Leadership & Governance
Transfer to Ontario Health
On June 6, 2019, the Connecting Care Act, 2019 was proclaimed into force. The Act provides a legislative platform for health system transformation in Ontario, including powers that enable the integration of numerous organizations and functions into Ontario Health.
On March 18, 2020, the Honourable Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, issued an order to transfer all of the staff, assets, liabilities and operations of the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) into Ontario Health, effective April 1, 2020.
Ontario Health is committed to ensuring Ontarians continue receiving high-quality health care services where and when they need them. For more information, visit ontariohealth.ca.
OTN’s programs, services and contacts remain unchanged.
Leadership and Governance | OTN: Content
OTN’s Senior Leadership Team
Edward M. Brown
MD, MSM.,
Chief Executive Officer
Ed is a founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN), one of the largest and most active integrated telemedicine networks in the world.
An emergency physician who studied mathematics and engineering before embarking on his medical career, Ed is a passionate advocate for virtual care as a tool to improve access to care, quality of care and health system transformation.
Ed has won numerous awards for his work in telemedicine, including most recently, a Meritorious Service Medal for his contributions to health care in Canada. In 2010, he was chosen as one of 25 Transformational Canadians by a national media panel sponsored by the Globe and Mail, CTV and La Presse. He is a Past President of the American Telemedicine Association, which named him to its College of Fellows in 2015.
Sharon Baker
Vice President, Technology and Services
For the past 20 years, Sharon has assumed leadership roles in various health care sectors with increased responsibility in health system transformation, particularly in the area of eHealth, Digital Health, and since joining OTN, virtual care.
In her current role she provides leadership to the technology, product and member services teams in support of OTN’s strategy.
Sharon is a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce. She is a designated director with the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D), having completed the Director Education Program and examination. She has held a number of volunteer board positions, including as a Director with Ontario Shores Health Centre, and Chair of the Ontario Shores Foundation.
Payam Pakravan
BComm (Hons), MComm, MA (Economics), Vice President, Strategy and Analytics
Payam has significant experience in Ontario’s broader public sector, with a focus on health care system transformation initiatives.
Over the past decade, he has held progressively more senior roles with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, and most recently, at eHealth Ontario.
At OTN, he oversees teams that lead the development of corporate strategy, provide analytics and business intelligence services, manage key strategic partnerships, create and execute the integration roadmap, and work closely with the Ministry of Health to provide policy analysis and ensure alignment with the government’s digital health strategy. In addition, Payam provides executive sponsorship for OTN’s Access and Equity program, and a Virtual Care Advisory Service that supports Ontario Health Teams and their member organizations to effectively integrate virtual care in their plans.
Payam holds Honors and Masters degrees in Commerce from the University of Melbourne in Australia, and a Master of Economics from the University of Toronto.
Laurie Poole
RN, BScN, MHSA, Vice President, Clinical Innovation
For the past 17 years, Laurie has assumed leadership roles with increased responsibility in health system transformation, particularly in the area of chronic disease management.
Currently, she is overseeing the implementation of a provincial telehomecare program which is bringing virtual health care to communities and homes. Laurie’s portfolio also supports clinical innovation and other specialty programs.
Laurie is a registered nurse with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and a Master’s Degree in Health Services Administration. In 2014, she was recognized by the Women’s Executive Network for her contribution to the public sector. In 2016, she was appointed to the American Telemedicine Association Board of Directors. Laurie is also involved in a number of community initiatives and sits on the Board of Directors for the South Riverdale Community Health Centre.