CanadianCIO Hall of Fame
“Bell is proud to have been the Innovator Sponsor for the CanadianCIO of the Year Awards Hall of Fame, aligning with our commitment to fostering innovation and continued growth in Canada. We were inspired by the groundbreaking work showcased, reinforcing our belief in the power of visionary leadership to shape a transformative and sovereign technological future for Canadians.”
– Matthew Leppanen, Director, Partnerships, Marketing and Enablement, Bell
2025 CanadianCIO Award Winners
Private Sector
Catherine Desgagnés-Belzil
Executive Vice-President, Leader of Business Performance & IT, Beneva
“What an incredible evening! I’m truly honored to be recognized, and proud of the amazing teams at Beneva who make it all possible. It was great to connect with inspiring peers in IT and celebrate leadership from across Canada.
Thanks to CIOCAN for the recognition and for shining a light on the people driving digital progress across the country.”— Catherine Desgagnés-Belzil, Beneva
Public Sector
Scott McKenna
Chief Information Officer, Nova Scotia Health Authority
“Thank you to the CIO Association of Canada. I’m honoured to receive this recognition, but for me, it’s truly a team award. So many people across our Nova Scotia teams are doing incredible work advancing data interoperability, AI and digital transformation of the health system. This is so personal for many of us as it impacts our lives and those of our friends, families, and future generations. That is a great motivator and I’m privileged to play a part in this transformation.”
— Scott McKenna, Nova Scotia Health Authority
Not-For-Profit Sector
Lesa O’Brien
Executive Vice President, Digital Strategy and Technology, Canadian Cancer Society
“Thank you to the CIO Association of Canada for this tremendous honour. I am so proud to accept the CIO of the Year Not for Profit award on behalf of the extraordinary team at the Canadian Cancer Society. This recognition reflects our shared vision and the investments we have made in change, technology, and, most importantly, people. Together, we are transforming how we work so we can deliver even more meaningful, lasting impact for those affected by cancer.”
— Lesa O’Brien, Canadian Cancer Society
CISO of the Year
Brent Fowles
Director of Cyber Security and Business Services, Western University
“Nothing prepare you for being celebrated by an organization like CIO Association of Canada. As intimidating as it was to be in a roomful of Canadian CIO’s and award winners the members and staff were incredibly welcoming, engaging and genuinely interested in supporting the CISO of the Year award and the great work that my SOC team and Western University are doing on solidifying our cybersecurity posture. It was a privilege to be included with the CIO award winners and the great accomplishments that they also shared.
Thanks again for supporting the CISO of the Year award and continuing to highlight the great work being done in Canadian organizations.”
— Brent Fowles, Western University
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 | Honorary CIOCAN Member
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, 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, 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
Public Sector
Mohammad Qureshi
Corporate Chief Information Officer / Associate Deputy Minister, Ontario Government
“Being named CanadianCIO of the Year was a true honour — and a reflection of the incredible teams across the Ontario Public Service who are driving meaningful innovation every day. Digital transformation is about people, trust, and purpose. This recognition speaks to our shared commitment to inclusive leadership and modernizing public services.”
— Mohammad Qureshi, Ontario Government
2021 CanadianCIO Award Winners
Next Generation Leader | Honorary CIOCAN Member
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)
Private Sector
Ricardo Costa
Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President Product Development, Purolator
“I was deeply honoured to receive the CanadianCIO Award from the CIO Association of Canada. This recognition is especially meaningful because it represents the collective effort of so many people I’ve had the privilege to learn from and work alongside. I’ve always believed that leadership in technology is about enabling others, creating the conditions for innovation, collaboration, and growth to flourish. I see this award not as a personal achievement, but as a reflection of a shared journey toward building meaningful, lasting impact through technology.”
— Ricardo Costa, Purolator
Public Sector
Mari Teitelbaum
CIO and Vice President of Strategy, Quality & Family Partnership, CHEO
“I’m honoured by this recognition from the Canadian CIO community. My journey in technology leadership has always been about pairing curiosity with hard work – using digital tools to simplify care, empower people, and keep kids healthy. The pandemic was a remarkable moment which magnified that work, showing how profoundly technology can expand access to care when it matters most. The real milestone isn’t the technology itself, but the health outcomes it enables.”
— Mari Teitelbaum, CHEO
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
2026 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
The Lifetime Achievement Award honours a distinguished leader whose career reflects exceptional innovation and service to the technology profession. This award recognizes a long-standing CIOCAN member whose vision, collaboration, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the CIO Association of Canada and Canada’s technology leadership community.
Dianne Lapierre
Non-Profit Board Member – Various
“My success as a CIO was due in part to the education, support and mentoring I received from CIOCAN. As CIO’s we don’t really have peers in our organizations – our peers in the C-Suite are our “customers” to whom we deliver projects and services. It’s a different, often competitive, at times adversarial relationship. My fellow CIOCAN senior technology leaders were my sounding board, my mentors and sometimes my therapists who helped me work through the challenges of the CIO role. I owe them much gratitude and hope I gave back some of what I received. Thank you so very much for this award!”
— Dianne Lapierre
2025 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
The Lifetime Achievement Award honours a distinguished leader whose career reflects exceptional innovation and service to the technology profession. This award recognizes a long-standing CIOCAN member whose vision, collaboration, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the CIO Association of Canada and Canada’s technology leadership community.
Shari Wallace
Chief Information Officer, Greater Vancouver REALTORS®
“Thank you to the CIO Association for the tremendous honour of a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025. Through multiple industries, teams and projects – I always felt fellow members were there as a source of inspiration and insight; as peers, colleagues and friends. While some are now moving to the next career stage – as mentors, educators, advisors, fractional CXOs – we’re committed to staying connected and continuing the important conversations that remain integral to monthly CIO Association meetings.“
— Shari Wallace
2024 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
The Lifetime Achievement Award honours a distinguished leader whose career reflects exceptional innovation and service to the technology profession. This award recognizes a long-standing CIOCAN member whose vision, collaboration, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the CIO Association of Canada and Canada’s technology leadership community.
Philippe Johnston
Global Strategic Partner, ADAMnetworks®
“Serving as a CIO was one of the great privileges of my career. I feel blessed to have supported the organizations I worked with in driving meaningful business success. Being inducted into the Canadian CIO Hall of Fame, alongside so many outstanding CIOs, is a tremendous honor.”
— Philippe Johnston
2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
The Lifetime Achievement Award honours a distinguished leader whose career reflects exceptional innovation and service to the technology profession. This award recognizes a long-standing CIOCAN member whose vision, collaboration, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the CIO Association of Canada and Canada’s technology leadership community.
Gary Munro
Chief Information Officer, City of North Vancouver
“Receiving the CIOCAN Lifetime Achievement Award was a true honor and a highlight of my career. Now retired, but still actively involved with the CIO Association, I look back with gratitude for the opportunities to lead, innovate, and help shape the tech community.”
— Gary Munro, City of North Vancouver
2022 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
The Lifetime Achievement Award honours a distinguished leader whose career reflects exceptional innovation and service to the technology profession. This award recognizes a long-standing CIOCAN member whose vision, collaboration, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the CIO Association of Canada and Canada’s technology leadership community.
Humza Teherany
Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership)
“I’m deeply honored to be inducted into the CIO Association of Canada Hall of Fame. Receiving the CIOCAN Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 was a defining moment in my career, and this recognition reflects a journey shaped by curiosity, courage, and a belief that technology can meaningfully move organizations — and people — forward. I’ve always seen technology as more than systems or infrastructure; it is a catalyst for innovation, business growth, and transformation. I’m grateful to CIOCAN for fostering a Canadian technology leadership community that inspires leaders to think boldly, align technology with business outcomes, and create lasting impact.”
— Humza Teherany, MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership)
2021 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
The Lifetime Achievement Award honours a distinguished leader whose career reflects exceptional innovation and service to the technology profession. This award recognizes a long-standing CIOCAN member whose vision, collaboration, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the CIO Association of Canada and Canada’s technology leadership community.
Jories Timmers
IT and Cybersecurity Director, Powerex
“Arriving in Canada twenty years ago from Europe with an engineering background and fifteen years in IT, I found my professional home in CIOCAN immediately. Leadership at the top can be lonely, and CIOCAN gave me something unique: a genuine peer community that supports you through technology decisions, leadership challenges, and difficult moments alike. CIOCAN mirrors my own values: authentic relationships, community building, and lasting connections. It has helped me grow both personally and professionally.”
— Jories Timmers, Powerex
2020 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
The Lifetime Achievement Award honours a distinguished leader whose career reflects exceptional innovation and service to the technology profession. This award recognizes a long-standing CIOCAN member whose vision, collaboration, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the CIO Association of Canada and Canada’s technology leadership community.
Alex Buhler
Chief Technology Officer, INDOCHINA
“I’m honoured to have received the 2020 CIOCAN Lifetime Achievement Award. Since joining CIOCAN in 2005 and the Vancouver Chapter Board in 2006, the Association has been a source of perspective, challenge, growth, and community. Over my service—including two years as Vice President and four as Chapter President—I had the privilege of helping shape programming, organized 30+ events, contributed to national strategy, co-chaired a Peer Forum, and launched the CIOCAN LinkedIn group in 2008. I’m especially proud of advancing leadership development with SFU and supporting CaseIT for over a decade. Most of all, I’m grateful for the friendships, insight, national network of peers, the candid conversations and the camaraderie CIOCAN has given me.”
— Alex Buhler, INDOCHINA
Honorary Members
A precursor to the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Honourary Membership recognizes exceptional CIO leaders whose enduring service, leadership, and contributions have left an indelible mark on CIOCAN and Canada’s technology community.
Bestowed with the endorsement of the National Board, this prestigious distinction celebrates individuals whose vision, influence, and dedication have helped shape the evolution of the profession, strengthened our national community, and advanced the role of technology leadership across Canada.
Catherine Aczel Boivie
Founder’s Award Recipient
“When we started CIOCAN, the goal was simple: to create a trusted community where technology leaders could learn from one another and strengthen the role of the CIO in Canada. It has been inspiring to see how the organization has grown and the impact it continues to have. I am deeply honoured by this recognition and grateful to have been part of building this community.”
— Catherine Aczel Boivie, Founder of CIOCAN
Gary Davenport
Board of Directors, CIO Association of Canada
“It has been my privilege to serve the Association’s membership and the Canadian CIO profession under the mantra of “growth, influence and impact” working alongside some truly remarkable leaders over the years. Thank you very much to the 2014 Board of Directors for the honor of this Lifetime Achievement Award.”
— Gary Davenport, CIO Association of Canada
Andrew Dillane
President and Chief Product Officer, Curasion Inc.
“For years I watched technology leaders earn a seat at the business table. Today, because technology is so central to how every business operates and competes, many of them are leading it. CIOCAN was foundational in that journey for me, providing a place to learn and grow alongside some of Canada’s best technology executives. I am proud to be part of this community.”
— Andrew Dillane, Curasion Inc.
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
Jim Williams
Founding CIOCAN Board Member
“It has been a true privilege to help build and grow a community supporting Canada’s technology leaders. As one of the three founding members of CIOCAN, I helped shape the organization’s early vision and expansion by establishing chapters in Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Ottawa, while supporting the growth of the Vancouver and Toronto chapters. From 1998 to 2015, my focus was on fostering a trusted national network where CIOs could collaborate, share experiences, and strengthen the role and impact of technology leadership across Canada .”
— Jim Williams, Founding CIOCAN Board Member
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