Rachael Strong
Ottawa,ON
Summary
Highly dedicated and results-driven leader with over twenty years of public, private and not-for-profit experience. Trained as a lawyer, coach, facilitator and mediator. Member of the Law Society of Ontario. Bilingual: English and French (ECC, Federal Government tests).
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager
TRANSPORT CANADA (TC)
08.2017 - Current
- Lead development of TC's policy framework for cyber security in the transportation sector: Hired and built a small team responsible for leading and coordinating the department's work related to multi-modal cyber security policy.
- Develop TC's externally focused cyber security strategy and drive execution of this strategy by working collaboratively with colleagues both within the department and from other government departments, such as Public Safety and the Canadian Security Establishment, to ensure that transportation stakeholders become cyber security ready.
- Oversee preparation of senior managers to attend interdepartmental cyber security meetings.
- Chair and manage an intradepartmental working group on cyber security to ensure consistent and clear communication among pockets of cyber security expertise within the department.
- Led a virtual Ransomware Information Session for over 200 transportation stakeholders.
- Prior to this, managed a small team and led implementation of two regulatory projects related to rail security.
- In this capacity, worked with policy colleagues and Department of Justice regulatory drafters on development of two sets of regulations; developed operational guidance materials for external stakeholders; and developed and delivered training materials for TC regional managers and inspectors.
- As part of TC's corporate initiative on wellness, developed an interactive presentation “Three Steps to Increase your Happiness and Effectiveness at Work” and delivered it to multiple audiences both in person and by teleconference
- Facilitated a coaching circle for the Ontario Regional Manager's Network.
Founder and Principal Consultant
STRONG PRESENCE CONSULTING/RIGHTFIT COACHING
01.2013 - 08.2019
- Provided coaching services on career-related topics.
- Worked on several consulting projects,
- Developed and twice delivered a four-module life planning series for women: Goal Setting; Work your Wardrobe; Take Time for your Health; Plan for your Financial Future While Enjoying the Present.
Associate Director, Education and Immigration
THE CONFERENCE BOARD OF CANADA
03.2015 - 05.2016
- Led a team of seven people, made up of researchers, network and event planners and reported directly to the Vice-President of Industry and Business.
- Regularly facilitated events and meetings and presented Conference Board materials to audiences of various sizes.
- Collaborated with the division's management team to identify and secure new business opportunities.
- Led the immigration portfolio, with responsibilities for the National Immigration Centre and the Leaders Roundtable on Immigration, the annual Immigration Summit, and immigration research activities.
- Chaired the Immigration Summit 2016, a two-day event with 200-plus attendees.
- Actively sought and brought in sponsorship money for the Summit.
- Led a 25-person five-day study tour to Sweden and Denmark on the topic of immigration.
- Through the course of this diverse program, facilitated numerous roundtable discussions featuring high level presenters and discussants from national and local governments, elected and appointed specialists, city and local community organization leaders, NGOs and universities.
Senior Advisor, Chief
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
03.2008 - 01.2013
- As Senior Advisor, Pensions and Benefits Sector, wrote and presented pensions-related materials for senior management within Treasury Board and for external parties.
- Led Sector's support of the Public Service Pension Advisory Committee to ensure that the Committee was well-placed strategically to provide quality advice to the President of the Treasury Board on pension policy.
- Participated in several human resources related committees, covering topics such as values and ethics and professional development for Economist/Policy Analyst staff.
- As Chief, Intergovernmental Affairs, led a team of analysts who coordinated study tours abroad for senior officials and visits by foreign delegations; developed briefing materials as required; Wrote quarterly newsletter for posting on Treasury Board Secretariat's intranet site on the topic of public sector governance.
Manager, Income Assistance and National Child Benefit Reinvestment Programs
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
03.2006 - 03.2008
- Led a team of four policy analysts in a variety of policy analysis, operational and liaison functions, including working on a Memorandum to Cabinet.
Acting Director, Team Leader, Policy Analyst, Foreign Worker Program
Human Resources And Social Development Canada
01.2000 - 03.2006
- As Acting Director, led a team of 13 in dealing with a complex and controversial file involving extensive discussions and negotiations with senior officials from various departments and levels of government.
- In a crisis situation, involving intense political, media and public scrutiny, implemented new directives concerning the entry of temporary foreign exotic dancers; released directives, employer bulletin and template employment contracts; developed a detailed chronology for senior management; worked with media relations to develop media lines; and briefed the Minister and Deputy Minister numerous times.
- As Team Leader, facilitated numerous discussions and gave presentations on the topic of the entry of foreign workers to Canada.
- Presented materials to the Canadian Bar Association and to Sector Councils representing construction workers and the diamond industry; negotiated the entry of foreign workers to Canada with the heads of large companies such as Olymel, Maple Leaf, Nav Canada and Shopper's Drug Mart; met with consular representatives from foreign countries who were advocating entry of their workers to Canada on a more organized basis, and with union leadership who had concerns about the entry of workers to Canada.
- Gave phone interviews to news reporters.
- Authored a 30-page policy paper which established new program policy direction and led team in development of directives for regional staff.
- Following this work, led team and consultants in development and delivery of a train-the-trainer program.
Education
Member of Law Society of Ontario -
Law Society of Ontario
Bachelor of Laws -
University of New Brunswick
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) -
Queen's University
Skills
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Team Leadership and People Management
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Negotiation
- Policy Analysis and Implementation
Certification
- Erickson Certified Professional Coach, The Art & Science of Coaching, Erickson College
- Third Party Neutral Program Certificate, Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution
- Pension Plan Administration Certificate, Humber College
- Leadership Development Program, CCI Leadership Institute
Volunteer Experience
- Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution, Director, 2017-2019
- Project Humanity, Overseas Volunteer, Zambia, Africa, January 2017
- Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization, Career Mentor, 2013-2019
- Toastmasters International, Member, 2013-2015
- Glebe Community Centre, Soccer Coach, 2013-2014
- Centretown Community Health Centre, Director, 2009-2010
- Catholic Immigration Centre, Host for New Immigrants, 2005-2006
- Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre, Chairperson, Director, Crisis Counselor, Public Educator, 1995-2000
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Full Professional
Timeline
Manager
TRANSPORT CANADA (TC)
08.2017 - Current
Associate Director, Education and Immigration
THE CONFERENCE BOARD OF CANADA
03.2015 - 05.2016
Founder and Principal Consultant
STRONG PRESENCE CONSULTING/RIGHTFIT COACHING
01.2013 - 08.2019
Senior Advisor, Chief
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
03.2008 - 01.2013
Manager, Income Assistance and National Child Benefit Reinvestment Programs
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
03.2006 - 03.2008
Acting Director, Team Leader, Policy Analyst, Foreign Worker Program
Human Resources And Social Development Canada
01.2000 - 03.2006
Member of Law Society of Ontario -
Law Society of Ontario
Bachelor of Laws -
University of New Brunswick
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) -
Queen's University
- Erickson Certified Professional Coach, The Art & Science of Coaching, Erickson College
- Third Party Neutral Program Certificate, Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution
- Pension Plan Administration Certificate, Humber College
- Leadership Development Program, CCI Leadership Institute
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