Executive and board of directors


Our executive management team is accountable to the Canadian Blood Services board of directors and responsible for ensuring we operate within the policy and strategy framework approved by the board. 

Members of our board of directors are appointed by the provincial and territorial ministers of health. The board is responsible for the organization’s governance, overall affairs, strategic plan, budget and reporting on Canadian Blood Services’ performance to the corporate members.

Our Executive Management Team


Our executive management team has 10 senior members: nine vice-presidents and our CEO. The CEO is the most senior executive—accountable to our board of directors and responsible for ensuring we operate within the policy and strategy framework approved by the board.

Our Board Members


Our board of directors consists of 13 directors who are elected by Canada’s provincial and territorial Ministers of Health, except Québec. The role of the board is to broadly oversee Canadian Blood Services’ management and direction.

Executive Team
Dr. Graham Sher

Dr. Graham D. Sher

Chief Executive Officer

Graham has been with Canadian Blood Services since it began operations in September 1998. He first served as vice-president of medical, scientific and clinical management, and was appointed CEO in June 2001.
Jean-Paul Bedard

Mr. Jean-Paul Bédard

Vice-President, Plasma Operations

Under Jean-Paul’s leadership, the plasma operations division works to optimize our current plasma collections and infrastructure, as well as planning for the future.
Judie Leach Bennett

Ms. Judie Leach Bennett

Vice-President, General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer

Judie leads a team of professionals who provide legal, governance, and risk guidance to Canadian Blood Services and its subsidiaries.
Christian Choquet

Dr. Christian Choquet

Vice-President, Quality and Regulatory Affairs

Christian joined Canadian Blood Services on Aug. 9, 2004. Christian is responsible for Canadian Blood Services’ quality management system and quality assurance program.
Isra Levy

Dr. Isra Levy

Vice President, Medical Affairs and Innovation

Isra joined Canadian Blood Services in January 2018 and leads the Medical Affairs and Innovation division.
Ralph Michaelis

Mr. Ralph Michaelis

Chief Information Officer

Ralph provides leadership and direction to the Information Technology (IT) division. IT is a critical enabler necessary for Canadian Blood Services to deliver its products and services safely and efficiently.
Andrew Pateman

Mr. Andrew Pateman

Vice-President, People, Culture and Performance

Andrew is responsible for providing leadership, guidance and direction for Canadian Blood Services' People, Culture and Performance division.
Pauline Port

Ms. Pauline Port

Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President, Corporate Services

Pauline is responsible for providing the executive management team and board of directors with advice and counsel relative to financial and procurement strategies.
Rick Prinzen

Mr. Rick Prinzen

Chief Supply Chain Officer and Vice-President, Donor Relations

Rick ensures that Canadian Blood Services consistently provides high-quality blood, plasma protein and stem cell products to customers at the right time and right cost.
Ron Vezina

Mr. Ron Vezina

Vice-President, Public Affairs

Under Ron’s leadership, the Public Affairs division’s work focuses on creating a favourable environment for Canadian Blood Services to achieve its business strategy and deliver on its promise to Canadians.

Board appointments


Appointed by the provincial and territorial ministers of health, the board includes: 

  • a chair of the board 
  • four regional nominees 
  • six nominees from the medical, scientific, technical, business and public health sectors 
  • two nominees with relevant consumer experience  

The board meets at least six times per year; two of those meetings are open to the public. 

Each board director serves for a term of four years.

The CEO provides advice and counsel to the board of directors on all organizational matters and leads our management, staff and volunteer teams.