OUR TEAM

Syed holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of British Columbia and is currently working towards a Masters in Data Science from University of Texas at Austin. Previously Syed has worked in a variety of technical roles in the energy sector, and he is also the founder of Audacious Energy, a cleantech startup. His passion lies in using data to bring clean energy to the masses.

At Communica Syed is working as a machine learning developer to build scalable natural language processing solutions.

"You cannot connect the dots looking forward. You can only connect them looking backwards." - Steve Jobs

Sarah is a graduate of Mount Royal University’s BBA program with a major in marketing. Her education has provided various project experiences, including government initiatives and supply chain management logistics. She brings to the team critical thinking and strong interpersonal skills.

“Do right. Do your best. Treat others as you want to be treated.” -Lou Holtz

With more than 35 years’ experience, Doug Ford is widely known as a leading regulatory engagement resource. Doug has planned, developed, and implemented a diverse number of Indigenous and public consultation programs for some of Canada’s largest companies. As a regulatory specialist, he has extensive experience working with a wide range of provincial and federal regulatory bodies including, the Alberta Energy Regulator, Alberta Utilities Commission, Alberta Natural Resources Conservation Board, the British Columbia Oil and Gas Commission, British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office, as well as the Canadian Energy Regulator and Canadian Impact Assessment Agency. Doug has participated as an expert witness at regulatory hearings, and as an expert witness in a legal review at the Quebec Court of Appeals with respect to pipeline consultation thresholds and practices.

“Some men see things as they are and say, why; I dream things that never were and say, why not.” – Robert F. Kennedy

Durga holds a Masters of Science, with a focus on Military Strategy from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Having worked across several roles in Public Service, she is strong in analysis, critical thinking and communicating technical information.
Outside of Communica, Durga likes to immerse herself in quiet, beautiful places and strong cups of coffee.

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“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change, that lives within the means available and works co-operatively against common threats.” ~ Charles Darwin

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The primary focus of Chad’s career has been based around regulatory and stakeholder engagement for major projects. He has worked directly with many of the largest resource development, infrastructure and energy companies in North America by helping them improve their stakeholder engagement efforts with technology. This includes creating North America’s first dedicated Stakeholder Information Management (SIM) team and the IRIS SIM software. Additionally, he has direct on-the-ground engagement experience including being the main company representative in an indigenous community for a contentious energy program in northern British Columbia for almost a year. Chad is the Vice President of Innovation and is responsible for all Stakeholder Information Management software and services in addition to his executive responsibilities.

Chad is also a Director, Western Canada, with the Founder Institute, the world’s (and Canada’s) largest pre-seed accelerator, where he oversees two cohorts of founders a year. He also founded and grew Startup Grind Calgary to one of the most successful chapters in the word and now sits on its Board.

In the past, Chad has also served as a Board Member of the Calgary Combative Sports Commission and mentor at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology's Energy Asset Management program. In recognition of his contributions to improving the energy industry in both his professional and volunteer work, he was awarded the Rising Stars award for 2019 from the Daily Oil Bulletin. He is also a veteran of the Canadian Forces where he served in the infantry which included a tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2006.

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“You encourage what you tolerate.” -Written on the wall of the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff room.

Jaysi holds a Bachelor of Communication, with a focus on Public Relations from Mount Royal University. After years of experience in aviation, she has a strong understanding of communicating in heavily regulated industries. In early 2022, Jaysi joined Communica, bringing strong technical and creative writing skills to the Stakeholder Information Management team.

Outside of Communica, Jaysi spends her time travelling, cooking and exploring the outdoors. She is an introverted extrovert who loves a perfect balance of solitude and socializing.

Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. – Luke 16:10-10

Camille graduated with a Bachelor of Arts - Policy Studies degree from Mount Royal University. Throughout her academic tenure she had worked on several policies for the institution that have allowed her to build strong analysis and interpersonal skills. Camille has experience working for both non profit organizations as well as volunteer roles throughout the City of Calgary.

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"Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn't it? If you're comfortable while you're doing it, you're probably doing it wrong." - Ted Lasso

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With over 15 years’ experience in the day-to-day coordination of major renewable and non-renewable resource and infrastructure projects, Kristin has extensive experience developing and designing engagement and communications tools for Indigenous and non-indigenous stakeholders, industry, and regulators, and with writing, proofreading, and editing regulatory applications, project proposals, and other documentation.

‍Her diploma in hospitality management enables Kristin to apply her 15 years of experience supporting hundreds of clients projects’ planning, organizing, and staging both small and large-scale events, including community consultation events, open houses, workshops, and multi-party mediation through permitting, construction and operations.

In her time outside Communica, Kristin can be found in her art studio painting or in her workshop designing and building small wood crafts and refinishing furniture.

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“I don’t want my thoughts to die with me, I want to have done something. I’m not interested in power, or piles of money. I want to leave something behind. I want to make a positive contribution - know that my life has meaning.” ― Temple Grandin

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Magda Modzelewski brings experience as a creative writer and editor for a diverse range of industries. Her strongest skills are attention to detail and resourcefulness. In her spare time, Magda likes to walk her dogs, paint, play the piano and spend time with friends and family.

"Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.” Unknown

Tabitha joined Communica’s SIM team in November 2019. Prior to joining Communica, Tabitha developed knowledge and experience across various industries including Oil and Gas, Government, Real Estate and Wildlife Management. Tabitha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society, a Bachelor of Arts in History, and a Master in Business Administration.

Tabitha draws on her skills in analysis, writing, and critical thinking to provide superior support to clients and the SIM team.

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” - Henry Ford

Michelle is an Indigenous engagement and facilitation specialist, who has worked with over 60 Indigenous communities throughout Alberta, B.C. and the Yukon collecting Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) during biophysical assessments, and conducting Traditional Land Use (TLU) studies for large scale projects. Michelle has extensive experience incorporating Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge (ATK) into environmental assessments for various regulatory bodies.

Michelle has also worked in stakeholder engagement, designing and implementing successful engagement programs for development projects. She completed training in Public Participation from the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2). Michelle is a born and raised Calgarian and holds a Bachelor of Design from the Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD).

“A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.” – Anonymous

Tim brings over 20 years of Energy Industry public affairs and engagement experience in both Canada and the US to his role as Senior Manager, Engagement at Communica.   Known for his diverse leadership and conflict management skills, Tim has led hundreds of teams in a wide variety of energy sector projects in different regulatory jurisdictions through the lifecycle of an asset.

Tim has been an active member on the CER Land Matters Group and was a designer & implementer of Alternative Dispute Resolution Programs for the CER, AER and BC OGC.  Tim is Chartered Mediator with the ADR Institute of Canada and has mediated hundreds of energy industry and public disputes, enabling him and Communica to support their clients to better navigate through complex work and enable better Indigenous and stakeholder relationships with companies.

Tim has a Master of Laws degree from Osgoode Hall Law School and ensures that our clients work always has the best chance of permitting success with a balance of meaningful stakeholder involvement that enhances understanding, trust and a company’s reputation in the community.

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“Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.”  Auguste Rodin

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Based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Alexandra is a communications professional with extensive international energy sector expertise, including a decade spent between super-majors Shell and BP. As a big picture thinker who is skilled in providing counsel and coaching on matters including reputation and risk management, corporate identity and crisis communication, Alexandra is also experienced in strategy and planning, people and issues management.

Alexandra is a strategist, communicator, thinking partner, and a certified executive and leadership coach (CEC), who has worked globally with an array of organizations, leaders and teams to help manage issues and minimize risk.

Her strengths include strategic and communication planning, issues and crisis management, and leadership coaching. Alexandra is also skilled in reputation and risk management, stakeholder engagement, media relations, crisis communication, facilitation, and financial and corporate communications.  She holds a BA in Linguistics, a Diploma in Public Relations and a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching.

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"Dwell in possibility." Emily Dickinson

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Leticia holds a Bachelor of International Relations and Affairs, as well as a Diploma in Business Administration with a Financial Planning Major. With a passion for solution development and internal processes, her expertise is compliance, audit, and interpersonal communication.

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Her relentless curiosity and analytical thinking allowed her to acquire project management experience through different industries such as Industrial Automation, Finance, Infrastructure, Engineering, and Manufacturing. With a client-centric approach she has been responsible for implementing and monitoring systems such as Salesforce and acquiring ISO certifications for her previous companies. Now she leverages her skills to focus on effective stakeholder information management.
Leticia also engaged in many academic extracurricular activities, such as being the Vice President of the International Student’s Club, community and campus volunteering, and representing her institution in competitions, including the Oxford Global Challenge. In her free time, she is an avid reader and enjoys taking educational courses.

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"Seek first to understand then to be understood." - Stephen Covey

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Kaylyn primarily assists energy projects navigating Canada’s complex regulatory environment, including the Aboriginal Consultation Office, Alberta Energy Regulator, Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, and Canada Energy Regulator consultation and notification requirements. Kaylyn has worked on over 25 projects with First Nation and Métis Settlements as well as other project stakeholders in western and northern Canada. Kaylyn has been instrumental to organizations who require comprehensive stakeholder research, consultation documentation, reporting and analytics, and event support.

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"Good communication is just as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.” - Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Carly has experience in the public relations, environmental and energy industries with education comprised of Environmental Science, Surface Land Management and Corporate Sustainability.

She has facilitated stakeholder information management work on more than 25 LNG, renewable, mining, infrastructure, and terminal projects across Canada with regulators including the Alberta Energy Regulator, the Alberta Utilities Commission, the Aboriginal Consultation Office, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, the Natural Resources Conservation Board, the Canada Energy Regulator, the BC Oil and Gas Commission and the Ontario Energy Board. Additionally, Carly has supported engagement and communication efforts for both regulatory and community engagement teams with Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholder groups at the provincial and federal regulatory level.

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“Opportunity is missed by most, because it’s dressed in overalls and looks like work.” - Thomas Edison

Kelsey Norton, is a Non-Status Nalaka’pamux from Spuzzum, British Columbia. Kesley is available to support in both British Columbia and Alberta.

Prior to Communica, Kelsey was employed by CNRL as a Stakeholder Relations Advisor. During this time, Kelsey has worked closely with many First Nation and Métis communities providing consultation on various Canadian Natural projects as well as community investment, education, training, and employment opportunities.

Nathaniel has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Alberta University of the Arts. From the intersection of art, design, and commerce, Nathaniel brings experience as a creative producer for various industries. He is passionate about growing businesses and has been in the trenches with local startups focusing on client care.

I can do things you cannot; you can do things I cannot; together, we can do great things. -St. Teresa of Calcutta

Jennifer joined the Communica SIM team in January 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, NS and Human Resources Management Certificate from the University of Calgary. Jennifer has a background in social services and human resources administration and brings several years of experience in database and information management to her role as Communica SIM Analyst. Through this role, Jennifer has supported information management for various major energy and infrastructure projects across Canada including those regulated by the BC Environmental Assessment Office, BC Oil and Gas Commission, Alberta Energy Regulator, Aboriginal Consultation Office, Manitoba Ministry of Agriculture and Resource Development, Ontario Energy Board, Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, and the Natural Resources Conservation Board.

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” – Dalai Lama

Celestine led Indigenous Engagement at Trilogy Energy Ltd., where she was accountable for all consultation with First Nations. In that role, she successfully built and maintained business relationships with many Indigenous communities in Treaties 6, 7 and 8 along with Métis Settlements that are active in Alberta and British Columbia. Additionally, Celestine has been an instrumental part of Surface Land leadership where she has directed acquisition projects from planning stages through to construction and operations from minor facilities to large scale infrastructure projects. Working in the Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan areas, she has developed a thorough understanding of AER, ACO, OGC and CER regulations/guidelines.

Brenda has 20 years of experience that blends communications expertise with a deep understanding of the policy and regulatory context. Brenda supports clients in building relationships with stakeholders by focusing on issues that make a difference and ensuring consultation and communications are in alignment with business objectives and relevant regulatory frameworks. She is a strategic planner, supported by strong facilitation and writing skills.

Brenda has provided leadership in communications and regulatory operations and development, including counsel to executives on regulatory and public affairs issues.

Brenda has a BSc Specializing in Zoology and a Diploma in Public Relations. She is an accredited business communicator with the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." - Mahatma Gandhi

Michelle started working with Communica in 2015 as the Accounting Coordinator and has since progressed to the role of Accounting Manager. Michelle is responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, along with many other accounting functions.

“Light a candle instead of cursing the darkness.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Iain is a solution architect with over twenty years of technology experience covering a variety of market sectors such as oil and gas, retail energy, defence, land management and stakeholder engagement.

He is responsible for ensuring that best practices are maintained at all levels of software development. He also plays a key role in planning and executing the strategic direction of Communica.

Tracey is a focused and energetic professional with substantial experience in the energy industry. She has strong stakeholder, Indigenous, government relations skills, strategic thinking and executive communications skills; complemented by leadership roles and experience in natural gas, oil sands, renewables in Alberta, BC, NWT, USA, Australia.

For some 23 years, Tracey worked for Suncor Energy in a variety of senior Indigenous engagement roles, including as Director – Indigenous & Community Relations, Wood Buffalo.

In this capacity, Tracey led the Wood Buffalo Indigenous and community relations team and negotiated multiple long-term agreements with many First Nation and Metis communities in the Wood Buffalo region. Additionally, Tracey led regional Indigenous and community relations strategy work, assessing opportunities to provide an integrated view of the region, specifically identifying opportunities and risks.

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Samantha has a wide range of experience in developing and executing strategic engagement and communications plans and writing regulatory applications for renewable energy, pipeline and infrastructure projects. Samantha is well-versed in both stakeholder engagement and strategic communications. She is experienced in planning and implementing open houses across the province and been instrumental in developing communication collateral including open house displays, newsletters and web content.

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“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein

Victor Yan is currently Network Operations Manager of Communica, he has over 20 years of experience in IT infrastructure and operations management.

Prior to Communica, Victor spent over 15 years as an IT manager in a variety of industries, including Information Technology, Power, Newspaper and Construction. He had a wide range of responsibilities including overseeing all technology operations, devising and establishing IT policies and systems, and analyzing the business requirements of all departments to determine their technology needs.

As the Network Operations Manager of Communica, Mr. Yan has a solid understanding of IT operations, optimization and continuous improvement. He has worked closely with many of the leading vendors to shape IT strategy.

“Once you stop learning you start dying.” - Albert Einstein

Frank joined Communica as a Senior Associate in 2020.  He was a collaborator and co-author of Breaking New Ground: Mining Minerals and Sustainable Development (International Institute for Environment and Development {IIED}); a comprehensive road map to sustainability in the mining sector. He has led corporate teams in the development of sustainability and ESG strategy. He has advised Executive Teams and Boards and has negotiated with senior levels of government, NGOs and civil society on a range of social license, issues and contentious high-risk matters in regulated and less-regulated jurisdictions.

Frank is a past associate faculty member on the Executive Program in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at McGill University. He has engaged with leading global institutions on responsible and sustainable operations in the extractives including the World Bank / IFC, The Global Compact, UN, WBCSD, and many others. Frank was elected by members to represent international oil companies on the Steering Committee and Board of the Voluntary Principles.

Frank has a doctorate from McGill University and has taught resource management and sustainability at universities in Canada, New Zealand and the University of the South Pacific in Fiji.

Jade brings experience in stakeholder and Indigenous engagement, policy research and analysis, and communications to her role at Communica. She holds a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta. Outside of work, Jade enjoys spending her time hiking, skiing, and cooking.

“Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping.” Jordan Peterson

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