“My background as a scientist means that I am driven to pursue answers to often difficult or complex questions. My late grandfather lived with Parkinson’s disease. Over the years, I witnessed how he and others living with Parkinson’s overcome changes and challenges, and how friends and family rally to support them. I am inspired by your resilience and resourcefulness as individuals and as a caring Parkinson’s community.”

Karen Lee holds an Honours B.Sc. degree in Cell Biology from Western University and a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Medicine from the University of Ottawa.

For the last two years, Karen has led Parkinson Canada as the President and CEO. Here, she is leading Parkinson Canada’s transformational change in impacting more people living with Parkinson’s, while building partnerships and collaboration to drive research innovation to ultimately find a cure.

Prior to joining Parkinson Canada, Karen spent 12 years at the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada in a series of progressive roles. As the Vice President of Research & Managing Director, MS Research and Training Network and a valued member of the management team, Karen led significant efforts in creating a research program centered on people living with MS, making the MS Society a sector leader in focusing on patient-oriented research. She also drove nationwide discussions within the MS community, connecting MS researchers to people affected by MS in a dialogue about MS research priorities in Canada. Karen’s passion for science has benefited several communities in Canada.

Karen has been recognized by the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Medicine with an Alumni Award of Distinction, as a 2019 Rising Star. Karen is also a member of YPO. In addition to her corporate experience, Karen is an avid volunteer in the non-profit health care community, making meaningful contributions to several organizations and initiatives.