Thanks to former CEO Akela Peoples for outstanding leadership at MHRC
On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, partners, and the entire Mental Health Research Canada community, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and warmest appreciation to Akela Peoples as she concludes her transformative seven-and-a-half- year tenure as Chief Executive Officer. Named in the Top 100 Canada’s Most Powerful Women Trailblazers category, Akela was also recognized by the Reach Out Together Foundation in the Summer of 2026 as a Top 25 Mental Health Leader in Canada.
The Board of Directors is working closely with MHRC’s senior executive leadership team, who will manage day-to day operations and maintain ongoing oversight of all programs, research grants, and partner commitments.
When Akela assumed the CEO role, MHRC was a nascent national organization transitioning from its Ontario roots, with just 1.5 staff members and a vision waiting to be realized. Over the past seven-plus years, Akela’s visionary leadership, strategic acumen, and tireless advocacy have built MHRC into a vibrant, high-impact national leader in Canada’s mental health sector.
Under Akela’s stewardship, MHRC has achieved remarkable growth and national resonance:
Unprecedented Reach & Impact: Expanding operations into both official languages and reaching a media footprint of over 1.15 billion and 1.8 million content views in the past year alone.
Research & Equity Initiatives: Cultivating deep, authentic partnerships in every province and territory, with a dedicated focus on supporting early-career, Indigenous, and veteran researchers, as well as community-based mental health organizations.
National Policy Influence: Establishing unique data reporting that has directly informed federal priorities, supported the drafting of Senate Bills, and guided evidence-based advocacy across the country.
Outstanding Financial Stewardship: Leveraging an initial investment of just over $250,000 into more than $12.5 million in community mental health research investments while preserving the organization’s multi-million-dollar reserve fund intact to sustain long-term operations.
Philanthropic Confidence: Securing landmark donations, legacy gifts, and historic organizational milestones that underscore the strength and public trust in the MHRC brand.
Akela leaves MHRC as a viable, thriving entity renowned for "punching well above its weight." Supported by a high-performing team of dedicated professionals, the foundation Akela has built leaves MHRC exceptionally well positioned for its next exciting chapter.
We thank Akela for truly extraordinary service, passionate leadership, and enduring contributions to mental health research in Canada. We wish every success, happiness, and fulfillment to Akela in the next stage of her career, or in retirement — and in all adventures and travel that lie ahead — as an esteemed Canadian mental health leader and valued colleague.
Andrew J. Greenshaw
PhD FRSA Chair, Mental Health Research Canada Board of Directors
