OUR TEAM
-
Dr. Simge Erdogan-O'Connor
MUSEUM DIRECTOR
Simge is a cultural strategist and scholar with over 14 years of international experience in Canada, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. She joined the Museum of Health Care in 2024, bringing a passion for inclusive storytelling and institutional growth. Previously, she served as Director of the Murney Tower Museum National Historic Site and as Curator at the Rahmi M. Koç Museum of Science and Industry. Simge also serves as Course Director for the Certificate of Museum Studies Program teaches at the Ontario Museum Association and publishes on public history, cultural diplomacy, and community-driven museum practice.
-
Rowena McGowan
CURATOR
Rowena McGowan started her curatorship at the Museum of Health Care in March of 2022. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Archaeology, and graduated with a Master’s degree in Museum Studies from the University of Toronto in 2016. Previously, she has worked in a range of roles at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, the Manitoba Museum, Semaphore Lab, the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum, and Lac La Biche Museum. She is passionate about storytelling and believes in the power of museums as community knowledge and engagement spaces.
-
Kathy Karkut
COLLECTIONS MANAGER
With over 25 years of experience in museums, including 18 years as the first Collections Manager at the Museum of Health Care, Kathy is accomplished in all aspects of collections management, with a particular strength in storage solutions, exhibit design, and supports. Before joining the Museum in 2007, she spent nearly a decade working with collections and exhibits in a variety of institutions. Kathy is passionate about mentoring students, inspiring new generations of museum professionals, and supporting smaller museums in caring for their medical and pharmaceutical collections.
-
Anna Collett
PROGRAMMING AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Anna holds an Honours B.A. in History and Canadian Studies from McGill University and she is currently pursuing a Certificate in Museum Studies through the Ontario Museum Association. Anna previously served as Museum Coordinator at the 1000 Islands History Museum in Gananoque, ON, where she engaged thousands of visitors by sharing her knowledge of the 1000 islands region and co-curated a permanent exhibit. She is passionate about uncovering lesser-known stories, creating meaningful visitor experiences, and making history accessible to all audiences.
The Museum of Health Care is a not-for-profit organization with charitable status. Trustees are elected by the Museum Membership at the Annual General Meeting in May and together they form a Board of Directors. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the conduct of the Corporation and the achievement of its objectives by exercising its due diligence responsibilities through regular meetings of the Board, Executive Committee, Standing and Special Committees.
Our Board is a dedicated, passionate and professional group of volunteers who believe in the value of community organizations and the potential for the Museum to create meaningful engagement and contribute to the future of its community. We are forever grateful for their time, expertise and passion – both past and present.
Our Board of Directors
-
President and Chair
Dr. Gemmill is the former Medical Officer of Health for Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health, serving from 1997 until his retirement in 2017. A Queen’s University medical graduate, he is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (Public Health & Preventive Medicine), a Fellow of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, and an Honorary Life Member of the Canadian Public Health Association. With over 40 years of experience in Ontario’s public health sector, Dr. Gemmill is past chair and long-time member of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), including leadership of its influenza vaccine working group
-
Vice Chair
Renee joined the Museum’s Human Resources Committee as a member in 2022 and became Chair in June 2024. She brings over eight years of diverse HR experience, especially in Talent Acquisition within healthcare environments—from for-profit home health and long-term care to health-tech and hearing care sectors. Renee has managed full-cycle recruitment, developed employee engagement and onboarding initiatives, and consulted on public perception, service delivery, and workforce experience. She is passionate about building well-rounded teams and enhancing employee experience, and also volunteers locally in HR and branding support.
-
Treasurer
Catherine is an experienced financial leader with 20+ years of experience as an accounting professional. She is designated as a CPA – and has her MBA from Laurentian University.
Catherine has wide ranging Board experience, and has served on several Board Committees. Recently retired, Catherine is the former CFAO of the Universities Hospital Kingston Foundation, and has held positions as a strategic member of the leadership teams at Purolator Inc and Cardinal Health (Gananoque).
-
Secretary
Brian’s 27‑year professional career with the Limestone District School Board culminated in roles as both teacher and Principal. Since 2014, he has served on the Providence Care Board of Directors (including as Chair from 2017–2020), and previously held leadership roles with the Frontenac Children’s Aid Society. Brian is also currently a member of KFL&A Addiction & Mental Health Services Board of Directors, and has volunteered with numerous community organizations including Food Sharing, Meals on Wheels, and the Eagle Lake Property Owners Association
-
Director
Tom Zsolnay is President & CEO of the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation, with decades of leadership in fundraising, having raised over $400 million. He has held senior roles in universities and health foundations, served in the Canadian Army Reserves, and worked on a United Nations mission during the Ethiopia–Eritrea peacekeeping period. A Certified Fundraising Professional (CFRE), he holds an MBA from Laurentian University and a BA in Economics from Concordia University
-
Director
-
Director
Dr. Allison Morehead is a historian of medicine, psychology, and psychiatry as well as a scholar in medical humanities. She serves as Associate Professor of Art History (and Graduate Program in Cultural Studies) at Queen’s University. Dr. Morehead works internationally with art and medical museums to advance public understanding of the history of medicine through exhibitions and educational programming.
-
Director
-
Director
-
Director
Executive Committee: Dr. Ian M. Gemmill (Chair), Renee Box, Brian Devlin, Catherine Sutton
Advancement Committee: Tamás (Tom) Zsolnay (Chair), Dr. Ian M. Gemmill, Felicity Pope, Sherri Robertson, Ian M. Fraser, Karen Humphreys Blake
HR Committee: Renee Box (Chair), Dr. Ian M. Gemmill, Tony Button
Programs and Collections Committee: Dr. Oyedeji Ayonrinde (Chair), Dr. Ian M. Gemmill, Dr. Allison Morehead, Danielle Macdonald, Danielle Marshall, Felicity Pope, Jane Errington, Dr. Jenna Healey, Leah Cox
Finance Committee: Catherine Sutton (Chair), Tamás (Tom) Zsolnay, Dr. Ian M. Gemmill, Eric Bogstad, Phil Piasetzki
Our committees bring together staff, board members, and community partners to support the Museum’s mission and guide key areas of our work. These dedicated groups provide insight, expertise, and leadership across a range of priorities, from collections stewardship to public programming and equity initiatives. Together, they help ensure the Museum remains responsive, inclusive, and forward-thinking.