Mark Boots is STARS’ Chief Information Officer, responsible for ensuring that our digital technology supports excellent delivery of critical care to patients. With a focus on building high-performing teams founded in a culture of service, Mark brings 17 years of experience leading technology teams in tackling global-scale challenges. At STARS, Mark is leading initiatives in data maturity, cybersecurity, and growing a software development team to deliver advanced technology to the front lines of providing critical care, anywhere.

Mark’s academic journey began at the University of Saskatchewan, where he earned degrees in Computer Science and Engineering Physics, and a PhD in Physics. During his PhD, he launched a multi-year project at the Canadian Light Source, a synchrotron particle accelerator, to innovate a new suite of scientific experiment management software. This kicked off his interest in following user-centred design processes, which he used first on this project to understand the needs of scientists across the advanced research facility.

Prior to joining STARS, Mark co-founded a global cloud communication company that operates in emerging markets, delivering life-saving health and development information to millions of people in remote communities across 30 countries in Africa and Asia. He successfully grew the company to 300 team members while leading the technology and product strategy. He has also worked as the Chief Administration Officer for a US-based startup developing advanced micro-modular nuclear reactors, where he grew the global team from 35 to 75 people and developed efficient business and technology processes.

Mark has been a mentor for local startups, and a consultant to technology organizations working in global health and international development. He has been recognized as one of Canada’s “Top 40 under 40” and received a venture fellowship from Engineers Without Borders Canada.

Mark lives in Saskatoon with his wife, two daughters, and a rambunctious puppy. He enjoys spending weekends playing music with them, building robots, or getting outside to snowboard, hike, and camp.