Mai Nguyen, Ph.D.
Toronto,ON
Summary
Dynamic and accomplished government relations professional with over a decade of experience in public policy analysis, government advocacy, and stakeholder engagement within several industries. Proven track record of success in developing and executing comprehensive government relations strategies to navigate complex regulatory environments and drive business growth. Adept at fostering relationships with key stakeholders at all levels of government and industry to influence policy outcomes and support organizational objectives. Specialized expertise in digital policy, data privacy, cybersecurity, and telecommunications infrastructure. Demonstrated ability to anticipate emerging issues, provide strategic advice, and drive favorable regulatory and policy changes. Ready to leverage extensive experience and skills to drive impactful results.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Government Affairs & Policy, Canada
Kyndryl Inc.
04.2023 - Current
- Lead the development and implementation of the company's comprehensive government engagement and growth strategy at all three levels of government.
- Policy focus centers on navigating key areas such as data privacy, cyber-security, and policies related to digital transformation within the public sector.
- Staying vigilant about evolving regulatory landscapes and promptly formulating responses to governmental shifts has effectively elevated Kyndryl's business opportunities.
Head of Government Relations & Public Policy, Canada
VMware Inc.
06.2021 - 03.2023
- Developed and led the company's government relations strategy federally and across Canada through advocacy, relationship-building and thought leadership.
- Successfully raised the company's profile with elected officials and positioned VMware as a thought-leader in several public policy areas (e.g., data privacy, app modernization, cyber-security) by aligning VMware's global policy positions with governments' digital and environmental priorities.
- My leadership led to increased sales opportunities and contracts totally over $8 million in revenue.
Manager of Government Relations
Shaw Communications / Freedom Mobile
05.2019 - 06.2021
- Supported the company's wireless and wireline network expansion through the development and implementation of government affairs and policy initiatives.
- Contributed to the company's provincial public policy position on telecommunications infrastructure and used the position to inform federal/provincial/municipal government policies.
- Through advocacy efforts and public policy activities, I was able to anticipate emerging issues while successfully building relationships with government officials, leading to favourable regulatory and policy changes that supported the company's wireless expansion.
Senior Government Relations Consultant
Cumberland Strategies (formerly Maple Leaf Strategies)
02.2018 - 04.2019
- Advised and provided guidance to various industries to help them achieve their government affairs goals (i.e., gain access to government, change legislation and/ or regulations, access procurement opportunities).
Policy Advisor
Office of the Minister of Government and Consumer Services
05.2017 - 01.2018
- Provide the Minister and Premier's Office with political and policy advice on consumer protection issues (e.g., real estate, payday lending, door-to-door sales).
- Successfully built collaborative relationships with all relevant stakeholders (e.g., industry, associations, SMEs, etc.) by continuously soliciting feedback to inform our legislative changes.
- My advice and ability to proactively mitigate issues was instrumental in ensuring the Minister delivered on the mandate of strengthening consumer protection, while minimizing adverse effects to impacted industries (e.g., consumer finance).
MPP Liaison
Office of the Minister of Municipal Affairs
10.2016 - 04.2017
- Strategically analyzed and managed issues of relevance to the Minister's Office through continuous communication with elected officials (e.g., MPPs, Mayors, and Municipal Chairs).
- Staffed the Minister at critical events and meetings with stakeholders.
Policy Analyst
Community & Health Services Department, Regional Municipality of York
01.2015 - 12.2015
- Provided innovative research and policy analyses to senior management on a variety of government issues.
- Developed communications material for senior management and Council (e.g. briefing memos, policy matrixes, newsletters).
Education
Ph.D. - Political Science
York University
Toronto, ON06.2014
Master of Arts - Political Science
Brock University
St. Catharines, ON08.2006
Bachelor of Arts -
Wilfrid Laurier University
Waterloo, ON04.2005
Skills
- Over 10 years of demonstrated research, writing and analytical skills
- Over 10 years of government / stakeholder relations experience
- Fluent in English, Vietnamese and memorized proficiency in French
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and social media
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Vietnamese
Limited Working
French
Elementary
Timeline
Head of Government Affairs & Policy, Canada
Kyndryl Inc.
04.2023 - Current
Head of Government Relations & Public Policy, Canada
VMware Inc.
06.2021 - 03.2023
Manager of Government Relations
Shaw Communications / Freedom Mobile
05.2019 - 06.2021
Senior Government Relations Consultant
Cumberland Strategies (formerly Maple Leaf Strategies)
02.2018 - 04.2019
Policy Advisor
Office of the Minister of Government and Consumer Services
05.2017 - 01.2018
MPP Liaison
Office of the Minister of Municipal Affairs
10.2016 - 04.2017
Policy Analyst
Community & Health Services Department, Regional Municipality of York
01.2015 - 12.2015
Ph.D. - Political Science
York University
Master of Arts - Political Science
Brock University
Bachelor of Arts -
Wilfrid Laurier University
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