Summary:

I have provided independent consulting services on a freelance basis since December 2012 and formalized the practice as a registered sole proprietorship in December 2025.

As a Principal Consultant specializing in strategic communications, research and analysis, and executive speechwriting, I advise public-sector, nonprofit, and institutional clients on high-stakes communications and decision-making frameworks.

Services include:

• Advise executives and senior officials on speechwriting, briefing materials, and key messages, translating complex policy and research into clear, accessible communications.
• Design and conduct research and analysis, including environmental scans and evidence synthesis, to inform communications strategies and organizational decisions.
• Produce decision-ready deliverables such as reports, executive briefings, speaking notes, and communications plans that support accountability, transparency, and risk management.
• Manage consulting engagements end-to-end, from scoping and planning through delivery and quality assurance.
• Deliver communications and research outputs within defined scopes, timelines, and quality standards aligned with federal and provincial procurement requirements.

Selected Outcomes:

• Development and implementation of digital subscription business models for publishing clients.
• Successful grant funding for research initiatives and community-based programs.
• Communications and research support contributing to legislative amendments modernizing industry frameworks.
• Increased product and program uptake through targeted communications strategies.

Summary:

Served as a senior communications advisor, providing strategic communications, executive speechwriting, and research-informed messaging support to the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia within a high-profile, non-partisan public office.

Led the development and execution of communications strategies, speechwriting, public messaging, and digital communications supporting constitutional, ceremonial, and community-facing functions. Translated information related to complex historical, constitutional, and public policy into clear, accessible communications for diverse public audiences.

This role required advanced judgment, discretion, and analytical writing skills, with a strong emphasis on clarity, credibility, accessibility, and public trust.

Key achievements and responsibilities included:

• Developed strategic communications plans and messaging frameworks.
• Wrote executive and ceremonial speeches for senior public officials.
• Produced research-informed content for public addresses and official communications.
• Prepared press releases, media kits, written statements, and digital content.
• Managed stakeholder and community relations across government, nonprofit, and civic sectors.
• Oversaw communications, program administration, and event preparation for provincial awards programs.
• Served as Master of Ceremonies for official events and recognition programs.

Summary:

Served as a policy and research analyst providing research and written advisory support related to legislation, regulatory frameworks, and public policy within the Government of Nova Scotia.

Conducted qualitative and quantitative research to support legislative amendments, policy development, and evidence-based decision-making. Produced reports, briefing materials, and communications products for senior leadership and the Minister.

Awarded the 2018 Policy Hack Case Study Competition, recognizing innovative and practical policy analysis and problem-solving.

This role strengthened competencies in research design, policy analysis, evidence synthesis, and translating technical information into accessible, decision-ready communications.

Key achievements and responsibilities included:

• Researched and drafted jurisdictional scans and policy reports supporting legislative and regulatory changes.
• Prepared briefing notes, speaking notes, and presentations for the Minister.
• Conducted stakeholder consultations (online and in-person) and synthesized findings.
• Translated complex policy and legislative changes into clear, public-facing guidance.
• Developed policy guides, explanatory materials, and written communications.
• Applied research methodologies to assess impacts, risks, and implementation considerations.

Summary:

Served as a strategic analyst and communications lead for Columbia University’s collections, integrating research, trend analysis, and budget management to inform institutional planning and decision-making.

Developed frameworks and produced reports that guided resource allocation and operational strategy while supporting senior leadership communications.

Key achievements included:

• Designed and implemented a budget analysis framework that generated $250,000 in savings
• Co-managed a $26 million collection budget, applying research and trend analysis to inform strategic planning
• Produced written content for senior administrators, including reports, articles, and blog posts
• Conducted publishing industry research to guide collection and resource strategies
• Authored a project management guidebook purchased by 9,000 universities, demonstrating capacity to produce scalable, impactful knowledge products
• Delivered writing workshops to over 400 undergraduate students, improving professional communication skills

Summary:

Led research, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning initiatives to optimize digital resources and services for Columbia University Libraries.

Produced high-impact reports and recommendations for senior leadership, translating complex stakeholder needs into actionable policy and service strategies.

Key achievements included:

• Authored a 135-page strategic report for the CEO, documenting stakeholder information needs and providing policy and budget recommendations.
• Conducted 80 stakeholder interviews and focus groups to identify service gaps and inform decision-making.
• Represented the Collection Department on hiring committees and internal planning initiatives.
• Presented report findings at 40 conferences, sharing insights with the professional community.
• Recognized with an officer-rank promotion in 2014 for leadership, research, and strategic contributions.

Summary:

• Led the planning and delivery of 14 multi-stakeholder digitization and digital access projects for public, academic, and heritage-sector clients, ensuring projects were delivered on time, on budget, and to specification.
• Delivered award-winning digital projects, including a recipient of Digital Alberta’s Best Non-Commercial Website Award.
• Managed project scope, production schedules, and workflows for cross-functional teams of up to 10 staff, coordinating deliverables across curatorial, technical, and editorial functions.
• Partnered with archivists in Special Collections to co-curate six digital archives, translating institutional priorities into accessible, user-focused digital resources.
• Identified grant opportunities and managed reporting to funding agencies, supporting project sustainability and accountability.