Keynotes & Speakers

Hamza Khan

Hamza Khan is a multi-award-winning marketer, bestselling author, and global keynote speaker whose TEDx talk “Stop Managing, Start Leading” has been viewed over a million times. He shares actionable insights on resilience, productivity, and leadership to help people and organizations thrive in the future of work. Through his consulting, writing, teaching and speaking, Khan empowers people and businesses to transform ideas into action.

From New York to Singapore, from Los Angeles to Sydney, Khan is a global thought leader who has spoken to hundreds of audiences across many industries, in numerous countries. His clients have included some of the world’s most dynamic companies and organizations, including PepsiCo, LinkedIn, Deloitte, PwC, Trivago, and over 100 colleges, and his insights have been featured by notable media outlets such as VICE, Business Insider, and The Globe and Mail. He is also the author of Amazon bestseller The Burnout Gamble: Achieve More by Beating Burnout and Building Resilience.

Khan works alongside young people and new talent as Managing Director of Student Life Network, Canada’s largest and most comprehensive education resource platform, which reaches over 2.7 million students. He is also the co-founder of Splash Effect, a boutique marketing & creative agency, as well as SkillsCamp, a soft skills training company. As an educator, he is currently an instructor at Seneca College and Ryerson University, teaching courses on digital marketing and social media.

Hamza Khan is a multi-award-winning marketer, bestselling author, and global keynote speaker whose TEDx talk “Stop Managing, Start Leading” has been viewed over a million times. He shares actionable insights on resilience, productivity, and leadership to help people and organizations thrive in the future of work. Through his consulting, writing, teaching and speaking, Khan empowers people and businesses to transform ideas into action.

From New York to Singapore, from Los Angeles to Sydney, Khan is a global thought leader who has spoken to hundreds of audiences across many industries, in numerous countries. His clients have included some of the world’s most dynamic companies and organizations, including PepsiCo, LinkedIn, Deloitte, PwC, Trivago, and over 100 colleges, and his insights have been featured by notable media outlets such as VICE, Business Insider, and The Globe and Mail. He is also the author of Amazon bestseller The Burnout Gamble: Achieve More by Beating Burnout and Building Resilience.

Khan works alongside young people and new talent as Managing Director of Student Life Network, Canada’s largest and most comprehensive education resource platform, which reaches over 2.7 million students. He is also the co-founder of Splash Effect, a boutique marketing & creative agency, as well as SkillsCamp, a soft skills training company. As an educator, he is currently an instructor at Seneca College and Ryerson University, teaching courses on digital marketing and social media.

Kevin Page

Kevin Page is the current Chief Executive Officer of the New Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy at the University of Ottawa. Prior to this position, he was the Jean-Luc Pepin Research Chair in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ottawa from 2013 to 2016.  He was Canada’s first Parliamentary Budget Officer from 2008 to 2013. He has 27 years of experience in the federal public service with most of those years spent at three central agencies responsible for budgeting including the Department of Finance, the Treasury Board Secretariat and the Privy Council Office. He was the Assistant Secretary to Cabinet for Macroeconomic Policy before becoming Canada’s Parliamentary Budget Officer.

Kevin Page is the current Chief Executive Officer of the New Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy at the University of Ottawa. Prior to this position, he was the Jean-Luc Pepin Research Chair in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ottawa from 2013 to 2016.  He was Canada’s first Parliamentary Budget Officer from 2008 to 2013. He has 27 years of experience in the federal public service with most of those years spent at three central agencies responsible for budgeting including the Department of Finance, the Treasury Board Secretariat and the Privy Council Office. He was the Assistant Secretary to Cabinet for Macroeconomic Policy before becoming Canada’s Parliamentary Budget Officer.

Denis Ouimet

The M3I Institute is the result of the long and successful career of Denis Ouimet, who established, as early as 1976, the Bureau de Recherche et de Formation en «gestion intégrée», known as BUREFOR Inc., to guide managers in developing integrated managerial practices, philosophies, and value systems. Throughout the years, thousands of people from very diverse work environments and from all organisational levels have benefited from his contributions.

Over a ten-year period, as a university lecturer, Denis Ouimet was in close contact with fundamental research, while pursuing his own work concerning day-to-day management. His work and research activities in management development, training, and organizational behaviour have been the subject of several presentations and publications at the national and international level. He has written seven books, collaborated on three technical publications, published more than 30 articles in various specialized journals, and has also written more than 80 self-instruction and self-help guides, exercise manuals, and different diagnostic tools related to management skills development. 

Amongst his major realizations, Denis Ouimet developed, in 1991, a model explaining human behaviors Personality Dynamics and, in 2007, the M3I—Supervision program aimed at the development of human resource management skills through a focus on daily supervision. He also designed several auto diagnostic tools related to the development of personal and professional skills amongst which: Assessment of My Management of Human Issues, 7-D Profile and My Tendencies Towards Change.

Mr. Ouimet has obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Université de Montréal, a Bachelor’s degree in education from the Université de Sherbrooke, a Bachelor’s degree in commerce from the École des hautes études commerciales de Montréal, and has also received a Master’s degree in systems analysis from the Faculty of Administration of the Université de Sherbrooke. Furthermore, he completed doctoral studies in industrial relations from Université Laval, including a semester at the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations, which led him to undertake an exhaustive research project on human resource management.

The M3I Institute is the result of the long and successful career of Denis Ouimet, who established, as early as 1976, the Bureau de Recherche et de Formation en «gestion intégrée», known as BUREFOR Inc., to guide managers in developing integrated managerial practices, philosophies, and value systems. Throughout the years, thousands of people from very diverse work environments and from all organisational levels have benefited from his contributions.

Over a ten-year period, as a university lecturer, Denis Ouimet was in close contact with fundamental research, while pursuing his own work concerning day-to-day management. His work and research activities in management development, training, and organizational behaviour have been the subject of several presentations and publications at the national and international level. He has written seven books, collaborated on three technical publications, published more than 30 articles in various specialized journals, and has also written more than 80 self-instruction and self-help guides, exercise manuals, and different diagnostic tools related to management skills development. 

Amongst his major realizations, Denis Ouimet developed, in 1991, a model explaining human behaviors Personality Dynamics and, in 2007, the M3I—Supervision program aimed at the development of human resource management skills through a focus on daily supervision. He also designed several auto diagnostic tools related to the development of personal and professional skills amongst which: Assessment of My Management of Human Issues, 7-D Profile and My Tendencies Towards Change.

Mr. Ouimet has obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Université de Montréal, a Bachelor’s degree in education from the Université de Sherbrooke, a Bachelor’s degree in commerce from the École des hautes études commerciales de Montréal, and has also received a Master’s degree in systems analysis from the Faculty of Administration of the Université de Sherbrooke. Furthermore, he completed doctoral studies in industrial relations from Université Laval, including a semester at the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations, which led him to undertake an exhaustive research project on human resource management.

Kami Ramcharan

Kami Ramcharan retired from the public service with 35 years with a mix of both regional and headquarters experience.

 She started her career in Winnipeg, where she is from, and during her career, she obtained her CPA and also has her Masters, Business Administration from the University of Ottawa. 

 She has had a very diverse career and while she concluded her career as a Chief Financial Officer, for the Canada Revenue Agency, she also held substantive roles in supporting science as the Director General, Pacific Forestry Centre; supporting diversity and inclusion as the Director General, Diversity and Inclusion with Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer; supporting Indigenous programs, as the Senior Director, Aboriginal policing within Public Safety Canada.

 Kami has started her next chapter as a consultant with a focus of Diversity and Inclusion along with supporting departments in financial management and she  continues to coach and mentor people to help them achieve success in their careers.

Kami Ramcharan retired from the public service with 35 years with a mix of both regional and headquarters experience.

 She started her career in Winnipeg, where she is from, and during her career, she obtained her CPA and also has her Masters, Business Administration from the University of Ottawa. 

 She has had a very diverse career and while she concluded her career as a Chief Financial Officer, for the Canada Revenue Agency, she also held substantive roles in supporting science as the Director General, Pacific Forestry Centre; supporting diversity and inclusion as the Director General, Diversity and Inclusion with Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer; supporting Indigenous programs, as the Senior Director, Aboriginal policing within Public Safety Canada.

 Kami has started her next chapter as a consultant with a focus of Diversity and Inclusion along with supporting departments in financial management and she  continues to coach and mentor people to help them achieve success in their careers.

Darlene Bess

Darlene joined Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, on October 12, 2021, as Chief Finances, Results and Delivery Officer. 

Darlene launched her career with Price Waterhouse in 1993 and received her Chartered Accountant designation in 1996. Her work experiences includes:

   — Internal Auditor, Shoppers Drug Mart Limited
   — Senior Auditor, Office of the Auditor General
   — Treasury Operations Manager, Mitel Networks Limited
   — Treasury Accounting Manager, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
   — Director, Corporate Accounting, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
   — Director, Financial Management, RCMP
   — Senior Director, Government Accounting Policy and Reporting, Office of the Comptroller General
   — Director General, Chief Financial Officer, Department of Finance Canada

Darlene joined Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, on October 12, 2021, as Chief Finances, Results and Delivery Officer. 

Darlene launched her career with Price Waterhouse in 1993 and received her Chartered Accountant designation in 1996. Her work experiences includes:

   — Internal Auditor, Shoppers Drug Mart Limited
   — Senior Auditor, Office of the Auditor General
   — Treasury Operations Manager, Mitel Networks Limited
   — Treasury Accounting Manager, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
   — Director, Corporate Accounting, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
   — Director, Financial Management, RCMP
   — Senior Director, Government Accounting Policy and Reporting, Office of the Comptroller General
   — Director General, Chief Financial Officer, Department of Finance Canada

Ryan Pilgrim

Ryan Pilgrim became Transport Canada’s Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Services in June 2019.

Ryan has extensive experience in accounting, budget management and financial policy development. He began his professional career as an accountant with Ernst and Young, where he worked both in Toronto and France. Ryan joined the Federal Public Service in 2002, where he held various positions in Finance and IM/IT at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). He subsequently moved to Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), where held the position of Director General, Budget and Cost Management. Ryan has also worked at the Office of the Comptroller General within the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS), where he developed a wide variety of financial policies and led the talent management of financial personnel across the Government of Canada. In 2018, he joined Transport Canada as the Director General, Financial Planning and Resource Management.

Ryan graduated from Queen’s Commerce with a specialization in Finance and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA-CA). 

Ryan Pilgrim became Transport Canada’s Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Services in June 2019.

Ryan has extensive experience in accounting, budget management and financial policy development. He began his professional career as an accountant with Ernst and Young, where he worked both in Toronto and France. Ryan joined the Federal Public Service in 2002, where he held various positions in Finance and IM/IT at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). He subsequently moved to Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), where held the position of Director General, Budget and Cost Management. Ryan has also worked at the Office of the Comptroller General within the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS), where he developed a wide variety of financial policies and led the talent management of financial personnel across the Government of Canada. In 2018, he joined Transport Canada as the Director General, Financial Planning and Resource Management.

Ryan graduated from Queen’s Commerce with a specialization in Finance and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA-CA). 

Stephen Harrington

Stephen is a Partner in Human Capital Consulting, and Deloitte’s national leader for Future of Work Advisory. Stephen has been a writer and speaker on the future of work since 2011. With 20 years’ experience in Consulting, Stephen leads transformations in workforce strategy to fundamentally get at changes in work, workforce and workplace to fuel business strategy. Stephen’s experience spans from strategy to design – he follows strategy with the design and implementation of workforce programs, not simply to chase elusive ‘best-practice’, but to design unique solutions to client context, in pursuit of advantage.

Stephen is a Partner in Human Capital Consulting, and Deloitte’s national leader for Future of Work Advisory. Stephen has been a writer and speaker on the future of work since 2011. With 20 years’ experience in Consulting, Stephen leads transformations in workforce strategy to fundamentally get at changes in work, workforce and workplace to fuel business strategy. Stephen’s experience spans from strategy to design – he follows strategy with the design and implementation of workforce programs, not simply to chase elusive ‘best-practice’, but to design unique solutions to client context, in pursuit of advantage.

Sony Perron

Sony Perron was appointed President of Shared Services Canada (SSC) in April 2022, after having joined the department as Executive Vice-President in October 2020.

SSC is responsible for delivering digital services to Government of Canada organizations.

At the beginning of his career, Sony spent a few years in academia and the private sector after having worked at the Secretariat du Grand Montreal. His career path included roles at Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Treasury Board Secretariat, and Economic Development Canada.

Sony then worked at Health Canada for more than 15 years, where he served in various positions, including Director General, Non-Insured Health Benefits Directorate, and Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Services Branch.

Prior to arriving at SSC in 2020, Sony was Associate Deputy Minister at Indigenous Services Canada, after leading the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch at Health Canada for four years.

Sony was the 2020 National Chair of the Government of Canada’s Workplace Charitable Campaign.

Sony holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from École nationale d’administration publique and a bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning from Université du Québec à Montréal. He is married and a father of three children.

He also serves as the Deputy Minister Champion for Concordia University.

Sony Perron was appointed President of Shared Services Canada (SSC) in April 2022, after having joined the department as Executive Vice-President in October 2020.

SSC is responsible for delivering digital services to Government of Canada organizations.

At the beginning of his career, Sony spent a few years in academia and the private sector after having worked at the Secretariat du Grand Montreal. His career path included roles at Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Treasury Board Secretariat, and Economic Development Canada.

Sony then worked at Health Canada for more than 15 years, where he served in various positions, including Director General, Non-Insured Health Benefits Directorate, and Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Services Branch.

Prior to arriving at SSC in 2020, Sony was Associate Deputy Minister at Indigenous Services Canada, after leading the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch at Health Canada for four years.

Sony was the 2020 National Chair of the Government of Canada’s Workplace Charitable Campaign.

Sony holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from École nationale d’administration publique and a bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning from Université du Québec à Montréal. He is married and a father of three children.

He also serves as the Deputy Minister Champion for Concordia University.

Colin Powell

Colin is PwC Canada’s Net Zero Technical Lead. He has delivered over $30m of climate change projects globally, with a focus on GHG emissions quantification and decarbonization strategies. He has led and delivered GHG quantification, target setting, and strategy projects for private equity, pension, bank, and real asset clients focused on agriculture, buildings, food and beverage, industry, and power and utilities. Colin holds a PhD, MASc, and BASc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Toronto and is a Professional Engineer.

Colin is PwC Canada’s Net Zero Technical Lead. He has delivered over $30m of climate change projects globally, with a focus on GHG emissions quantification and decarbonization strategies. He has led and delivered GHG quantification, target setting, and strategy projects for private equity, pension, bank, and real asset clients focused on agriculture, buildings, food and beverage, industry, and power and utilities. Colin holds a PhD, MASc, and BASc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Toronto and is a Professional Engineer.

Jonathan Moor

Jonathan Moor joined the CBSA in January 2018, as Vice-President, Finance and Corporate Management and Chief Financial Officer. He provides national leadership for the Agency’s financial administration, corporate planning & risk management, security & professional standards, infrastructure & environmental operations, recourse & complaints, procurement & material management, and business transformation, innovation and change management.

Prior to joining the CBSA, he held a number of senior roles in the UK’s Department for Transport. He was appointed to the main Board in 2013, as the Director General for Strategy & Resources. In 2009, Jonathan was appointed as the UK’s Director General for Civil Aviation responsible for aviation security and facilitation; air service negotiations; consumer; environmental; and regulatory policies. He was also Vice President of Eurocontrol and the European Civil Aviation Conference; and Chairman of ICAO’s Evaluation and Audit Advisory Committee.

Jonathan trained as a Chartered Accountant in the private sector with Touche Ross & Co (now Deloitte), before moving to District Audit in 1992 and then the Audit Commission to work in a number of financial and corporate roles. In 2000, he was appointed as their Finance Director. In 2003, he joined the UK’s Department for Transport as Group Finance Director of the Driver, Vehicle and Operator Group, before moving into a policy and program management role as Director of Airports Strategy in 2006 (responsible for the third runway program at Heathrow).

In the 2011 New Year’s Honours List, Jonathan was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services to aviation.

Jonathan Moor joined the CBSA in January 2018, as Vice-President, Finance and Corporate Management and Chief Financial Officer. He provides national leadership for the Agency’s financial administration, corporate planning & risk management, security & professional standards, infrastructure & environmental operations, recourse & complaints, procurement & material management, and business transformation, innovation and change management.

Prior to joining the CBSA, he held a number of senior roles in the UK’s Department for Transport. He was appointed to the main Board in 2013, as the Director General for Strategy & Resources. In 2009, Jonathan was appointed as the UK’s Director General for Civil Aviation responsible for aviation security and facilitation; air service negotiations; consumer; environmental; and regulatory policies. He was also Vice President of Eurocontrol and the European Civil Aviation Conference; and Chairman of ICAO’s Evaluation and Audit Advisory Committee.

Jonathan trained as a Chartered Accountant in the private sector with Touche Ross & Co (now Deloitte), before moving to District Audit in 1992 and then the Audit Commission to work in a number of financial and corporate roles. In 2000, he was appointed as their Finance Director. In 2003, he joined the UK’s Department for Transport as Group Finance Director of the Driver, Vehicle and Operator Group, before moving into a policy and program management role as Director of Airports Strategy in 2006 (responsible for the third runway program at Heathrow).

In the 2011 New Year’s Honours List, Jonathan was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services to aviation.

Evelyn Dancey

Evelyn provides leadership for the federal budget process and fiscal policy framework, and advises on core government activities in areas such as real property, information technology, and public service employment. She has contributed to more than a dozen budgets at the Department, including in areas such as business financing, innovation, and infrastructure; responding to COVID-19; transitioning to a net-zero economy; and, regulatory modernization. She is a co-chair of the Department’s People Management and Culture Committee. Evelyn was educated at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario (B. Arts & Science) and the University of Toronto (M.A., Economics).

Evelyn provides leadership for the federal budget process and fiscal policy framework, and advises on core government activities in areas such as real property, information technology, and public service employment. She has contributed to more than a dozen budgets at the Department, including in areas such as business financing, innovation, and infrastructure; responding to COVID-19; transitioning to a net-zero economy; and, regulatory modernization. She is a co-chair of the Department’s People Management and Culture Committee. Evelyn was educated at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario (B. Arts & Science) and the University of Toronto (M.A., Economics).

Kelly Makway

With 20 years of experience across industry and consulting roles, Kelly is committed to helping Finance organizations challenge ‘the way we have always done it’. As a CPA in Canada and in the US, her fundamentals of design are grounded in efficiency and effectiveness while maintaining compliance. Her passion is to assist strategic CFOs to expand the scope and buy-in for a future-ready finance department – including the tools, analytics and readiness of employees to deliver finance as a service.

Kelly works with her clients to determine and deliver the Finance vision with technology as the enabler.

With 20 years of experience across industry and consulting roles, Kelly is committed to helping Finance organizations challenge ‘the way we have always done it’. As a CPA in Canada and in the US, her fundamentals of design are grounded in efficiency and effectiveness while maintaining compliance. Her passion is to assist strategic CFOs to expand the scope and buy-in for a future-ready finance department – including the tools, analytics and readiness of employees to deliver finance as a service.

Kelly works with her clients to determine and deliver the Finance vision with technology as the enabler.

Kateri Khoury

Kateri Khoury, CPA, CA is the Director of Financial Management Community Development within the Office of the Comptroller General (OCG) since July 2021. Previously, Kateri was a Senior Policy Analyst within the Government Accounting Policy and Reporting division of OCG from 2018. Prior to becoming a public servant, Kateri spent over 8 years within the corporate reporting function of two Crown corporations; CBC and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and was involved in annual and quarterly financial reporting, preparation of the corporate plan and review of financial statement close processes. Kateri obtained her Certified Professional Accountant, Chartered Accountant title while working as an auditor for Ernst & Young LLP where she started her career auditing large financial institutions such as TD Bank and UBS Securities. Kateri also spends her time volunteering as the Treasurer for the Ottawa Dance Directive (ODD), an Ottawa-based non-profit contemporary dance organization. She is from the Kanien’kehá:ka community of Kahnawake, but grew up in the Gatineau on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnabeg People.

Kateri Khoury, CPA, CA is the Director of Financial Management Community Development within the Office of the Comptroller General (OCG) since July 2021. Previously, Kateri was a Senior Policy Analyst within the Government Accounting Policy and Reporting division of OCG from 2018. Prior to becoming a public servant, Kateri spent over 8 years within the corporate reporting function of two Crown corporations; CBC and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and was involved in annual and quarterly financial reporting, preparation of the corporate plan and review of financial statement close processes. Kateri obtained her Certified Professional Accountant, Chartered Accountant title while working as an auditor for Ernst & Young LLP where she started her career auditing large financial institutions such as TD Bank and UBS Securities. Kateri also spends her time volunteering as the Treasurer for the Ottawa Dance Directive (ODD), an Ottawa-based non-profit contemporary dance organization. She is from the Kanien’kehá:ka community of Kahnawake, but grew up in the Gatineau on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnabeg People.

Karen Robertson

Karen joined Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) in March 2021 as Senior Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer.  Her portfolio includes Investment, Procurement & Project Management, Integrated Corporate Accounting and Accountability, Regional Services and Real Property, Financial Management Advisory Services and the SAP Centre of Excellence.

Previously Karen was the Deputy Director Administration and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).  Prior to assuming these responsibilities, Karen had her most professionally challenging career assignment as CFO for the New Zealand Intelligence Community.

Prior to joining CSIS in 2009, Karen worked at the Communications Security Establishment, the Department of National Defence, Accreditation Canada (not-for-profit), and several years in investment banking.

Throughout her career, Karen has volunteered her time professionally (Financial Management Institute of Canada and Government of Canada DCFO Council) and in her community.

Karen enjoys camping and many outdoor sports with her husband and two daughters.

Karen joined Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) in March 2021 as Senior Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer.  Her portfolio includes Investment, Procurement & Project Management, Integrated Corporate Accounting and Accountability, Regional Services and Real Property, Financial Management Advisory Services and the SAP Centre of Excellence.

Previously Karen was the Deputy Director Administration and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).  Prior to assuming these responsibilities, Karen had her most professionally challenging career assignment as CFO for the New Zealand Intelligence Community.

Prior to joining CSIS in 2009, Karen worked at the Communications Security Establishment, the Department of National Defence, Accreditation Canada (not-for-profit), and several years in investment banking.

Throughout her career, Karen has volunteered her time professionally (Financial Management Institute of Canada and Government of Canada DCFO Council) and in her community.

Karen enjoys camping and many outdoor sports with her husband and two daughters.

Charith Mendis

Charith Mendis is the Worldwide Banking Industry Leader for Amazon Web Services (AWS). In this role, he works with leading banking organizations globally to transform their existing businesses and bring innovative solutions to the market by leveraging cloud capabilities. Charith has over 15 years of experience developing solutions for financial services organizations across North America, Asia, and the Europe/Middle East/Africa regions. Prior to AWS, Charith worked at Deloitte and KPMG, and was responsible for multiple digital transformation programs across the front, middle, and back offices of global clients. Across these engagements, Charith has managed the end-to-end lifecycle, including defining the overall business strategy, optimizing operating models, and implementing technology to meet business and regulatory outcomes. Charith is a frequent public speaker, with recent appearances including Money 20/20, the largest global fintech event for the payments, financial services innovation, and connected commerce sectors.

Charith Mendis is the Worldwide Banking Industry Leader for Amazon Web Services (AWS). In this role, he works with leading banking organizations globally to transform their existing businesses and bring innovative solutions to the market by leveraging cloud capabilities. Charith has over 15 years of experience developing solutions for financial services organizations across North America, Asia, and the Europe/Middle East/Africa regions. Prior to AWS, Charith worked at Deloitte and KPMG, and was responsible for multiple digital transformation programs across the front, middle, and back offices of global clients. Across these engagements, Charith has managed the end-to-end lifecycle, including defining the overall business strategy, optimizing operating models, and implementing technology to meet business and regulatory outcomes. Charith is a frequent public speaker, with recent appearances including Money 20/20, the largest global fintech event for the payments, financial services innovation, and connected commerce sectors.

Marty Muldoon

Marty joined FMI August 2020 following his retirement from the Federal Public Service after an outstanding 32-year career, including his last 7 years as a CFO (Public Services & Procurement Canada and Fisheries, Oceans & Canadian Coast Guard). He began his career in regional economic development and later strategic planning, following which, Marty spent 14 years with the RCMP in senior financial roles, including his last 6 years there as their Deputy CFO.

Marty joined FMI August 2020 following his retirement from the Federal Public Service after an outstanding 32-year career, including his last 7 years as a CFO (Public Services & Procurement Canada and Fisheries, Oceans & Canadian Coast Guard). He began his career in regional economic development and later strategic planning, following which, Marty spent 14 years with the RCMP in senior financial roles, including his last 6 years there as their Deputy CFO.

Farah Boisclair

Farah Boisclair is the lead of the newly created Anti-Racism Task Force at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. She has extensive experience in Human Resources, working in this field for over 13 years, both at IRCC and at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. Farah is passionate about advancing equity through action and creating spaces where people can be free to be themselves.

Farah Boisclair is the lead of the newly created Anti-Racism Task Force at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. She has extensive experience in Human Resources, working in this field for over 13 years, both at IRCC and at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. Farah is passionate about advancing equity through action and creating spaces where people can be free to be themselves.

Jen Mossop-Scott

Jen Mossop Scott is an Associate Partner in EY’s technology transformation practice, based in Vancouver. She has worked for 20+ years leading transformational change enabled by technology, helping businesses digitise, and evolve their operating models to compete.  She is passionate about devising and executing transformational change, putting humans at the centre and enabled by technology – providing strategic direction, purposeful momentum and ‘translation’ across that important technology/business interface. Prior to joining EY Canada in late 2021, she spearheaded transformation delivery, architecture, technology operations, data, and product software development in large European Retail and Telecommunications businesses. Erlier in her career, following completion of her PhD in Neuroscience, Jen served as a consultant to many of household-name leading European and UK businesses.

Jen Mossop Scott is an Associate Partner in EY’s technology transformation practice, based in Vancouver. She has worked for 20+ years leading transformational change enabled by technology, helping businesses digitise, and evolve their operating models to compete.  She is passionate about devising and executing transformational change, putting humans at the centre and enabled by technology – providing strategic direction, purposeful momentum and ‘translation’ across that important technology/business interface. Prior to joining EY Canada in late 2021, she spearheaded transformation delivery, architecture, technology operations, data, and product software development in large European Retail and Telecommunications businesses. Erlier in her career, following completion of her PhD in Neuroscience, Jen served as a consultant to many of household-name leading European and UK businesses.

Chris Dodge

Chris Dodge is an Associate Partner in EY’s People Advisory Services practice with a passion for Digital Workforce Transformation. He is a business-led HR Transformation leader who transforms forward focused HR organizations and helps clients unleash the potential of their workforce and the HR function. Chris helps his public and private sector clients re-imagine the delivery of HR, designs for the employee experience, drives digital innovation, and amplifies HR and business outcomes. With more than 20 years of experience, Chris takes a thoughtful and creative approach to bringing HR strategies and human capital programs to life. Chris is a proud husband and father based in Ottawa, Canada.

Chris Dodge is an Associate Partner in EY’s People Advisory Services practice with a passion for Digital Workforce Transformation. He is a business-led HR Transformation leader who transforms forward focused HR organizations and helps clients unleash the potential of their workforce and the HR function. Chris helps his public and private sector clients re-imagine the delivery of HR, designs for the employee experience, drives digital innovation, and amplifies HR and business outcomes. With more than 20 years of experience, Chris takes a thoughtful and creative approach to bringing HR strategies and human capital programs to life. Chris is a proud husband and father based in Ottawa, Canada.

Marc Tassé

Marc Y. Tassé is a globally recognized expert on corporate misconduct, crisis response, and ethical leadership. He advises CEOs, directors, and other leaders of Fortune 500 companies and global organizations, on responding strategically to sensitive regulatory, governance, and reputational challenges. His success stems from his ability to navigate complex investigations and negotiate with opposing parties. 

Mr. Tassé sits as an external member of the Departmental Audit Committee of Public Safety Canada for a 3-year term. 

An award-winning lecturer at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law and at the Telfer Executive MBA program, he has delivered lectures on corporate ethics and financial crimes at Harvard University, and has been frequently quoted in prestigious publications, such as The Wall Street Journal. 

Marc Y. Tassé is a globally recognized expert on corporate misconduct, crisis response, and ethical leadership. He advises CEOs, directors, and other leaders of Fortune 500 companies and global organizations, on responding strategically to sensitive regulatory, governance, and reputational challenges. His success stems from his ability to navigate complex investigations and negotiate with opposing parties. 

Mr. Tassé sits as an external member of the Departmental Audit Committee of Public Safety Canada for a 3-year term. 

An award-winning lecturer at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law and at the Telfer Executive MBA program, he has delivered lectures on corporate ethics and financial crimes at Harvard University, and has been frequently quoted in prestigious publications, such as The Wall Street Journal. 

Yann Blais

Yann Blais is responsible for the management of a large, complex and diverse investment portfolio at Employment and Social Development Canada and has been in this role since 2018.  He continuously strives to seek new opportunities to gain and share insights to increase project/programme management capabilities and mature leadership culture for project/programme management at ESDC and in the Goverment of Canada..  In addition to this role, Yann is the also the Chief Procurement Officer for the Department.  Prior to joining ESDC, Yann held different Senior Management positions in the field of Corporate Enterprise Systems such as SAP, PeopleSoft, and Cognos, among others, and has worked in several government departments and agencies in the areas of Finance, IM/IT, Corporate Services, and as the SDA liaison (Small Departments and Agencies) with Shared Services Canada for the Community of Federal Agencies and TBS. Yann also has extensive experience in the private sector in the area of Financial Management, Internal Audit and Accounting Operations. Yann holds a Graduate Degree – specializing in accounting and is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountant Association of Canada.  Yann is an avid hiker and skier – where there is a challenge, Yann sees opportunity!

Yann Blais is responsible for the management of a large, complex and diverse investment portfolio at Employment and Social Development Canada and has been in this role since 2018.  He continuously strives to seek new opportunities to gain and share insights to increase project/programme management capabilities and mature leadership culture for project/programme management at ESDC and in the Goverment of Canada..  In addition to this role, Yann is the also the Chief Procurement Officer for the Department.  Prior to joining ESDC, Yann held different Senior Management positions in the field of Corporate Enterprise Systems such as SAP, PeopleSoft, and Cognos, among others, and has worked in several government departments and agencies in the areas of Finance, IM/IT, Corporate Services, and as the SDA liaison (Small Departments and Agencies) with Shared Services Canada for the Community of Federal Agencies and TBS. Yann also has extensive experience in the private sector in the area of Financial Management, Internal Audit and Accounting Operations. Yann holds a Graduate Degree – specializing in accounting and is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountant Association of Canada.  Yann is an avid hiker and skier – where there is a challenge, Yann sees opportunity!

Derek Armstrong

Mr. Armstrong joined National Defence as Director General (Costing, Investment Planning, and Approvals) in April 2020, bringing more than 15 years of central agency experience in fiscal planning and policy development.  A CFA charterholder and economist, Mr. Armstrong led new approaches at the Treasury Board Secretariat to government financial transparency (see the GC InfoBase) and management (created Capital Budget Carry Forward).  He speaks nationally and internationally on developments and approaches to performance-informed budgeting and led the implementation of Canada’s program performance policies (Policy on Results) until joining the Defence Team in 2020.  In his current role, Mr. Armstrong oversees the Centre for Costing in Defence, the financial implementation of Canada’s Defence Policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, and all cabinet and ministerial submissions for the department.  Originally from British Columbia, he is the father of three wonderful children, including one with special needs.

Mr. Armstrong joined National Defence as Director General (Costing, Investment Planning, and Approvals) in April 2020, bringing more than 15 years of central agency experience in fiscal planning and policy development.  A CFA charterholder and economist, Mr. Armstrong led new approaches at the Treasury Board Secretariat to government financial transparency (see the GC InfoBase) and management (created Capital Budget Carry Forward).  He speaks nationally and internationally on developments and approaches to performance-informed budgeting and led the implementation of Canada’s program performance policies (Policy on Results) until joining the Defence Team in 2020.  In his current role, Mr. Armstrong oversees the Centre for Costing in Defence, the financial implementation of Canada’s Defence Policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, and all cabinet and ministerial submissions for the department.  Originally from British Columbia, he is the father of three wonderful children, including one with special needs.

Bailey Church

Bailey Church leads the National Public Sector Accounting Advisory service line and is the Leader of the Public Sector ESG and Climate Reporting Centre of Expertise at KPMG. Bailey is also the Leader of KPMG’s Global International Public Sector Accounting Standards working group.

He has an extensive background serving the Government of Canada, provincial governments, crown corporations, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations. Bailey has worked extensively with all levels of government on sustainability reporting matters.

Bailey has advised numerous mining and nuclear sector entities on matters related to environmental reporting, including Canada Fluorspar Inc., Ontario Power Generation, and Southern California Edison.

Bailey has worked with more than 300 municipalities on sustainability reporting, including asset retirement obligations and contaminated sites. Bailey is advising municipalities across Canada on their roadmaps for ESG and natural assets reporting.

Bailey is currently advising various Crown corporations on their implementation of TCFD requirements. Bailey has advised the Government of Canada on some of its largest environmental liabilities, including Atomic Energy of Canada Limited’s decommissioning obligation, and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada’s contaminated sites liabilities.

Bailey Church leads the National Public Sector Accounting Advisory service line and is the Leader of the Public Sector ESG and Climate Reporting Centre of Expertise at KPMG. Bailey is also the Leader of KPMG’s Global International Public Sector Accounting Standards working group.

He has an extensive background serving the Government of Canada, provincial governments, crown corporations, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations. Bailey has worked extensively with all levels of government on sustainability reporting matters.

Bailey has advised numerous mining and nuclear sector entities on matters related to environmental reporting, including Canada Fluorspar Inc., Ontario Power Generation, and Southern California Edison.

Bailey has worked with more than 300 municipalities on sustainability reporting, including asset retirement obligations and contaminated sites. Bailey is advising municipalities across Canada on their roadmaps for ESG and natural assets reporting.

Bailey is currently advising various Crown corporations on their implementation of TCFD requirements. Bailey has advised the Government of Canada on some of its largest environmental liabilities, including Atomic Energy of Canada Limited’s decommissioning obligation, and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada’s contaminated sites liabilities.

Gary Kent

Gary joined the Region of Peel in 2021 as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Commissioner of Corporate Services. In this role, he leads a strong Senior Leadership Team of directors and provides strategic management across a diverse portfolio within the Corporate Services Department that includes Financial Services, Human Resources, Communications, Information Technology, Culture and Inclusion, Climate Change, Facilities Management, Legislative and Legal Divisions.

As Chief Financial Officer for Peel Region, the second largest municipality in Canada delivering services and infrastructure to 1.5 million residents and 175,000 businesses, Gary manages an annual fiscal budget of over $3.8 Billion. He provides financial counsel and oversight for regional financial planning as well as strategic management of all accounting and finance functions. A thought-leader in municipal finance, he is also the executive sponsor for the ‘Future Forward’ post-pandemic recovery initiative at the Region of Peel, which is fundamental to getting the Region back on track to realizing its strategic priorities. 

Prior to joining Peel, Gary was the City of Mississauga’s CFO and Commissioner of Corporate Services where he had a 25-year tenure. He’s been a leader in many of The City of Mississauga’s strategic initiatives including their City Building transportation, downtown and waterfront initiatives, their Long-Range Financial Plan, IT and People Strategies. A professional accountant with extensive senior leadership experience, spanning years across many leadership roles in Local Government, he has held the role of Finance Manager at a large private sector transit company in the United Kingdom. He has also served as CEO of Enersource Corporation, the second largest municipality owned electricity utility company in North America.

As well as being a CPA, Gary is FCCA in the UK and earned a BA in Accountancy from Glasgow Caledonian University. He has graduated from the Directors Education Program from the Institute of Corporate Directors, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto and holds the ICD.D designation. His board and Committee commitments includes the ACCA’s Public Sector Global Forum, the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA), One Investment Board and Sheridan College’s Professional Advisory Council.  

Gary joined the Region of Peel in 2021 as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Commissioner of Corporate Services. In this role, he leads a strong Senior Leadership Team of directors and provides strategic management across a diverse portfolio within the Corporate Services Department that includes Financial Services, Human Resources, Communications, Information Technology, Culture and Inclusion, Climate Change, Facilities Management, Legislative and Legal Divisions.

As Chief Financial Officer for Peel Region, the second largest municipality in Canada delivering services and infrastructure to 1.5 million residents and 175,000 businesses, Gary manages an annual fiscal budget of over $3.8 Billion. He provides financial counsel and oversight for regional financial planning as well as strategic management of all accounting and finance functions. A thought-leader in municipal finance, he is also the executive sponsor for the ‘Future Forward’ post-pandemic recovery initiative at the Region of Peel, which is fundamental to getting the Region back on track to realizing its strategic priorities. 

Prior to joining Peel, Gary was the City of Mississauga’s CFO and Commissioner of Corporate Services where he had a 25-year tenure. He’s been a leader in many of The City of Mississauga’s strategic initiatives including their City Building transportation, downtown and waterfront initiatives, their Long-Range Financial Plan, IT and People Strategies. A professional accountant with extensive senior leadership experience, spanning years across many leadership roles in Local Government, he has held the role of Finance Manager at a large private sector transit company in the United Kingdom. He has also served as CEO of Enersource Corporation, the second largest municipality owned electricity utility company in North America.

As well as being a CPA, Gary is FCCA in the UK and earned a BA in Accountancy from Glasgow Caledonian University. He has graduated from the Directors Education Program from the Institute of Corporate Directors, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto and holds the ICD.D designation. His board and Committee commitments includes the ACCA’s Public Sector Global Forum, the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA), One Investment Board and Sheridan College’s Professional Advisory Council.  

General Stuart Beare

LGen (retired) Stu Beare feels very privileged and proud to have served 36 years alongside great Canadians in and out of uniform. His last assignment before retiring from our Armed Forces was Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command. There, he and his team across Canada and around the world were responsible for the anticipation of, preparation for, and conduct of operations at home and internationally – alongside scores of interagency and international partners. Over his career, he too deployed and served extensively in domestic and international missions – including in NATO in Germany, the UN in Cyprus and Croatia, commanding NATO troops in Bosnia, and leading coalition forces in Afghanistan.  

 Today Stu is a Strategic Advisor, Defense and Public Safety, with Accenture – in Canada and globally. There he serves in new ways – from the intersection of industry and Defense, Military, Law Enforcement and other national security and public safety professions and institutions – in particular in leveraging the best of Digital transformation to power everyone in everything – from military, public safety and national security operations to the corporate space.

 Born as a son of a soldier in Shilo, Manitoba, and after 20 postings, Ottawa has become home to Stu and his wife France. By great fortune – their 3 adult children, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren have called and do call Ottawa home as well. Grandchild number 6 arrived safe and sound in June of this year. He remains a supporter of and is engaged in the extended family of our serving military and veterans as Chair of the Board for Soldiers Helping Soldiers – a young national Not-for-Profit that serves to find, connect with, and connect homeless Veterans to those who can help them, and as ambassador with Support our Troops – the official charity of the Canadian Armed Forces and our families. He recently concluded service as Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel with the 2ieme Regiment d’artillerie de campagne in Montreal. And he is Patron to the Roman Catholic Military Ordinariate in Canada.  

 Gen Stu is looking forward to meeting and engaging with the financial professionals participating in this year’s Professional Development Week, and to reflecting with them on mission, team and family in ways that are relatable to the incredibly important work, organizations, teams, and missions they lead and enable.

LGen (retired) Stu Beare feels very privileged and proud to have served 36 years alongside great Canadians in and out of uniform. His last assignment before retiring from our Armed Forces was Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command. There, he and his team across Canada and around the world were responsible for the anticipation of, preparation for, and conduct of operations at home and internationally – alongside scores of interagency and international partners. Over his career, he too deployed and served extensively in domestic and international missions – including in NATO in Germany, the UN in Cyprus and Croatia, commanding NATO troops in Bosnia, and leading coalition forces in Afghanistan.  

 Today Stu is a Strategic Advisor, Defense and Public Safety, with Accenture – in Canada and globally. There he serves in new ways – from the intersection of industry and Defense, Military, Law Enforcement and other national security and public safety professions and institutions – in particular in leveraging the best of Digital transformation to power everyone in everything – from military, public safety and national security operations to the corporate space.

 Born as a son of a soldier in Shilo, Manitoba, and after 20 postings, Ottawa has become home to Stu and his wife France. By great fortune – their 3 adult children, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren have called and do call Ottawa home as well. Grandchild number 6 arrived safe and sound in June of this year. He remains a supporter of and is engaged in the extended family of our serving military and veterans as Chair of the Board for Soldiers Helping Soldiers – a young national Not-for-Profit that serves to find, connect with, and connect homeless Veterans to those who can help them, and as ambassador with Support our Troops – the official charity of the Canadian Armed Forces and our families. He recently concluded service as Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel with the 2ieme Regiment d’artillerie de campagne in Montreal. And he is Patron to the Roman Catholic Military Ordinariate in Canada.  

 Gen Stu is looking forward to meeting and engaging with the financial professionals participating in this year’s Professional Development Week, and to reflecting with them on mission, team and family in ways that are relatable to the incredibly important work, organizations, teams, and missions they lead and enable.

Diane Peressini

Diane Peressini is the Executive Director, Government Accounting Policy and Reporting at the Office of the Comptroller General within the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS). Since joining TBS in 2003 she has been involved in a number of files providing advice to central agencies and federal departments about the impact of government initiatives on the government’s financial statements. She also worked on financial management transformation and as Director, Financial Policy and Internal Control at the RCMP.

Diane has a keen interest in public sector accounting standards. She has been on the Assets and Public Private Partnership Task Forces of the Public Sector Accounting Board. She has also developed and delivered various training sessions on Public Sector Accounting Standards, including the CPA Canada In-depth PSAB Course, the annual CPA Canada Public Sector Conference, Financial Management Institute professional development days, and financial literacy sessions for Departmental Audit Committee members.

Prior to joining TBS, Diane was a senior audit manager at a national accounting firm. She is a fellow chartered professional accountant and has a Master of Accounting from the University of Waterloo.

Diane Peressini is the Executive Director, Government Accounting Policy and Reporting at the Office of the Comptroller General within the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS). Since joining TBS in 2003 she has been involved in a number of files providing advice to central agencies and federal departments about the impact of government initiatives on the government’s financial statements. She also worked on financial management transformation and as Director, Financial Policy and Internal Control at the RCMP.

Diane has a keen interest in public sector accounting standards. She has been on the Assets and Public Private Partnership Task Forces of the Public Sector Accounting Board. She has also developed and delivered various training sessions on Public Sector Accounting Standards, including the CPA Canada In-depth PSAB Course, the annual CPA Canada Public Sector Conference, Financial Management Institute professional development days, and financial literacy sessions for Departmental Audit Committee members.

Prior to joining TBS, Diane was a senior audit manager at a national accounting firm. She is a fellow chartered professional accountant and has a Master of Accounting from the University of Waterloo.

Dave Hair

Dave is a trusted, valued, and experienced Change Management professional with over 15 years’ continuous direct, current executive level leadership experience in directing, planning, delivering, and assuring large complex change portfolios and (government) programmes. As an experienced Practitioner, Dave has a proven history in the proportionate multi-sector deployment of global best practice change methodologies and delivery lifecycle models, including PRINCE2, Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®) and Management of Portfolios (MoP®). Change is also about people and Dave compliments his technical expertise with his APMG Business Relationship Management Professional certification and Change Management facilitator accreditation. An Executive Coach, Dave has held full membership of the UK Association for Coaching for more than a decade. A skilled and experienced assurance reviewer, Dave is a member of the UK and Scottish Governments’ Gateway Review Team Leader cohorts, responsible for assuring delivery at national and international scale. A former Associate Inspector with Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland, his focus having been the Police Scotland Transformation Portfolio, Dave has been providing Portfolio, Programme and Project Management Assurance and Advisory Services to Chief Financial Officer Branch of Employment and Social Development Canada since August 2021.

Dave is a trusted, valued, and experienced Change Management professional with over 15 years’ continuous direct, current executive level leadership experience in directing, planning, delivering, and assuring large complex change portfolios and (government) programmes. As an experienced Practitioner, Dave has a proven history in the proportionate multi-sector deployment of global best practice change methodologies and delivery lifecycle models, including PRINCE2, Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®) and Management of Portfolios (MoP®). Change is also about people and Dave compliments his technical expertise with his APMG Business Relationship Management Professional certification and Change Management facilitator accreditation. An Executive Coach, Dave has held full membership of the UK Association for Coaching for more than a decade. A skilled and experienced assurance reviewer, Dave is a member of the UK and Scottish Governments’ Gateway Review Team Leader cohorts, responsible for assuring delivery at national and international scale. A former Associate Inspector with Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland, his focus having been the Police Scotland Transformation Portfolio, Dave has been providing Portfolio, Programme and Project Management Assurance and Advisory Services to Chief Financial Officer Branch of Employment and Social Development Canada since August 2021.

Melanie Cockerline

Melanie is a Manager at Transport Canada (TC) responsible for Business Architecture and System Integration team within Financial Policy and Systems.  Melanie’s work focuses on the integration and alignment of the TC’s Financial Systems, looking for process improvement opportunities as well as the implementation of RPA for Finance and Administration.

Melanie is a Manager at Transport Canada (TC) responsible for Business Architecture and System Integration team within Financial Policy and Systems.  Melanie’s work focuses on the integration and alignment of the TC’s Financial Systems, looking for process improvement opportunities as well as the implementation of RPA for Finance and Administration.

Monia Lahaie

Monia is the Assistant Comptroller General for the Financial Management Sector within the Office of the Comptroller General (OCG). She is responsible for public accounts, community development and for government-wide policy related to financial management, transfer payments, costing, and charging. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and holds a master’s degree in public administration.

Over the past 28 years, Monia has worked in all areas of financial management and on large transformational projects. Prior to taking on her role at the OCG, she held the position of Assistant Chief Statistician, Corporate Strategy and Management Field/Chief Financial Officer at Statistics Canada, where she was responsible for a broad range of services, including financial management, human resources, workforce and workplace modernization, strategic planning, and corporate governance.

Monia is the Assistant Comptroller General for the Financial Management Sector within the Office of the Comptroller General (OCG). She is responsible for public accounts, community development and for government-wide policy related to financial management, transfer payments, costing, and charging. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and holds a master’s degree in public administration.

Over the past 28 years, Monia has worked in all areas of financial management and on large transformational projects. Prior to taking on her role at the OCG, she held the position of Assistant Chief Statistician, Corporate Strategy and Management Field/Chief Financial Officer at Statistics Canada, where she was responsible for a broad range of services, including financial management, human resources, workforce and workplace modernization, strategic planning, and corporate governance.

Alain Lagacé

Alain is currently the Director General, Budget, Cost and Investment Management in the Finance Branch at PSPC. His sector is responsible for departmental budget, cost, revenue and investment management functions. Over the last 5 years, Alain has led and been directly involved in transformational initiatives at PSPC, such as Capital Assets Way Forward and Accrual Budgeting Initiative, that will change the way the department plans, manages and spends its funding.

He joined the department in April 2017 as Director, Corporate Financial Management and Reporting (CFMR).  His team was in charge of the production of departmental external financial reports required by central agencies, such as departmental financial statements and Public Accounts. From September 2019 to January 2021, Alain was the Senior Director, Budget Management where he oversaw the federal budget, internal financial reporting and budget allocation processes.

Prior to joining PSPC, Alain spent 10 years in various positions in financial management at the department of Fisheries and Oceans, the last being A/Director, Materiel and Procurement Services and 4 years in the private sector.  He’s been a member of CPA Canada since 2008, is a graduate of the University of Ottawa.

Alain is currently the Director General, Budget, Cost and Investment Management in the Finance Branch at PSPC. His sector is responsible for departmental budget, cost, revenue and investment management functions. Over the last 5 years, Alain has led and been directly involved in transformational initiatives at PSPC, such as Capital Assets Way Forward and Accrual Budgeting Initiative, that will change the way the department plans, manages and spends its funding.

He joined the department in April 2017 as Director, Corporate Financial Management and Reporting (CFMR).  His team was in charge of the production of departmental external financial reports required by central agencies, such as departmental financial statements and Public Accounts. From September 2019 to January 2021, Alain was the Senior Director, Budget Management where he oversaw the federal budget, internal financial reporting and budget allocation processes.

Prior to joining PSPC, Alain spent 10 years in various positions in financial management at the department of Fisheries and Oceans, the last being A/Director, Materiel and Procurement Services and 4 years in the private sector.  He’s been a member of CPA Canada since 2008, is a graduate of the University of Ottawa.

Bibi Roy

Bidyunmala (Bibi) Roy is the Chief Audit and Evaluation Executive at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Government of Canada Internal Audit Community’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Champion. She joined the Federal Government as part of the Office of the Comptroller General’s Internal Audit Recruitment and Development (IARD) program and has worked in a number of federal departments over the course of her career in audit.

Bibi is a fan of lifelong learning and holds a number of certifications and degrees. She is a Certified Professional Accountant, a Certified Internal Auditor, and a Certified Information Systems Auditor, and also holds an MBA in Strategic Planning. In her free time, Bibi is also currently pursuing a second Bachelor’s degree in Computing and Information Systems.

Bidyunmala (Bibi) Roy is the Chief Audit and Evaluation Executive at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Government of Canada Internal Audit Community’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Champion. She joined the Federal Government as part of the Office of the Comptroller General’s Internal Audit Recruitment and Development (IARD) program and has worked in a number of federal departments over the course of her career in audit.

Bibi is a fan of lifelong learning and holds a number of certifications and degrees. She is a Certified Professional Accountant, a Certified Internal Auditor, and a Certified Information Systems Auditor, and also holds an MBA in Strategic Planning. In her free time, Bibi is also currently pursuing a second Bachelor’s degree in Computing and Information Systems.

Claude Safarian

Claude joined Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) in 2021, to support the Accrual Budgeting Project Office which was established to transform how the department funded its capital investments.

Prior to joining PSPC, Claude spent more than 15 years in the private sector in a variety of roles in financial performance management, financial planning & analysis, corporate strategic planning, marketing science/analytics, and advertising development, working in Canada, Western Europe, and Western Africa.  During that time, he gained experience in the retirement living, consumer goods, and telecom industries.

Claude holds an MBA from the University of Oxford (UK), and a B. Commerce from the University of Ottawa.  He is a member of CPA Canada and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK).

Claude joined Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) in 2021, to support the Accrual Budgeting Project Office which was established to transform how the department funded its capital investments.

Prior to joining PSPC, Claude spent more than 15 years in the private sector in a variety of roles in financial performance management, financial planning & analysis, corporate strategic planning, marketing science/analytics, and advertising development, working in Canada, Western Europe, and Western Africa.  During that time, he gained experience in the retirement living, consumer goods, and telecom industries.

Claude holds an MBA from the University of Oxford (UK), and a B. Commerce from the University of Ottawa.  He is a member of CPA Canada and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK).

Robert Phillips

Robert is a Senior Manager in Accenture’s CFO/EV consulting team and has a passion for leading public sector finance transformation. After starting his career in the Ontario Public Service, he spent a number of years consulting for federal public sector organizations, both in Canada and Australia.  

In 2016 he led Canadian Blood Services through the transformation of their multi-function integrated HR, Payroll, and Finance Shared Services team. In 2018 he took on a new role as Associate Vice President, Continuous Improvement at Canadian Tire, leading transformation and automation activities across the Finance function.  

Robert is also a proud former national board member of fmi*igf, having served as Ontario Chapter President, Director Social Media, and Special Director, Strategic Planning.

Robert is a Senior Manager in Accenture’s CFO/EV consulting team and has a passion for leading public sector finance transformation. After starting his career in the Ontario Public Service, he spent a number of years consulting for federal public sector organizations, both in Canada and Australia.  

In 2016 he led Canadian Blood Services through the transformation of their multi-function integrated HR, Payroll, and Finance Shared Services team. In 2018 he took on a new role as Associate Vice President, Continuous Improvement at Canadian Tire, leading transformation and automation activities across the Finance function.  

Robert is also a proud former national board member of fmi*igf, having served as Ontario Chapter President, Director Social Media, and Special Director, Strategic Planning.

Olga Kuznetsova

Olga Kuznetsova is a Vice President, Financial Services with South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (TransLink). With over a decade in public service, Olga held a number of progressively senior roles in healthcare (Provincial Health Services Authority) and with the Insurance Corporation of BC. She has led her teams and her organizations through difficult and challenging times, including pandemic and chartering course for post-pandemic recovery. Strong decision-maker, Olga is no stranger to operating in the circumstances of ambiguity and navigating complex political landscapes. Prior to joining public service, Olga worked for over a decade in the audit practice of KPMG, servicing complex publicly listed companies and crown corporations. Olga’s personal brand is one of utmost integrity, responsibility, reliability and accountability. Olga’s leadership style is rooted in building engagement, seeking consensus, addressing challenges and building strong relationships. Olga is passionate about giving back to her communities. She is currently serving on the Board of Directors of a police department in her city. Olga is a fellow member of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (UK).

Olga Kuznetsova is a Vice President, Financial Services with South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (TransLink). With over a decade in public service, Olga held a number of progressively senior roles in healthcare (Provincial Health Services Authority) and with the Insurance Corporation of BC. She has led her teams and her organizations through difficult and challenging times, including pandemic and chartering course for post-pandemic recovery. Strong decision-maker, Olga is no stranger to operating in the circumstances of ambiguity and navigating complex political landscapes. Prior to joining public service, Olga worked for over a decade in the audit practice of KPMG, servicing complex publicly listed companies and crown corporations. Olga’s personal brand is one of utmost integrity, responsibility, reliability and accountability. Olga’s leadership style is rooted in building engagement, seeking consensus, addressing challenges and building strong relationships. Olga is passionate about giving back to her communities. She is currently serving on the Board of Directors of a police department in her city. Olga is a fellow member of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (UK).

Serge Campeau

Serge joined PSPC in November 2012 as manager of Financial Statements and Quarterly Reporting. Throughout the years, Serge has held many key roles within the Finance and Administration branch including Director, Corporate Financial Management and Reporting and Director of Estimates.  Over the last three years, he has led the development and implementation of Accrual Budgeting within PSPC. Serge and his team developed the first Accrual Budget for PSPC. Serge also led the development of tools and methodologies for the monitoring and reporting of the Accrual Budget.

Prior to joining PSPC, Serge spent 10 years in various positions in audit at the Nuclear Safety Commission, the Office of the Auditor General and 7 years in audit and financial management in the private sector. He’s been a member of CPA Canada since 1998 and is a graduate of the University of Ottawa.

Serge joined PSPC in November 2012 as manager of Financial Statements and Quarterly Reporting. Throughout the years, Serge has held many key roles within the Finance and Administration branch including Director, Corporate Financial Management and Reporting and Director of Estimates.  Over the last three years, he has led the development and implementation of Accrual Budgeting within PSPC. Serge and his team developed the first Accrual Budget for PSPC. Serge also led the development of tools and methodologies for the monitoring and reporting of the Accrual Budget.

Prior to joining PSPC, Serge spent 10 years in various positions in audit at the Nuclear Safety Commission, the Office of the Auditor General and 7 years in audit and financial management in the private sector. He’s been a member of CPA Canada since 1998 and is a graduate of the University of Ottawa.

Susan Kjartanson

Susan joined PSPC in 2019 following the approval of Accrual Budgeting and is currently the Manager of Investment Management. She was instrumental in the successful implementation of key elements of Accrual Budgeting, which included leading the Departmental Investment Plan, Prioritization and the PSPC Asset Portfolio Long Term Strategy.

Prior to joining PSPC, she worked at Parks Canada for nearly 15 years, supporting clients from coast to coast. During her time at Parks Canada, she contributed to the expansion of New Parks and Sites, the delivery of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) program and the ongoing sustainability of its significant infrastructure portfolio consisting of heritage, tourism, waterway and highway assets.

Through collaboration and teamwork, Susan has always been focussed on improving business operations and has garnered recognition, receiving multiple awards for Innovation and Creativity. Susan has a Bachelor of Commerce from the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba, where she specialized in International Business and Management of Organizations. She currently lives in Winnipeg, where she has been working virtually since 2009.

Susan joined PSPC in 2019 following the approval of Accrual Budgeting and is currently the Manager of Investment Management. She was instrumental in the successful implementation of key elements of Accrual Budgeting, which included leading the Departmental Investment Plan, Prioritization and the PSPC Asset Portfolio Long Term Strategy.

Prior to joining PSPC, she worked at Parks Canada for nearly 15 years, supporting clients from coast to coast. During her time at Parks Canada, she contributed to the expansion of New Parks and Sites, the delivery of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) program and the ongoing sustainability of its significant infrastructure portfolio consisting of heritage, tourism, waterway and highway assets.

Through collaboration and teamwork, Susan has always been focussed on improving business operations and has garnered recognition, receiving multiple awards for Innovation and Creativity. Susan has a Bachelor of Commerce from the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba, where she specialized in International Business and Management of Organizations. She currently lives in Winnipeg, where she has been working virtually since 2009.

Renée Prud`homme

Renée joined the federal public service as a military member in 1992, where she occupied various finance-related positions across Canada, until she joined the House of Commons in 2014. During her time at the House of Commons she held various positions in financial policy, Materiel Management, and Financial Planning. Renée is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and has a Master degree in Business Administration (MBA).

Renée is very passionate about her work, great at collaborating across teams and mobilizing staff and others towards a common goal.

Renée is married and has two adult daughters, two cats and two dogs. Her hobbies include spending time at her cottage, hiking, running and reading.

Renée joined the federal public service as a military member in 1992, where she occupied various finance-related positions across Canada, until she joined the House of Commons in 2014. During her time at the House of Commons she held various positions in financial policy, Materiel Management, and Financial Planning. Renée is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and has a Master degree in Business Administration (MBA).

Renée is very passionate about her work, great at collaborating across teams and mobilizing staff and others towards a common goal.

Renée is married and has two adult daughters, two cats and two dogs. Her hobbies include spending time at her cottage, hiking, running and reading.

Stéphane Rivest

Stéphane Rivest is a CPA with a Masters in Project Management and is the newly appointed Senior Director, Accrual Budgeting Project Office at Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) responsible for overseeing the implementation of accrual budgeting at PSPC. As the transition to accrual budgeting is nearing completion, Stéphane is overseeing the final stages of the project and preparing the transition from project to operations. Prior to joining the Accrual Budgeting project, Stéphane was Senior Director, Financial Management Policy, Oversight and Community at PSPC. Stéphane is a seasoned Finance executive with experience in leading projects and change initiatives and vast experience in financial management, policies, controls and audit.

Stéphane Rivest is a CPA with a Masters in Project Management and is the newly appointed Senior Director, Accrual Budgeting Project Office at Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) responsible for overseeing the implementation of accrual budgeting at PSPC. As the transition to accrual budgeting is nearing completion, Stéphane is overseeing the final stages of the project and preparing the transition from project to operations. Prior to joining the Accrual Budgeting project, Stéphane was Senior Director, Financial Management Policy, Oversight and Community at PSPC. Stéphane is a seasoned Finance executive with experience in leading projects and change initiatives and vast experience in financial management, policies, controls and audit.

Amy Karam

Amy Karam is a recognized speaker, thought leader and trusted authority on globalization, competitive strategy, innovation, 5G, digital transformation, the shifting power dynamics in international business, and the geo-political impact of China’s rise as well as other emerging nation, as discussed in her TEDx talk.

She is the author of THE CHINA FACTOR: Leveraging Emerging Business Strategies to Compete, Grow and Win in the New Global Economy, an instructor for Stanford and Duke University Professional Education, in addition to her own workshops, and a Fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute.

Amy is a media commentator on Bloomberg, CTV National, CBC, Yahoo Finance, Washington-based think tanks like the Carter Center, and has been published in Forbes, Entrepreneur, iPolitics, The Globe and Mail, The Hill Times, among other outlets.

Drawing on her 15 years of Silicon Valley experience, and extensive international expertise in high-tech and other industries (she’s worked with over fifty countries in Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa), Amy has worked with numerous organizations including Apple, Cisco, Nationwide, Capital One, Visa, SAP, Google, Global Affairs Canada, The Bank of Canada, EDC, ISED and the World Bank.

She advises C-suite executives, and guides execution-level management, in creating focused, innovative, global expansion strategies. Amy also counsels governments on global competitive innovation policies, and was invited by the UK parliamentary S&T committee on 5G infrastructure to testify on geopolitical dynamics, and how to catch up on emerging technology and innovation strategies.

Amy speaks on the change that companies need to make in order to survive and thrive in these rapidly evolving global competitive dynamics with a new kind of competition that plays by different rules. How to maintain and grow a company’s innovation advantage, the impact of a cultural IQ on your ROI, and how the shift in the approach and mindset of sales and strategy professionals are critical to success in this new global economy.

With a dynamic, engaging and unique presentation style, she combines humor and hard truths to create an effective and lasting impression on the audience.

Amy has an International MBA and a Bachelor of Administration, having studied at the University of Ottawa and at McGill. She also completed the Innovation for Economic Development Program at the Harvard Kennedy School and the ‘Mastering Design Thinking’ program at MIT.

Amy Karam is a recognized speaker, thought leader and trusted authority on globalization, competitive strategy, innovation, 5G, digital transformation, the shifting power dynamics in international business, and the geo-political impact of China’s rise as well as other emerging nation, as discussed in her TEDx talk.

She is the author of THE CHINA FACTOR: Leveraging Emerging Business Strategies to Compete, Grow and Win in the New Global Economy, an instructor for Stanford and Duke University Professional Education, in addition to her own workshops, and a Fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute.

Amy is a media commentator on Bloomberg, CTV National, CBC, Yahoo Finance, Washington-based think tanks like the Carter Center, and has been published in Forbes, Entrepreneur, iPolitics, The Globe and Mail, The Hill Times, among other outlets.

Drawing on her 15 years of Silicon Valley experience, and extensive international expertise in high-tech and other industries (she’s worked with over fifty countries in Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa), Amy has worked with numerous organizations including Apple, Cisco, Nationwide, Capital One, Visa, SAP, Google, Global Affairs Canada, The Bank of Canada, EDC, ISED and the World Bank.

She advises C-suite executives, and guides execution-level management, in creating focused, innovative, global expansion strategies. Amy also counsels governments on global competitive innovation policies, and was invited by the UK parliamentary S&T committee on 5G infrastructure to testify on geopolitical dynamics, and how to catch up on emerging technology and innovation strategies.

Amy speaks on the change that companies need to make in order to survive and thrive in these rapidly evolving global competitive dynamics with a new kind of competition that plays by different rules. How to maintain and grow a company’s innovation advantage, the impact of a cultural IQ on your ROI, and how the shift in the approach and mindset of sales and strategy professionals are critical to success in this new global economy.

With a dynamic, engaging and unique presentation style, she combines humor and hard truths to create an effective and lasting impression on the audience.

Amy has an International MBA and a Bachelor of Administration, having studied at the University of Ottawa and at McGill. She also completed the Innovation for Economic Development Program at the Harvard Kennedy School and the ‘Mastering Design Thinking’ program at MIT.

Anna Iglewski

Anna Iglewski is the Director of Digital Finance at Global Affairs Canada.  Anna is passionate about technology developments and opportunities to bring sustainable change into organizations to advance the “future of work”, improve service delivery and the achievement of business priorities and outcomes. Her division is responsible for the provision of strategic advice for service delivery modernization; elaboration of digital business strategies and integrated plans with clients and partners; and the delivery of digital business solutions using modern data-driven technologies such as robotic process automation (RPA), advanced analytics, or artificial intelligence (AI).

Anna has 20+ years of experience across the private and public sector in finance business decision support and IT delivery and support roles where she had the opportunity to work on major business transformation initiatives and new product/service implementations. Anna holds her MBA from the University of Ottawa, Masters Certificate in Project Mgmt. from the Carleton University Sprott School of Business , and is PMP and CMC certified.

Anna Iglewski is the Director of Digital Finance at Global Affairs Canada.  Anna is passionate about technology developments and opportunities to bring sustainable change into organizations to advance the “future of work”, improve service delivery and the achievement of business priorities and outcomes. Her division is responsible for the provision of strategic advice for service delivery modernization; elaboration of digital business strategies and integrated plans with clients and partners; and the delivery of digital business solutions using modern data-driven technologies such as robotic process automation (RPA), advanced analytics, or artificial intelligence (AI).

Anna has 20+ years of experience across the private and public sector in finance business decision support and IT delivery and support roles where she had the opportunity to work on major business transformation initiatives and new product/service implementations. Anna holds her MBA from the University of Ottawa, Masters Certificate in Project Mgmt. from the Carleton University Sprott School of Business , and is PMP and CMC certified.

Laura Smith

Laura Smith has been the Executive Director, Financial Policy and Community Development at TBS since January 2020. Prior to that, she held various leadership roles with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation including Director of Risk Management Operations, Director of Internal Audit, and Director of Finance for Assisted Housing. Laura is a CPA, CMA and prior to joining CMHC she worked at the Office of the Auditor General of Canada.

Laura Smith has been the Executive Director, Financial Policy and Community Development at TBS since January 2020. Prior to that, she held various leadership roles with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation including Director of Risk Management Operations, Director of Internal Audit, and Director of Finance for Assisted Housing. Laura is a CPA, CMA and prior to joining CMHC she worked at the Office of the Auditor General of Canada.

Satheesh Sanmugananthan

Satheesh is the National Leader of Deloitte Canada’s Intelligent Automation (IA) practice, with over 20 years of corporate, consultative, and operational expertise. He has extensive experience in consulting and large system integration, Custom Application Development, Intelligent Automation and package implementation engagements across different sectors, and specifically across Government of Canada.

Satheesh is the National Leader of Deloitte Canada’s Intelligent Automation (IA) practice, with over 20 years of corporate, consultative, and operational expertise. He has extensive experience in consulting and large system integration, Custom Application Development, Intelligent Automation and package implementation engagements across different sectors, and specifically across Government of Canada.

Lev Timur

Lev is a Senior Leader at Deloitte Canada’s Intelligent Automation (IA) practice, with over 15 years of corporate, consultative, and financial expertise. Lev works with various departments in Government of Canada as a trusted advisor, leading automation streams and integrating multiple large systems. Over the past years, Lev also helped clients excel in various transformational projects in cloud, analytics, robotics & cognitive automation solutions. Lev has extensive experiences in the public sector, technology & financial services with a tecno-functional background in strategy & systems engineering.

Lev is a Senior Leader at Deloitte Canada’s Intelligent Automation (IA) practice, with over 15 years of corporate, consultative, and financial expertise. Lev works with various departments in Government of Canada as a trusted advisor, leading automation streams and integrating multiple large systems. Over the past years, Lev also helped clients excel in various transformational projects in cloud, analytics, robotics & cognitive automation solutions. Lev has extensive experiences in the public sector, technology & financial services with a tecno-functional background in strategy & systems engineering.

Maayan Ziv

Maayan Ziv is an activist, photographer and entrepreneur. In 2015, she launched AccessNow, a mobile app and website that collects and shares information about the accessibility status of places worldwide. What began as a response to her frustration when trying to navigate inaccessible places, AccessNow soon grew to become a mission-oriented social start-up. Within just a couple years AccessNow has vocalized a movement for inclusion, inviting people of all abilities to contribute to the platform.

As CEO of AccessNow, Maayan has created a powerful shift in thinking about the importance of accessibility in our world, from accessible technologies to infrastructure, public policy, media and communications. To date AccessNow has shared accessibility information in over 35 countries.

An influential public speaker who is often in the media, Maayan collaborates with private sector companies as well as government and not-for-profit organizations. She is leading a movement, challenging norms and empowering others to make the future accessible and inclusive for all. Maayan and her work with AccessNow have received numerous awards including: Canada’s

Top 40 Under 40 (2021), the Governor General’s Innovation Award (2020), WXN Top 100 Canada’s Most Powerful Women (2018), City of Toronto Access Award (2016), David C. Onley Leadership in Accessibility Award (2016).

Maayan Ziv is an activist, photographer and entrepreneur. In 2015, she launched AccessNow, a mobile app and website that collects and shares information about the accessibility status of places worldwide. What began as a response to her frustration when trying to navigate inaccessible places, AccessNow soon grew to become a mission-oriented social start-up. Within just a couple years AccessNow has vocalized a movement for inclusion, inviting people of all abilities to contribute to the platform.

As CEO of AccessNow, Maayan has created a powerful shift in thinking about the importance of accessibility in our world, from accessible technologies to infrastructure, public policy, media and communications. To date AccessNow has shared accessibility information in over 35 countries.

An influential public speaker who is often in the media, Maayan collaborates with private sector companies as well as government and not-for-profit organizations. She is leading a movement, challenging norms and empowering others to make the future accessible and inclusive for all. Maayan and her work with AccessNow have received numerous awards including: Canada’s

Top 40 Under 40 (2021), the Governor General’s Innovation Award (2020), WXN Top 100 Canada’s Most Powerful Women (2018), City of Toronto Access Award (2016), David C. Onley Leadership in Accessibility Award (2016).

Robert Ronberg

Rob is the public sector lead in Canada for UiPath.  He is passionate in advising and collaborating with the public about innovation that drives efficiency and productivity across all of government by leveraging RPA & AI.

Rob has been in business-to-business technology sales for 25 years. Having worked for Xerox Canada and the SAS Institute for 10 years each, he has developed a strong understanding of the public sector and has lead UiPath’s public sector business in Canada for the past 3 years.  His extensive experience and communication skills, knowledge of technology platforms, partners, and enablers that deliver tangible outcomes, and a focus on customer success are core strengths.

Rob received his BA (Political Science & History) from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.

Rob is the public sector lead in Canada for UiPath.  He is passionate in advising and collaborating with the public about innovation that drives efficiency and productivity across all of government by leveraging RPA & AI.

Rob has been in business-to-business technology sales for 25 years. Having worked for Xerox Canada and the SAS Institute for 10 years each, he has developed a strong understanding of the public sector and has lead UiPath’s public sector business in Canada for the past 3 years.  His extensive experience and communication skills, knowledge of technology platforms, partners, and enablers that deliver tangible outcomes, and a focus on customer success are core strengths.

Rob received his BA (Political Science & History) from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.

Thomas Beyer

Thomas serves as KPMG’s Global Head of Digital Transformation for Infrastructure, Government and Healthcare. He is a technology consulting executive with 25 years of success, advancing the mission of Federal, State & local Government entities around the Globe. Savvy in envisioning and translating ambitious concepts into reality and hands-on in making bold, calculated market plays that fuel mission and customer success. International thought leader and subject matter expert on emerging technologies in the digital, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Metaverse for Government.

Thomas serves as KPMG’s Global Head of Digital Transformation for Infrastructure, Government and Healthcare. He is a technology consulting executive with 25 years of success, advancing the mission of Federal, State & local Government entities around the Globe. Savvy in envisioning and translating ambitious concepts into reality and hands-on in making bold, calculated market plays that fuel mission and customer success. International thought leader and subject matter expert on emerging technologies in the digital, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Metaverse for Government.

Cat Coode

Cat Coode is on a mission to help protect your data. Backed by two decades of experience in mobile development and software architecture (BlackBerry), as well as a certification in data privacy law, Cat helps individuals and corporations better understand cybersecurity and data privacy.

She specializes in global privacy regulation compliance and delivering privacy education seminars. She is a member of the Canadian Standards Council for GDPR. She has worked with tech start-ups through to large organizations in a breadth of industries including healthcare, education, and social media.

Named one of Canada’s Top 20 Women in Cybersecurity 2021, Cat leverages her aptitude for teaching and her engineering background, in both her speaking and consulting engagements, to break down technical concepts in ways everyone can understand. Putting privacy at the foundation of everything you do.

Cat Coode is on a mission to help protect your data. Backed by two decades of experience in mobile development and software architecture (BlackBerry), as well as a certification in data privacy law, Cat helps individuals and corporations better understand cybersecurity and data privacy.

She specializes in global privacy regulation compliance and delivering privacy education seminars. She is a member of the Canadian Standards Council for GDPR. She has worked with tech start-ups through to large organizations in a breadth of industries including healthcare, education, and social media.

Named one of Canada’s Top 20 Women in Cybersecurity 2021, Cat leverages her aptitude for teaching and her engineering background, in both her speaking and consulting engagements, to break down technical concepts in ways everyone can understand. Putting privacy at the foundation of everything you do.

Vipul Balsara

Vipul Balsara is a Co-Founder and C.O.O. at Greenlight Consulting – an IT Consulting company focused on delivering the future of work through Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Staff Augmentation service lines.

With 29+ years of experience in Tech, Vipul takes the lead when advising clients on their RPA strategies, capabilities, and delivery of projects to drive efficiencies, cost savings, and empower employees through automation. He believes automation should be a key pillar of any digital transformation strategy. By automating transactions, reducing backlogs, and eliminating manual tasks, organizations will be able to better serve their employees.

Vipul has made Greenlight Consulting the go-to automation vendor in the Public Sector. Greenlight has provided consulting services to some of the largest federal agencies in Canada, including Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), Health Canada, Transport Canada, and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). In addition to the Public Sector, Greenlight has worked with organizations in Financial Services, Retail, and Healthcare, among others.

Vipul Balsara is a Co-Founder and C.O.O. at Greenlight Consulting – an IT Consulting company focused on delivering the future of work through Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Staff Augmentation service lines.

With 29+ years of experience in Tech, Vipul takes the lead when advising clients on their RPA strategies, capabilities, and delivery of projects to drive efficiencies, cost savings, and empower employees through automation. He believes automation should be a key pillar of any digital transformation strategy. By automating transactions, reducing backlogs, and eliminating manual tasks, organizations will be able to better serve their employees.

Vipul has made Greenlight Consulting the go-to automation vendor in the Public Sector. Greenlight has provided consulting services to some of the largest federal agencies in Canada, including Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), Health Canada, Transport Canada, and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). In addition to the Public Sector, Greenlight has worked with organizations in Financial Services, Retail, and Healthcare, among others.

Maryam Haghighi

Maryam Haghighi is the Director of Data Science at the Bank of Canada. In this role, she is responsible for the vision, development and execution of strategies related to data and advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, as well as frontier technologies applicable to macroeconomics and central banking. She works with departments across the Bank to ensure timely robust analysis and insight is delivered towards the Bank’s objectives.

Ms. Haghighi has extensive experience in interdisciplinary leadership and strategic innovation. Prior to joining the Bank, she advanced key files in a variety of economic sectors to deliver tangible business value. Her career has encompassed work in public and private domains in aviation, aerospace, safety, security, health care and finance over many years.

Ms. Haghighi holds a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Ottawa.

Maryam Haghighi is the Director of Data Science at the Bank of Canada. In this role, she is responsible for the vision, development and execution of strategies related to data and advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, as well as frontier technologies applicable to macroeconomics and central banking. She works with departments across the Bank to ensure timely robust analysis and insight is delivered towards the Bank’s objectives.

Ms. Haghighi has extensive experience in interdisciplinary leadership and strategic innovation. Prior to joining the Bank, she advanced key files in a variety of economic sectors to deliver tangible business value. Her career has encompassed work in public and private domains in aviation, aerospace, safety, security, health care and finance over many years.

Ms. Haghighi holds a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Ottawa.

Caleb White

Caleb is an entrepreneur who has founded and scaled multiple technology companies over the past 15 years. In recent years, he has focused his energies on climate change, including co-founding a commercial spinoff of Climate Engine in 2020, with a mission to connect world-leading science with economic and financial systems to help organizations build operational resilience amid a changing planet.

Caleb is an entrepreneur who has founded and scaled multiple technology companies over the past 15 years. In recent years, he has focused his energies on climate change, including co-founding a commercial spinoff of Climate Engine in 2020, with a mission to connect world-leading science with economic and financial systems to help organizations build operational resilience amid a changing planet.

Franco Amalfi

Franco Amalfi is the Head of Sustainability Strategy, Global Public Sector for Google Cloud. In this capacity, Franco is responsible for the go to market strategy for climate insights solutions globally. He is focused on advising governments to effectively use modern cloud based solutions and emerging technologies to analyze earth observation data at scale to inform adaptation strategies.

In addition to working with customers, Franco authors and publishes whitepapers and articles on leveraging technology to drive business value for governments. He is also a frequent speaker at government conferences. He is a graduate of McGill University and has completed an advanced certificate for executives in Management, Innovation, and Technology at the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Franco Amalfi is the Head of Sustainability Strategy, Global Public Sector for Google Cloud. In this capacity, Franco is responsible for the go to market strategy for climate insights solutions globally. He is focused on advising governments to effectively use modern cloud based solutions and emerging technologies to analyze earth observation data at scale to inform adaptation strategies.

In addition to working with customers, Franco authors and publishes whitepapers and articles on leveraging technology to drive business value for governments. He is also a frequent speaker at government conferences. He is a graduate of McGill University and has completed an advanced certificate for executives in Management, Innovation, and Technology at the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Jeremy Clark

Jeremy Clark is an associate professor at the Concordia Institute for Information Systems Engineering. At Concordia, he holds the NSERC/Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton/Catallaxy Industrial Research Chair in Blockchain Technologies. He obtained his PhD from the University of Waterloo, where his gold medal dissertation was on designing and deploying secure voting systems including Scantegrity—the first cryptographically verifiable system used in a public sector election. He wrote one of the earliest academic papers on Bitcoin, completed several research projects in the area, and contributed to the first textbook. Beyond research, he has worked with several municipalities on voting technology and testified to both the Canadian Senate and House finance committees on Bitcoin.

Jeremy Clark is an associate professor at the Concordia Institute for Information Systems Engineering. At Concordia, he holds the NSERC/Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton/Catallaxy Industrial Research Chair in Blockchain Technologies. He obtained his PhD from the University of Waterloo, where his gold medal dissertation was on designing and deploying secure voting systems including Scantegrity—the first cryptographically verifiable system used in a public sector election. He wrote one of the earliest academic papers on Bitcoin, completed several research projects in the area, and contributed to the first textbook. Beyond research, he has worked with several municipalities on voting technology and testified to both the Canadian Senate and House finance committees on Bitcoin.

Amanda Holden

Amanda is a Partner with Deloitte’s Risk Advisory practice. She is responsible for driving business development and client success in fraud & loss prevention. A seasoned leader and executive with 25+ years’ experience in technology, fraud and operations, Amanda is focused on finding solutions to customers’ financial crimes, loss and fraud problems. She is passionate about data & analytics and the role they play in reducing financial crimes in Canada.

Amanda’s primary practice area is Program Integrity in Public Sector. She leads work with federal and provincial organization and seeks to bring her financial services experience in fraud prevention to grow similar capabilities in Canada’s public sector.

Amanda is a Partner with Deloitte’s Risk Advisory practice. She is responsible for driving business development and client success in fraud & loss prevention. A seasoned leader and executive with 25+ years’ experience in technology, fraud and operations, Amanda is focused on finding solutions to customers’ financial crimes, loss and fraud problems. She is passionate about data & analytics and the role they play in reducing financial crimes in Canada.

Amanda’s primary practice area is Program Integrity in Public Sector. She leads work with federal and provincial organization and seeks to bring her financial services experience in fraud prevention to grow similar capabilities in Canada’s public sector.

Julie Greene

Julie is responsible for developing partnerships and building capacity for the Federal government to use outcomes-based funding approaches, including Challenge Prizes and pay-for-success projects. Her team’s current portfolio of projects span social determinants of health, environment and inclusion.

Before joining the Privy Council Office, Julie was a key designer of an innovative chronic disease program, which was an early adopter in using matched funding with the private sector and pay-for-results methods. She co-led a program of research to explore these types of partnerships, and has jointly published several papers in this field. Previously, Julie worked to advance tobacco control and mental health initiatives, and has always been passionate about understanding how to motivate and measure behaviour change.

Julie was educated at the University of Ottawa, holds a Master’s Degree in Education (Counselling), a Bachelor of Social Science, and spent early years in her career working in clinical and community settings. Raised in the federal Health Portfolio, with feet firmly planted in policy, program and research positions, she is looking to further contribute to the systemization of public sector innovation.

Julie is responsible for developing partnerships and building capacity for the Federal government to use outcomes-based funding approaches, including Challenge Prizes and pay-for-success projects. Her team’s current portfolio of projects span social determinants of health, environment and inclusion.

Before joining the Privy Council Office, Julie was a key designer of an innovative chronic disease program, which was an early adopter in using matched funding with the private sector and pay-for-results methods. She co-led a program of research to explore these types of partnerships, and has jointly published several papers in this field. Previously, Julie worked to advance tobacco control and mental health initiatives, and has always been passionate about understanding how to motivate and measure behaviour change.

Julie was educated at the University of Ottawa, holds a Master’s Degree in Education (Counselling), a Bachelor of Social Science, and spent early years in her career working in clinical and community settings. Raised in the federal Health Portfolio, with feet firmly planted in policy, program and research positions, she is looking to further contribute to the systemization of public sector innovation.

Ross Simmonds

Ross Simmonds is the Founder of Foundation, a content marketing firm that combines data and creativity to develop and serve ambitious brands. Foundation works with organizations all over the world ranging from some of the fastest-growing startups and SaaS products to some of the most influential cloud companies of the last decade. 

Ross and the team at Foundation have launched marketing initiatives that reach millions of people and generate millions of new business opportunities through SEO and social media. He was named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs, top Snapchat marketer by Mashable, top 3 marketer in the world by BuzzSumo, and Harry Jerome Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Ross is also a well sought out public speaker, an angel investor, and the author of multiple books.

Ross Simmonds is the Founder of Foundation, a content marketing firm that combines data and creativity to develop and serve ambitious brands. Foundation works with organizations all over the world ranging from some of the fastest-growing startups and SaaS products to some of the most influential cloud companies of the last decade. 

Ross and the team at Foundation have launched marketing initiatives that reach millions of people and generate millions of new business opportunities through SEO and social media. He was named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs, top Snapchat marketer by Mashable, top 3 marketer in the world by BuzzSumo, and Harry Jerome Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Ross is also a well sought out public speaker, an angel investor, and the author of multiple books.

Christine Walker

Christine Walker is the Assistant Comptroller General of the Financial Management Transformation (FMT) Sector within the Office of the Comptroller General. As Assistant Comptroller General, Christine provides executive leadership in the development of the Financial Management Transformation roadmap which will define the future of the financial management landscape in the Government of Canada.

Christine has over 25 years of experience in the public service managing finance, IT, real property, security, procurement and human resources and has led many organization-wide corporate transformation projects. Her previous experience includes Assistant Deputy Minister for the Corporate Management Branch and Chief Financial Officer at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada as well as tenures in similar roles at Canada Border Services Agency, Treasury Board Secretariat, the Canadian International Development Agency, and the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions. Prior to joining government, she worked in the private sector both in Canada and France.

Christine is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario and a Chartered Professional Accountant.

Christine Walker is the Assistant Comptroller General of the Financial Management Transformation (FMT) Sector within the Office of the Comptroller General. As Assistant Comptroller General, Christine provides executive leadership in the development of the Financial Management Transformation roadmap which will define the future of the financial management landscape in the Government of Canada.

Christine has over 25 years of experience in the public service managing finance, IT, real property, security, procurement and human resources and has led many organization-wide corporate transformation projects. Her previous experience includes Assistant Deputy Minister for the Corporate Management Branch and Chief Financial Officer at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada as well as tenures in similar roles at Canada Border Services Agency, Treasury Board Secretariat, the Canadian International Development Agency, and the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions. Prior to joining government, she worked in the private sector both in Canada and France.

Christine is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario and a Chartered Professional Accountant.

Kevin Spencer

Kevin Spencer is the Head of Public Services for SAP Canada where he’s helping lead Canada’s public and private sector organizations to fundamentally evolve and improve how they connect with their employees, stakeholders and communities using digital technologies. In his role, Kevin is leading SAP Canada’s Public Services strategies, reaching across federal, provincial, municipal and city governments.

An SAP veteran of almost a decade, Kevin brings more than 25 years of sales experience in the tech industry. Prior to this role, he held outstanding leadership roles including Chief Operating Officer of HXM (Human Experience Management) for North America, interim Head of HXM NA, and Regional Vice President for SAP SuccessFactors for Canada. In these roles he has demonstrated the ability to execute highly efficient and effective operational processes for our businesses.

He is passionate about building diverse, high-performing teams with a winning culture to create more aligned and engaged teams which enhance employee and stakeholder satisfaction and drive better results for his customers.

Kevin enjoys spending his free time cooking for his family. He is an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Toronto Blue Jays.

Kevin Spencer is the Head of Public Services for SAP Canada where he’s helping lead Canada’s public and private sector organizations to fundamentally evolve and improve how they connect with their employees, stakeholders and communities using digital technologies. In his role, Kevin is leading SAP Canada’s Public Services strategies, reaching across federal, provincial, municipal and city governments.

An SAP veteran of almost a decade, Kevin brings more than 25 years of sales experience in the tech industry. Prior to this role, he held outstanding leadership roles including Chief Operating Officer of HXM (Human Experience Management) for North America, interim Head of HXM NA, and Regional Vice President for SAP SuccessFactors for Canada. In these roles he has demonstrated the ability to execute highly efficient and effective operational processes for our businesses.

He is passionate about building diverse, high-performing teams with a winning culture to create more aligned and engaged teams which enhance employee and stakeholder satisfaction and drive better results for his customers.

Kevin enjoys spending his free time cooking for his family. He is an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Toronto Blue Jays.

Kosta Christopher

Kosta Christopher leads Value Advisory for Public Services where he engages with public sector organizations to help them understand the value of SAP and transformation. That value can take the form of increased productivity and efficiency through automation, new capabilities, and reduced risk and total cost of ownership. Kosta always looks to align that value with the organizational strategy, goals, and objectives, which is critical to fully realizing the value of SAP.

Prior to SAP, Kosta spent almost a decade working for Deloitte where he was a national leader in workforce planning, analytics, and transformation. It is this experience that drives his passion for connecting value to strategy and helping customers appreciate that people and process must change with technology to truly realize operational value.

Kosta Christopher leads Value Advisory for Public Services where he engages with public sector organizations to help them understand the value of SAP and transformation. That value can take the form of increased productivity and efficiency through automation, new capabilities, and reduced risk and total cost of ownership. Kosta always looks to align that value with the organizational strategy, goals, and objectives, which is critical to fully realizing the value of SAP.

Prior to SAP, Kosta spent almost a decade working for Deloitte where he was a national leader in workforce planning, analytics, and transformation. It is this experience that drives his passion for connecting value to strategy and helping customers appreciate that people and process must change with technology to truly realize operational value.

Kevin Leung

Kevin has over 20 years of experience working for the Government of Canada as a Software Developer, Internal Auditor, and Data Analyst.

In his current capacity as Assistant Director of Data Analytics,  Kevin oversees the provision of data analytics services to all clients within the branch and is currently implementing an ambitious data strategy to ensure the better use and integration of information technology in his department.

He earned his accounting designation (CMA) in 2008 and his certified internal Auditor (CIA) designation in 2011. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Ottawa.

Kevin has over 20 years of experience working for the Government of Canada as a Software Developer, Internal Auditor, and Data Analyst.

In his current capacity as Assistant Director of Data Analytics,  Kevin oversees the provision of data analytics services to all clients within the branch and is currently implementing an ambitious data strategy to ensure the better use and integration of information technology in his department.

He earned his accounting designation (CMA) in 2008 and his certified internal Auditor (CIA) designation in 2011. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Ottawa.

Armughan Ahmad

Armughan Ahmad is President & Managing Partner, Digital & Innovation at KPMG. He leads the firm’s global digital, technology and innovation groups transforming Financial Services, Healthcare, Technology, Telecom and Public Sector industries. He is reimagining the relationship between people and technology to accelerate their ability to take advantage of new business models and market opportunities. By ideating and delivering dynamic platforms and intelligent digital experiences, his team helps clients fuel the rapid, ongoing transformation of their business.

Armughan Ahmad is President & Managing Partner, Digital & Innovation at KPMG. He leads the firm’s global digital, technology and innovation groups transforming Financial Services, Healthcare, Technology, Telecom and Public Sector industries. He is reimagining the relationship between people and technology to accelerate their ability to take advantage of new business models and market opportunities. By ideating and delivering dynamic platforms and intelligent digital experiences, his team helps clients fuel the rapid, ongoing transformation of their business.

Pascal Roy

Pascal is a pragmatic technology leader with over 27 years of IMIT experience across CRA, CBSA, House of Commons, PSPC, IRB and The Royal Canadian Mint in various disciplines such as Directing Enterprise cloud technical architecture and solutioning teams, application development, database design, business analysis and systems administration teams.

In the last 3.5 years, Pascal has been passionately driven by results with directing various teams on cloud solution initiatives and successful implementations such as:

   ♦  Leading the implementation of the M365 protected B tenancy as an accelerated GC pathfinder

   ♦  Leading the implementation of the IRB Protected B Microsoft Azure data centre tenant

   ♦  Developing a new cloud based internal/external end to end Digital Case Management systems leveraging Dynamics 365/PowerApps and the M365 ecosystem

   ♦  Leading activities in RPA (Robotic Process Automation) for HR, FIN, Corporate systems and Legal sections

   ♦  Modernizing on-premise IT workloads to SaaS with Dynamics/PowerApps or IaaS/PaaS workloads with Microsoft Azure (Lift & Shift)

   ♦  Managing large Application Development groups with the Agile Scrum Framework methodology leveraging the following technologies in application solutioning with Dynamics 365, PowerApps, .Net/Angular, Azure Data Center and M365 tenancies, Using reporting with PowerBI/Azure Data Lakes, and SharePoint online systems for document repositories

Pascal is a pragmatic technology leader with over 27 years of IMIT experience across CRA, CBSA, House of Commons, PSPC, IRB and The Royal Canadian Mint in various disciplines such as Directing Enterprise cloud technical architecture and solutioning teams, application development, database design, business analysis and systems administration teams.

In the last 3.5 years, Pascal has been passionately driven by results with directing various teams on cloud solution initiatives and successful implementations such as:

   ♦  Leading the implementation of the M365 protected B tenancy as an accelerated GC pathfinder

   ♦  Leading the implementation of the IRB Protected B Microsoft Azure data centre tenant

   ♦  Developing a new cloud based internal/external end to end Digital Case Management systems leveraging Dynamics 365/PowerApps and the M365 ecosystem

   ♦  Leading activities in RPA (Robotic Process Automation) for HR, FIN, Corporate systems and Legal sections

   ♦  Modernizing on-premise IT workloads to SaaS with Dynamics/PowerApps or IaaS/PaaS workloads with Microsoft Azure (Lift & Shift)

   ♦  Managing large Application Development groups with the Agile Scrum Framework methodology leveraging the following technologies in application solutioning with Dynamics 365, PowerApps, .Net/Angular, Azure Data Center and M365 tenancies, Using reporting with PowerBI/Azure Data Lakes, and SharePoint online systems for document repositories

Ryan Wires

Ryan Wires is a self-professed techno geek who is fascinated by information technology and how it evolves and transforms our cities, public institutions, and the entire world. As the Global Account Director for Strategic Customers at SAP Canada, Ryan is driven by a passion to enable digital government transformation. He oversees the SAP relationship with the Government of Canada and enterprise-wide engagements, orchestrating and leading SAP to deliver on his customers’ strategic objectives.

With each and every encounter, Ryan strives to portray SAP’s purpose to help the world run better and improve people’s lives. And he keeps partnerships at the heart of everything he does – with customers on their strategic initiatives; with colleagues across the many SAP solution and service organizations; and with the many SAP partners in the community.

Ryan lives in North Gower with his family where they tend to their hobby-farm.

Ryan Wires is a self-professed techno geek who is fascinated by information technology and how it evolves and transforms our cities, public institutions, and the entire world. As the Global Account Director for Strategic Customers at SAP Canada, Ryan is driven by a passion to enable digital government transformation. He oversees the SAP relationship with the Government of Canada and enterprise-wide engagements, orchestrating and leading SAP to deliver on his customers’ strategic objectives.

With each and every encounter, Ryan strives to portray SAP’s purpose to help the world run better and improve people’s lives. And he keeps partnerships at the heart of everything he does – with customers on their strategic initiatives; with colleagues across the many SAP solution and service organizations; and with the many SAP partners in the community.

Ryan lives in North Gower with his family where they tend to their hobby-farm.

Dr. Julie Beaulac

Dr. Beaulac is a registered clinical, health, and rehabilitation psychologist and consultant in Ottawa, Canada. She is bilingual, is a certified yoga teacher and teaches mindfulness. She has presented at international and national conferences and has published her research in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Beaulac specializes in optimizing wellbeing and has helped individuals and groups grow more meaning and satisfaction, enhance performance, and become more engaged in their lives since 2004. She enjoys nature and being active (walking, biking, hiking, swimming, yoga…), real food, connecting with people, and exploring Canada and abroad. You can learn more about Dr. Beaulac by visiting www.drjuliebeaulac.com

Dr. Beaulac is a registered clinical, health, and rehabilitation psychologist and consultant in Ottawa, Canada. She is bilingual, is a certified yoga teacher and teaches mindfulness. She has presented at international and national conferences and has published her research in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Beaulac specializes in optimizing wellbeing and has helped individuals and groups grow more meaning and satisfaction, enhance performance, and become more engaged in their lives since 2004. She enjoys nature and being active (walking, biking, hiking, swimming, yoga…), real food, connecting with people, and exploring Canada and abroad. You can learn more about Dr. Beaulac by visiting www.drjuliebeaulac.com

Penny Tremblay

Penny is a genuine entrepreneur. Founding the Tremblay Leadership Center, with relationship strategies training and keynotes internationally for 20+ years, thousands have benefitted with skills and confidence to be productive, play nice in the sandbox, and climb the ladder of success.

Her Advanced Mediation certificate from Harvard combined with years of conflict resolution facilitation in workplaces bring stories, experiences and guidance for productive, peaceful and profitable business.

Penny is a genuine entrepreneur. Founding the Tremblay Leadership Center, with relationship strategies training and keynotes internationally for 20+ years, thousands have benefitted with skills and confidence to be productive, play nice in the sandbox, and climb the ladder of success.

Her Advanced Mediation certificate from Harvard combined with years of conflict resolution facilitation in workplaces bring stories, experiences and guidance for productive, peaceful and profitable business.

Jean-François Ménard

Jean François Ménard is widely recognized for his contributions to the field of performance psychology. While doing his PhD in Sports Psychology at the University of Ottawa, M. Ménard decided to run away with the circus, joining the world-famous entertainment company Cirque Du Soleil. In collaboration with a highly specialized multidisciplinary team, his mission was to coach circus artists the mental skills required to deal with pressure and perform at their best consistently, on demand, up to 450 times a year.

Five years later, he founded Kambio Performance, a company specialized in mental training and leadership coaching. He has since become one of the most sought-after mental performance specialists in the country, working with Canada’s top athletes such as Olympic gold medalists Scott Moir, Tessa Virtue, Mikael Kingsbury, Damian Warner, and Derek Drouin; Super Bowl champion Laurent Duvernay-Tardif; Xgames phenom Maxence Parrot. During the 2016/2018/2020 Olympic Games, his clients stepped on the podium eleven times: five golds, two silvers and four bronzes. His clients are also NHL superstars, surgeons, popstars, and corporate leaders.

He is the bestselling author of ‘’Train Your Brain Like an Olympian’’, a radio personality, and an accomplished speaker who travels the globe to share his knowledge with top-performing organisations like NASA, Redbull, Western Union, FBI, Cisco, PepsiCo, SunLife Financial, Toronto BlueJays and Novartis.

Ménard’s speaking style is unique. His keynote speeches are always custom built according to your needs. His speeches educate, inspire and entertain small and large audiences of all disciplines on various topics related to performance psychology and leadership skills. The keynote speeches typically include innovative content, charismatic story-telling, thought-provoking video clips, and applied exercises. The ultimate goal is to offer in-depth educational experiences that are both experiential and interactive, where participants get to train practical and powerful skills that can be transferred easily in the workplace.

Jean François Ménard is widely recognized for his contributions to the field of performance psychology. While doing his PhD in Sports Psychology at the University of Ottawa, M. Ménard decided to run away with the circus, joining the world-famous entertainment company Cirque Du Soleil. In collaboration with a highly specialized multidisciplinary team, his mission was to coach circus artists the mental skills required to deal with pressure and perform at their best consistently, on demand, up to 450 times a year.

Five years later, he founded Kambio Performance, a company specialized in mental training and leadership coaching. He has since become one of the most sought-after mental performance specialists in the country, working with Canada’s top athletes such as Olympic gold medalists Scott Moir, Tessa Virtue, Mikael Kingsbury, Damian Warner, and Derek Drouin; Super Bowl champion Laurent Duvernay-Tardif; Xgames phenom Maxence Parrot. During the 2016/2018/2020 Olympic Games, his clients stepped on the podium eleven times: five golds, two silvers and four bronzes. His clients are also NHL superstars, surgeons, popstars, and corporate leaders.

He is the bestselling author of ‘’Train Your Brain Like an Olympian’’, a radio personality, and an accomplished speaker who travels the globe to share his knowledge with top-performing organisations like NASA, Redbull, Western Union, FBI, Cisco, PepsiCo, SunLife Financial, Toronto BlueJays and Novartis.

Ménard’s speaking style is unique. His keynote speeches are always custom built according to your needs. His speeches educate, inspire and entertain small and large audiences of all disciplines on various topics related to performance psychology and leadership skills. The keynote speeches typically include innovative content, charismatic story-telling, thought-provoking video clips, and applied exercises. The ultimate goal is to offer in-depth educational experiences that are both experiential and interactive, where participants get to train practical and powerful skills that can be transferred easily in the workplace.

Dr. Leigh Vanderloo

Dr. Vanderloo received her PhD in Health Promotion from the University of Western Ontario in 2016. Her area of research focuses on the objective measurement of physical activity and sedentary time, and how these behaviours impact physical, mental, and social well-being. Currently, Dr. Vanderloo is working as the Scientific Director at ParticipACTION and is also a Research Fellow at SickKids Hospital in Toronto, where her research examines the association between movement behaviours and various health outcomes in young children.

Dr. Vanderloo received her PhD in Health Promotion from the University of Western Ontario in 2016. Her area of research focuses on the objective measurement of physical activity and sedentary time, and how these behaviours impact physical, mental, and social well-being. Currently, Dr. Vanderloo is working as the Scientific Director at ParticipACTION and is also a Research Fellow at SickKids Hospital in Toronto, where her research examines the association between movement behaviours and various health outcomes in young children.

Shaun Boothe

Shaun Boothe is an award-winning hip-hop artist, TEDx speaker, and creator of ‘The Unauthorized Biography Series’. The Unauthorized Biography Series is a critically acclaimed musical project that celebrates the world’s greatest cultural icons through biographical rap songs – Repackaging History through Hip-Hop. Each chapter of the series captures the legacy of an influential iconic figure in a documentary-style music video. Icons featured in the series include Bob Marley, Muhammad Ali, Malala Yousafzai, Terry Fox, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama, and more. Getting blog love from Kanye, tweets from Diddy himself – Boothe’s sixth icon in his series – and a feature on Forbes.com, it’s clear that he’s getting the attention of the right people.

After spending 10+ years in the music industry, sharing stages with the likes of Snoop Dogg, Lauryn Hill, and Kendrick Lamar, a search for a more purposeful path led Shaun to the education market. It was here where he discovered how his Unauthorized Biography Series, combined with his passion for speaking, could be used as a powerful tool to both entertain and inspire others to achieve their own greatness. A few short years later, this new direction has grown into a thriving international career as an inspirational speaker and performing artist in middle schools, high schools, college campuses, corporations, associations, and performing arts centers alike.

Shaun Boothe is an award-winning hip-hop artist, TEDx speaker, and creator of ‘The Unauthorized Biography Series’. The Unauthorized Biography Series is a critically acclaimed musical project that celebrates the world’s greatest cultural icons through biographical rap songs – Repackaging History through Hip-Hop. Each chapter of the series captures the legacy of an influential iconic figure in a documentary-style music video. Icons featured in the series include Bob Marley, Muhammad Ali, Malala Yousafzai, Terry Fox, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama, and more. Getting blog love from Kanye, tweets from Diddy himself – Boothe’s sixth icon in his series – and a feature on Forbes.com, it’s clear that he’s getting the attention of the right people.

After spending 10+ years in the music industry, sharing stages with the likes of Snoop Dogg, Lauryn Hill, and Kendrick Lamar, a search for a more purposeful path led Shaun to the education market. It was here where he discovered how his Unauthorized Biography Series, combined with his passion for speaking, could be used as a powerful tool to both entertain and inspire others to achieve their own greatness. A few short years later, this new direction has grown into a thriving international career as an inspirational speaker and performing artist in middle schools, high schools, college campuses, corporations, associations, and performing arts centers alike.

Ajay Pangarkar

Ajay Pangarkar is partner of CentralKnowledge and LRNOnline.com, leaders for strategic employee performance, strategic learning, learning technology applications, and strategy and cost alignment. His unique approach applying strategic, financial, and professional learning skills allows him to assist various organizations such as Government of Canada, Apple, Nest, LinkedIn Learning, CPA Canada, AICPA, Pfizer, Scotia Bank, and RBC to create innovative learning environments.

Ajay is a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants (FCPA, FCMA), Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP), and internationally recognized performance and strategic management and costing specialist. He ensures organizations leverage employee’s knowledge to deliver tangible performance results. Ajay is a world-renowned workplace performance strategist and foremost authority on integrating employee performance strategies into the Balanced Scorecard. He is passionate about building an irrefutable business case for investing in employees and is an industry-recognized speaker on strategic employee development and employee assessments.

Ajay, with partner Teresa Kirkwood, published three books with their recent titled, “The Trainers Balanced Scorecard: A Complete Resource for Linking Learning and Growth to Organizational Strategy” (Wiley). He’s an award-winning author receiving multiple prestigious TrainingIndustry.com Readership and Editors’ Award, was Elearning Magazine’s 2016 Learning Champion, and the World Training Development Congress named Ajay their 2017 “Distinguished Trainer”. Ajay is a broadcast media favorite discussing workplace performance issues and a regular contributor to many leading international publications.

Ajay is a professor at the Sprott School of Business and actively involved with workplace learning working closely with LinkedIn Learning (8 courses) and serving as past Vice Chair for the Canadian Society for Training and Development’s National Board of Directors.

Ajay Pangarkar is partner of CentralKnowledge and LRNOnline.com, leaders for strategic employee performance, strategic learning, learning technology applications, and strategy and cost alignment. His unique approach applying strategic, financial, and professional learning skills allows him to assist various organizations such as Government of Canada, Apple, Nest, LinkedIn Learning, CPA Canada, AICPA, Pfizer, Scotia Bank, and RBC to create innovative learning environments.

Ajay is a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants (FCPA, FCMA), Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP), and internationally recognized performance and strategic management and costing specialist. He ensures organizations leverage employee’s knowledge to deliver tangible performance results. Ajay is a world-renowned workplace performance strategist and foremost authority on integrating employee performance strategies into the Balanced Scorecard. He is passionate about building an irrefutable business case for investing in employees and is an industry-recognized speaker on strategic employee development and employee assessments.

Ajay, with partner Teresa Kirkwood, published three books with their recent titled, “The Trainers Balanced Scorecard: A Complete Resource for Linking Learning and Growth to Organizational Strategy” (Wiley). He’s an award-winning author receiving multiple prestigious TrainingIndustry.com Readership and Editors’ Award, was Elearning Magazine’s 2016 Learning Champion, and the World Training Development Congress named Ajay their 2017 “Distinguished Trainer”. Ajay is a broadcast media favorite discussing workplace performance issues and a regular contributor to many leading international publications.

Ajay is a professor at the Sprott School of Business and actively involved with workplace learning working closely with LinkedIn Learning (8 courses) and serving as past Vice Chair for the Canadian Society for Training and Development’s National Board of Directors.

Manon Poirier

Manon Poirier, CPHR, has more than 25 years of experience in the human resources field and has been CEO of the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés since 2016. The organization’s mission is to protect the public and support Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) and Chartered Professionals in Industrial Relations (CPIR).

She is passionate about her work and has a reputation for bringing out the best in the organizations and teams she works with. Before joining the Ordre, Ms. Poirier was Vice-President of Human Resources at The YMCAs of Québec.

Ms. Poirier is a lawyer with a law degree from Université de Montréal. She also has a master of Science in Administration from Université Laval and a specialized graduate diploma in management from HEC Montréal. She sits on many committees where her expertise in the business world is highly valued. Ms. Poirier is very active in the community and has served as a board member for TDH pour les Enfants and for La Relance Jeunes et Familles.

Manon Poirier, CPHR, has more than 25 years of experience in the human resources field and has been CEO of the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés since 2016. The organization’s mission is to protect the public and support Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) and Chartered Professionals in Industrial Relations (CPIR).

She is passionate about her work and has a reputation for bringing out the best in the organizations and teams she works with. Before joining the Ordre, Ms. Poirier was Vice-President of Human Resources at The YMCAs of Québec.

Ms. Poirier is a lawyer with a law degree from Université de Montréal. She also has a master of Science in Administration from Université Laval and a specialized graduate diploma in management from HEC Montréal. She sits on many committees where her expertise in the business world is highly valued. Ms. Poirier is very active in the community and has served as a board member for TDH pour les Enfants and for La Relance Jeunes et Familles.

Samantha Biron

Samantha Biron is a fluently bilingual, certified empowerment life & career coach and has 15 years of experience as a professional development instructor and course developer. In addition, Samantha is the former Board Chair of Mind Ally, a not-for-profit mental health organization. 

Samantha is known to be a gifted communicator and an energetic and engaging public speaker and teacher. Participants of her workshops and presentations frequently state that they are left with a profound, life-changing effect.

Samantha Biron is a fluently bilingual, certified empowerment life & career coach and has 15 years of experience as a professional development instructor and course developer. In addition, Samantha is the former Board Chair of Mind Ally, a not-for-profit mental health organization. 

Samantha is known to be a gifted communicator and an energetic and engaging public speaker and teacher. Participants of her workshops and presentations frequently state that they are left with a profound, life-changing effect.

Jean-François Collin

Jean-François Collin has been the Vice-President of Desjardins HR Services Division since 2017. He manages leadership development, as well as the Pancanadian Talent Acquisition strategies, HR Technology System management, business intelligence, Performance and User Experience for HR, and Desjardins Cooperative Institute Programs. He is the driving force behind a team of individuals that share a common passion for digital transformation of HR services within the organization. Previously, he delivered crucial mandates that spanned across the organization to support the President. He has a style of management centered around people, aiding their decision-making process and streamlining actions. His HR focus is to mobilize people, always aiming for this goal, essentially his fundamental purpose. Jean-François is also a lecturer of cultural communication at Laval’s University.

Jean-François Collin has been the Vice-President of Desjardins HR Services Division since 2017. He manages leadership development, as well as the Pancanadian Talent Acquisition strategies, HR Technology System management, business intelligence, Performance and User Experience for HR, and Desjardins Cooperative Institute Programs. He is the driving force behind a team of individuals that share a common passion for digital transformation of HR services within the organization. Previously, he delivered crucial mandates that spanned across the organization to support the President. He has a style of management centered around people, aiding their decision-making process and streamlining actions. His HR focus is to mobilize people, always aiming for this goal, essentially his fundamental purpose. Jean-François is also a lecturer of cultural communication at Laval’s University.

Isabelle Fontaine

Building on years of university teaching, television appearances and a series of over 1500 presentations to some 800 organizations and counting, ISABELLE FONTAINE has become today’s premier go-to speaker in performance psychology.

She travels the world seeking out emerging mind-related breakthroughs in the neuroscience and neurobiology of emotions. Fascinated by the psychological, physiological and biological mechanisms that help people tap into their inner power, she helps people to unlock their courage, charisma and leadership potential. 

Building on years of university teaching, television appearances and a series of over 1500 presentations to some 800 organizations and counting, ISABELLE FONTAINE has become today’s premier go-to speaker in performance psychology.

She travels the world seeking out emerging mind-related breakthroughs in the neuroscience and neurobiology of emotions. Fascinated by the psychological, physiological and biological mechanisms that help people tap into their inner power, she helps people to unlock their courage, charisma and leadership potential. 

Marianne Hogan

Marianne Hogan is a professional Ultrarunner from Montreal, Qc. She has been on a roll in the last 12 months, clearly establishing herself as one of the best trail runners in the world. This summer, Marianne finished 3rd place at the Western States 100 mile before following that up with a 2nd place at UTMB – the two most competitive trail running races in the world. In doing so, Marianne became the first person to podium at both of the world’s most important 100 mile races in the same year since 2011.

But the most impressive thing about these performances, is that she had to overcome so much in order to be able to make it to the start line of the two biggest 100-mile races in the world. And if it wasn’t enough, she had to overcome another major injury in the last 40 kilometres of UTMB. She tore her psoas while in the lead of UTMB, and had to fight, and dig deep in order to reach the finish line and secure a spot on the podium with a huge smile on her face. She firmly believes a positive mindset can help you overcome any obstacle that life throws your way.

Marianne Hogan is a professional Ultrarunner from Montreal, Qc. She has been on a roll in the last 12 months, clearly establishing herself as one of the best trail runners in the world. This summer, Marianne finished 3rd place at the Western States 100 mile before following that up with a 2nd place at UTMB – the two most competitive trail running races in the world. In doing so, Marianne became the first person to podium at both of the world’s most important 100 mile races in the same year since 2011.

But the most impressive thing about these performances, is that she had to overcome so much in order to be able to make it to the start line of the two biggest 100-mile races in the world. And if it wasn’t enough, she had to overcome another major injury in the last 40 kilometres of UTMB. She tore her psoas while in the lead of UTMB, and had to fight, and dig deep in order to reach the finish line and secure a spot on the podium with a huge smile on her face. She firmly believes a positive mindset can help you overcome any obstacle that life throws your way.