Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
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Rachel Blaney

Campbell River,BC

Summary

Strong and steady leader with a proven track record. Strongest skills are building cohesive and collaborative teams and driving organizational growth. Skilled in financial management and strategic partnerships, I excel in problem-solving and communication, enhancing team morale and efficiency while championing diversity and inclusion initiatives. Calm under pressure and highly effective at problem solving.


Results-oriented achiever with proven ability to exceed targets and drive success in fast-paced environments. Combines strategic thinking with hands-on experience to deliver impactful solutions and enhance organizational performance.


High level of strength around supporting diverse teams and building strong team awareness of ongoing self reflection around inclusion. A bridge builder.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Member of Parliament

Federal Government
10.2015 - 04.2025
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Oversaw staff both as a Member of Parliament and as NDP Whip. Strong people skills in human resources.

Executive Director

Immigrant Welcome Centre of North Island
08.2007 - 10.2015
  • Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
  • Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
  • Guided staff through periods of organizational change and huge growth from serving Campbell River to adding a second office in Comox Valley and services in the North Island, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions.
  • Monitored compliance with laws and regulations to protect organization from legal liabilities and penalties.
  • Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
  • Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
  • Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
  • Exercised appropriate cost control to meet budget restrictions and maximize profitability.
  • Collaborated with external organizations including non-profits, businesses and government agencies to create mutually beneficial partnerships and to increase inclusion and hiring of newcomers locally.
  • Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to expand the organization''s reach and influence.
  • Strengthened internal communication channels to facilitate cross-functional collaboration and decisionmaking.
  • Championed diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the organization to create a more inclusive work environment.
  • Increased organizational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new systems when the organization doubled in size under my leadership.
  • Evaluated program outcomes using data-driven metrics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing targeted interventions.
  • Forge strong relationships with board members, providing regular updates on organizational progress and soliciting their expertise when needed.

Employment Officer

Homalco First Nations
05.2005 - 07.2007
  • Conducted mock interviews with clients, boosting their confidence and interview success rate.
  • Evaluated program effectiveness regularly by analyzing data on client outcomes and refining service delivery methods accordingly.
  • Established strong relationships with local businesses and organizations, increasing collaboration on workforce development initiatives.
  • Prepared administrative reports or other documentation to determine program success.
  • Regularly updated knowledge on labor market trends, ensuring accurate information dissemination to clients seeking advice.
  • Organized successful job fairs, connecting employers with potential employees in a professional setting.
  • Streamlined the recruitment process for employers, resulting in faster candidate placements.
  • Met with clients and representatives to discuss program eligibility.
  • Maintained detailed records of client progress towards employment goals, enabling regular follow-up support where necessary.
  • Fostered a supportive environment within the office, resulting in greater team cohesion and improved workplace morale.
  • Assessed clients capacity and coordinated workshops and training to build skill development.
  • Provided ongoing support for both employers and candidates during the hiring process, ensuring smooth transitions into new roles.
  • Managed caseloads effectively while maintaining timely communication with clients regarding their job search progress.
  • Addressed hard issues with clients and employers around racism in the workplace and put together strategies to address to build capacity.
  • Identified and implemented appropriate strategies to increase employee satisfaction and retention.
  • Discovered and resolved complex employee issues that affected management and business decisions.
  • Distributed employee engagement surveys to identify areas of improvement.
  • Created and implemented forward-thinking initiatives to improve employee engagement.

Education

Certificate - First Nations Business Leadership

UBC Sauder Executive Education
Vancouver, BC
09-2006

Bachelor of Arts - First Nations Studies/ Women Studies Double Major

Vancouver Island University
04-1998

High School Diploma -

Calendonia Senior Secondary
Terrace, BC
06-1993

Skills

  • Friendly, positive attitude, Team building
  • Problem-solving and Critical Thinking
  • Time management
  • Flexible and adaptable
  • Dependable and responsible
  • Excellent communication
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Computer skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Calm under pressure
  • Problem resolution
  • Decision-making

Accomplishments

  • Lead the first study of Women Veterans ever in Parliament which resulted in me receiving the 2024 Esprit de Corps Women in Defence Award. https://www.campbellrivermirror.com/news/north-island-mp-rachel-blaney-honoured-with-veterans-advocacy-award-7378623. https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6420950
  • Saw significant growth in the local funding resources to the riding
  • Lead Caucus for almost 5 years as the NDP Whip, including working with other Parties and House of Commons to create a pathway for democracy during the pandemic.
  • Grew Immigrant Welcome Centre from a small local organization to a regional provider of services, more than doubling the size of the organization.
  • Built local relationships with regional First Nations to build relationships for both business and connection to local non indigenous communities.

Timeline

Member of Parliament

Federal Government
10.2015 - 04.2025

Executive Director

Immigrant Welcome Centre of North Island
08.2007 - 10.2015

Employment Officer

Homalco First Nations
05.2005 - 07.2007

Certificate - First Nations Business Leadership

UBC Sauder Executive Education

Bachelor of Arts - First Nations Studies/ Women Studies Double Major

Vancouver Island University

High School Diploma -

Calendonia Senior Secondary
Rachel Blaney