Ornge's Executive Management team is dedicated to serve the public interest, and strive to deliver worldclass air ambulance, critical care land and paediatric transport programs service for Ontarians.
President and CEO
Dr. Tien joins Ornge from Toronto’s Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre where he is the Medical Director for the Tory Regional Trauma Centre, Canada’s largest trauma centre and a frequent destination of Ornge patients. Previously he was a Colonel in the Canadian Forces, having served as a Staff General Surgeon and Medical Officer in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Myanmar.
Dr. Tien has had a distinguished career as a frontline military physician who has worked in combat zones, a well-regarded mentor within the Forces, a researcher in the field of trauma medicine, and as an educator at the University of Toronto. His accolades include the Order of Military Merit, presented to members of the Canadian Forces who demonstrate dedication and devotion beyond the call of duty.
Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Bruce Sawadsky has 20+ years of leadership within the provincial air ambulance program, including his role as a Transport Medicine Physician and Medical Director, as well as the Chair of Ornge’s Medical Advisory Committee. Dr. Sawadsky is a graduate of McMaster University’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. Outside of Ornge, he has been a Staff Emergency Physician at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre since 1996, and the Medical Director of Ontario’s Emergency Medical Assistance Team (EMAT) since its inception in 2008. His primary focus is clinical care provided in austere environments such as transport and disaster medicine as well as the measurement of quality of care and simulation based training.
Chief Legal and Administrative Officer
Susan has over twenty years of experience in corporate/commercial law and brings with her experience in both the public sector and in the role of Corporate Secretary.
Prior to Ornge, Susan spent eight years with the Ontario Power Authority as Counsel, Director Corporate/Commercial Law, Associate General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Prior to joining the Ontario Power Authority, Susan practiced corporate and business law for a total of 12 years at three law firms following her attainment of her LL.B./M.B.A.
Chief Operating Officer and Deputy CEO
Wade began his EMS career in 1997 working as a front line Paramedic in Cochrane District, in Northern Ontario. In 2001, he relocated to the James Bay Coast where he worked for James Bay Ambulance, before joining the Air Ambulance Program in 2002. Wade has been the Base Manager in Moosonee, Kenora and Thunder Bay. He has held a number of senior leadership positions within Ornge, including Director – Computer-Aided Dispatch Project, Director of Operations and Director of Base Management.
Wade completed his Advanced Emergency Medical Care Attendant (A-EMCA) program at Confederation College in Thunder Bay, and his Advanced Care Flight Paramedic Certification through the Academy of Transport Medicine in Mississauga.
Chief Aviation Officer
Peter Cunnington became Chief Aviation Officer in November 2023. In this role, he is responsible for a portfolio that includes the rotor wing, fixed wing, aviation maintenance, aviation safety, Standing Agreement carriers and the Trillium Gift of Life Network programs. During COVID-19, Peter supported Operation Remote Immunity, a provincial vaccination effort led by Ornge and Nishnawbe Aski Nation for remote indigenous communities, by coordinating the tactical use of aircraft for all transportation and logistics. Peter Cunnington’s career began in 1997 in the Helicopter EMS industry as a pilot with the British Columbia Air Ambulance Service, transitioning to EMS Captain serving the province of Ontario in 2002. During that time, he served as a Flight Standards Captain in both Ontario and the Province of Nova Scotia's Emergency Health Services. He held progressively larger roles as a Training Captain, Check Pilot and Chief Pilot for Ornge's Air Ambulance Helicopter program, transitioning to Director of Flight Operations-Rotor Wing. Peter holds a helicopter Airline Transport Pilot License and has accumulated over 5000 flight hours in his career. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Western University in London Ontario.
Chief Human Resource Labour Relations Officer
Lorinda Lee joined Ornge as Chief Human Resources and Labour Relations Officer (CHRLRO) in August, 2023. She is an HR leader with an extensive breadth and depth of experience. Prior to joining Ornge, Lorinda spent the last decade as a Senior HR Leader and Executive in the hospital sector including UHN, Humber River, and Oak Valley Health. She has over ten years of progressive experience in Ontario Public Services including Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Lorinda is also registered as a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and Certified Health Executive (CHE). She holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology, a Bachelor’s in Adult Education Training and Development, a Master’s in Intercultural Communications, and a Ph.D. in Applied Management, Leadership, and Organizational Change. Lorinda enjoys teaching voluntarily and coaching globally. She also dedicates her time to serving on not-for-profit boards.
Chief Financial Officer
Percy brings to Ornge more than 25 years experience as a finance executive in Canada and internationally. He has an extensive background within the aviation/travel sector in senior leadership roles with Canada Jetlines, Sunwing Travel Group and Skyservice Airlines, as well as the Broader Public Sector with the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). He has earned certifications as a Certified General Accountant in Ontario, a Certified Public Accountant in the US, and a Certified Accountant in India.