Experience

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  Association of Consulting Engineering Companies - Canada

  • Canada
  • Non-profit Organizations
  • 1 - 100 Employee

  • Vice President

    • Apr 2016 - Present

    Responsible for the oversight and management of association programs and services, ensuring alignment with ACEC’s mission, vision, and strategic objectives. As a member of the Senior Management team, develop annual business plans to align with strategic priorities, with a goal of increasing member and stakeholder engagement. Shape advocacy efforts through enhancement of existing programs and creation of new ones, and by increasing the association’s profile with key federal Ministers and government officials through various activities. Lead the Communication team in the conceptualization, development, and implement of traditional communications and social media campaigns focused on cultivating strong relationships with key stakeholders, such as member firms, Provincial/Territorial Associations and corporate partners and sponsors.Key achievements: Initiated and implemented an organizational restructuring to position association for long-term growth; identified underutilized in-house expertise and developed new roles and responsibilities to strengthen the team and improve efficiency and productivity. Redesigned and rebranded association’s annual leadership conference and awards gala. Increased annual conference delegate participation by 37% in 3 years and awards gala attendance by 50%. Spearheaded a communication audit and the development of a 4-year communication plan aligned with the association’s strategic priorities. Oversaw the transition of the annual conference and awards gala to a virtual format due to COVID-19; achieved above industry standard participation and delegate retention rates. Collaborated with the Board of Directors in the development of a 3-year strategic plan. Deployed a wholly redesigned website, increasing site visits by over 40%.

  • Director, Member Engagement

    • Mar 2014 - Apr 2016

    Responsible for the analysis and development of policies, programs, products and services necessary to enhance and increase member engagement. Worked closely with the Provincial/Territorial Associations in aligning common programs and services to enhance member engagement. Provided support to volunteer activities, including various committees and task forces. Worked with the President and Vice-President, Finance and Administration on Board of Directors activities, including meetings and the strategic planning sessions.Key achievements: Spearheaded an extensive 2-year member engagement and sector study, the results of which permitted a realignment of policies, programs and services, reducing duplication and operational costs by 25% and increasing overall member engagement.  Conducted a non-dues revenue study for the Board of Directors which identified ways to diversify revenues to ensure financial stability; the results led to the creation of a robust partnership and sponsorship program.

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  Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI)

  • Canada
  • Defense & Space
  • 1 - 100 Employee

  • Director of Events

    • 2008 - Feb 2014

    Led a cross-functional team in the conceptualization, development, and delivery of event programs with a yearly budget of over $2M that aligned with the Association’s strategic goals. During my tenure, the programs achieved financial results above budget, increased participation by 5% annually, and strengthened the relationship between the Association and its stakeholders. This success was achieved through expert project management, consensus building amongst stakeholders, and strong financial forecasting and management. Directed and managed the successful delivery of CANSEC, Canada’s largest defence tradeshow, which had 12,000 registrants in 2013, as well as SecureTech, a public safety, emergency management and security showcase.Key achievements: Relocated CANSEC, Canada’s largest defence and security tradeshow, to new venues twice in 4 years, doubling total showfloor and creating outdoor demonstration area to increase exhibitor participation and create a more engaging attendee experience. The process required the development of new operational policies and procedures with the show contractors and suppliers, exhibitors, and delegates. Increased attendance to CANSEC by over 5,000 attendees over four year period. Led a cross-functional team in the conceptualization, development, and delivery of $2M event program; achieved budget surplus with increased participation of 5% annually. Developed and delivered corporate partnership and sponsorship programs, generating over $160K in revenue for the annual tradeshow and generating 100% renewal of sponsors over 4 years.  Successfully launched SecureTech, a public safety and national security conference and tradeshow, in a marketplace with similar and already established events for this sector.  Achieved 117% of sales target in a struggling marketplace.  Developed and implemented new sales strategy that ensured growth of the event into its third year with a 100% renewal of exhibitors.

  • Membership Manager

    • 2005 - 2008

    Responsible for restructuring the organization’s membership framework with a goal of increasing efficiency and reducing costs related to renewal and recruitment activities. Established new membership definitions and categories, revised fee structures, and developed screening process for new applicants. Managed renewal and recruitment campaigns to over 10,000 organizations per year. Led the development of web-based tools to support member services, such as on-line business development tool (B2B/B2G activities), electronic newsletters, auto-renewal process for association website/management database, and website advertising opportunities for members.Key achievement: Maintained a membership retention rate of over 80% and increased membership from 398 to over 800 organizations in 3 years. Reduced membership services expenses by 50% through restructuring of the membership framework.  Led a complete association rebranding, including development of key messaging for stakeholders and advancement of new brand through membership services.