Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
39 years of experience in national (Canadian) and international Arctic science and team leadership. Conducted research for Parks Canada, Polar Knowledge Canada, Environment Canada, IUCN, Arctic Council and University of Toronto. Significant senior management experience in the Canadian government at the Vice President, Chief Scientist, director and management level. Lived in Arctic communities for 14 years. Guidance of polar science projects with experience in: - Cooperative Research management with First Nations in the Canadian Arctic - Remote sensing, geographic information systems, ecology, ornithology, botany, archeology and cryospheric research - Leadership of international Arctic research partnerships, including the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program of the Arctic Council, the recent $ 28 M Canada - Inuit - UK Arctic research collaboration and joint projects with Korea, Japan and many other near - Arctic countries - Development of close partnerships with indigenous organizations, representation of the Canadian Government on land-claim cooperative - management boards - Supervision and management of scientific teams in remote arctic locations - Field logistics and coordination of polar expeditions - Extensive four season field skills - Public communication: development of communication approaches for a variety of conservation projects, such as the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program (2005 – 2009) - Media: certified bilingual media spokesperson for the Canadian Government and regular interaction with TV, Radio and Newspaper media - Policy Formulation and Analysis: 20 + years of experience in senior level management positions to analyze and develop policy to guide Arctic research - Resource Mobilization: Coordinated the launch and successful funding of a new Arctic Science Network in 2005 (the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program, a working group of the Arctic Council) Leadership of extensive research expeditions, including: - On foot crossings of Ellesmere Island (79 degrees North) and Northeastern Banks Island (74 degrees North) - A 400 km hike to conduct a biodiversity inventory of Aulavik National Park, 72 degrees North and surrounding areas - Winter expedition to central Ellesmere Island that included ascents of remote peaks of the Sawtooth range - A 1000 km snowmobile trip from Inuvik, NWT, down the Mackenzie River to the coast of the Arctic ocean, Hershel Island and Kaktovik, Alaska, return
- Supporting international research collaborations - Facilitating links with First Nations - Helping researchers to navigate the Canadian permitting landscape - Assist with accessing grey literature and databases - Providing links to Canadian stakeholders - Guidance on understanding Canadian research priorities
- Leadership of national and international research collaborations to support Canada's Arctic research programs in it's vast network of northern protected areas. - Scientific advise and strategic guidance on Arctic research projects - Integration and coordination of northern research efforts - Expert contributor on Arctic issues to Canada's Climate Change Action Plan and other strategic policy documents
Senior executive leadership responsibilities to develop a new, state of the art polar research program for Canada, including implementation of a new Science and Technology program at the Canadian High Arctic Research Station through national and international partnerships. Representation of Canadian Government positions as head of delegation at Arctic Council working group meetings. Negotiations of multiple international agreements to develop research partnerships. Close working relationships with indigenous organizations. Leadership of earth observation projects and extensive field expeditions. Human resource and financial management of a diverse teams of professionals. Budgeting authority over Can$ 11 Million per year.
Leadership role in management of national and international science projects Supervision of team of professional scientific staff Development of outreach strategies, interaction with media Resource mobilisation Achieved 96% score in 360 feedback surveys on management ability, leadership and communication
Working with UNEP and IUCN while posted to IUCN Headquarters at Geneva Launch and development of international program on polar Earth Observations Integration and coordination of international Arctic Science programs External relations with participating countries Development of outreach strategies Succesful Resource mobilization Leadership of team of international scientists