Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
I’m a senior communications strategist and leader working across complex systems and policy environments, using integrated communications and public affairs to shape outcomes. Over 15+ years, I’ve led communications strategy, public affairs, and campaigns across NGOs, government, academia, and social enterprise. My core strength is connecting strategy to execution, aligning corporate communications, public affairs, and multi-channel campaigns to deliver coordinated, high-impact work across organizations and stakeholders. As Director of Communications at the Zero Emissions Innovation Centre (ZEIC), I lead our communications strategy and a team operating across a diverse portfolio of programs and initiatives. My work sits at the intersection of public policy, climate and energy systems, economics, science, technology, and data, with a focus on public-interest outcomes. Outside of work, I can be found on my bike, globetrotting, or enjoying the nature of British Columbia.
ZEIC is a leading hub for urban decarbonization in Metro Vancouver and beyond. Created by the Government of Canada, Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), and others, we accelerate, and scale climate action innovation within British Columbia in the building, transportation and renewable energy sectors. Since joining, I've built and lead a high-performing communications team of five and manage the development and execution of our overall communications strategy, in pursuit of ZEIC's overall mandate.
TransLink is North America's first integrated, multimodal transportation authority, responsible for planning, managing, and funding the regional transportation system and operating public transit in Metro Vancouver. As part of the communications and public affairs team, I led multiple, complex, high-profile, and impactful regional projects, including winning two national public affairs awards. Served as both an individual contributor and cross-functional project team lead. Led communications for Transport 2050, the new 30-year Regional Transportation Strategy and one of the largest transportation engagements on the continent, achieving 38,000 surveys and 4,000 ideas submitted, 500+ stakeholders engaged, and 160,000 conversations with the public. Led communications and/or public affairs for: Battery-Electric Bus Program, Climate Action Strategy, Waterfront Customer Service Centre launch, Transit-Friendly Employer Program, Open Calls for Innovation, Accessible Navigation Project, Transit for the Planet, TransLink Annual Reports, and Rail~Volution 2019. Led public affairs team for the Major Bikeway Network (“Cycle Highways”). Editor, lead author, or contributor to Transport 2050; Transport 2050: 10-Year Priorities (Mayors’ Vision); Climate Action Strategy; and multiple Investment Plans.
Renewable Cities is an international program of the SFU Centre for Dialogue established to accelerate the energy transition in cities, leveraging action-based research, convening, and advocacy. As a co-founder, I led communications from establishment of the program through to execution, with a significant impact on growth, policy impact, funding, and other outcomes. Highlights including attracting 12,000 social media and newsletter followers, attracting media coverage, and convening two global multi-sector energy forums attracting over 600 participants from around the world.
Led communications for the SFU Centre for Dialogue’s Climate Solutions programs, including: • Moving in a Livable Region, the region’s multi-sectoral coalition formed to advance sustainable transportation funding • Citizen Dialogues on Canada’s Energy Future, a national citizens’ assembly on energy policy funded by Natural Resources Canada • Moving in Metro, TransLink and Metro Vancouver-funded regional and stakeholder engagement series on mobility pricing • Carbon Talks, a provincial engagement platform on climate and energy solutions
Undertaken to support the research and writing of my masters' dissertation.