The Board of Directors comprises elected representatives from each CIPHI branch, and a CIPHI president-elect, president, and past president. The Board is responsible for:
1
The day-to-day operation of CIPHI as outlined by our constitution and bylaws
2
Identifying and pursuing initiatives that support CIPHI’s objectives, including, but not limited to, advocacy and the provision of educational opportunities
Meet the Board
Kelsie Dale, CPHI(C)
President
president@ciphi.caKelsie Dale has been a CIPHI member since 2007. In 2019, following a move to Saskatchewan, she joined the Saskatchewan Branch Executive as a councilor and became the Saskatchewan Branch President in 2021. She is the Food Safety/Environmental Health Consultant for the Ministry of Health in Saskatchewan and is responsible for leading the development of legislation, regulations, policy, procedures, and collaborations for all things food and personal services related. Kelsie holds a B.Sc. in Biology from the University of Regina, a B.E.H. (AD) from Concordia University of Edmonton, and a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Brock University.
Natalie Lowdon, CPHI(C)
Past-President
past.president@ciphi.caNatalie is the regional manager for the Winnipeg Health Protection Unit with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care. She holds a BSc degree from the University of Manitoba, a Bachelor of Environmental Health (AD) from the Concordia University of Edmonton, and was certified in 2007.
Natalie was the CIPHI National President from January 2025 to June 2026. She served as the Manitoba Branch President from 2019 to 2020, and as the National Director for Advocacy in 2022 where she led the first CIPHI national public awareness campaign.
Natalie is currently the CIPHI Past-President. During her free time she enjoys travelling, spending time outdoors, and with family and friends.
Casey Neathway, CPHI(C)
Vice President
vice.president@ciphi.caCasey is the Regional Director of Health Emergency Management and Environmental Health at BC's First Nations Health Authority. He earned a BSc from Thompson Rivers University and environmental health training from BCIT, becoming certified in 2008. Committed to lifelong learning, he's gained certificates in communications, leadership, and climate health. His diverse career includes roles in environmental health, community care, and First Nations programs.
Before becoming Vice President of CIPHI, Casey led the BC/YT Branch as President and contributed as a BoC examiner. A resident of the Okanagan valley, he enjoys the idyllic climate through a variety of outdoor activities.
Alexandre Tancrede, MMM, CD, CPHI(C)
National Director - Education
education@ciphi.caAlexandre is a Preventive Medicine Technician with the Canadian Armed Forces. Beginning his career as a medical technician in 2004, he specialized as a Preventive Medicine Technician in 2014. Since then, he worked at the rank of master corporal, sergeant, and warrant officer for 5 Field Ambulance’s Preventive Medicine office in Quebec City, Québec. As a Master Warrant Officer, he is now the Preventive Medicine Advisor to 4 Health Services Group. As a Preventive Medicine Technician, he deployed with the Canadian Armed Forces on local operations as well as overseas in Malaysia, Ukraine, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain and Dominican Republic.
Education:
Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (Toronto Metropolitan University)
Bachelor of Health Science (Public Health) (University of Cape Breton)
Master of Ethics (ongoing) (Université du Québec à Rimouski)
Ann Thomas, CPHI(C)
National Director - Policy and Governance
Ann was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2022 to fill one of the newly created National Director positions. Prior to this Ann was President of CIPHI from 2015-2019, Chair of BOC 2004-2011, a member of CIPHI since 1986 and a Life Member since 2020. She is a steadfast advocate for mandatory membership and the need for continuing professional development to allow CPHI(C)s to establish themselves as vital members of the health professional community across Canada. Ann retired in 2017 after a long career in environmental health protection in BC and the Northwest Territories and resides on Vancouver Island BC.
Kevin Kapell, CPHI(C)
National Director - Advocacy
advocacy@ciphi.caKevin has been a member of the Board of Directors since May 2017. He earned his bachelor's degree in health and environmental sciences and his CPHI(C) certification in the same year. He is currently the Clinical Integration Manager at the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
Kevin has served as a branch advisor and president, and served as National President from 2021 to 2023, and is currently Chair of the National Advocacy Committee.
He currently lives in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. When not working, he coaches hockey and baseball, plays recreational hockey and golf, travels, and spends time at the family cottage.
Courtney Zimmerman, CPHI(C)
BC & Yukon Branch Director
bcbranchdirector@ciphi.caCourtney Zimmerman, graduated from the Environmental Health program at BCIT and has spent her 21-year career with Interior Health. She has held a variety of positions over the years; from frontline EHO to land use focused EHO, CD Specialist, Team Leader, Manager, Director and now Executive Director of Health Protection. She has always loved learning and has Graduate Certificates in Public Health Leadership, Public Health Strategic Communications and Business Administration. She recently completed her Master of Business Administration from Thompson Rivers University.
Prior to joining the BC Branch executive, Courtney acted as a BoC examiner for 14 years. Outside of work she loves to camp, fish, paddle board, hike, ski and travel with her family. But with two boys in hockey and a daughter in figure skating…she spends most of her time driving and hanging out in rinks!
Karah Harvey, CPHI(C)
Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut Branch Director
abbranchdirector@ciphi.caKarah Harvey has been a member of CIPHI and certified public health inspector since 2014. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology from Lakehead University and an after-degree in Environmental Health from Concordia University of Edmonton.
Karah works as a Public Health Inspector with Alberta Health Services, where her current focus includes land use, contaminated sites, healthy built environments, water reuse, and emerging environmental public health issues. She is also a guest lecturer at Concordia University of Edmonton, supporting the development of future environmental public health professionals.
An active member of the Alberta Branch for over a decade, Karah is committed to advancing the profession and looks forward to contributing at the national level.
Theresa Reid, CPHI(C)
Saskatchewan Branch Director
skbranchdirector@ciphi.caTheresa is a dedicated Public Health Inspector with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, serving within the Integrated Rural North. Certified in 2021 after completing a practicum in Prince Edward Island, she brings a diverse background to her role, combining over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry with expertise in public health.
With a strong foundation in both culinary and managerial positions across various hospitality environments, Theresa is passionate about ensuring safe, healthy spaces for communities. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Food Science from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Health Sciences from Cape Breton University. Additionally, she is a certified Red Seal Baker, further expanding her knowledge in the food industry.
A resident of rural Saskatchewan, Theresa is also an avid enthusiast of fiber arts. When she's not working, you'll find her immersed in her creative hobbies, reading about new techniques, and enjoying time with her family and friends.
Samarjeet Singh, CPHI(C)
Manitoba Branch Director
mbbranchdirector@ciphi.caSamar is a Public Health Inspector with the Environmental Health Branch in Manitoba. He graduated from Cape Breton University in 2023 with a degree in Environmental Public Health and was actively involved during his studies, serving as President of the Public Health Society.
Prior to entering the public health field, Samar worked as a Third Officer in the Merchant Navy, gaining valuable experience in safety, compliance, and operations in high-responsibility environments.
Samar has been actively involved in the profession and is committed to supporting public health initiatives and professional development. Outside of work, he enjoys singing and playing the piano and guitar.
Peter Heywood, CPHI(C)
Ontario Branch Director
onbranchdirector@ciphi.caPeter Heywood is a senior leader at Southwestern Public Health, where he spearheads a diverse team of passionate public health professionals dedicated to shaping healthier communities. With a focus on advancing healthy public policy through innovative, community-driven solutions, Peter inspires collaboration and positive change at every turn.
As the co-chair of the Oxford Mental Health and Addictions Action Coalition, he is on the front lines of transforming policy into actionable grassroots initiatives, making a real impact on mental health and wellness in the community.
A devoted member of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors for over 25 years, Peter has contributed extensively, holding various roles including Secretary-Treasurer and President, and is currently the President-elect of the Ontario Branch. He participated in the design and implementation of the Continuing Professional Competencies Program and advanced ongoing public health inspector education through Continuing Education Series at the Ontario Branch.
In his downtime, Peter embraces adventure – whether he’s mountain biking, playing squash, or enjoying time with his family. He believes in stepping outside his comfort zone, which is why he’s taken up swimming lessons in recent years; proving that learning new things can be a thrilling challenge at any stage of life!
Laura Hamper, CPHI(C)
New Brunswick Branch Director
nbqcbranchdirector@ciphi.caLaura Hamper has served as a Public Health Inspector with Health Protection Services at the New Brunswick Department of Justice and Public Safety for over 25 years. She graduated from Cape Breton University in 1999, earning both a Diploma in Environmental Engineering Technology and a Bachelor of Technology in Environmental Health.
Laura has been an active member of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI) since 2000, serving as a New Brunswick Branch Councilor and participating on numerous BOC examination panels. She also served on the National Exam Panel for four years and currently holds the position of NB/QC Branch Director. She is passionate about mentoring the next generation of public health professionals and has trained and supported many students throughout her career.
Laura resides in Sussex, New Brunswick, with her two children and their cat. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys camping, travelling, spending time outdoors, and making memories with family and friends.
Daniel McGee, CPHI(C)
Nova Scotia/PEI Branch Director
nspeibranchdirector@ciphi.caDaniel is an Integration and Operations Coordinator with the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change. Through this role he conducts onboarding for new inspectors and leads operational change management and project management activities for the Inspection, Compliance and Enforcement Division.
He has a Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Environmental Studies) and a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Public Health) from Cape Breton University. He received the Certificate in Public Health Inspection (Canada) in 2018.
He grew up and lives in the Northumberland Shore region of Nova Scotia where he enjoys going out to the local parks, rivers and beaches with his family.
Daniel joined the NS/PEI Branch Executive in 2022 and moved into the Branch President role in 2025.
Jillian Young, CPHI(C)
Newfoundland and Labrador Branch Director
nlbranchdirector@ciphi.caAn environmental health officer with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Jillian lives and works in Clarenville, NL.
Jillian holds a Bachelor of Health Science from Cape Breton University, and has been a CIPHI member since 2014. In 2021, she joined the Board of Directors because she wanted to give back to the environmental health profession and help spread knowledge and information about CIPHI. Jillian’s career highlights include serving as lead inspector in addressing a number of foodborne illness outbreaks in eastern Newfoundland, and being a member of the COVID-19 contact tracing team in Newfoundland and Labrador. In addition to operating her own small business, Jillian loves to travel.