Representing, communicating with and profiling RCAF families; promoting practices and identifying programming improvements to build resilience and strengthen family support programs and community connections

As the section head for Strategic Planning for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Reserve, I lead organizational development planning of the RCAF Reserve as it relates to capacity building, sustainability and operational effectiveness. This involves conceptualizing and managing high-priority RCAF Reserve initiatives and projects, developing related communication strategies, communicating with multiple internal and external audiences, writing briefing notes and concept papers for RCAF leadership, and developing strategic partnerships to advance the interests of the RCAF Reserve. Communication planning also targets the cultural shift agenda within the RCAF regarding employment, recruiting and training of its reservists.

Principal communications advisor to the Director General responsible for the RCAF's Human Resources (HR) division on multiple high-profile and sensitive issues. Key advisor on improvements to RCAF succession management. Culminated in Master's thesis on Succession Management (for Master of Defence Studies degree from the Royal Military College - see attachment). Also worked on a variety of HR files -- both for strategic planning as well as communications -- including personnel appraisal renewal, military occupational restructuring, leadership training, and senior officer professional development.

I have worked in Public Affairs and Communications for the Canadian Department of National Defence since 1992, employed in a variety of challenging positions at the tactical, operational, strategic and ministerial levels. My employment has focused primarily on strategic communications planning, internal communications, issues management, media relations, and crisis communications.2006-2012: Communications Advisor to the Director of Air Force Personnel Strategy2002-2006: Deputy Director of Air Force Public Affairs (9 months Acting Director, 2003)1999-2002: Senior Public Affairs Advisor, 1 Canadian Air Division / Canadian NORAD Region HeadquartersJuly 1998-February 1999: Senior Public Affairs Officer, Canadian Contingent, NATO Stabilization Force, Bosnia-Hercegovina1999: Senior DND Spokesperson, Media Liaison Office, Department of National Defence1997-1998: Public Affairs Liaison Officer to the Office of the Minister of National Defence1996-1997: Public Affairs Operational Planner, DND headquarters1993-1996: 8 Wing / Canadian Forces Base Trenton Public Affairs Officer1992-1993: On Job Training, Director General Public Affairs, Department of National Defence

Worked at Base Transportation in multiple positions including vehicle fleet management, materiel traffic movements, vehicle and general safety officer, and special equipment (airfield snow & ice control.)

As the senior communications advisor to the President of the NATO-affiliated Conseil Interallié des Officiers de la Réserve (CIOR), I was responsible for internal and external communications with over 30 contributing nations, leading the multi-disciplinary Public Affairs Committee to produce and implement a three-year strategic communication plan. This included CIOR's website redesign and coordination of international media participation and activities for three international congresses (in Italy, Latvia and Turkey). I was also responsible for advising the President of CIOR on national communications with Canadian media as well as the Canadian internal pan-Reserve audience.