Mel has over 18 years of combined federal government and management consulting experience, including over 10 years leading teams and initiatives in strategy development and stakeholder engagement. She has strong experience in strategic planning, visioning, direction and priority-setting, public consultation, policy development, change management, organizational reviews, group facilitation and process methodology, training and management.Over her career, Mel has worked with over 40 federal departments and agencies to engage stakeholders on a variety of public policy and regulatory issues, including Canada’s first Food Policy and National Housing Strategy, the modernization of Canada’s food labeling system, the renewal of Canada’s agricultural policy framework and the Canadian Sport Policy.Mel also has experience leading organizational, governance and horizontal reviews, including at Public Safety Canada, the Canadian Dairy Commission and the Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat. Outcomes supported modernization initiatives that led to mandate renewal, more agile governance structures, service delivery innovation, program improvements and strengthened organizational resilience.Mel believes strongly in radical transparency, kindness and empathy-based leadership. She approaches relationship-building with emotional intelligence and a strong ability to collaborate across networks. She leverages a collaborative approach to strategy development that builds commitment/trust, and fosters long-lasting relationships with stakeholders, leading to high levels of buy-in and follow-through.Mel has a BA in Military Conflict Studies from the University of New Brunswick, as well as professional certifications in Facilitation, Strategic Foresight, Lean Process Improvement and Mental Health First Aid.Originally from Northern Ontario, Mel has a heartfelt passion for the great outdoors. In her personal life, she also plays the roles of household CEO, family safety commissioner, toy repair specialist and playground medic.