The Lung Health Foundation (LHF) is proud to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors, effective June 26, 2025. These appointments reflect LHF’s deep commitment to person-centered care, informed governance, and financial stability that will help transform lung health outcomes across Canada.
Joining the board are Joanna Wilson, a seasoned healthcare communicator and long-time LHF volunteer; Andrew Mitchell, a leading voice in Canadian institutional investment and member of LHF’s Finance Committee; and The Honourable Dr. Kirsty Duncan, former federal cabinet minister and global health advocate who contributes her expertise on LHF’s Strategic Directions Committee.
“We are thrilled to welcome Joanna, Andrew, and Kirsty to the Board,” says Jessica Buckley, President and CEO of the Lung Health Foundation. “Each of them brings not only extraordinary leadership in their respective fields, but also a deep personal connection to our mission and a proven commitment to improving lung health for all Canadians. Their collective expertise will be critical as we continue our work to reduce the burden of lung disease and create equitable access to prevention, care, and support.”
These appointments come at a time when more than six million Canadians are impacted by lung disease. Whether facing asthma, COPD, lung cancer, or the growing challenges of air pollution and youth vaping, Canadians need a stronger lung health system now more than ever. The Lung Health Foundation’s Board of Directors plays an important role in shaping this response, guiding the organization’s strategic direction, championing key priorities, and ensuring strong governance and accountability.
Meet the Newest Members of the LHF Board of Directors:
Joanna Wilson
Strategic Health Communicator and Purpose-Driven Leader
Joanna Wilson joins the Board after years of hands-on service with LHF’s Marketing Council and Lung Cancer Advisory Committee, where she brought both professional expertise and a personal connection having lost her mother-in-law to lung cancer. With more than 30 years of experience in global health communications, Joanna has supported patient communities and advanced public health initiatives in Canada and around the world.
Currently EVP and National Practice Lead, Health & Wellness at Burson Canada, Joanna is a force for transformation in the healthcare communications landscape. She previously led Edelman’s global Novartis account and has stewarded major campaigns for AstraZeneca, Merck, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and several organizations including Diabetes Canada, CNIB, and the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer.
Joanna’s award-winning campaigns have earned recognition from the Cannes Lions, Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS), International Association for Business Communicators (IABC), and SABRE Awards. She holds degrees from Queen’s University and the University of Toronto and is widely regarded as a leader who can bridge strategy with storytelling to effect lasting change in health outcomes.
Andrew Mitchell
Financial Strategist and Advocate for Families Affected by Asthma
Andrew Mitchell brings a powerful combination of financial expertise and personal experience to the LHF Board. A Managing Director and Institutional Portfolio Manager at RBC Global Asset Management (RBC GAM) Andrew works with endowments, family offices, and corporate clients on multi-asset mandates. He is also a member of RBC’s Canadian Institutional Management Committee and was a key contributor to the firm’s Proxy Voting Committee for 15 years.
A CFA charterholder and graduate of the London School of Economics and Western University, Andrew has been recognized nationally as a top-ranked equities analyst in media and communications. But beyond the boardroom, Andrew brings unique lived experience, insight and urgency to his involvement with LHF.
On LHF’s Finance Committee, Andrew has been instrumental in ensuring strong fiscal stewardship and helping position the organization for long-term growth. His strategic thinking and commitment to health equity will be vital in guiding LHF through its next phase of impact.
The Honourable Dr. Kirsty Duncan
Leader in Science, Health Policy, and Gender Equity
A globally respected scientist, educator, and public servant, Dr. Kirsty Duncan brings a legacy of leadership and advocacy to the Lung Health Foundation. As a five-time elected Member of Parliament and Canada’s former Minister of Science, Sport, and Persons with Disabilities, she has played a pivotal role in advancing health and equity policy both at home and on the national stage.
During her tenure in federal cabinet, Dr. Duncan led G7, G20, and UN delegations and served as Deputy House Leader of the Government. She played key roles on the COVID-19 cabinet committee and was the founding Chair of the Standing Committee on Science and Research in the House of Commons. Her influence spans portfolios including health, environment, and women’s rights, making her uniquely positioned to support LHF’s efforts to drive systemic change in lung health.
Before entering politics, Dr. Duncan was an associate professor at the University of Toronto and University of Windsor. She gained international recognition for leading a scientific expedition to the Arctic to uncover the cause of the 1918 influenza virus, an experience she chronicled in her acclaimed book Hunting the 1918 Flu: One Scientist’s Search for a Killer Virus. Dr. Duncan also served as Lead Author for North America on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which jointly received the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with former U.S. Vice-President Al Gore. Her most recent book, The Exclusion Effect: How the Sciences Discourage Girls & Women & What to Do About It, is a powerful call to action for gender equity in science.
Her lifelong dedication to health, education, and the inclusion of underrepresented communities is well aligned with LHF’s values and mission.
As the Lung Health Foundation looks ahead, the leadership and lived experience of these new board members will help guide bold initiatives across research, education, advocacy, and patient care.
“We’re not just building a board, we’re building a movement,” says Jessica Buckley. “Joanna, Andrew, and Kirsty each bring the kind of vision, empathy, and expertise needed to tackle this national health crisis head-on. Together, we will ensure that no Canadian is left behind when it comes to their lung health.”
To learn more about the Lung Health Foundation’s mission and how you can get involved, visit www.lunghealth.ca.
