Jessica Buckley
President & CEO
jbuckley@lunghealth.ca
416-864-9911
Jessica Buckley was appointed President & Chief Executive Officer of the Lung Health Foundation in September 2022. Her entrepreneurial spirit and people-first leadership approach supports the Lung Health Foundation team in their drive to innovate and effect positive change for those living with lung disease. Jessica is focused on building lasting relationships across Canada with like-minded organizations, governments, healthcare professionals, researchers, and patients in order to fulfil our mission of improving the lung health of all Canadians.
Jessica is the former Senior Vice President of Standardbred & Thoroughbred Racing at Woodbine Entertainment Group. With a lifelong passion for racing, Jessica is a recognized leader in the North American horse racing industry. She was previously President of Woodbine Mohawk Park and Vice President of Government & Community Relations at Woodbine, where she interacted with all three levels of government to further the mission and mandates related to the success and growth of the racing industry across Canada. Jessica was also part of the team responsible for the master planning of 680 acres of entertainment at Woodbine Entertainment in Toronto.
For more than 100 years, the Lung Health Foundation has been focused on closing the gaps in the prevention, diagnosis, and care of lung disease across Canada. Jessica is passionate about furthering the Lung Health Foundation’s vision of a world where everyone can breathe easier. One in five Canadians is affected by lung disease, and in the recent wake of serious infectious respiratory illness, she is focused on leading the Lung Health Foundation team in their efforts to influence health policy, advocate for those living with lung disease, increase awareness of lung disease, and raise much needed funds to support patient programs and supports.
Jessica and her family live in Newmarket, Ontario. She and her husband are the proud parents to two boys.
Suresh Naraine
Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Secretary
snaraine@lunghealth.ca
416-864-9911 ext. 263
Suresh’s experience prior to joining the Lung Health Foundation includes a diverse number of fields. He spent a number of years working in the engineering field and then in Sales and Marketing with Esso Corporation in the Caribbean followed by years in retail with Budget Car and Truck Rentals and Holt Renfrew. He joined Epstein Enterprises as an accountant in 2001 and then moved to the Lung Health Foundation in 2008 as Manager of Finance and Accounting. In 2013 he assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer, a position he currently holds.
Suresh is married to his wife, Indeera, of 31 years and they have two very successful daughters, Sushima, recently married to Raju Assi & Renuka Naraine.
Laura Sikorski
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
lsikorski@lunghealth.ca
416-864-9911 ext. 238
Laura joined the Lung Health Foundation in April 2023 as the Vice President of Marketing and Communications. With over 15 years of experience in sports marketing, events, and guest experience, Laura thrives in fast-paced environments where bold thinking and innovation are paramount. She has a proven track record of strategically leveraging data to make informed decisions, optimize marketing spend, and drive impactful results.
Laura’s extensive background includes working closely with partnerships teams to explore new opportunities for partner engagement and collaboration. Her fresh perspective is a valuable addition to the Lung Health Foundation, where she focuses on building the brand and embracing new and creative approaches.
Rachel Jacobs
Vice President, Partnerships and Development
rjacobs@lunghealth.ca
416-864-9911 ext. 230
Rachel joined the Lung Health Foundation in October 2023 as the Vice President of Partnerships and Development. As a seasoned leader with nearly two decades of experience, particularly in health-related programs and fundraising, she has been tasked with leading a dynamic portfolio focused on highlighting the critical issue of lung health across the country.
Prior to joining the Lung Health Foundation, Rachel held senior roles in several prominent organizations. Notably, she has contributed her expertise to Kids Help Phone where she oversaw the project development of groundbreaking programs such as The Jack Project and Good2Talk. Additionally, her tenures at the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH) and most recently, Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundations (CCHF), have further solidified her reputation as a visionary leader in the health sector.
Jessica Moffatt
Vice President, Programs and Health Systems Partnerships
jmoffatt@lunghealth.ca
Jessica Moffatt brings over a decade of experience in population health initiatives to her role as Vice President of Programs and Health Systems Partnerships. With a PhD in Pulmonary Medicine, Jessica has led transformative programs such as the Ontario Lung Screening Program, scaling it from a pilot to a sustainable provincial initiative. At LHF, she will oversee the development of equitable, inclusive programs addressing lung disease prevention, smoking and vaping cessation, and patient support.
Jessica’s leadership in Ontario’s flagship cancer screening and smoking cessation programs has driven significant improvements in access and outcomes for vulnerable populations. Her commitment to equity, diversity, and culturally responsive care ensures LHF’s programs meet the needs of Canada’s diverse communities.
Gayatri Aravind
Director, Research and Impact
garavind@lunghealth.ca
416-864-9911 ext. 246
Gayatri Aravind brings over 14 years of expertise in healthcare research and program innovation to her role as Director of Research & Impact. As a Physical Therapist with a PhD in Rehabilitation Science from McGill University, Gayatri has a proven track record of advancing evidence-based solutions for chronic health conditions. At LHF, she will spearhead LHF’s groundbreaking research granting program and foster collaborations that drive impactful programs and services for Canadians living with lung disease.
Previously, Gayatri held leadership roles at March of Dimes Canada and the University of Toronto, where she led strategic initiatives to improve community and public health outcomes. As an adjunct lecturer at the University of Toronto, she mentors the next generation of healthcare professionals in evidence-informed practices.
Samantha Ball
Director, Public Policy and Advocacy
sball@lunghealth.ca
416-864-3290
Samantha Ball joins LHF as Director of Policy and Advocacy, leveraging nearly two decades of experience in government and policy development. With a master’s in public administration from Queen’s University, Samantha has a deep understanding of Canada’s health sector and the intricate workings of government. At LHF, she will drive strategic policy initiatives to influence systemic change and improve health outcomes for Canadians.
Samantha’s career highlights include leading provincial and regional government strategic planning efforts focused on health, education, and community well-being. Her expertise in stakeholder engagement and operational policy will be instrumental for LHF as a national leader in lung health advocacy.
Jessica Mall
Senior Manager, People and Culture
jmall@lunghealth.ca
416-864-9911 ext. 239
Jess joined LHF in June 2024 as Senior Manager, People and Culture. She has worked in the Telecom, Travel and Banking industries, where she brings a wide range of experiences from a variety of HR roles. All which are driven from her educational background in business and HR law. In 2023, Jess joined as a professor at Humber College, teaching HR Management. Jess is experienced in employee relations and annual HR processes including: engagement, performance management, talent development and succession planning. Her approach to HR is centered on relationship building, making data-driven decisions, and fostering creativity. Jess is excited to support all of our employees as we drive a positive workplace culture at LHF.
Samantha Ball
Director, Public Policy and Advocacy
sball@lunghealth.ca
416-864-3290
Samantha Ball joins LHF as Director of Policy and Advocacy, leveraging nearly two decades of experience in government and policy development. With a master’s in public administration from Queen’s University, Samantha has a deep understanding of Canada’s health sector and the intricate workings of government. At LHF, she will drive strategic policy initiatives to influence systemic change and improve health outcomes for Canadians.
Samantha’s career highlights include leading provincial and regional government strategic planning efforts focused on health, education, and community well-being. Her expertise in stakeholder engagement and operational policy will be instrumental for LHF as a national leader in lung health advocacy.