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NOSM University announces incoming Board Chair effective January 2026

NOSM University announces the appointment of Mr. John Stenger as the next Chair of its Board of Governors, effective January 1, 2026, for a one-year renewable term.

With more than 30 years of experience in finance and administration, Stenger brings a strong record of fiscal stewardship, practical problem-solving skills, and sound decision-making to his new role.

He serves as Treasurer of NOSM University’s Board of Governors and Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee. In addition to his volunteer leadership at NOSM University, Stenger is employed with the Municipality of Huron Shores, where he previously held the position of Treasurer.

“We are delighted to welcome John Stenger as Chair of the Board of Governors,” says Dr. Michael Green, President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean and CEO. “John’s financial expertise, combined with his leadership experience in health care and community development, is invaluable as NOSM University advances its expansion and commitment to health equity and improving access to care for all Northern Ontarians.”

A member of NOSM University’s Board of Governors since 2021, Stenger expressed enthusiasm for his upcoming role. “It is an honour to be appointed Chair of the Board of Governors,” says Stenger. “By supporting NOSM University’s commitment to health education, research, and health equity, I know I’m helping to strengthen the training of future physicians and health-care professionals who will make a real difference for Northern Ontarians and their communities. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Board and with NOSM University’s leadership team to support Canada’s first independent medical university.”

Stenger’s career includes extensive experience in health care, private enterprise, and business and economic development. He has held senior leadership positions in small and rural hospitals across both Northern and southern Ontario, including Chief Executive Officer of Leamington District Memorial Hospital and Chief Financial Officer roles at the Temiskaming Hospital, Listowel Wingham Hospital Alliance, and St. Joseph’s General Hospital in Elliot Lake.

A graduate of the University of Waterloo, Stenger holds both the Chartered Accountant (CA) and Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designations. His commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in additional credentials, including a Diploma in Investigative and Forensic Accounting and an Advanced Health Leadership Certificate from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.

Ms. Sue LeBeau, outgoing Chair and Executive Director of the Sudbury Espanola, Manitoulin Elliot Lake Ontario Health Team, says, “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of the Board of Governors over the past two years. I am proud of the work we have accomplished together, and I am confident that under John Stenger’s leadership, the Board will continue to guide NOSM University with purpose and impact.”

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NOSM University is Canada’s first independent medical university and one of the greatest education and physician workforce strategy success stories of Northern Ontario. More than just a medical university, it was purpose-built to address the health needs of the region. While advocating for equitable access to care, the university contributes to the economic development of Northern Ontario. NOSM University relies on the commitment and expertise of the people of Northern Ontario to educate health-care professionals to practise in Indigenous, Francophone, rural, remote, and underserved communities. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and advocacy, NOSM University is an award-winning, socially accountable organization renowned for its innovative model of distributed, community-engaged education and research.

For further information, please contact: news@nosm.ca.

Lela Laberge (Hopper)

Born and raised in Sudbury, Ont., Lela Laberge’s path to becoming a dietitian began early. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 7 and celiac disease at age 10, she spent much of her childhood learning firsthand how nutrition impacts health. Those experiences inspired her to turn her challenges into a passion for helping others navigate their own health journeys through food.

Lela pursued an honours specialization in nutrition and dietetics at Western University, graduating in 2020, and completed the Northern Ontario Dietetic Internship Program—now the Dietetic Practicum Program (DPP)—in 2021. Since then, she has built her career at St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre in Sudbury, where she focuses on geriatric nutrition, and nutrition counselling.

In 2023, she was honoured with the NOSM University Health Sciences Preceptor Award, recognizing her impact on interprofessional collaboration. Supporting learners has always been close to her heart, whether they’re in high school, university, or postgraduate training. She loves creating a positive and encouraging space for them to grow. Outside of work, she’s usually found baking, staying active, spending time with family, or camping with her husband, and their dog.

Reflecting on her time in the program, Lela shares:

“My favourite part of the program was the chance to shadow dietitians across eight different practice areas; it felt like a behind-the-scenes tour of the profession! Each placement gave me valuable insight and prepared me to step confidently into practice. Along the way, I also built lasting friendships, and mentorships, that continue to support and inspire me today.”

Sarah Wyder

Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ont., Sarah Wyder graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition, with an honours specialization in nutrition and dietetics, from Western University in 2020. She was grateful to return home in 2021 to complete the Northern Ontario Dietetic Internship Program—now the Dietetic Practicum Program (DPP).

Sarah began her career working part time with the Mental Health Rehabilitation Program at St. Joseph’s Hospital while also covering a maternity leave at the Maternity Centre at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Since 2023, she has been working full time at the NorWest Community Health Centre, where she has the privilege of supporting clients across a wide range of demographics, and health conditions.

Reflecting on her time in the program, Sarah shares:

“My favourite part of the program was the opportunity to build strong connections with preceptors, and fellow learners, while gaining diverse experiences across clinical, community, and population health settings. I especially valued being able to train in Northern Ontario, as it allowed me to strengthen my skills in providing accessible, client-centred care, while staying rooted in the community where I grew up.”

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