Kate Cowan

Kate Cowan is the interim director of strategic relations at the Institute for Work & Health (IWH).

In this role, she leads strategic work building strong and diverse stakeholder relationships and ensuring IWH’s research is responsive to the needs of workers, employers and policy-makers. Cowan works closely with the president, scientific director, Board of Directors, and the communications and knowledge transfer and exchange (KTE) teams to identify partnership opportunities and amplify IWH’s impact, provincially, nationally and internationally.

Cowan has dedicated her dynamic career to supporting individuals and communities through her work with the Ontario Public Service (OPS), its agencies, a not-for-profit organization and as a committed volunteer.

She has supported enterprise-wide transformational strategies in several ministries, including Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Ministry of Community and Social Services, Ministry of Education, the Ontario Women’s Directorate and Treasury Board Secretariat.

Outside of work, Cowan has provided guidance to her community previously as the vice-chair of the board of her son’s daycare, as the strategic planning chair for a community services organization supporting adults with disabilities and as a board member of a local women’s shelter.

Cowan holds a bachelor of commerce (honours) degree from McMaster University, and a master’s certificate in risk management and business performance from York University.