Open To Work
Lisa MacLeod
OTTAWA,ON
Work Preference
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience as Editor in Chief at North of 50, excelling in content strategy development and stakeholder engagement. Proven track record in crisis communication and strategic planning, driving impactful public outreach initiatives. Adept at fostering relationships and delivering compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Editor in Chief
North of 50
Toronto, ON
01.2026 - Current
- Identified areas of improvement in existing content and assisted in developing new content that was relevant to the target audience.
- Directed the editorial team to produce engaging content for a diverse readership.
Principal
Aurora Strategies
, ON
04.2025 - Current
- Developed public outreach strategies to effectively engage diverse community stakeholders, fostering stronger community relations.
- Developed strategic initiatives to enhance organizational effectiveness and client engagement.
- Led cross-functional teams to align business goals with stakeholder expectations.
- Facilitated workshops to promote collaboration and innovative problem-solving among staff.
Ambassador
Macdonald-Laurier Institute
Ottawa, ON
03.2025 - Current
- Established cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer, or public interest groups.
- Advocated for policy initiatives aligned with the institute's mission and values.
- Engaged with stakeholders to foster collaboration and support for research projects.
- Represented the institute at conferences and public events to promote key findings.
Co-Founder
Secord Strategies/ Wandering Women
Toronto, Ontario
03.2025 - Current
- Collaborated with partners to develop and implement strategic plans aligned with company's mission and objectives, enhancing revenue and growth.
- Developed strategic partnerships with local businesses and organizations.
- Led marketing initiatives to promote brand awareness and engagement.
- Facilitated workshops and events to empower women in the community.
Researcher
Royal Mental Health Centre
Ottawa, Ontario
01.2025 - Current
- Collaborated with community stakeholders to enhance awareness of mental health initiatives.
- Conducted qualitative and quantitative research on mental health topics.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop research protocols.
- Analyzed data using statistical software to identify trends and insights.
Member of Provincial Parliament
Ontario Legislative Assembly
Ottawa, Canada
03.2006 - 02.2025
- Leveraged political communication, crisis management, and casework skills to enhance collaboration among individuals, organizations, and government stakeholders
Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries
Ontario Government
Ontario, Canada
06.2019 - 06.2022
- Oversaw a $75 Billion suite of sectors and Ontario’s cultural fabric. Provided crisis communications and strategic leadership during the global Covid-19 pandemic to 24 of the 28 hardest hit sectors in Ontario as well as to 18 agencies and attractions: Ontario Trillium Foundation, Ontario Science Centre, Destination Ontario, Ontario Creates, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Ottawa’s Shaw Centre, Ontario Place, Royal Ontario Museum, Ontario Art Gallery, McMichael Gallery, Niagara Parks Commission, Ontario Heritage Trust, St. Lawrence Parks Commission, Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, Science North, Huronia Historical Parks, Ontario Arts Council, Fort Williams Historic Site. Also held responsibilities for a number of Honours and Awards including the Order of Ontario, the Lincoln Alexander Award and the Volunteer Service Awards, among others.
Minister of Children, Community and Social Services and Minister of Women s Issues
Ontario Government
Ontario, Canada
06.2018 - 06.2019
- Responsible for a $17.5 Billion Budget that included Ontario Disability Supports Program, Ontario Works, Developmental Disabilities supports, youth justice and detention centres, sex trafficking, violence against women’s shelters, immigration and refugee resettlement, Ontario poverty reduction strategy, youth at risk programs.
Political Aide
House of Commons, Ottawa City Hall, Ontario Legislative Assembly
Ottawa, Canada
06.1998 - 03.2006
- Provided policy and communications advice, offered organization support, interact with media and provide administrative and scheduling support.
Education
Fellow - Legislative Leadership
Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development
Madison, Wisconsin01-2008
Master’s Coursework - Strategic Intelligence
American Military University
Online, Virginia01-2001
Bachelor’s - Honours Political Science, Thesis on Canadian Constitution
St. Francis Xavier University
Antigonish, NS05-1997
Skills
- Orator and speech writer
- Political and crisis communication
- Networking and relationship building
- Board and committee leadership
- Strategic planning and thinking
- Research and writing
- Content strategy development
- Editorial collaboration
- Public outreach initiatives
- Stakeholder engagement strategies
- Deadline management skills
- Crisis management expertise
- Analytical thinking abilities
- Story and content development
- Effective communication skills
Accomplishments
- Negev Award Ottawa Jewish Federation
- Keeper of the Light Award Israeli Consulate - Toronto
- EV Award - Equal Voice
- Pink Concussion Award
- Ottawa Chinese Community Friendship Award
- Royal Canadian Legion Friendship Award
- Order of St. John Chair’s Commendations
Timeline
Editor in Chief
North of 50
01.2026 - Current
Principal
Aurora Strategies
04.2025 - Current
Ambassador
Macdonald-Laurier Institute
03.2025 - Current
Co-Founder
Secord Strategies/ Wandering Women
03.2025 - Current
Researcher
Royal Mental Health Centre
01.2025 - Current
Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries
Ontario Government
06.2019 - 06.2022
Minister of Children, Community and Social Services and Minister of Women s Issues
Ontario Government
06.2018 - 06.2019
Member of Provincial Parliament
Ontario Legislative Assembly
03.2006 - 02.2025
Political Aide
House of Commons, Ottawa City Hall, Ontario Legislative Assembly
06.1998 - 03.2006
Fellow - Legislative Leadership
Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development
Master’s Coursework - Strategic Intelligence
American Military University
Bachelor’s - Honours Political Science, Thesis on Canadian Constitution
St. Francis Xavier University