Council

Similar to a board of directors, Council guides COKO and ensures it fulfills its legislated mandate by setting COKO’s strategic and policy direction and making decisions that protect the public interest. Based on Council’s direction, COKO is led by the registrar/CEO that carries out COKO’s day-to-day work. 

Council is made up of:

  • 10 kinesiologists elected by their peers for three year terms, one of whom must be a member of an Ontario university’s faculty or department of kinesiology; and 
  • Six to eight public members appointed by the Ontario Government to provide the public’s point of view.

Council meets at least four times a year and meetings are open to the public. COKO publishes summaries of each meeting and all approved minutes must be posted online.

Council members

Professional Members (R. Kin)

Heather Westaway

Heather Westaway

Council President
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Mehrdad Alizadeh-Meghrazi

Mehrdad Alizadeh-Meghrazi

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Corby Anderson

Corby Anderson

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Kristin Baker

Kristin Baker

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Jane Gage

Jane Gage

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Susan Garfat

Susan Garfat

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Oluwashindara Isaac-Oloye

Oluwashindara Isaac-Oloye

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Alyssa King

Alyssa King

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Leanne Smith

Leanne Smith

Academic Member
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Gergo Szoboszlai

Gergo Szoboszlai

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Public Members (appointed by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario)

Victoria Nicholson

Victoria Nicholson

Council Vice President
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Teresa Bendo

Teresa Bendo

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Sara Gottlieb

Sara Gottlieb

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Frank Jasek

Frank Jasek

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Jana Smith

Jana Smith

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Jotvinder Sodhi

Jotvinder Sodhi

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Jennifer Yee

Jennifer Yee

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Charles Lammam

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Role of the president, vice-president and registrar

President

The president is the chair of Council and Executive Committee. The president ensures that:

  • Council is fulfilling its mandate and strategic goals in accordance with the College’s By-Laws and applicable legislation, and
  • Council members understand and fulfill their responsibilities.

Vice-President

The vice-president is a member of the Executive Committee and performs the duties of the president in the president’s absence.

Registrar

The registrar is the chief operating officer of the College and is responsible for managing the College’s operations. The registrar is accountable to Council and the Ministry of Health. Supported by staff, the registrar is responsible for implementing the College’s strategic plan and the policies approved by Council. The registrar also provides leadership and advice on the development of policies and procedures that allow the College to achieve its mandate.

Council and Committee Competency

To support strong governance, continuity, and sustainability, COKO has adopted a Council and Committee Competency Profile. The profile outlines the knowledge, skills, judgment, attitudes, and experience required for effective service, and clearly distinguishes the competencies needed for Council and committee members.

Council Effectiveness Review Framework (CERF)

COKO Council is committed to reviewing the performance of Council members, the chair and committees. Such an evaluation, as conducted on a three-year basis by an external third party, is aligned with the College Performance Measurement Framework (CPMF) requirements. This evaluation process enables Council members to identify actionable opportunities for continuous improvement.