O’Brien Institute for Public Health welcomes new director, strategic operations

The O’Brien Institute for Public Health is pleased to welcome Samantha Larose-Berry as director, strategic operations, starting April 7.

Larose-Berry brings more than a decade of experience supporting health systems, research institutes and international organizations to strengthen performance and navigate complexity. Her work has focused on evaluation, operational planning and advancing evidence-informed decision-making across a range of public health and health system settings. 

She began her career with Alberta Health Services as a quality and evaluation specialist, before moving into strategic consulting roles supporting organizations across Canada and internationally. Most recently, she served as manager of One Health at the University of Calgary, where she supported transdisciplinary research teams and contributed to institutional initiatives related to One Health and antimicrobial resistance. 

Larose-Berry holds a master of science in epidemiology from Western University and is a credentialed evaluator. She is currently completing her doctor of public health at the University of Toronto, with a focus on leadership, systems change and the operationalization of public health strategy. 

“I’ve always looked to the O’Brien Institute as a place where meaningful, innovative public health work happens,” says Larose-Berry. “The leadership, staff and members consistently advance research and initiatives that are timely and deeply aligned with what populations need right now.”

“As a born-and-raised Calgarian, I’m excited to contribute to an institute that serves its local community while also having global reach. I’m looking forward to supporting Institute members and helping further the Institute’s vision as it continues to evolve.” 

Larose-Berry says she is especially looking forward to working with the Institute’s team, members and partners.

“The O’Brien Institute has already assembled a talented and deeply committed group of people, and I’m excited to support them in my new role,” she says. “Being able to contribute to a community with this level of expertise, energy and purpose is something I’m truly excited about.” 

Her appointment comes at a time when the role of public health research and collaboration is more important than ever.

“Public health is facing significant challenges right now, but that’s exactly why our research, advocacy and community engagement matter,” she says. “I believe the O’Brien Institute is uniquely positioned to make a real impact."