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The Ottawa Hospital announces appointment of new Chief Operating Officer for research


May 10, 2017

The Ottawa Hospital is delighted to announce that Debra Lynkowski has accepted the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the hospital’s research institute. She will assume her responsibilities at the end of June, 2017, after the retirement of Robert Hanlon.

Ms. Lynkowski has served for 30 years in the not-for-profit sector, including most recently as President and CEO of the Canadian Lung Association.

“Debra’s extensive experience in the health and research environments, as well as in organizational and financial management, partnerships and public policy make her an ideal COO for our research institute,” said Dr. Duncan Stewart, Executive Vice-President of Research at The Ottawa Hospital and professor of medicine at the University of Ottawa. “With her leadership, I’m confident that we will continue to enhance our research capacity so that we can make many more ground-breaking discoveries and improve care for people in Ottawa and around the world.”

The Ottawa Hospital’s research institute includes more than 1,800 scientists, investigators, trainees and staff and attracts more than $100 million annually through competitive, peer-reviewed grants, donations and other sources.

Bio of Debra Lynkowski



Debra Lynkowski received her law degree from the University of Alberta in 1986. Following this, she began a career in the non-profit sector and has worked at all levels - local, provincial/territorial and national.

Ms. Lynkowski has served as President and CEO of the Canadian Lung Association since 2013, leading a process of revitalization and renewal, including the continued refinement and implementation of the organization’s National Respiratory Research Strategy. Prior to this, she held several leadership positions including the CEO of the Canadian Public Health Association and National Director of Public Policy and Government Relations for the Canadian Diabetes Association.

In 2004, Debra joined the Canadian Stroke Network, in partnership with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, to help lead the Canadian Stroke Strategy, bringing together stakeholders and partners to develop and implement a coordinated and integrated approach to stroke prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and community reintegration in every province and territory in Canada.

Debra hails from Alberta but has made Ottawa her home for the last 17 years.

The Ottawa Hospital: Inspired by research. Driven by compassion


The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada’s largest learning and research hospitals with over 1,100 beds, approximately 12,000 staff and an annual budget of over $1.2 billion. Our focus on research and learning helps us develop new and innovative ways to treat patients and improve care. As a multi-campus hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, we deliver specialized care to the Eastern Ontario region, but our techniques and research discoveries are adopted around the world. We engage the community at all levels to support our vision for better patient care. See www.ohri.ca for more information about research at The Ottawa Hospital.

Media Contact


Jennifer Ganton
Director, Communications and Public Relations
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Office: 613-798-5555 x 73325
Cell: 613-614-5253
jganton@ohri.ca