George Smitherman combines entrepreneurial vision, expertise in public policy, and a sincere commitment to community well-being, making him a cornerstone of our team. As Ontario’s former long-serving Minister of Health, George spearheaded transformative changes in healthcare, which included reducing wait times for surgeries, hiring more nurses and doctors, expanding team-based primary care, and rebuilding public health through Operation Health Protection following SARS. He also launched the Aging at Home strategy to support seniors, advanced regulation of health professions by introducing physician assistants and broadening the scope of practice for many healthcare providers while advocating for the Commitment to the Future of Medicare Act.
In addition to his impactful tenure as Health Minister, George served as Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, overseeing substantial initiatives in these sectors. He takes pride in being Ontario’s first openly gay MPP, cabinet minister and Deputy Premier, breaking barriers and paving the way for greater inclusivity in public service.
With over 40 years of experience in public affairs, George has held pivotal roles, including Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Toronto and Senior Advisor for the Greater Toronto Area at the federal level. His exceptional expertise in navigating government systems and addressing health human resource challenges ensures our firm connects top-tier healthcare talent with healthcare providers and communities striving to meet evolving industry demands.
At the heart of George’s life is his family. He and his husband reside in Toronto with their two teenagers and two beloved Chihuahuas. Growing up in a family of small business owners shaped George's journey, instilling a passion for innovation and collaboration and driving meaningful change—qualities that continue to define his remarkable career.
If you’d like to connect with George directly, feel free to email him at george.smitherman@aspiratalent.com.
Sherri Fournier Hudson brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to our firm, drawing from her distinguished career in healthcare administration. As the former Executive Director of the Upper Canada Family Health Team in Brockville, Sherri demonstrated exceptional leadership, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her efforts in establishing and managing the Brockville COVID-19 assessment centre, along with recruiting healthcare professionals to address critical staffing needs, were instrumental in providing essential care to the community, earning her an honorary diploma from St. Lawrence College.
Sherri holds a Bachelor of Business from Northwood University. She has enhanced her expertise through the Executive Management Program at the General Motors Institute and advanced healthcare administration training at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. Her strategic insight, extensive healthcare network, and proven track record in team building make her an invaluable asset to our firm. Sherri’s dedication ensures we connect clients with top-tier healthcare talent, fostering success for both organizations and healthcare professionals.
Outside of work, Sherri cherishes quality time with her husband Ted and their two children, whether at their cottage on the St. Lawrence River or skiing together. These moments of connection and relaxation reflect her appreciation for both personal and professional growth.
With over 25 years of experience in executive search, recruitment, and consulting in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, Dr. Kalchman is a cornerstone of our firm. A Ph.D. geneticist from the University of British Columbia, Dr. Kalchman’s early career was rooted in groundbreaking research on Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. His academic contributions, including more than 12 peer-reviewed publications and a patent, reflect his deep scientific expertise.
Dr. Kalchman’s transition from research to recruitment began when he founded Cortex Search Inc., a biotechnology recruitment firm. For two decades, he has partnered with leading organizations across North America to identify and secure top-tier talent that drives innovation in preclinical and clinical research programs. His unique ability to translate complex scientific needs into actionable talent strategies makes him invaluable to our healthcare team clients.
Dr. Kalchman’s passion for connecting science and people ensures that our firm consistently delivers exceptional results for clients and candidates. His strategic insight, industry knowledge, and commitment to excellence set a high standard for our team.
Outside of the office, Dr. Kalchman enjoys spending time with his wife, Gabbi, and their two children. He is also an Ironman triathlon competitor and an instrument-rated private pilot, embodying the discipline and drive he brings to his professional endeavours.
Dr. Bast brings a wealth of expertise from his time as a biomedical scientist at Mount Sinai Hospital and as an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. He holds a Ph.D. in molecular medical microbiology. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles that advance our understanding of antimicrobial resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae, the pathogenesis of Group A Streptococcus, and verotoxigenic Escherichia coli infections.
Dr. Bast’s comprehensive experience in academic leadership and mentoring students at all levels, from undergraduate to medical residents, along with his expertise in scientific recruitment, allows us to identify and foster top-tier talent. With over two decades of entrepreneurial experience in freelance medical writing and real estate sales, he excels at building client relationships, negotiating, and driving business growth. This unique combination of scientific knowledge and business acumen allows him to understand the complexities of talent and organizational needs, facilitating professional development and collaborative partnerships within the healthcare sector.
Dr. Bast’s life is enriched by over 30 years with his husband and a strong commitment to giving back. His efforts, including fundraising for ovarian cancer research in memory of his mother, exemplify his dedication to making an impact in the community.
Healthcare is about people, and so is Aspira Talent. We specialize in building meaningful partnerships between healthcare professionals and employers. Reach out today to discuss how we can help you achieve your career or hiring goals.
