Throughout my career I have been trusted by executives, elected officials, and community builders to help navigate a changing communications landscape. The most fulfilling part of my work is when I can help organizations solve problems and grow their impact.
I’m the Vice President of Emdash, a strategy, design, and content agency that serves progressive clients across Canada.
We help changemakers reach their audiences. That means we support those working in gender equity, public health and science, climate justice, and Indigenous rights and reconciliation. I work with a team of creatives and strategists who care deeply about making a difference. We run our shop the way we think the world should work: by treating people and the planet fairly.
We’re digital-focused, but not digital-only. We believe in thoughtful solutions that put the user first, which typically includes outputs such as communications plans, campaign strategies, branding and visual identities, as well as coaching and training.
Background
I’m a former senior advisor to the Mayor of Ottawa. During my time at City Hall, I took part in communications initiatives and city-building projects such as the light rail transit expansion and the revitalization of Lansdowne Park. My work also included providing strategic counsel to elected representatives and senior managers on issues related to affordable housing, economic development, and public health.
I’m a trained improviser who has learned and performed comedy through The Second City, Yuk Yuk’s, Absolute Comedy, Ottawa Acting Company, Improv Embassy, and the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York City.
My bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication are from the University of Ottawa, and I studied journalism at Sheridan College. My master’s thesis focused on leveraging social media for crisis communications.
In addition to my agency work, I’m also a part-time professor at Mount Saint Vincent University in the Department of Communication Studies.
I’m often asked to comment in the media, facilitate workshops, lead conference presentations, or act as the master of ceremonies for events.
I live in Halifax with my spouse and our two little ones.