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John M. Rafferty

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John M. Rafferty joined Ontario Genomics in 2025 as the President & CEO. With an impressive background spanning over 25 years, John is recognized for his dynamic leadership and commitment to driving innovation in the nonprofit and private sectors. Prior to joining Ontario Genomics, he served as the eighth President & CEO of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), where he initiated extraordinary change and modernization within one of Canada’s oldest charities. Under John’s leadership, CNIB has expanded by more than 90% and unified its service offerings across the country, making it more accessible and available nationwide. He also spearheaded the landmark trifurcation of CNIB into three separate organizations, each providing vital and distinct services to Canadians who are blind, partially sighted, or Deafblind. At the same time, John was a driving force behind the implementation of many of CNIB’s most groundbreaking programs – including CNIB Guide Dogs and Come to Work – as well as a wide range of virtual programs. Prior to his tenure at CNIB, John held senior executive roles with Dun and Bradstreet Canada, Verizon Information Services (Canada, China, Poland), as well as British Telecom (UK). John is a former member of the C.D. Howe Institute’s Health Policy Council, served on the Board of Directors for Accessible Media Inc., and chaired Vision 2020 Canada. In 2012, he earned the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, which honours significant contributions and achievements by Canadians to their community. At Ontario Genomics, John is committed to leveraging his extensive experience to accelerate the commercialization of biotechnologies and he is looking forward to fostering robust partnerships between researchers, industry, non-profits, and government. He is focused on advancing “made-in-Ontario” solutions that address significant global challenges, including food security, climate change and acute and chronic disease. As he leads Ontario Genomics into its next era of innovation and impact, John aims to unlock the full economic and societal potential of the bio-revolution in Ontario and beyond.
John M. Rafferty joins Ontario Genomics as new President and CEO

Jordan Thomson

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Dr. Jordan Thomson (PhD, Chemistry) brings over 17 years of experience working in industry, non-profit and academic sectors. He possesses deep technical and business knowledge in the chemical and biotechnology industries coupled with experience in strategy, startup support, and R&D funding. As the Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Commercialization at Ontario Genomics he leads the organization’s genomics innovation efforts partnering closely with Ontario’s world-class community of academic institutions, entrepreneurs, and investors. Previously, Jordan served for six years as a Board Member at GreenCentre Canada, a non-profit that accelerates the development of chemical and materials innovation, as well as a mentor for three years with the Creative Destruction Lab.

Prior to joining Ontario Genomics in 2015, Jordan worked for DuPont as a Research Scientist leading projects in chemical process development and scale-up. He also worked for GreenCentre Canada as a Scientist synthesizing novel small molecules and materials. He received his Bachelor’s degree in the Arts and Science programme at McMaster University and completed his Ph.D. in chemistry at the University of Toronto where he studied nanotechnology and synthetic chemistry.

Polina Martins

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Polina Martins is the Senior Director, Communications, Public Affairs & People Strategy at Ontario Genomics, where she leads an integrated portfolio spanning strategic communications, government engagement, organizational culture and people development. Since joining Ontario Genomics in 2019, Polina has driven the evolution of the organization’s public voice and sector influence by advancing genomics-based innovation through compelling storytelling and multi-ministry advocacy across government. Polina also leads Ontario Genomics’ People Strategy, stewarding core values-based culture development, professional development and organizational effectiveness initiatives.

Prior to joining Ontario Genomics, Polina served as Senior Communications and Operations Advisor to multiple Ontario Government Ministers across portfolios, including Economic Development and Growth, Health and Long-Term Care, and Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. With extensive experience across communications, government relations, public affairs, and high-profile event strategy, she brings a deep understanding of how to translate complex science and policy issues into compelling narratives that mobilize diverse stakeholders.

Polina holds a Master of Arts degree from the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy and a Bachelor of Arts in Employment Relations, both from the University of Toronto.