Results-oriented strategist and communications professional with a reputation for delivering high-value, innovative, communications solutions.
Experience in strategic communications planning, implementation and evaluation; creative and brand strategy; engagement processes; government-wide oversight; leading multi-faceted teams; creating or improving processes to increase efficiencies and productivity; change management; and driving successful business outcomes.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager, Strategic Communications Planning
Government Of The Northwest Territories
05.2017 - 06.2022
Corporate Communications, Department of Executive and Indigenous Relations
Responsible to provide central agency strategic communications oversight to departments; ensuring government priority alignment, a 'one government, one voice' approach, and brand compliance
Maintained positive relationships with key players at various levels of government and other stakeholders to support communications planning and implementation
Lead sensitive, political and interdepartmental files, providing advice across communications business lines as a senior-level strategist and trusted advisor
Oversaw the quality of communications planning tools, which often included drafting strategies, messaging and other content as required for high profile and/or political files
Maintained, updated and/or developed policies, directives, guidelines and templates to support the streamlining of operations
Facilitated the development, implementation and continual improvement of communications processes and supporting systems including evaluation and reporting
Facilitated engagement on central agency initiatives with a relationship-first focus to secure early buy-in and active participation
Consistently used strong analytical and problem solving skills to address issues from a broad government perspective, and manage day-to-day operations
Managed a multi-year major change initiative from concept to implementation, resulting in improvements to how the entire government communicates
Managed strategic planning team to ensure effective government-wide communications planning for optimized business outcomes
Responsible for hiring processes, and evaluating employee performance to support both organizational objectives and employee growth and development
Maximized team performance through training and mentoring initiatives
Acted for Director as required
Manager, Legislation
Government of the Northwest Territories
09.2015 - 05.2017
Department of Lands
Set up and managed legislation unit in a new government department that was established as part of NWT Devolution. Activities included defining function and roles, managing staffing processes, ensuring effective team integration within organization, and supporting day-to-day operations
Liaised regularly with senior management to ensure the alignment of priorities
Advanced government mandate commitment to modernize land management legislation by: coordinating legislative reviews; strengthening critical relationships; and conducting stakeholder engagement sessions along with Indigenous consultation processes
Reviewed government policies and guidelines to ensure legislative alignment
Managed departmental requests and database for legal opinions liaising with the Department of Justice
Identified opportunities to improve operations. For example, implementing a board appointment screening process for enhanced consistency and transparency, and establishing a manager-level forum for shared priorities and collaborative working relationships
Participated in senior management committee meetings, prepared briefing materials for senior officials, and coordinated inter-governmental meetings
Acted for Director of Legislation, Policy and Communications on a regular basis
Manager, Corporate Secretariat & Communications
Government of Canada
04.2014 - 09.2015
Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs
Managed communications team to ensure NWT regional programs and services were supported by effective, forward-thinking, strategic communications planning and implementation for better business outcomes
Oversaw the development and implementation of annual communications plans for all organizational divisions, ensuring they reflected the unique needs of operating in the North
Actively involved in ensuring effective communications approaches were used in regional engagement and Section 35 consultation processes with Indigenous governments
Liaised with central agency communications team in Ottawa, as well as represented the NWT Region on the nation-wide communications planning committee
Supported the establishment of a digital communications team in headquarters by testing processes, recommending themes and feeding content to corporate social media channels
Championed the review and enhancement of the employee recognition and merit award program
Participated in business planning and organizational risk profiling to provide a communications lens for enhanced operations
Coordinated all ministerial event planning in the NWT by producing related communications products and supporting logistics
Chaired regional Workplace Wellness Committee
Delivered on managerial duties related to finance and human resources
Participated as regular member of the senior management team to provide strategic advice
Senior Communications Advisor
Government of Canada
03.2011 - 03.2014
Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs
Supervised a team of strategic communications officers, supporting assigned departments and delivering on corporate initiatives
Provided strategic communications advice and support from idea or issue identification to implementation and evaluation
Developed communications products including news releases, media lines, backgrounders, Q&As, speeches, newsletters, brochures, digital content, exhibit materials, promotional items, internal communication, etc.
Prepared and monitored the implementation of an annual communications plan for each program area of responsibility, supported by additional planning as required
Responsible for media monitoring, media relations and spokesperson coaching
Proposed and launched a multi-year Communications in Communities Mentoring Program to build communications capacity across the North, including establishing program criteria, selecting a review committee, developing programming and in-person mentoring for select Indigenous governments and organizations
Organized regular team-building activities
Responsible for quarterly staff performance reviews and evaluation
Senior Communications Officer
Government of Canada
05.2007 - 03.2011
Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs
Provided strategic communications advice and support to internal clients with a focus on environmental and regulatory files
Prepared and monitored the implementation of an annual communications plan for each program area of responsibility, supported by additional planning as required
Developed communications products including news releases, media lines, backgrounders, Q&Asp;As, speeches, newsletters, brochures, digital content, exhibit materials, promotional items, internal communication, etc.
Provided media monitoring and issues management services, including mediating press conferences
Supported department from a communications perspective at public hearings for multiple high profile regulatory files
Provided communications support for public engagement processes
Developed a comprehensive orientation program for regional staff to enhance employee onboarding
Built positive working relationships within department and with external stakeholders to advance communications work
Researcher
Government of Northwest Territories
10.2006 - 05.2007
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Lead the territorial nominee program in its development phase
Compiled information to support the development of an NWT immigration program
Prepared proposal to secure federal funding to advance work
Represented the GNWT on cross-jurisdictional working groups
Drafted all related briefing and presentation materials for decision-makers and others
Manager, Public Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
02.2006 - 10.2006
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Supported Minister's office and departmental activities, with a direct report to the Deputy Minister
Managed departmental media relations for a large department with diverse programs areas having significant public interest
Attended events with the Minister to support effective communications
Drafted all communications materials from key messaging, communications plans, web copy and other program-related content
Developed communications products ranging from strategies, reports, brochures, advertisements to major marketing campaigns
Coordinated photoshoots to create a library of images for communications products
Responsible for brand management through visual identity and official language compliance
Streamlined internal communications processes and development templates for increased efficiencies throughout the department
Account Manager, Client Services
Artisan Press
07.2004 - 09.2005
Provided front-line customer service and account manager supporting company growth
Communicated effective print and/or design solutions to public and private sector clients
Liaised between client, graphic designer and printer
Supported senior management by providing communications advice to successfully enhance business development initiatives to reach a broader audience to expand client base
Offered extensive knowledge of offset and digital printing processes, production and job costing options (3 years of previous printing industry)
Provided copy writing and editorial services to enhance the service delivery model
Director, Marketing & Sales
Aurora World
10.1999 - 07.2004
Directed marketing strategy for innovative fast-growing tour company that pioneered the way for aurora tourism in northern Canada
Communicated company vision to secure buy-in and facilitate strategic partnership and investment opportunities, and to garner support of ongoing product development
Drafted funding proposals to support business expansion
Researched marketplace trends to forecast business activity and conduct risk analysis
Participated in new tour/product development in a culturally diverse and multi-lingual environment
Prepared marketing strategies and related communications materials for multiple target audiences
Managed media relations, including: responding to reporters on a regular basis, proactively pitching ideas to raise company profile, preparing spokesperson messaging, and acting as spokesperson when required
Represented company at domestic and international industry trade shows to market the aurora experience
Facilitated all corporate events, often for high profile dignitaries
Lead merchandise development processes to support brand recognition
Created the company's own "legendary story" based on a young client's aurora experience as a marketing tactic which developed into a collection of retail items, ranging from plush dolls to diamond jewelry
Participated as an active member of senior management team
Education
Bachelor of Arts - International Development, Culture & Communication
University of Calgary
Calgary, AB
Skills
Communications leader
Strategic advisor
Engagement processes
Government policy and legislation
Media relations
Product development
Social media
Marketing and sales
Coaching and mentorship
Improvement initiatives
Event planning
Writing
Certification
International Association of Public Participation Certification
Opposition and Outrage in Public Participation - IAP2
Fundamentals and Co-active Coach Training - Co-active Training Institute (CTI)
Accomplishments
Circle of Excellence Award for Communications, Excellence and dedication to the organization (INAC, 2015)
Commitment to Learning Award, Developing and implementing the Communications in Communities Mentoring Project (INAC, 2012)
NWT Premier’s Award for Collaboration, Excellence in developing the Northwest Territories Water Strategy (GNWT, 2011)
Deputy Minister’s Award, Contributions in the development of the Northwest Territories Water Strategy (INAC, 2011)
Timeline
Manager, Strategic Communications Planning
Government Of The Northwest Territories
05.2017 - 06.2022
Manager, Legislation
Government of the Northwest Territories
09.2015 - 05.2017
Manager, Corporate Secretariat & Communications
Government of Canada
04.2014 - 09.2015
Senior Communications Advisor
Government of Canada
03.2011 - 03.2014
Senior Communications Officer
Government of Canada
05.2007 - 03.2011
Researcher
Government of Northwest Territories
10.2006 - 05.2007
Manager, Public Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
02.2006 - 10.2006
Account Manager, Client Services
Artisan Press
07.2004 - 09.2005
Director, Marketing & Sales
Aurora World
10.1999 - 07.2004
Bachelor of Arts - International Development, Culture & Communication
University of Calgary
Other Experience
Independent distributor for Young Living Essential Oils | Wellness advocate, leading a community of business builders, networking, marketing and sales, public speaking, event management, educating and training (2011 - present)
Business owner and creativity coach at Wild Sky Originals in Yellowknife, NT | Managed all business aspects for an art studio where local clients and tourists created water marbling masterpieces often inspired by the aurora. Closed due to Covid-19 (2018-2020)
Classroom instructor for Yukon Tourism Education Council, Ready to Work Program | Taught workforce entry program with focus on empowering youth (2006 - 2008)
Additional Interests
Business development strategy to support for creative entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship education and empowerment sessions for kids
Other Experience
Independent distributor for Young Living Essential Oils | Wellness advocate, leading a community of business builders, networking, marketing and sales, public speaking, event management, educating and training (2011 - present)
Business owner and creativity coach at Wild Sky Originals in Yellowknife, NT | Managed all business aspects for an art studio where local clients and tourists created water marbling masterpieces often inspired by the aurora. Closed due to Covid-19 (2018-2020)
Classroom instructor for Yukon Tourism Education Council, Ready to Work Program | Taught workforce entry program with focus on empowering youth (2006 - 2008)
Additional Interests
Business development strategy to support for creative entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship education and empowerment sessions for kids
Manager, Student Financial Assistance at Government of the Northwest TerritoriesManager, Student Financial Assistance at Government of the Northwest Territories
Data Management Clerk at Government of the Northwest Territories, Department of FinanceData Management Clerk at Government of the Northwest Territories, Department of Finance