Board of Directors
Geoff Fernie
CM, OOnt, PhD, PEng, CEng, FCAHS, FCAE
Dr. Geoff Fernie is a globally recognized healthcare innovator, bioengineer, and one of Canada’s most distinguished healthcare engineers. Over the course of his 50-year career, Dr. Fernie has led multidisciplinary teams, published hundreds of peer-reviewed papers, helped change building codes, designed innovative health products, and reimagined care practices across Canada. He has led breakthrough research into rehabilitation, aging, fall prevention, and infection control.
Today, Dr. Fernie is the President & CEO of Hygienic Echo, while also serving as Emeritus Senior Scientist at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto. He is also the founding force behind the KITE Research Institute, which has grown into one of the world’s leading hubs for rehabilitation science and health innovation.
He has been honored with the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario, among many other accolades. But more than his credentials, Dr. Fernie is known for solving real-world problems through practical, human-centered innovation. Hygienic Echo is the continuation of that work.
Dr. Harvey Griggs
PhD, MASc, BASc
Dr. Harvey Griggs is an engineer with BASc and MASc degrees from University of Toronto in 1961 and 1963 respectively. After several years of professional practice he started a PhD program (with the help of a scholarship from National Research Council) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His Doctorate was awarded in 1968. He returned to Toronto to work for a large consulting engineering company. In 1973, Harvey Griggs left the large company to start H.G.Engineering Ltd. He discovered he had a natural inclination to be an entrepreneur and so proceeded to look for new opportunities. Over the next 40 years, Harvey made significant investments into 10 start-up companies where he either supported or chose the CEO and was either a significant informal advisor to the CEO or a Director.
Of the 10 companies 8 were very successful, one was victim of the 2007 world recession and the other is still trying although its losses have been significant. An 80% success rate is most unusual. Today, Dr. Griggs serves on the Board of Directors at Hygienic Echo Inc. He is a strong advocate for Benefit Corporations. He concentrates on Social Impact Investments, and has contributed his expertise in a voluntary capacity with the Toronto Foundation.
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Tim Bowman
JD, MBA, BA
Mr. Tim A. Bowman is a member of the Board of Directors at Hygienic Echo Inc., bringing extensive leadership and investment experience to the organization. He is also Managing Director at Bedford Capital Ltd., and began his career as a corporate and securities lawyer with Davies, Ward and Beck before serving as Vice-President of Corporate Development at Magna International. He later co-founded Apex Capital, completing buyouts of businesses in Canada and the U.S., and in some cases operating those businesses. Mr. Bowman also served as Executive Managing Director of BMO Nesbitt Burns. He graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada and York University, as well as an MBA from Queen’s University.
Catharine Hancharek
PEng, FEC, MMPA, CPA, CMA, CHRL
Catharine Hancharek is Chief of Partnerships at Hygienic Echo Inc., where she is also a member of the Board of Directors. She previously directed Research Operations & Business Development at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. Catharine graduated in Industrial Engineering from the University of Toronto and in Management and Professional Accounting from the Rotman School of Management.
Michelle Fox
CPA, H.B.Com
Michelle Fox is a member of the Board of Directors at Hygienic Echo Inc. also serves as Chief Financial Officer at Saint Elizabeth Health Care, a not-for-profit social enterprise and one of Canada’s largest healthcare providers delivering innovative health solutions. She has worked at SE Health for over 17 years in various financial leadership roles, driving growth, efficiencies, and innovation. Prior to her career at SE Health, Michelle held management positions at Ernst & Young and in the technology industry. She is a CPA and holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce (H.B.Com) degree from the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University.
Catharine Hancharek
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Chief Partnerships Officer (CPO)
PEng, FEC, MMPA, CPA, CMA, CHRL
Catharine Hancharek is the Chief Partnerships Officer at Hygienic Echo, bringing engineering, financial, human resources, and operational leadership to the organization. Previously the Director of Research Operations & Business Development at Toronto Rehab, she holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Toronto and a Master of Management & Professional Accounting from the Rotman School of Management, with over 30 years of leadership experience.
Geoff Fernie
Co-founder, CEO and CSO
CM, OOnt, PhD, PEng, CEng, FCAHS, FCAE
Dr. Geoff Fernie is one of Canada’s most accomplished healthcare engineers, known for over 50 years of innovation in rehabilitation, aging, fall prevention, and infection control. Formerly the founder and director of the KITE Research Institute and a Senior Scientist at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, he is also a Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto. His work has shaped national building codes, produced globally adopted health technologies, and earned distinctions including the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario.
Mohsen Gharakhanlou
COO and VP of Business Development
MBA, PMP
Mohsen leads operations, product delivery, and business development with a deep commitment to scaling innovation responsibly across healthcare systems. He holds a background in industrial engineering and an MBA with a specialization in finance and brings over 20 years of experience in innovation, technology development, and entrepreneurial leadership.