Vancouver, February 26, 2024

The Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) announced today that after serving for over six years as the Chief Executive Officer of the Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN), Nicola (Nicky) Lewis will be stepping down from her role as CEO from March 1, 2024. KBHN is a national network dedicated to improving the lives of kids with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families.

Nicky has served KBHN as CEO since 2017, having previously served as the Executive Director of its forerunner, NeuroDevNet from its inception in 2010 until 2014. NeuroDevNet was established as a federal Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program, to conduct research into the causes, early diagnosis and treatment of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and, in particular, autism, cerebral palsy and fetal alcohol syndrome. Her work was critical in the early successes of KBHN.

Over the years, the Network evolved to not only develop but also to harness scientific advances in technology, interventions and supports. Nicky led the team that secured the final round of NCE funding and, more recently, led the successful multi-million dollar funding initiative under the federal Strategic Science Fund (SSF) program.

“Nicky has played a central role in KBHN’s sustainability and growth,” said KBHN Board Co-Chairs, Geoff Pradella and Sara Saber-Freedman. They further added, “She played a critical leadership role in several successful research-investment proposals for the network and in launching the KBH Foundation. She is leaving the organization in a strong position at the leading edge of implementation science in Canada, ensuring that research innovations reach the families who need them. On behalf of KBHN’s board, we extend our gratitude for her contributions to KBHN’s mission.”

Nicky supported the board in several strategic planning exercises, leading KBHN towards greater efforts in philanthropic and commercialization sectors. She has been a relentless advocate for the work of KBHN and the children and families that it serves, through her outreach with government, private and public sector partners.

Dr. Sheila Laredo, past Chair of KBHN Board and current Chair of the KBHN Foundation Board stated, “Nicky has been absolutely instrumental to ensure that Kids Brain Health Network would deliver on its mandate, which is to create a positive impact on Canadians and their families with neurodevelopmental disabilities. With her collaborative approach, and her focus on ensuring the Network could flourish, she has leveraged this success to support important projects that will affect the lives of many vulnerable Canadians. Nicky’s work will have a lasting impact and we will greatly miss working with her. I wish her every success in her future endeavours.”

It has been a privilege and honour to serve as KBHN’s CEO and the highlight of my professional career,” said Nicky Lewis. “I have collaborated with so many partners nationally and locally, talented researchers, dedicated trainees, inspiring family members, committed service providers and the KBHN Board and staff in our collective work. I wish the Kids Brain Health Network every success in the years ahead in mobilizing science to have a meaningful impact by providing solutions to critical needs.”

Nicky leaves an organization that has grown in reach and influence under her leadership. Her accomplishments include work with government towards establishing the National Autism Strategy, the Early Learning and Childcare Act and the Canada Disabilities Benefit to secure a better life for those living with neurodevelopmental conditions and their families. She is a member of the Research Canada Policy Engagement Committee, advocating on behalf of a robust health research and innovation ecosystem.

Nicky is stepping aside to build her independent career further as a facilitator, advocate, and leader in health research, having built the financial foundation and partnerships that will allow KBHN to move into new areas of focus in this next phase of its evolution.

About Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN)

Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) is a national network that develops and harnesses scientific advances in technologies, interventions and supports with the goal of helping children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families live the best lives. The science of children’s brain health is making advancements and KBHN is bridging the gaps between these scientific advances and implementing solutions that directly address the needs of children and families. In delivering on its mission, KBHN is advancing federal responsibilities and priorities aimed at building a healthier future for all kids. More information is available at: https://kidsbrainhealth.ca/

For media queries, please contact:

Prachi Jatania, Communications Manager
Kids Brain Health Network
Email: communications@kidsbrainhealth.ca