of the Somerset West Community Health Centre, a respected leader in health equity, public health, and systems transformation whose initiatives have addressed some of Ottawa's most complex community challenges.
  
• Marc Maracle, Executive Director of Gignul Non-Profit Housing Corporation, who has spent more than four decades building bridges across Indigenous communities, governments, housing providers, and community organizations to advance collective solutions.
  
• Elizabeth Tanguay, Executive Director of Montfort Renaissance, a highly respected health system leader recognized for advancing collaboration, integration, and innovation across complex healthcare environments.

This event is designed for:

• Health system leaders and decision-makers

• Health-care practitioners and administrators

• Community and social service leaders

• Policy professionals and public sector representatives

• Researchers and faculty members

• MHA and EMHA alumni

• Current students interested in health leadership and system transformation

Following the panel discussion, attendees are invited to continue the conversation during a networking reception. This is an opportunity to connect with leaders, colleagues, alumni, students, and community partners who share a commitment to improving health outcomes through collaboration and innovation.

Space is limited. Reserve your spot and join the conversation on the future of leadership across health systems.