Behind the scenes and beyond the hardworking committees and volunteers who contribute to our organization, PSI Foundation is currently run by a tight-knit team of five staff.
Here is a glimpse into each of our team members’ roles, and what we do to deliver funding opportunities to our grantees who contribute their expertise in order to better the health of Ontarians.
Samuel Moore: Executive Director
How long have you worked at PSI?
I have been working at PSI since 2010, so 12 years.
What are the main responsibilities for your job?
To keep staff, physicians, and happy, and to keep everyone (e.g. Board, all Committees, and staff) pulling in the same direction, all working towards meeting PSI’s goals. I focus on both big picture small details, which is always a new challenge. I am expected to evolve in my role as Executive Director.
What is your favourite part of your job as Executive Director at PSI?
My favourite part is working with great people, and working in a wide variety of areas at PSI. For example, I’ll focus on finance one day, then move on to grants the next, then on to governance. Working to make a difference and constantly learning and innovating is another favourite.
What are the most memorable moments from your career?
The most memorable moments are getting PSI to be the first non-American member to join the Health Research Alliance (HRA) , and launching our Knowledge Translation (KT) fellowships.
What did you study in post-secondary?
History, with an emphasis on the history of medicine in Canada.
What are your future plans for PSI as Executive Director?
To see our new PSI strategic plan executed and implemented, as well as to enhance physician-researcher involvement to create an even deeper pool of experts. We are constantly innovating PSI’s current grants programs to meet our goals. Seeing PSI evolve from a smaller regional organization to a larger funder is my ultimate goal.
Jessica Haxton: Grants Coordinator
How long have you been working at PSI?
I have worked at PSI for 11 years.
What are the main responsibilities for your job?
My responsibilities include screening applications, finding external peer reviewers, and getting application ready for internal Grants Committee review.
What did you study in post-secondary?
I studied Molecular Biology and Art History.
Heather Bruder: Administrative Coordinator
How long have you worked at PSI?
I have been working at PSI for 4 years.
What are the main responsibilities for your job?
Representing business as first point of contact for all enquiries, support grants funding program activities, by managing external peer review requests, tracking and processing peer reviews. Manage grant payments, including following up with grantees and maintaining payment schedule. Providing administrative support to the Executive Director, Board and Committee members. Organize and coordinate and facilitate several annual meetings and other events with internal/external stakeholders.
What did you study in post-secondary?
History
Asumi Matsumoto: Programs Coordinator
How long have you worked at PSI?
I’ve been working at PSI at since September 2016 – so 6 years!
What are the main responsibilities for your job?
My responsibilities adapt depending on the needs of PSI, however, my current ones include:
- Coordinate the application process for salary support awards
- Manage the post-award process for all funding streams
- Maintain PSI’s communication channels
- Prepare committee meeting material, including dashboards and reports
- Assist with special projects as assigned
What did you study in post-secondary?
I received my undergraduate degree in Nutritional Sciences and Psychology at the University of Toronto.
Eunice Lee: Administrative and Communications Assistant
How long have you worked at PSI?
I worked at PSI since May 2019, so for 3.5 years.
What are the main responsibilities for your job?
My job involves designing visuals and writing for PSI through reports, infographics, and social media management, as well as administrative tasks for post-meeting cleanup and our grants system (SmartSimple).
What did you study in post-secondary?
I majored in Journalism with a minor in English.
To read more about PSI’s history, funding, Board of Directors and Management, click here.
