Photo credit: Freshh Anderson
EXPERTISE
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specializing in creative communications
non-profit sector + Indigenous relations + sensitive issues management
strategic direction + execution of communications & marketing vehicles
development + implementation of multimedia campaigns
brand strategy + art direction + styling photo shoots
writing + editing + multi media presentations
copywriting + slogan development + publicity + promotion
project management + digital campaigns + print production
donor and member relations: recruitment + retention + stewardship + engagement
live event management: galas, live performances + fundraising events
video production + live webinar production + training delivery
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CAREER PATH
Manager, Communications & Public Affairs, National Trust for Canada - Ottawa, ON
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Established communications strategies and implementation plans for the organization and its public-facing programs. Messaging and content leadership (independently and with senior staff) across all channels. Planned the editorial calendar and coordinated production (multimedia including website, e-newsletter, print and digital editions of the magazine) in regular collaboration with senior staff. Brand manager: brought a creative flair and consistency to the look and feel of the organization. Led Public Relations, media relations and served as media contact person and where appropriate, the spokesperson for the organization. Lead contact with writers, reporters, journalists, and editors to promote releases and stories and the Trust in general. Managed the communications budget. Managed technology, multi-media interface (website, CRM, social media). Led project teams and participated in teams led by others from across the organization.
Communications Manager, Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) - Ottawa, ON
Developed and implemented communications strategies that most effectively support and reinforce CPHA’s vision
and mission. Supported both the internal and external communications needs of a National Association.
Provided creative and professional communications expertise. Produced written material for dissemination to the CPHA membership and to the public through a variety of mediums including newsletters, reports, press releases, social media. Provided support to CPHA staff on appropriate content of communication strategies for internal and external communications, including core, project-related, and conference activities.
Contributed to the development and maintenance of professional relationships with the media. In consultation with senior management, developed and implemented a comprehensive social marketing campaign. Monitored the media to anticipate the Association’s communications needs and developed possible options and recommendations to senior management. Contributed to the development and maintenance of a network of individuals, NGOs, federal/provincial/territorial governments and other organizations essential to the Association’s goals. Supported the maintenance of CPHA’s websites by monitoring, developing and maintaining the content to ensure the information was current. Supported the activities of the Student Director, including but not limited to the student webinar series, mentorship program, and the student ambassador program. Contributed to the enhancement of CPHA’s communications capacity and to the development of corporate partnerships. Assisted the Executive Director and senior management with preparation of speaking notes, briefing notes and media releases. Provided guidance on creative aspects of projects while overseeing services provided by external contractors, such as advertising agencies, suppliers and production companies.
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National Director Communications, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) - Ottawa, ON
Designed and executed strategic communications for a national environmental association. Was responsible for the national communications strategy and led the communications team in Ottawa as well as 13 chapters across the country.
Directed strategic media relations, website and social media content. Developed and executed communications and marketing programs, including shaping and stewarding CPAWS’ brand. Increased integration and organization and strategic coordination among CPAWS and chapters through the improvement and development of nationwide policies and practices. Managed four direct reports on the communications and marketing team, including oversight of departmental and individual work planning and performance evaluations. Responsible for managing CPAWS’ communications team budget. Oversaw and supervised the development and stewardship of corporate partners. Participated on the leadership team, including decision-making related to organizational issues.
Communications Advisor, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) - Ottawa, ON
Provided bilingual communications support to the Military Family Services section of CFMWS - a non-public funds organization whose mission is ‘Serving Those Who Serve’. Produced and edited social media and website content. Project managed and edited informational guides and booklets. Worked within a team of art directors, graphic designers, translators and other communications advisors to produce high-quality multimedia products for use by military members and their families. Coordinated the progress of projects throughout the production process.
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Communications Director, Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health - Ottawa, ON
Planned, developed and managed effective communications and public engagement strategies for an Indigenous health centre. Established and implemented new brand standards across the organization. Delivered training and provided ongoing support to all internal and external stakeholders in instituting new brand standards. Guided the strategy for all external communications, including social media, website, and public relations messages and collateral to consistently articulate the Centre’s mission, vision and values. Ensured that the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health was viewed as the primary source, disseminator, and conduit of information within this diverse network and constituent base. Worked closely with a senior peer group within the organization as the communications partner on a variety of strategic initiatives. Developed, implemented, and evaluated the annual communications plan across the network's discreet audiences. Put communications vehicles in place to create momentum and awareness as well as to test the effectiveness of communications activities. Managed the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including, but not limited to newsletters, brochures, and website. Managed all media contacts. Developed and implemented stewardship strategies to strengthen long-term relationships with major donors. Organized a team effort to develop stewardship plans for donors at various recognition levels within the major gift program. Artist liaison for concerts with mezzo-soprano Marion Newman and Maestro Bramwell Tovey, world-renowned Cree artist Buffy Sainte-Marie, Ulali Project, comedians Candy Palmater and Don Kelly, activist Winona Laduke, photographer Michelle Valberg, Gala dancers and performers. Created communications vehicles for attracting new donors and ongoing stewardship of current donors. Development of the data integration between CRM and email marketing. Wrote personal acknowledgment and stewardship letters for the executive director. Planned, managed and executed internal and external events that advanced donor involvement, cultivation and stewardship for major gifts. Mentored and led a team member responsible for Wabano’s fundraising initiatives. Developed and produced branded promotional collateral such as: gobos, step & repeat wall, brochures, sales sheets, postcards and PowerPoint presentations. Supervised video production and event photographers. Supervised the implementation of a new library. Supervised the implementation and ongoing stewardship with Friends Bingo. Sourced and wrote grant applications.
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Communications Specialist: Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute - Ottawa, ON Assisted with the design and development, and was responsible for the implementation of a plan to increase the value of CASI offerings to members, branches and sections. Developed and implemented a professional development plan, and actively pursued and implemented professional development opportunities for the membership. Developed and implemented a robust communications plan including social media and regular dissemination of information. Developed and implemented a plan for engaging with CASI branches and sections in order to find ways to add value to programs. Communicated with aerospace professionals across the country in universities, industry, and government labs in pursuit of opportunities to grow and support student and professional branches. Provided professional development opportunities through webinars, lectures, etc.
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Directors Guild of Canada, Toronto, ON
Trainee production accountant
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Manager, Membership Development, CARP/ZoomerMedia - Toronto, ON
Successfully tripled sales as the lead of a national digital marketing campaign. Project lead on a national direct mail campaign increasing the results from the previous year .07% to 2.6%. Led a successful branding campaign including
the redesign and production of all print and electronic creative. Managed the system vendor relationships to ensure
that databases were accurate and up-to-date. Was responsible for creating reports and analyzing results on the status
of membership and the performance of various campaigns and initiatives. Project manager for search engine marketing campaigns. Produced orientation videos.
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Communications Officer, Indspire - Toronto, ON
Project lead and head writer for the 150 page 20th anniversary gala program book which was successfully completed with multiple concurrent priorities in a time constrained environment. Produced other creative services projects including videography, photography and publishing. Identified opportunities for Indspire's presence at national, local and regional forums. Planned projects for key events and activities including awards, conferences, trade shows with live music and performances by A Tribe Called Red. The 20th anniversary gala featured Cheri Maracle, Darrell Dennis, Wab Kinew, Terri Clark, Sherry St. Germain, Burnt Project 1, A Tribe Called Red & Wambdi Dance, Candy Palmater and Glen Gould.
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Human Resources Advisor, Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg
Provided bilingual human resources advisory services to seven Algonquin communities for the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council. Produced job descriptions, job postings, interview questionnaires. Planned and supported the delivery of training sessions in both French and English. Conducted and oversaw interview selection processes. Maternity leave contract.
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Deputy Director, Pontiac District, Elections Canada, Maniwaki QC
Led the implementation and organization of the Federal Election with the highest turnout of First Nations voters. Hired, trained and supervised eight office staff and 120 electoral officers.
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Account Executive, Anishinabe Printing, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg
Project manager for a large client base (Federal government, Indigenous associations, private sector). Increased sales in calling card division. Supervised requests for proposals and analysis of incoming proposals. Responsible for accounts payables and receivables.
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Marketing Director, Mawandoseg Kitigan Zibi, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg
Planned, developed and implemented the marketing, promotion and publicity for an Algonquin tourist attraction where visitors were met and interacted with Algonquin artisans, storytellers, trappers and dancers. Generated steady increases in sales and group bookings. Awards received included the 2004 Tourisme Québec regional prize for the Outaouais, the 2003 Tourisme Québec special jury award and the 2003 CCIM Prix Excelsior for excellence in tourism. Secured over $200,000 in funding for the creation of a multi-use log cabin. Represented the Indigenous owners at meetings with external stakeholders, media and at national trade shows.
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Communications Consultant, Messines, QC
Consultant for a selection of organizations such as: Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Education Council, Eagle Forest Corporation, Chateau Logue Hotel Resort, Communications Polycom, MRC Vallée-de-la-Gatineau, Regional Tourist Board, Les Aventures Nordik and others. Marketing Consultant on Kabeshinàn, an archaeological dig co-produced with the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, the Canadian Museum of Civilization and National Capital Commission. Assisted in the repatriation of human remains from the CMC to the community of KZA. Tour guide (French), KZA Cultural Centre. Wrote slogans and advertising copy. Artistic direction and brand creation. Audition preparation, large scale event production. Produced and led a media tour of the region on snowmobiles! Coordinated Aboriginal Awareness workshops. English as a second language teacher. French tutor.
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Census Commissioner, Statistics Canada, Maniwaki QC
Successfully led a regional Census with the lowest non-response rate in the history of the region. Hired, trained, directed and supervised a team of 14 enumerators and one administrative assistant. Wrote and submitted procedural reports, verified the enumerators work.
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Communications Director, Sullivan Entertainment, Toronto ON
Oversaw all marketing and communications for an internationally-known production company.
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National Publicist, Baton Broadcasting, Toronto ON
Brand manager, communications and media relations advisor for 21 television station affiliates across Canada.
Publicity Manager, Citytv, Toronto ON
Publicity Manager for the most significant local Toronto television station in history. Secured dozens of magazine covers, articles and multimedia editorial coverage in local, national and international media. Art directed and styled all print creative. Sponsoring station for the Toronto International Film Festival, Cirque du Soleil, Caribana and others. Produced a large scale television screening of the last episode of Star Trek:Next Generation at the Skydome. Responsible for the publicity needs of 30 on-air personalities, dozens of in-house productions and its executives.
Richard Flohil & Associates, Promotion and Publicity for Performing Arts
See Client and portfolio page for list of performing artist clients. Publicist and Press Room Director, the Juno Awards, Assistant Artistic Director, Media Director, Mariposa Folk Festival, Publicist, Rob Bennett and Associates, Publicist, Stony Plain Records, Kumbaya Festival.
Canadian Consulate, New York City
Artist liaison for the annual Canadian music showcase at New Music Seminar held in New York City.
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One World Festival
Artist liaison, First Nations artists
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Pyramid Records
Label manager
Super Dave Osbourne Show
Production Secretary
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National Film Board-Office national du film
Production secretary, continuity, location manager
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TVOntario, La chaîne française
Production secretary
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National Film Board
Subject of a documentary film. Co-authored and performed theme song.
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KYTES Theatre
Artist
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John Struthers Photography
Creative assistant, model
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SKILLS
MAC and PC platforms (10+ years), Intermediate skills in accounting software: Quickbooks (5 years), Intermediate knowledge of Adobe design software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) (10+ years), Advanced proficiency in Office suite: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook (10+ years)
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ACCREDITATIONS, LANGUAGES
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Canadian Citizen
Secret Clearance, Federal Government
Vulnerable sector clearance
Valid passport, Nexus
Fluently bilingual, written and spoken French and English
Basic knowledge of Algonquin language
Member, SOCAN
Board of Directors, PAL Ottawa
Publicists Association of Canada (past)
Board of Directors, Operation Go Home (past)
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EDUCATION, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Diplôme d'études professionnelles (DEP) - Secrétariat, comptabilité
CFP de la Vallée-Gatineau, Maniwaki, QC
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San’yas: Indigenous Cultural Safety Training
Provincial Health Services of British Columbia
Budgeting and Financial Accounting
Université du Québec en Abitibi-Temiscamingue, Val-d'Or, QC
Performance Measurement and Reporting
Aboriginal Financial Officers Association
Human Resource Management
Université du Québec en Abitibi-Temiscamingue, Val-d'Or, QC
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Repeal of Article 67
Canadian Human Rights Commission
Music Business Management
Trebas Institute for Recording Arts,Toronto, ON
Ontario Secondary School Diploma
Thomas Merton Catholic School Board, Oakville ON
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Teachings:
Brian Charles, Wampum belts
Carli Chase: medicine wheel
William Commanda, life, medicine wheel, Wampum belt
Tom Dignan, health and medicine
Tom Porter, corn teachings
Paul Skanks, Mohawk teachings
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Guest Lecturer: Ryerson University, Trebas Institute for Recording Arts
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Subject of a National Film Board Documentary/Co-wrote and performed theme song
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AWARDS
2004 Tourisme Québec, Regional prize for the Outaouais
2003 CCIM Prix Excelsior, Excellence in tourism
2003 Tourisme Québec, Special Jury award
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