Pitch Perfect 2024

Dr. Myrna Francis is President, Mfran Enterprises Inc., serving as a trusted advisor to public sector, multi-national technology companies and start-ups on health IT, IT business and product growth strategies, go-to-market approach, development and commercialization of internet 2.0 digital health innovation and governance. 

With more than 25 years of experience in the technology and healthcare industries, she has operated across Canada, the United States and Europe. She has held numerous executive level roles with companies such as CGI, IBM, CSC Healthcare and was President and CEO of Canada Health Infoway. In addition to her private sector experience, Dr. Francis has held executive positions in the provincial government related to health policy and services. 

Dr. Francis currently sits on the Board of Directors and Audit Committees of Medavie Inc. and Blue Cross Life Inc. She has previously served on the boards of organizations across multiple industry sectors including – Covalon Technologies Inc.(medical technology), Allstate Canada (insurance), RxCanada (retail pharmacy), Cedara Software Corp.(medical imaging), Medworxx (health IT), Excelerate Inc.(venture fund), George Brown College and OCAD University as well as various health IT associations. 

Dr. Francis is also an advisor to Toronto’s MaRS Discovery District, H2i, Health Ventures Group, an incubator for start-up health IT companies. 

Dr. Francis received her Ph.D. in Medical Sciences from McMaster University and obtained her ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors and the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. 

With her diverse experience in the public and private sectors internationally, she brings a unique and comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented to companies today. 

Dr. Mira Backo-Shannon is a visionary leader, who drives system change through innovation. Currently serving as Vice-President, Clinical Programs and Innovation at Ontario Health, Mira is also a practicing family physician and is an award- winning educator. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University, and Lecturer at the University of Toronto. Mira’s passion lies in the creation of integrated care systems founded in the modernization of primary care. She has held leadership roles at Halton Healthcare Services and Trillium Health Partners. She also hold a research fellowship in Health Learning Systems with the Institute for Better Health. 

Ron Hurtig is a senior professional engineer with entrepreneurial spirit and extensive experience in new product development and commercialization. Strong career record of progressive and expanded management responsibilities. Implemented and led the design, integration and implementation of innovation and development processes for effective and successful R&D outcomes. Managed multi-culture and multi-site teams delivering results within budgeted financial and resource constraints. Motivated to share this experience with technology start-ups and small enterprises striving for commercialization and growth. 

Allan is currently Head of the Market Engagement Excellence (MEE) function at Johnson and Johnson Innovative Medicines. In his current role he is focused on digital transformation and reimagining how Johnson and Johnson Innovative Medicines engages with customers. Prior to his current role Allan was Head of Johnson & Johnson Innovation, JLABS in Canada. As head of JLABS in Canada Allan was responsible for sourcing innovative technology companies that could have a meaningful impact on Johnson and Johnson’s R&D activity across the pharmaceutical, medical device, consumer and health tech sectors. 

Allan has worked in numerous functions at Janssen Canada including, business development, marketing and market access. Prior to joining Johnson and Johnson Allan worked in business development for start-up biotechnology and specialty pharmaceutical companies in Canada.  

Allan received his Ph.D. in Neuropharmacology from Queen’s University at Kingston, Ontario and his MBA from McGill University in Finance and Strategy. Outside of work Allan enjoys golf and coaching his son’s baseball team.