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Our team

We’ve built our company carefully to bring together professionals with an unparalleled understanding of government, policy and communications.

History

Since 1997, Summa Strategies has provided Canada’s leading organizations with strategic advice and expertise that delivers results for members, employees and shareholders. Founded by The Honourable Doug Young, Paul Zed and Ken Whiting, Summa’s history is grounded in common-sense Atlantic Canadian humility. That Atlantic influence and small-town sensibility lingers twenty plus years later, with partners hailing from Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and rural Ontario.

Though the team has grown to include more Torontonians along the way, we pride ourselves on maintaining the honesty, thoughtfulness and candor of our founders in the advice we give our clients today.

Our people

Summa Strategies has recruited top talent from across Canada with a deep knowledge of politics and communications from both the public and private sector. Working with the professionals at Abacus Data, every client assignment draws on the skills and knowledge of our full team. This ensures that you get the best strategy and results for your organization.  

Click on our team members for short biographies, then call or email us to have a chance to get to know us personally.

Jim Armour

Managing Partner

Ahmad Almallah

Research Consultant

Catherine Baril

Product Coordinator

Dominic Besner

Consultant

Alyssa Bishop

Research Manager

Jasmine Carlucci-Tanguay

Digital Marketing & Design Support

Kaitlynn Creighan

Research Consultant

Mike Day

Senior Associate

Rhys Dumond

Consultant

James Gragg-Reilly

Director of Research

Kate Harrison

Vice Chair

Keira Hammond

Consultant

Kait LaForce

Senior Consultant

Meredith Logan

Senior Consultant

Robin MacLachlan

President

Simon Polesel

Research intern

Tim Powers

Chair

Josie Sabatino

Senior Consultant

Laura Seguin

Administration, Research and Executive Assistance

Ian Skipworth

Consultant

Claire Smith

Consultant

Carlene Variyan

Associate Vice-President

Ken Whiting

Executive Vice-President

Lokman Wong

Research Intern

Adam Yahn

Vice-President & Partner

Hon. M. Douglas Young

Chairman Emeritus

Our partners

Abacus Data is one of Canada’s most innovative and trusted public opinion and marketing research firms. Abacus uses the latest technology, sound science, and deep experience to generate top-flight research based advice to our clients. We offer global research capacity with a strong focus on customer service, attention to detail and exceptional value.

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CONTACT US

66 Slater St., Suite 2000
Ottawa, ON K1P 5H1

613.235.1400
summa@summa.ca

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Lokman

Wong

Research Intern

Lokman Wong is a Research and Public Affairs Intern at Summa Strategies. In this role, she aids our team by conducting parliamentary research, issue monitoring, and procedural analysis, while directly supporting the work of our consultants.

She recently graduated from University of King’s College and Dalhousie University with a BSc in Psychology. While in Nova Scotia, she worked as a Legislative Page at the Nova Scotia House of Assembly. Previously, she volunteered for the NDP as a Youth Coordinator during a federal election and in the House of Commons.

Originally from Hong Kong and BC, she enjoys exploring the cycling scene in Ottawa. In her spare time, she knits, sews, and engages in other creative pursuits.

CONTACT

613.235.1400
lwong@summa.ca

Mike

Day

Senior Associate

Summa Strategies Canada – one of the country’s leading public affairs firms – is pleased to announce the addition of L-Gen (Ret’d) Michael Day to their growing team. L-Gen Day will support the firm’s defence, procurement and security practice as a Senior Associate, bringing unparalleled knowledge and awareness of Canada’s defence landscape to the firm.

“Summa has a proud history of working with the world’s leading defence companies, supporting successful procurements and navigating an increasingly complex operating environment,” said Summa’s Vice-Chair, Tim Powers. “Mike adds depth to our already impressive team of consultants who are tapped into the government’s thinking on defence and security issues. He will no doubt provide significant value to our clients.”

L-Gen Day has commanded at every level and rank in a variety of units and deployments around the world. The majority of his field and command time has been as an Operator within Canada’s Counter Terrorist and Special Forces unit, commanding both Joint Task Force Two (JTF 2), and Canada’s Special Operations Forces Command. Mike also served in a number of Senior Staff appointments including the Canadian Armed Forces as a senior Military Officer in the Defence Policy Group and the Chief Strategic Planner for the future of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Following his time with the military, Mike has supported a number of private sector boards and serves as the president for his regimental charity. He will be a familiar face to many in the defence community, serving as a frequent moderator and host of sessions offered by the country’s leading defence associations.

“Understanding all pillars of defence decision-making – from political to civil service to military – is key for procurement success,” said Day. “I’m thrilled to bring my experience and knowledge to the thoughtful minds at Summa, who have a track record of delivering for their clients and a current, contemporary knowledge of how decisions are made.”

Day joins Kate Harrison, Alex Maheu and Elliot Hughes who lead the Defence Procurement Practice at Summa Strategies. Combined, the team brings together multi-partisan strategists who have served as trusted advisors to prime ministers and cabinet ministers overseeing defence files, as well as senior leaders in the Canadian Armed Forces.

CONTACT

613.235.1400

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Adam

Yahn

Vice-President & Partner

Adam Yahn is vice-president and a partner at Summa Strategies and specializes in communications, government relations, and managing and executing advocacy campaigns. Adam’s deep roots in Ontario politics and insights at Queen’s Park will be a resource for clients working and doing business in Toronto.

He brings extensive experience to Summa having worked within federal and provincial governments as a political staffer to a Federal Minister, Member of Provincial Parliament and Leader of the Official Opposition.

Prior to joining Summa, Adam was the Head of Government Relations at the Ontario Real Estate Association where he spearheaded the Association’s advocacy efforts in Ontario.

In his spare time, Adam is involved in Junior hockey. He previously served as the General Manager of the Cobourg Cougars of the Ontario Junior Hockey League.

He holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Ottawa and Masters of Public Administration with the University of Victoria.

CONTACT

613.235.1400 x223
ayahn@summa.ca

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Douglas

Young

Chairman Emeritus

Douglas Young headshot

The Hon. M. Douglas Young, P.C., Q.C. is Chairman Emeritus of Summa Strategies Canada Inc., and CPCS Transcom Ltd..

He has been involved in projects from coast to coast in Canada, as well as in the United States, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Africa, Mexico and Australia.

A lawyer and businessman, he was elected to the federal and provincial levels of government in Canada between 1978 and 1997.

He served as Canada’s Minister of Transport, Minister of Human Resources, and Minister of Defence.

Mr. Young is a graduate of New Brunswick Teachers College, Saint Thomas University, and the University of New Brunswick.

James

Gragg-Reilly

Director of Research

James is well versed in parliamentary procedure, and assists clients and the Summa team on a variety of files including international trade, Indigenous affairs, justice, trade, and energy policy. James offers a wealth of experience in parliamentary affairs, having reported on federal legislation and energy from Ottawa for iPolitics. A former member of the Parliamentary Press Gallery, James knows the nuts and bolts of how laws get passed in Canada.

Aside from his work on Parliament Hill, James has extensive research and communications experience. He worked with Amnesty International to build a system to profile cases of administrational segregation use in Canadian prisons and to provide research support for a number of interventions made in judicial proceedings for resource development projects. At iPolitics, James led detailed research projects, such as the development of a suite of products on the Legislative Review of the Copyright Act in 2018 in which he guided the team on everything from research to design. James also worked as a consultant for a company specializing in the production of Gladue Reports – pre-sentencing reports for Indigenous people who face a prison term as the result of a criminal conviction. He quickly took on a leadership and training role in the small company.

James is a passionate member of the arts community in Ottawa. He plays concerts with his music groups in major cities across Canada, the U.S. and Europe. But, James has deep roots in Ottawa and attended the University of Ottawa for his Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) with Major in Political Science and Major in Ethics and Society.

CONTACT

613.235.1400 x249
jgraggreilly@summa.ca

Jim

Armour

Managing Partner

Jim Armour is a Managing Partner at Summa and has extensive knowledge of media relations, communications, advocacy and advertising. His broad skill set gives clients the opportunity to take an integrated approach to achieving their objectives.

Prior to joining Summa, Mr. Armour served as Director of Communications and Marketing at the Canadian Medical Association where he played a key role in their efforts to improve access, reduce wait times and address Canada’s doctor shortage.

Mr. Armour worked on Parliament Hill from 1994 to 2000 and from 2002 to 2005. He was Communications Director for two Leaders of the Official Opposition and helped brand the launch of both the Canadian Alliance and the Conservative Party of Canada. This interest in marketing strategy and tactics was furthered by the two years he spent with one of Atlantic Canada’s top advertising agencies.

Originally from St. John’s Newfoundland, Mr. Armour has a B.A. (Hons) from McGill and a M.A. in Newfoundland History from Memorial University. He also earned his APR accreditation from the Canadian Public Relations Society and has a CAAP designation from the Institute of Communication Agencies.

Outside of the office, Jim serves on the boards of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, the Ottawa Convention Centre, Greo Evidence Insights and Eating Disorders Nova Scotia. He also sits on the editorial board of the international Journal of Communication in Healthcare.

CONTACT

613.235.1400 x251
jarmour@summa.ca

Kait

LaForce

Senior Consultant

Kait is a Senior Consultant at Summa Strategies, providing government relations and strategic communications advice.

Before becoming a GR Consultant, Kait worked in the communications space on Parliament Hill, where she was a Strategist and Writer at the Liberal Research Bureau. There, Kait produced communications products to support MPs and was a liaison between the Prime Minister’s Office and departmental staff to coordinate and manage digital communication strategy. Through this work, Kait developed strong skills in caucus relations, multicultural outreach, and social media and micro-targeting tactics.

Kait was also a Communications Advisor in the office the Deputy Government Whip, where she worked on issues management, media and stakeholder relations, including extensive interface with healthcare sector leaders.

Her previous experience also includes roles in the non-profit sector, working within the sponsorship space. She has managed relationships with stakeholders and corporate donors, and various communications and marketing strategies.

Kait is a graduate of York University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and English. She has been honored with the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award for her work in the non-profit sector and volunteer projects.

CONTACT

613.235.1400 x229
klaforce@summa.ca

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Kate

Harrison

Vice Chair

Katlyn Harrison is Vice Chair at Summa Strategies, specializing in communication and consumer issues.  She provides advice to clients in a variety of fields including telecommunications, finance, defence procurement, environment, public safety, retail, and transportation.

Kate leads Summa’s Ontario government relations practice, crafting and executing strategic public affairs plans for clients seeking to advance their priorities at Queen’s Park. She has worked closely with clients who are seeking grants, contributions and program support from both the federal and Ontario governments, positioning clients from several industries for success.

In addition to government relations work, Kate is responsible for developing targeted communications programs for national clients, as well as those at the Ontario provincial level.

Kate often provides commentary on current affairs and politics as a guest on CTV Power Play, CBC Power & Politics, local Ottawa talk radio stations, as well as the Sirius XM Radio Program Canada Talks. She has also contributed various articles for iPolitics on involving more millennials and women in Canadian politics. Outside of work, Kate is the Chair of the Canadian Advocacy Network, an organization which provides public and government relations support to non-profit organizations on a pro-bono basis.

CONTACT

613.235.1400 x226
kharrison@summa.ca

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Ken

Whiting

Executive Vice-President

Ken Whiting headshot

Ken Whiting, Executive Vice-President at Summa Strategies Canada Inc., brings extensive experience in public affairs consulting, strategic communications, government policy development, and international trade.

At Summa, and previously with a leading international government relations firm, Mr. Whiting has managed complex public affairs programs and has provided strategic advice to major business and environmental associations, transnational corporations, and Canadian businesses. He offers clients many years of consulting experience and expertise in a wide range of sectors, including: forestry, fisheries and mining; environment and energy; foreign relations and international trade; privatization and public-private partnerships; transportation; and infrastructure renewal.

Mr. Whiting has an extensive background in international trade, economic relations, and investment promotion – having served in Canada’s Foreign Service for sixteen years with postings in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. He held senior positions in Canada in the departments of External Affairs, Industry, Trade and Commerce, and Regional Industrial Expansion, managing trade, investment/technology promotion, and economic development programs.

A lawyer by training, Mr. Whiting holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) degree and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of New Brunswick and a Graduate Diploma in Public Administration from Carleton.

CONTACT

613.235.1400
kwhiting@summa.ca

Laura

Seguin

Administration, Research and Executive Assistance

Laura is usually the first person you meet when you arrive at Summa Strategies. By the time you leave, you will have had your fill of coffee and snacks. You will also swear that you’ve known each other forever.

With over 30 years in the service industry and in administration, Laura takes hospitality very seriously. She also has an uncanny ability to track down Summa consultants anywhere in the country, at any time of day or night.

Before coming to Summa, Laura worked at one of Ottawa’s leading advertising agencies. When she’s not looking after clients, Laura enjoys cooking, a good movie and spending time with family and friends.

CONTACT

613.235.1400 x221
lseguin@summa.ca

Meredith

Logan

Senior Consultant

Meredith worked for a number of Members of Parliament and Liberal Cabinet Ministers, including The Honourable Dominic Leblanc. When she left the Hill in 2008, Meredith was the Atlantic Desk in the Official Office of the Opposition.

Prior to joining Summa, Meredith was the Senior Advisor, Public Affairs, at the Mental Health Commission of Canada where she was responsible for government and stakeholder relations. Meredith managed the MHCC’s public policy positions and worked to influence decision-makers and improve access to mental health services in Canada. She also helped mobilize the provinces and territories to sign onto the earmarked mental health funding in the re-negotiation of the health accords.

Meredith is originally from New Brunswick and a graduate of Mount Allison University.

CONTACT

613.235.1400 x237
mlogan@summa.ca

Robin

MacLachlan

President

Robin MacLachlan is President at Summa Strategies and a Director at Abacus Data. With nearly two decades of public affairs experience, he provides business and non-profit sector leaders with strategic counsel and advocacy to help them achieve their objectives.

His expertise in communications, stakeholder engagement and the legislative process was shaped by his experience as a political staffer. During his time in politics, Robin worked both as a Constituency Assistant and as a Legislative and Communications Advisor on Parliament Hill. He has extensive experience on political campaigns at all levels – some of it even successful!

Robin has worked with civil society and the non-profit sector, developing effective advocacy campaigns for the Rideau Institute on International Affairs. Since joining Summa, he has worked with businesses, industry associations and non-profit organizations covering a broad range of sectors, including energy and the environment, transportation, technology, financial institutions, labour, immigration, public safety, health and sports. A career path through politics, civil society and the private sector has taught him how policy is influenced from inside and outside of government.

Robin is a political strategist and regular commentator on TV, radio and in print for CBC, CTV, Global TV, CFRA, CPAC and the Hill Times, previously as a weekly contributor to the Power Panel on CBC’s Power and Politics. He has provided strategic communications advice to political leaders at all levels of government and offers media training to stakeholders.

Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, out of the office Robin can be found playing football, softball or telling tales of his rugby career while cheering on the Ottawa Irish Rugby Club. He is a past member of the Board of Directors of Rugby Ontario and is on the Steering Committee for Youth Action Now – a Paul Dewar Initiative.

Robin holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) degree in Political Science from McGill University.

CONTACT

613.235.1400 x247
rmaclachlan@summa.ca

Tim

Powers

Chair

Tim Powers is Chairman of Summa Strategies, a leading Canadian public affairs consulting firm, and the Managing Director of Abacus Data, an opinion research company, both headquartered in Ottawa. He offers clients a wide range of experience and expertise in the fields of business, communications and public policy.

Tim is the Past Chairman of Rugby Canada, Past Lead Director of the Park Lawn Corporation and a former trustee at the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH). Mr. Powers is also a media commentator, frequently appearing on CBC’s “Power and Politics.” He is also a writer for the Hill Times newspaper in the nation’s capital.

Tim has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland, a Master of Arts degree (Atlantic Canada Studies) from St. Mary’s University, and a Master of Sciences degree (Media and Communications) from the London School of Economics. Mr. Powers has also studied Public Sector Management at Harvard University.

CONTACT

613.235.1400 x230
tpowers@summa.ca

Claire

Smith

Consultant

Claire is a Consultant at Summa Strategies, with a strong background in research and security policy, from various international think-tanks and multiple levels of government. Claire recently completed her Master of Science in Global Governance and Diplomacy at the University of Oxford. In 2019, she graduated from Stanford University, with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, minoring in Communication, and specializing in International Security and Social Development and Human Well-Being. She balanced her undergraduate studies with her athletic scholarship commitments on the Stanford Women’s Track & Field and Cross-Country teams, and student leadership roles in various student clubs, including the Stanford Canadian Club. She competed on Team Canada at several international meets, including the IAAF World Athletics Cross Country Championships.

Claire has worked in international security policy research at the Center for International Security and Cooperation, in Stanford, California, and in administrative research and planning at the Office of the Provost and Vice-Principal, at McGill University. She has completed internships at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, and in various departments of the City of Ottawa, including the COVID-19 School Support Team, in Ottawa Public Health. She was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario.

CONTACT

613.235.1400 x231
csmith@summa.ca

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Simon

Polesel

Research Intern

Simon is a Research and Public Affairs intern at Summa Strategies. In this role, he aids our team by conducting parliamentary research, issue monitoring, procedural analysis, and managing research projects from inception to completion as part of a coordinated team.

He is currently pursuing a master of arts in law and legal studies at Carleton University where he has experience working as a teaching assistant and research assistant. Simon has previous experience interning for a Conservative member of Parliament in Ottawa and has volunteered for campaigns at all three levels of government.

Originally from Toronto, Simon moved to the nation’s capital to attend Carleton University where he obtained a bachelor of arts in law with a minor in music. During his time as an undergrad, Simon became involved with the Carleton Campus Conservatives where he served as director of recruitment.

In addition to his political experience, Simon has experience as an orchestral musician playing in orchestras and chamber music groups at both the high school and university level.

CONTACT

613.235.1400
spolesel@summa.ca

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Carlene

Variyan

Associate Vice President

Carlene Variyan has worked at the most senior levels of the federal government, successfully leading policy, communications, parliamentary affairs, and other consequential work.

Ms. Variyan spent a total of 15 years working on Parliament Hill. Prior to joining Summa, she served Cabinet ministers in the federal government as a Chief of Staff, and prior to that as Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Communications. In these roles, she advised Cabinet Ministers holding economic, social, and security portfolios, as well as central agencies. Ms. Variyan’s breadth of experience in government includes the delivery of a Federal Budget, the resolution of major collective bargaining disputes, the coordination of federal response to national security incidents, and collaboration with Canada’s energy sector on decarbonization and clean technology.

From 2014 to 2016, she served on the National Board of Directors of the Liberal Party of Canada, and is also a former Chair of the Judy Lamarsh Fund, which raises funds for women running for office.

Ms. Variyan has held senior roles on the Liberal Party of Canada’s national campaign teams for the 2015, 2019, and 2021 federal elections. She appears frequently as a political commentator and analyst on CTV, CPAC, and other media platforms.

Originally from rural Saskatchewan, Ms. Variyan holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) from Carleton University and is an accountant by training. She is fluent in both of Canada’s official languages.

CONTACT

613.235.1400 x234
cvariyan@summa.ca

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Ian

Skipworth

Consultant

Ian is a Consultant at Summa Strategies, with a background in grassroots politics, research and public policy. Ian recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from McGill University, majoring in History, specializing in Canadian history, and minoring in Political Science. While living in Montreal he was heavily involved in federal politics, working on a number of campaigns, as well serving as Director of Policy at Liberal McGill. He was also Senior Editor for Historical Discourses, one the nations oldest and premiere undergraduate historical journals.

Ian has worked in policy research in both the public and private sector, conducting communications policy research at Rogers Communications, as well as public policy work for the Member of Parliament for Toronto—Danforth. He was previously chosen as a Liberal Party Summer Leadership Intern. Ian is a devoted, although often disappointed, Blue Jays, Raptors and Leafs fan

CONTACT

613.235.1400 x241
iskipworth@summa.ca

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Josie

Sabatino

Senior Consultant

Josie Sabatino is a Senior Consultant at Summa Strategies, focused on providing strategic insight and helping clients meet their objectives in an ever changing and complex political and regulatory environment.

Prior to joining Summa, Josie spent nearly a decade in political communications. She has had the unique experience of working and providing communications and issues management advice for both a senior Cabinet Minister and the Leader of the Official Opposition, while also serving in communications roles on the 2019 and 2021 federal election campaigns. Most recently, Josie was the Director of Communications for the Leader of the Official Opposition.

In the public affairs space, Josie provided guidance to clients on how to get their issues noticed by decision makers, and led the execution of digital campaigns designed to reach politicians and support staff within the federal and provincial governments from coast to coast.

Born and raised in Northern British Columbia, Josie is a graduate of the University of Northern British Columbia and holds a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Political Science.

CONTACT

613.235.1400 x236
jsabatino@summa.ca

Alyssa

Bishop

Research Manager

Alyssa is a Research Manager at Summa Strategies, specializing in public policy and research analysis. Last year, she completed an internship as a Research Analyst with the National Capital Commission. Here, she exercised her research, communications and analysis skills. She developed her stakeholder engagement and client liaison skills through pro-bono experience with the Samara Centre for Democracy, and with the Consulting Careers Initiative at the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. Alyssa has also worked in the office of an MP and has volunteered with multiple political campaigns. 

Alyssa recently graduated from the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of Toronto, with a Masters in Public Policy. She also holds a joint Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from McGill University. She has volunteered in the non-profit sector, both in her community and throughout her education.

CONTACT

613.235.1400 x244
abishop@summa.ca

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Olivier

Cullen

Senior Advisor

Born and raised in Ottawa, Olivier joined Summa after nearly two decades in marketing, communications, crisis and issues management, and relationship building in the private and public sectors. He has a deep passion for community, collaboration and helping clients achieve their advocacy objectives.

Olivier started in client management at marketing agencies, most notably with Ogilvy in London (UK) where he was one of the founders of the Ogilvy innovation lab. There, he worked with clients such as DHL, IBM, American Express, and British Airways.

Upon moving back to his hometown, Olivier joined the federal public service at the Department of Justice as a liaison to the minister’s office. In 2015, he moved to the political side of government, where he gained extensive experience as a senior advisor to ministers at four different portfolios.

For four years, Olivier worked for the Hon. Ralph Goodale at Public Safety Canada on issues management and operations. He also held the role of Indigenous Advisor, leading the overhaul of the national First Nations Policing Program. At Public Safety, Olivier worked closely with federal agencies in national security, cyber security, national policing, border issues, and corrections.

In 2019 he became the Director of Operations and Outreach to the Hon. Marco Mendicino at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. He later moved to Health Canada as a senior advisor to the Hon. Patty Hajdu working on pandemic response and recovery. Olivier also served as acting Chief of Staff and Director of Operations to Minister Hajdu at Indigenous Services Canada.

Throughout his career in politics, Olivier became known as a trusted advisor, a creative problem solver, and a master communicator who is widely recognized for his ability to form deep community and partner relationships across various sectors.  

Olivier holds degrees from Algonquin College and the University of Ottawa. He is active in his community, has sat on many local Boards of Directors, is the recipient of volunteer awards, and is an avid hockey coach for his two young children, Jack and Elspeth. 

CONTACT

613.235.1400 x228
ocullen@summa.ca

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Dominic

Besner

Consultant

Dominic is a consultant at Summa with 15 years of public service experience in the security and intelligence portfolio. He was the head of network development, the head of IT security and the executive assistant to the Chief Information Officer at the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). He was also the program manager at Defence Construction Canada for the Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP).

He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering specializing in communication systems from the University of Ottawa and a master’s degree in political management from Carleton University. He is a certified project management professional from the Project Management Institute. Bilingual and born in Montreal, Dominic monitors the Quebec political landscape.

His technical and public servant experience enables him to bridge the gap between technical and political stakeholders. He joined Summa ready to share his expertise on government procurement to help clients navigate the Ottawa bureaucracy.

CONTACT

613.235.1400 x212
dbesner@summa.ca

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Kaitlynn

Creighan

Research Consultant

Kaitlynn is a Research Consultant at Summa Strategies. She spends her time doing Parliamentary research, writing case studies, and managing research projects from inception to completion.

Born and raised in Bedford, Nova Scotia, Kaitlynn graduated in 2021 from Saint Mary’s University with Honours in Political Science and a Minor in Sociology. Right out of the gate, Kaitlynn volunteered in back-to-back provincial and federal elections for the Liberals in the summer of 2021, and served as the President of her local Electoral District Association for the Nova Scotia Liberal Party in 2022.

Before joining the team at Summa, Kaitlynn began her career working in marketing and communications where she ran communications for nine Liberal MLAs and briefly spent time working in the constituency office of her local MLA before moving to Ottawa to complete her Master’s in Political Management at Carleton University. While completing her Master’s, Kaitlynn worked part-time as a Communications Assistant on Parliament Hill where she worked for two MPs of the Atlantic Caucus.

CONTACT

613.235.1400 x215
kcreighan@summa.ca

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Rhys

Dumond

Consultant

Rhys Dumond is a consultant at Summa Strategies and provides critical insight to the Federal legislature to help clients manage risk and policy objectives.

Prior to joining Summa, Rhys worked at the House of Commons where he helped lead the planning and execution of successful riding level communications plans, advised on policy and legislative matters to committee chairs, and worked with stakeholders to organize industry roundtables across a wide variety of sectors to help brief Members of Parliament.

Rhys holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History from Queen’s University with a focus on Canadian and US public policy and foreign relations. He also holds a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s with a concentration in organizational development and completed the Research Analyst post-graduate certificate at Georgian College.

CONTACT

613.235.1400 x224
rdumond@summa.ca

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Keira

Hammond

Consultant

Keira is a Consultant at Summa Strategies offering government relations advice.

Prior to joining Summa, she worked with the Conservative Party of Canada for four years, serving as Executive Assistant to two Members of Parliament, and as the National Youth Coordinator for the Party. Keira’s experience within this space gives her key insights into the CPC.

Keira is originally from Torbay, Newfoundland, and completed her undergraduate degree in political science with a minor in psychology at the University of Ottawa. She is currently pursuing a masters degree in political psychology from Arizona State University.

CONTACT

613.235.1400 x232
khammond@summa.ca

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Ahmad

Almallah

Research Consultant

Ahmad is a Research Consultant at Summa, pursuing his Master’s degree in political management at Carleton University. Born and raised in Damascus, Syria, where he started his teens’ life by being a sports journalist before he left the country due to the war there. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Malaysia, and a Master of Applied Science degree from Dalhousie University in Halifax, where he served as a senator at Dalhousie’s senate.

Since he immigrated to Canada, Ahmad worked as a research assistant in various sectors including engineering, sustainability, aging, and politics. He also worked previously as a consultant, site engineer, and program coordinator for a non-for-profit sector.

He is passionate about relationship management, public affairs, communication, community development and outreach. He was the co-chair of a United Nation’s initiative in the city of Halifax, called Interfaith Harmony week, a member of the watersheds advisory board at the Halifax regional municipality, and a refugee sponsor and helper with Ubuntu Canada and ISANS.

Ahmad is an experienced communicator and public speaker. He won the best impromptu speaker in the East coast of North America (District 45) with Toastmasters International. He was a public speaker for Jack.org , the largest youth-led organization in Canada, and We Day Foundation. He is fluent in English and Arabic, intermediate in French, and beginner in Ukrainian. Outside of work and school, Ahmad loves to read about philosophy, theology, and politics.

CONTACT

613.235.1400
aalmallah@summa.ca

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Jasmine

Carlucci-Tanguay

Digital Marketing & Design Support

Jasmine, Digital Marketing & Design Support at Summa Strategies, brings a wealth of experience in graphic design and brand development to the table. With a diverse portfolio encompassing leading organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies, Jasmine excels in crafting engaging visual stories that connect with audiences.

Her expertise goes beyond traditional graphic design to include a range of digital marketing endeavors, such as brand development, video campaigns, social media strategies, and website design. Jasmine is recognized for her innovative approach, delivering designs and campaigns that not only capture attention but also drive demand and foster growth.

One of Jasmine’s key strengths lies in her ability to understand and convey her clients’ visions effectively, ensuring that their story resonates with their target audience. Whether she’s conceptualizing website designs, re-brand projects, or video campaigns, Jasmine’s creative flair shines through, consistently exceeding expectations.

An honours graduate from the Algonquin College Graphic Design Program, Jasmine’s commitment to her craft is evident in every project she takes on. Her unique combination of technical skills and interpersonal abilities enables her to tailor her approach to each brand she collaborates with, ultimately helping clients establish and strengthen their brand identity while prioritizing their needs.

CONTACT

613.235.1400
jcarluccitanguay@summa.ca

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Catherine

Baril

Product Coordinator

Catherine is our Product Coordinator at Summa Strategies, specializing in graphic design and photography. She spends her time working with us and our clients on design-related projects, such as brand identity, user experience, web and print design, and much more.

Before joining Summa, Catherine worked with small brands and start-up companies to deliver several design products, ranging from sales collateral to user interface designs.

Raised in Ottawa, Catherine attended Algonquin College, completing her diploma in Interactive Media Design with a co-op placement. Since then, Catherine has devoted her time to helping companies with the end goal of pulling off a sharp experience design for the user.

CONTACT

613.235.1400 x238
cbaril@summa.ca

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