Julie Madden

Chief of Staff, CEO Office at NAV CANADA

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

About

I help executive teams turn strategy into action—clarifying priorities, aligning people, and delivering results that matter. As a Chief of Staff and senior communications and change leader, I operate at the intersection of strategy, operations, and communications. I partner closely with CEOs and executive teams to drive enterprise-wide initiatives, strengthen leadership alignment, and ensure organizations move with clarity and purpose. With 15+ years of experience, I’ve led high-performing teams and complex transformation efforts across areas including: Strategic and executive communications Enterprise change and transformation Content and channel strategy Stakeholder engagement and reputation management My strength is connecting the dots—translating strategy into actionable plans, shaping clear narratives, and enabling teams to execute with confidence. Whether supporting leadership forums, advancing organizational priorities, or guiding teams through change, I focus on outcomes: alignment, momentum, and impact. I’m known for being a trusted advisor, a practical problem-solver, and a steady hand in fast-moving environments.

Experience

  • NAV CANADA (11 yrs 9 mos)
    • Chief of Staff, CEO Office
      Jul 2023 - Present · 3 yrs

      Results-driven Chief of Staff with a proven track record of supporting the CEO, driving operational excellence, and aligning teams to achieve organizational goals. Skilled in strategic communications and project management. Serve as the trusted advisor to the CEO and experienced in leading cross-functional projects for high-quality outcomes. I am proactive, adaptable, and committed to driving success through collaboration and innovation.

    • Director, Communications
      Oct 2021 - Jul 2023 · 1 yr 10 mos

    • Senior Manager, Employee Communications
      Feb 2018 - Oct 2021 · 3 yrs 9 mos

      Oversaw internal communications function for over 4800 employees.

  • Hydro Ottawa (3 yrs 11 mos)
    • Manager, HR Strategic Planning and Projects
      Aug 2013 - Oct 2014 · 1 yr 3 mos

      Reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer, Julie's role focused on strengthening Divisional collaboration, coordination and communication. Julie was responsible for human resources strategic planning, monitoring and reporting of business performance. In addition, she worked on strategic initiatives that originate from the office of the CHRO, the Executive Management Team and/or the Boards/Committees that require input and coordination from a number of key stakeholders.

    • Manager, Human Resources Projects
      Dec 2010 - Jul 2013 · 2 yrs 8 mos

      As Manager of HR Projects, she was responsible for leading the research, design, development, implementation and evaluation of human resources management programs/projects. Monitoring and reporting on human resources business performance and metrics were among her responsibilities. She project managed a human capital management implementation of the corporate ERP system which included developing and managing the project’s budget, scope, schedule and change management strategy. She also developed and oversaw the Human Resources Policy Framework.

  • Manager, Volunteer Engagement at United Way/Centraide Ottawa
    Nov 2009 - Dec 2010 · 1 yr 2 mos

    As the first person to take on this role at United Way, Julie developed and implemented current state assessment strategies and tools to develop a Volunteer Engagement Strategy and then translated this into a volunteer development cycle with key program components. She identified goals and objectives for the Volunteer Program and evaluate annually against changing business requirements. Initial program components included the development of policies and procedures, recommended volunteer management learning solutions for staff as well as researched the development and maintenance of a centralized volunteer information management system.

  • Senior Coordinator, Membership Services at Canadian Paediatric Society
    Nov 2007 - Dec 2008 · 1 yr 2 mos

  • Coordinator, Fundraising, Membership and Volunteer Resources at enVision Community Living
    2005 - 2007 · 2 yrs

    In this multi-faceted position, Julie was responsible for all fundraising, membership and volunteer services. This included development of an annual fundraising campaign – residential canvassing, grant proposals and fundraising gala. She project managed an orientation video, 50 year history publication and organizational branding project. She was also responsible for all membership and volunteer services and communications.