I recently returned to Ottawa, where I haven't lived since 1995, when I graduated high school. I am lucky enough to have lived on both of Canada's coasts. I went to university at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick. I recently completed an MBA at the Robert H. Lee graduate school at UBC. While in the program, I worked harder outside the classroom than inside, if you can believe that. I was elected President of the Marketing Club and spent my time trying to unify the marketing students across undergrad, part-time MBA and full-time MBA. I also did some volunteer work moderating focus groups for the UBC Sustainability Office and some pro-bono work for MF Global.. Needless to say, that was a busy time in my life that really pushed my ability to multi-task to the limit. But, as they say: what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger...
My background also includes fairly extensive experience in GTD (Getting Things Done). Although not a certified Project Manager, I have taken courses and managed some fairly large scale projects. I also like to think about the broader strategy issues that affect how a company operates and markets itself. Through my education and work experience, I have always enjoyed working with diverse groups of people. From the joys (and challenges) of working with database engineers, web developers and international colleagues. Whether I'm in the same roam or the same timezone, I like to make sure that things get done.
My experience includes having worked with brands such as Microsoft, Polo Ralph Lauren, Barnes and Noble and WeightWatchers. I also have "client side" experience as well, having recently spent a year as the marketing manager for a global software company where I was responsible for all aspects of the company's marketing strategy from social media to search. I was also the VP of East Coast Sales and Marketing for Roam Mobility, a company that helps travelers save up to 90% on roaming charges. I enjoy working on all things related to marketing and I find the field extremely dynamic and fast moving, involving everything from technology to social media to communications.
I am also fairly active in terms of volunteering. Right now, I donate my time as the Partnership Coordinator for Computers for Communities, an Ottawa-based non-profit that refurbishes computers, installs Open Source software and donates them back to lower income families. I am also the LinkedIn Community Manager for my former high-school, Ashbury College.
If you want to learn more about my experience or connect with me on a professional level, please view my profile on LinkedIn.
Outside of work, I enjoy listening to and playing all types of music, however I traded my guitar for turntables in about 2001 and have never looked back. I like to spend my spare time hunting down new tracks to use in my DJ mixes. I also enjoy going to see live shows by bands such as The Allman Brothers Band and when I can, Phish. I enjoy a good meal, especially if it involves fire in the form of a BBQ. When it comes to sports, I grew up skiing and playing tennis. In fact, my earliest jobs were being a ski coach and tennis instructor. I also ran a field-sports program for youth at my cottage and was a counselor at a children's camp.
I also have the distinction of having done two of the WORST summer jobs in the history of summer jobs but you can ask me about that some other time...
If you need to reach me, feel free to send me an email.
