2023 CanadianCIO Award Winners
Private Sector
Hesham Fahmy
Chief Information Officer, TELUS
“Being named CanadianCIO of the Year – private sector in 2023 was truly an honour — and a testament to the incredible team at TELUS whose dedication continues to drive meaningful innovation. This recognition reflects our shared commitment to transformation and the positive impact we strive to create together. I’m proud to continue supporting the CanadianCIO of the Year Awards as they recognize leaders who are shaping Canada’s digital future. The road ahead is full of opportunity and I’m excited to keep building it together.”
— Hesham Fahmy, TELUS
Public Sector
Ryan Hum
Chief Data and Information Officer, and VP, Canada Energy Regulator
“People don’t just join roles; they join missions
More than half a century of reports, transcripts, binders, and environmental studies are more than history—they’re an untapped resource. Technology leadership is about understanding emerging capabilities and mobilizing teams to do what was previously impossible!
Proud that our team is recognized for our work to drive change that respects and uplifts Indigenous communities and their traditional knowledge.”
— Ryan Hum, Employment and Social Development Canada; awarded in 2023 while with Canada Energy Regulator
Special Industry Leader Award
Gary Davenport
Board of Directors, CIO Association of Canada
“The most successful CIOs are blessed with the ability to be resilient despite challenging circumstances. It is an honour and a privilege to be included in this Hall of Fame with some of Canada’s most resilient CIOs”
— Gary Davenport, Board of Directors, CIO Association of Canada
2022 CanadianCIO Award Winners
Private Sector (Co-Winner)
Rex Lee
Chief Information Officer, Canadian Tire Corporation
“Receiving the CanadianCIO of the Year – Private Sector award in 2022 was a profound honour and a reflection of the exceptional work being done across Canadian Tire. The recognition underscores the strength of our technology leadership and the dedication of our teams who continue to drive innovation, resilience, and transformation across the organization. I am proud to be part of a company that embraces change and invests in building a digitally empowered future for Canadians. It’s a privilege to support the recognition of digital leadership across Canada as we continue building a future of progress together.”
— Rex Lee, Chief Information Officer, Canadian Tire
Private Sector (Co-Winner)
Julie Levesque
Executive Vice President Technology and Operations, National Bank of Canada
I’m honoured to receive this recognition from the CIO Association of Canada in joining their Hall of Fame. I want to share it with all those who have supported me, challenged me, trusted me, and inspired me over the years. I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible teams and contributing to meaningful projects. To me, this nomination is above all a reflection of teamwork and a shared commitment to innovation and digital transformation.
— Julie Levesque, National Bank of Canada
2021 CanadianCIO Award Winners
Next Generation Leader
Rita Lazar-Tippe
Director of Information, Data Insights, Corporate Innovation, and IT Operations, Alberta Pensions Services Corporations
“Being inducted into the CIO Hall of Fame is a tremendous honor that underscores the importance of leadership and innovation in our rapidly changing digital landscape. This accolade reflects the significant progress we have achieved in the industry, as we continue to break down barriers, embrace transformation, and redefine the role of technology in both business and society. I am deeply thankful for the teams I have had the privilege to lead throughout my career; their unwavering commitment and shared enthusiasm for growth and transformation continue to motivate and inspire me daily.”
— Rita Lazar Tippe, Info-Tech Research Group; awarded in 2021 while with Alberta Pensions Services Corporation
Not-for-Profit CIO of the Year
Jennifer Quaglietta
Vice President, Performance Excellence and Information Services, Healthcare Insurance Reciprocal of Canada (HIROC)
“I am deeply honoured to be recognized as CanadianCIO of the Year in the not-for-profit sector. This award is a reflection not only of my career journey, but of the incredible teams and organizations I’ve had the privilege to lead and partner with. Throughout my career, I have been driven by a commitment to digital transformation, equity, and innovation—leveraging technology as a force for public good and positive change. To be acknowledged by the CIO Association of Canada is both humbling and inspiring, and it strengthens my commitment to continue advancing strategies that harness data, technology, and collaboration to build safer, more inclusive, and more resilient systems for the future.”
— Jennifer Quaglietta, Professional Engineers Ontario; awarded in 2021 while with Healthcare Insurance Reciprocal of Canada (HIROC)
Public Sector
Mari Teitelbaum
CIO and Vice President of Strategy, Quality & Family Partnership, CHEO
Private Sector
Ricardo Costa
CIO, Purolator
2020 CanadianCIO Award Winners
Next Generation Leader
Ivan Yao
Manager, Program Effectiveness, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
“It was an honour and a surprise to receive the award back in 2020 when we were in the midst of the pandemic – where would we all be without technology letting us go on with business and in life. It was gave me great joy in being able to share the recognition with my team – industry acknowledgement of the health and safety platform we produced in such challenging times. It’s great to see CIOCAN continuing to celebrate Canada’s best tech leaders.”
— Ivan Yao, Toronto Hydro; awarded in 2020 while with Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
Public Sector
Samantha Liscio
Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
“It’s a true honour to join the Canadian CIO Hall of Fame and to stand alongside visionary leaders who have shaped Canada’s digital future. Since receiving the CIO of the Year award in 2020, I’ve remained committed to purposeful leadership, developing resilient teams, and technology-driven transformation that delivers real, lasting impact. I’m deeply grateful to be part of this legacy, and to continue learning and contributing alongside such remarkable peers.”
— Samantha Liscio, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; awarded in 2020 while with Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
Non-Profit Sector
Thomas Wardman
Vice President, Digital Transformation & CIO, The Royal Conservatory of Music
“The Canadian CIO of the Year award has been instrumental in my career. Being in the company of esteemed peers, the CIO of the Year award, by CanadianCIO, opened opportunities for advancement based on my industry-wide recognition. I’m honoured and proud to be a part of the CanadianCIO Hall of Fame, supporting technology leadership and innovation across Canada.”
— Thomas Wardman, College IC – Collège IC; awarded in 2020 while with The Royal Conservatory of Music
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