The Foundation
Our Board of Directors is the foundation's governing body. It is responsible for ensuring that The Heather Cutler Foundation operates in accordance with its bylaws and the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act and its regulations.
Founder & Executive Director
Christopher Cutler founded The Heather Cutler Foundation to improve pancreatic cancer outcomes in Canada. He drives strategic vision, policy engagement, and organizational growth, inspired by his mother's experience with pancreatic cancer.
Vice President
Barry Cutler draws on personal experience as a caregiver to provide insight into patient support and family-centered advocacy, informing the Foundation's approach to community engagement.
Treasurer
Bethany Cutler brings operational and financial expertise to the Foundation. She supports governance, compliance, and organizational oversight, ensuring strong systems for reporting, accountability, and strategic growth.
Director of Digital Systems & Creative Operations
Deanne Matsushima leverages over a decade of experience in project management and program coordination, overseeing digital systems, creative operations, and secure communication infrastructure across the Foundation.
Community Director
Lisa Gillespie brings extensive community engagement experience and ensures the Foundation's programs reflect patient and volunteer perspectives, strengthening outreach and inclusion.
Director of Business Development
Xianjie Li has a background in business analysis and communications strategy. He focuses on knowledge translation, digital messaging, and stakeholder engagement to support the Foundation's initiatives.
Director of Marketing and Communications
Moshfeka Akhter is a marketing and analytics professional with a BSc in Economics. She has experience developing data-driven campaigns, digital content strategy, and performance optimization in both Canadian and international contexts.
Board Member
Nazanin Aboozari has a Master's in Human Kinetics and Recreation and extensive event planning experience. She has coordinated projects, workshops, and large-scale programs, combining leadership and organizational expertise to support community initiatives.
Youth Director
Rida Salahuddin is a McMaster University student on a healthcare career path who joined the board through Fora: Network for Change's Rise on Boards program. She is the founder of four nonprofit organizations, including Patched Up Youth and Grow To Feed, a TEDx speaker, and has worked as a physiotherapy assistant and health research intern.
The foundation is recruiting additional members for the Medical Advisory Committee. Clinicians and researchers who would like to contribute their expertise are invited to contact the foundation.
The foundation is establishing a Patient Advisory Committee so that people living with pancreatic cancer, survivors and caregivers directly shape its programs, resources and priorities.
The committee is in the planning stage. Details, and how to express interest in joining, will be published on this page. In the meantime, patients and caregivers can also volunteer with the foundation.