The Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI) recently made updates to its Board of Directors. Dr. John Bell, a driving force in the development of virus-based cancer therapies and longtime TFRI Program Project Grant leader, has stepped into the role of Chair. In addition, Sema Burney, a respected Quebec-based consultant in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), brings a wealth of experience and passion to the Board as a volunteer and a professional committed to building inclusive workplaces.
“Both John and Sema are incredible people with impressive achievements and leadership experience in their fields of expertise. We are very pleased to have them joining the Institute’s Board during this period of extensive growth for TFRI. We are fortunate to be able to benefit from the depth of wisdom they will bring to the Board,” says TFRI President and Scientific Director Dr. Jim Woodgett.
Dr. John Bell: A scientific leader and new Chair of the Board
Dr. Bell is a member of the Center for Cancer Therapeutics at The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Center, a senior scientist with the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and a professor of medicine at the University of Ottawa. He headed the Canadian Oncolytic Virus Consortium (COVCO), a Terry Fox-funded New Frontiers Program Project Grant team from across Canada that has been developing virus-based cancer therapeutics and is the director of the Biotherapeutics Program for the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research. He is the scientific director of the National Centre of Excellence for the development of Biotherapeutics for Cancer Therapy, known as BioCanRX.
Dr. Bell has been instrumental in developing a Canada-wide network in cell-based research for cancer therapeutics including CAR-T cells. He is passionate about new therapies and in taking bold steps to challenge the most difficult cancers.
Sema Burney: Bringing expertise in diversity, equity and inclusion to TFRI
Sema Burney is a bilingual consultant and seasoned professional in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), with over 20 years’ experience in the field. Born and raised in Quebec, with parents from Southeast Asia, Sema has always had a passion for diversity. In 2010, she founded Burney Consulting, a boutique-style firm offering services to organizations seeking to build a more inclusive workplace where everyone can belong. Armed with an MBA and a background as a former CPA, Sema has collaborated with executive teams and leaders to develop and implement DEI strategies that drive organizational growth and innovation. She has worked across Canada and globally in a wide array of industries and sectors and with employees at all levels.
As a thought leader and sought-after speaker, Sema captivates audiences with her wealth of knowledge and engaging storytelling. She has facilitated over 500 hours of training on topics such as diversity and inclusion, anti-racism, unconscious bias, psychological safety and allyship. Throughout her career, Sema has been renowned for her positive attitude, her energy and her passion for people. She prides herself on her authenticity and her ability to make others comfortable when tackling sensitive topics.
In addition to her professional experience, Sema serves on the Board of the South Asian Women's Community Centre and volunteers with Meals on Wheels in her local community. With a personal history of cancer in her family and a volunteer for cancer research, Sema is deeply committed to supporting this cause. She is thrilled to join the Board of Directors for the Terry Fox Research Institute and looks forward to contributing her passion and expertise to advancing cancer research.
In related news, Dr. Nadine Caron, a member of our Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network and co-chair of its Canadian Spectrum Working Group, and Anna Solnickova, an osteosarcoma survivor and longtime Terry Fox Foundation supporter and volunteer, have recently joined the Terry Fox Foundation’s Board of Directors. Anna recently spoke at the Terry Fox Run in Stanley Park, Vancouver, about her experience with cancer and the impact of research on osteosarcoma treatments and outcomes. You can learn more about them here.