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.

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

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.

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. Over the last 4 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.

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 and has been part of the organization committee of the Executive Stream’s FMI PD Week for 2 years.

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.

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. Over the last 4 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.

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 and has been part of the organization committee of the Executive Stream’s FMI PD Week for 2 years.

Bidyunmala (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).

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.

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 current 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 current 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.