As well Dan Ovsey has been promoted to the position of Senior Editorial Consultant. Ovsey, a former journalist, will continue to serve as the agency’s in-house writer and editor, and play an integral role in its media training practice while also providing the agency’s corporate and technology clients with strategic messaging support.

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Leanne James has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Human Resources. James joined APEX in 2002 and has overseen the company’s rapid growth to a team of more than 30 public relations practitioners. In her new role, James will continue to assist the company in the development of its public profile and branding.

Tanya Elliott-Briden has been promoted to the position of Vice President. Elliott-Briden previously served as an Account Director and played a significant role in growing the agency’s technology and corporate practices. In her new role, she will help to maintain and grow APEX’s strong reputation among existing clients, as well as focus on new business development.

In addition, Lauren Baswick has joined as a Senior Consultant in the consumer practice for APEX. Baswick’s role will include senior-level media relations, product launches, strategic program development and new business development in the consumer health and beauty areas.

The new role is part of MS&L’s efforts to help clients maximize real-time conversation in the digital space. Prior to joining Alex was Principal of his own business consultancy and from his role as co-founder of ChickAdvisor.com, where he will remain on the board of directors. Before that Previously he was VP, Web Marketing for Viigo, Director of Traveller Engagement for Butterfield & Robinson and Director of Business Development at Labatt Breweries for Canada (Beer.com).

How is your company (or client) using social media?

Debra Chan has joined Argyle with over 14 years of experience in investor relations and financial
communications. She has served as director of communications and investor relations at two
well-known public companies and worked for a multinational public relations firm.

Meghan Warby has also joined and brings her strong background and experience in both public affairs and digital communications. She has worked for an Ontario cabinet minister, spearheaded advocacy programs at a U.S. not-for-profit agency, and consulted widely on social media strategies, blogger outreach, online media monitoring & other web 2.0 initiatives.

Emily Hanft will represent clients in Argyle’s health and consumer practices. After starting her
career at a multinational public relations firm, Hanft joined one of the world’s largest
pharmaceutical companies where she acted as a media spokesperson and managed internal,
external and sales force communications programs.
Andrea Anders will work with Argyle`s clients in the consumer and technology sectors. Anders brings three years of experience at a multinational PR firm in Toronto where she worked with many household names in consumer technology, food and professional services.

Kirstine Stewart is one of the brightest stars in Canada’s televison industry. Since joining the CBC in 2006 as general manager of CBC English Television, she has revitalized ratings and generated new revenue streams. As the network’s chief creative officer, she has overseen the launch of such hits as Dragons’ Den, Little Mosque on the Prairie, The Border, Battle of the Blades, The Tudors and The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos. Her strategy of programming original, quality Canadian content that reflects and showcases Canada has paid off, earning CBC-TV its highest audience share in years, while also garnering numerous awards and much critical praise. At CBC-TV, Kirstine has created a corporate culture that supports and promotes women’s career development. She has launched numerous initiatives that focus on helping her employees advance while maintaining a work life balance. Kirstine is an outstanding role model who has paved the way for other women to advance to the highest levels of the industry.

This award recognizes an outstanding woman who has made a significant contribution to the communications industry throughout her career, and who has contributed materially to the advancement of women within the industry.

CWC 2010 LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS

Valerie Creighton – Change Leader
President and CEO, Canadian Television Fund

Change might intimidate some, but not Valerie Creighton. Throughout her career, she has expertly navigated change by repeatedly seizing the many opportunities it creates. Her career track record exemplifies the ability to successfully guide organizations through transition. In 2000, Valerie led SaskFilm’s restructuring while simultaneously boosting its productions volumes by 195 per cent in six years. With her distinct ability to guide those with contrasting views and interests into finding a common ground, Valerie possesses all the hallmarks of a great leader. Since joining the Canadian Television Fund (CTF) in 2006, she has led the organization through major restructuring initiatives, the most recent being its evolution into the Canadian Media Fund. Her strength as a charismatic leader lies in her ability to mentor, inspire and empower those around her to embrace change through common sense, humour and a focus on excellence.

Martha Fusca – Trailblazer
President and CEO, Stornoway Communications

Martha Fusca exemplifies the essential qualities of a trailblazer. She holds a unique place in the Canadian broadcast and production sectors as the first woman in Canada to launch, co-own and run television networks. Beginning her career as a producer of documentaries, in 2000 Martha founded Stornoway Communications, now the parent company of three TV networks. A leader in the industry, she also co-founded the Independent Broadcasters Group (IBG), an affiliation of independent, conventional television, pay and specialty licensees. A strong supporter of women in the industry, Martha acted as president and board director during the early days of Women in Film & Television – Toronto (WIFT-T). She also supports the development of independent productions across Canada, commissioning Mickey, the first independent television series to come out of Newfoundland and Labrador. She is a consummate role model demonstrating that there are no limits to what women can achieve in the industry.

Lina L. Lawrence – Technology Innovator
Director, IT Business Services, MTS Allstream Inc.

Throughout her career, Lina has married innovation with technology to resolve modern business challenges. At Bell Mobility, she launched the first Internet browser application in the telecom industry. She was instrumental in developing the first IT governance department that ensured IT, corporate governance and legislative compliance at one of the major pension plans. Gifted at leading and managing complex IT initiatives, she possesses the ability to energize her teams to achieve success in challenging environments. In her current role at MTS Allstream Inc., Lina’s team-building skills coupled with her flair for innovation have enabled her to successfully transition and develop the project management office and IT financial reporting function into business units that provide increased value to the organization. Lina has always recognized that success requires a team effort and continually strives to empower the leadership potential in those around her while managing for strong results.

Karen Lawson – Champion of Women’s Advancement
Associate Director, Business Development, Bell Business Markets, Bell Canada

Karen’s commitment to helping others and giving back was instilled early in life by the example of her mother, a strong woman who was widowed at a young age. She became a champion of women’s advancement to ensure that her two daughters would have equal opportunities in their career choices. She has been active on a variety of boards including Youth in Motion, KINSA and MircroSKills, to name a few. As board chair of Smart Women in Technology (SWIT), Karen developed a number of programs that encouraged young women to embrace careers in math, science and technology. For the past two years, she has managed the Women in Bell Business Markets that helped increase the visibility of women within the company. In this role, Karen spearheaded an internal speakers’ series that introduced women at Bell to key industry thought leaders. A committed mentor, Karen has coached many women to achieve their career ambitions.

Jodi Orr – CWC Leader
Taylor the Midday Host at 102.3 BOBFM, CTVglobemedia & Chair, CWC Southwestern Ontario Regional Board

Jodi Orr is an inventive, determined and effective community builder. Over the past year, she has taken CWC’s Southwestern Ontario Region to a whole new level. Not one to shy away from a challenge, Jodi engaged her broadcast colleagues to help create and launch a national radio and television public service ad campaign that showcased CWC programs and benefits. Through her efforts, members in the London area have had access to high-calibre speakers and role models, such as London Ontario’s Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best. Her work to engage her regional community has paid off, generating a significant increase in membership and attendance at CWC events. Always ready to pitch in and help, she works closely with numerous charities and causes, serving on the board of southwestern Ontario’s Make a Wish Foundation. As a volunteer leader, she has devoted her own time to CWC as a tremendous ambassador for the organization, its mandate and the women it represents.

Donna Whitney – Champion of Women’s Advancement
Director, Commercial Advanced Property Solutions, Rogers Communications Inc.

Since her career began, Donna has dedicated herself to supporting the career advancement of women, expertly leading numerous initiatives to foster women’s career growth. At Rogers, Donna is a founding member of the Rogers Women’s Network, which develops and encourages senior women to share their leadership competencies through education, networking, coaching and mentoring. She is also active in the Rogers Mentoring Program, helping to cultivate the next generation of corporate leaders. As chair of the CWC Regional Board in Toronto, Donna has increased the engagement of members through the introduction of a variety of new programs that address women’s career development needs. She is also a board member of CATA-WIT, a non-profit organization committed to the advancement of women in the technology sector. Leader, mentor and role model, Donna is a generous and effective contributor to the advancement of women.

Madeline Ziniak – Outstanding Leader
National Vice-President, Rogers OMNI Television

Madeline has spent her 30-year career championing cultural diversity in broadcasting. At OMNI, she led the network’s expansion from one multilingual and multicultural station into five that reach more than 40 ethnocultural communities in major markets across the country. Her initiatives have helped to raise public awareness on fundamental and sensitive issues, such as discrimination and domestic violence, which challenge everyone, including many members of the communities that OMNI serves. As an industry leader in inclusivity, she co-chaired the Canadian Association of Broadcasters’ task force on cultural diversity in television. A recipient of the Order of Ontario in 2001, Madeline also received the Order of Canada in 2009 for her contributions to the development and growth of multilingual and multicultural media in Canada. Her strong, perceptive and determined leadership has helped break down barriers for Canada’s numerous multicultural communities by providing them with the opportunity to have their voices and cultures reflected through the medium of television.

The CWC Leadership Excellence Awards celebrate women of achievement who have distinguished themselves in any sector of the communications industry and have, in recent years, contributed to the industry through their achievements.

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In this edition of Industry Opinion I asked Marion MacKenzie, President of GCI Canada to share her opinion and thoughts on the situation but also give some insight on reputation management.

DF – Should Tiger Woods have done anything different when this story first broke?

Marion MacKenzie – Tiger Woods didn’t get out in front of the situation fast enough; however to be fair the allegations escalated very rapidly. Also because of the number of alleged mistresses, he and his advisors were challenged in not only managing the amount of inquiries and allegations but also the fact that each day the number of alleged mistresses was increasing. Obviously the viral aspect of social media moves so fast that it demands that communicators respond quickly and in real-time.

DF – Where did you watch (listen) the Tiger Woods news conference?

Marion MacKenzie – I watched the conference on YouTube. His advisors understand that social media channels allow the opportunity to present an apology that will exist conceivably forever outside of traditional media channels. It also allows him to “speak” directly to fans, sponsors, the golf community… without editing or external commentary by journalists.

DF – Do you feel the news conference has helped or hurt his public reputation?

Marion MacKenzie – The answer to that depends on whether you believe that private, personal behaviour should have any influence on appraising someone’s professional life. Some would argue private choices and conduct are relevant and demonstrate whether someone has character and others would argue there is no relevance. There is also a community that is neutral or simply doesn’t care about Mr. Woods.

It is important to acknowledge that the press conference was highly scripted, no questions were allowed and the physical audience was composed of “friendlies”. It is difficult to know who the “real” Tiger Woods is. Also, some commentators have raised the possibility that the press conference was part of his rehabilitation therapy and may be an important act for him personally in moving forward and the apology to his family, friends and fans is actually secondary.

DF – What impact will the press conference have on Tigers Woods as a brand?

The press conference will become part of his overall narrative. Because it was so totally scripted, it did not hurt him other than it reinforced his need for control. What is really important now is what happens next, his conduct and the decision he and his wife make regarding their future.

DF – What should be done next to repair his reputation?

Mr. Woods should deal with his addiction and make the necessary changes in his behavior.

DF – Is there a difference between online and offline reputation management?

Marion MacKenzie – At this time the two worlds are becoming totally integrated. Things move much faster in the online world and that demands that the offline world move quickly as well.

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“High Road stood out among the five agencies that were considered for a number of reasons,” said Duncan Fulton, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Canadian Tire. “High Road married passion and creativity with an industry-leading reputation for delivering strong programs and results for their clients. Their track record achieving earned media is beyond compare and their overall size and reach will allow them to support Canadian Tire in communities across Canada.”

As part of their overall offering Canadian Tire has five business units which include Canadian Tire Retail with 476 stores; PartSource, an automotive parts specialty chain with 87 stores; Canadian Tire Petroleum which operating 273 gas bars, 268 convenience stores and kiosks, and 73 car washes; Mark’s Work Wearhouse, a Canadian retailer operating 374 stores the country; and Canadian Tire Financial Services that has issued over five million Canadian Tire MasterCard credit cards and markets related financial products and services for retail and petroleum customers.

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PR In Canada – The number 1 source for the inside scoop on Canada’s public relations industry.

Their Consumer Marketing has added five new members including:

• Erin Sufrin as an Account Director and was most recently working in the mobile telecommunications sector
• Allison Daisley who brings her experience in the beauty and fashion arena to her role as Senior Account ManagerRohini Mukherji the newest
• Account Manager on the team brings her experience from another large Toronto-based PR agency
• Camille Kowalewski and Michelle Elmaleh join as Senior Account Executives with previous consumer marketing agency experience.

Edelman’s  Health and Corporate and Public Affairs has also added two new members including:

• Rosalind O’Connell, who joins the Health team as an Account Director bringing agency experience in a variety of therapeutic areas.
• James Bigg as an Account Manager, the former journalist brings a new perspective along with a range experience in public relations.

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