Meet Kate Cunningham, Base Manager in Kenora
When Kate Cunningham joined Ornge as Base Manager in Kenora earlier this year, she brought with her more than 15 years of leadership experience in the Ontario Public Service. But despite her impressive resume, she was stepping into an entirely new world.

"I don't have a medical or aviation background," Kate said. "When I started, I made it clear that I wanted to learn. I'll never be the expert that the crews are, but the more I understand what they do, the better I can support them."

As Base Manager, Kate's focus is to ensure crews have everything they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. From managing facilities and supplies to building relationships with local healthcare partners and communities, she sees her role as removing barriers so frontline staff can focus on delivering care.
"The crews have a really important mandate," she said. "My role is to make sure they have the equipment, resources, and support they need to succeed."

Kate's path to ORNGE was intentional. Throughout her career, she sought opportunities that aligned with causes she believed in and would challenge her to grow professionally.

"Every job I've taken has been very calculated and intentional," she said. "I look for opportunities that broaden my horizons, expand my skills, and connect me to work that feels meaningful."

Before joining Ornge, Kate worked with the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs, partnering closely with Chiefs, Councils, and community leaders across Ontario, including many northern fly-in First Nations communities. Helping communities access funding, programs, and government support was both rewarding and eye-opening, shaping her understanding of the importance of equitable access to services and strong community partnerships.

Kate also spent eight years with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, most recently serving as Director of Regulatory Compliance. In that role, she led a team of nearly 175 people responsible for compliance and enforcement across Ontario's alcohol, cannabis, gaming, casino, and horse racing sectors. Her passion for horse welfare made the horse racing file particularly meaningful.

"A big part of my work was advocating for regulatory reform related to horse welfare," she said. "I took a lot of pride in working with industry stakeholders to improve safety and reduce injuries while supporting the long-term sustainability of the sport."

That passion for horses extends far beyond her professional life.

A lifelong equestrian, Kate has been riding since childhood after spending summers travelling to competitions with her aunt, an accomplished three-day event rider. Today, she competes in show jumping with her horse, Rubix, whom she has trained since she was young.

"Horses are in my blood," Kate said. "There's something special about building a partnership with an animal and bringing them along from the beginning. When you finally get to compete and move up through the levels together, it's incredibly rewarding.” Kate and Rubix competed throughout Ontario and Florida, and this year travelled to Calgary for competition.

While her career has taken many turns, one of the biggest changes came this year when she moved from Toronto to Northwestern Ontario with her family. Her partner is originally from Fort Frances, and together they made the decision to start a new chapter in the region.

"It's definitely a different pace of life," she said. "I can honestly say my commute takes about the same amount of time it did in Toronto, except here I'm actually moving."

Since arriving, Kate has embraced life in the northwest and quickly developed an appreciation for what makes Kenora unique.

"The lake really ties everyone together," she said. "Whether you're fishing, boating, swimming, or kayaking, people gravitate to the water. There's so much beauty here and so much to explore."

She also describes the area as remarkably seasonal.

"In the summer, the population seems to triple. People come from Manitoba, the United States, and all over to spend time on the lake. It's like the Muskoka of the Northwest."

Although she has only been with Ornge for a few months, one experience deepened her understanding of the organization's impact almost immediately.

Shortly after moving to Kenora and beginning her new role, Kate's father, whom she helps care for, broke his hip and required surgery in Thunder Bay. The Ornge crew from her own base was dispatched to transport him.
"When I heard that my crew was coming, it was such a relief," she recalled. "I'm new to this community and didn't know many people. Seeing those familiar faces walk through the hospital doors was incredibly comforting."

Experiencing the healthcare system as a family member rather than an employee gave her a new perspective on Ornge's work.

"It was emotional, but it allowed me to see firsthand the compassion, empathy, and professionalism that our crews bring every day," she said. "It really reinforced why this work matters."

That experience also strengthened her appreciation for Ornge's role in delivering healthcare across Ontario, particularly in the North.

"We go to places where you literally cannot drive," Kate said. "Many of the communities we serve are only accessible by air. Without Ornge, people wouldn't have the same access to care. Being able to help provide that equity is incredibly important."

What continues to impress her most is the dedication of the team she works alongside every day.

"They're passionate, empathetic, and deeply committed to what they do," she said. "It's a tough job, and they see people on some of the worst days of their lives. I'm proud to support them and the important work they do."
When Kate’s not at work, she can usually be found on the water boating, fishing or spending time with Rubix. For someone who thrives on challenge, connection, and meaningful work, both her new home and her new role seem to be the perfect fit.
 

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