Highlights From Our Team’s Recent Impactful Projects

At Keynote Search, we measure our success not only by the placements we make, but by the long-term impact our work has on organizations, leaders, and communities. Over the past year, our team has been fortunate to partner with incredible organizations across diverse industries, helping them find the right leadership, strengthen their teams, and position themselves for future success.

Here are some recent highlights from our team:

Building Stronger Community Organizations

By Brenda Kirkwood, VP, Coaching & Integration

I’m proud of the multi-year relationships I’ve built with two incredible community organizations: the Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group (GNAG) and the Ottawa Safety Council (OSC).

My work with GNAG began with supporting the integration of a new Executive Director. This then evolved into leading a strategic planning process with their board. Together, we developed a roadmap that now guides programming and ensures financial sustainability for years to come.

With OSC, I initially coached their new Executive Director through a leadership transition and later provided DISC assessments and management training to the leadership team. This helped them strengthen collaboration and deepen their understanding of one another, building a strong foundation for the future.

Watching both organizations thrive and expand their positive community impact has been a privilege.

Helping Mont Cascades Reach New Heights

By Donna Baker, Partner & Co-Founder

Working on the search for Mont Cascades’ new General Manager was both exciting and fulfilling. The resort’s vision to become a premier four-season destination in the National Capital Region made the project especially compelling.

When I met Steven Spiessman, his extensive experience in resort operations, entrepreneurial mindset, and proven leadership made him an ideal fit. Connecting someone with such a rich background in the ski and resort industry to a company with so much potential was inspiring. I’m eager to see how Steven’s leadership shapes Mont Cascades’ future.

Partnering With Egg Farmers of Canada

By Donna Baker, Partner & Co-Founder

Leading the CFO search for Egg Farmers of Canada (EFC) was an immensely enjoyable process. EFC’s mission to support Canadian farmers and drive sustainability in egg farming is inspiring, and finding a leader to contribute to that mission was a privilege.

Meeting Camille Ringrose was a standout moment—her results-driven yet collaborative leadership style made her a perfect fit for EFC’s needs. This project reinforced how rewarding it is to connect exceptional leaders with organizations that make a tangible impact.

Elevating the Maritime Industry

By Stephanie Aloia, Director

A highlight of the past year was partnering with The National Maritime Group (NMG) on their CEO search. NMG unites private sector maritime operators to advocate for a strong and competitive maritime industry with a focus on sustainability, safety, and economic growth.

We conducted a nationwide search to find a leader who could elevate this emerging organization. Ultimately, Derrick Hynes was selected and has already made a positive impact in his role. Knowing our team played a role in his success is a reminder of why we do what we do.

Supporting Mental Health Leadership

By Alina Shimshoon, Senior Associate

One of the most inspiring searches I was involved in was for the Distress Centre of Ottawa & Region (DCOR) as they sought a new Executive Director.

This organization plays a vital role in our mental health support system, and connecting with candidates and board members who are so deeply committed to the cause was truly moving. It was an honour to support a transition that ensures DCOR can continue its life-changing work in our community.

Purpose-Driven Searches: Advocacy in Action

By Stephanie Williams, Senior Associate

A highlight of the past year was leading the COO search for the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC). This role required a leader who could balance governance, advocacy, and operational leadership within a unionized, member-driven environment.

Engaging with candidates so deeply committed to public service was both inspiring and humbling. Supporting PIPSC in strengthening its leadership team was a privilege, and it was gratifying to know this work will help them continue their important advocacy for members across the country.

Advancing Mental Health in Our Community

By Kelsey Mayo, Manager

Looking back on my work over the years, I’m especially proud of my collaboration with the Royal Ottawa Foundation. Supporting their mission to advance mental health in our community and working alongside Chris Ide, CEO, and the Foundation’s team was an incredible experience.

Helping to place Ingrid Gingras in Marketing and Communications and Tracy Donahue in Philanthropy was a highlight, both bring the kind of leadership, expertise, and passion that will help the Foundation reach new heights in fundraising and awareness.

It’s always rewarding to connect strong leaders with organizations doing such meaningful work, and I’m excited to see how Ingrid and Tracy will contribute to the Foundation’s ambitious goals for mental health support in our community.

Building Leadership at the Ottawa Food Bank

By Kelsey Mayo, Manager

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is building long-term partnerships with organizations that have such a meaningful impact in our community. The Ottawa Food Bank is a great example.

In 2020, I had the opportunity to support the Board in placing their CEO, Rachael Wilson. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to partner with her in growing the leadership team, welcoming Andrew Conroy, Tricia Johnson, and Idowu Nafiu into their roles.

Seeing how this team has grown and contributed to the organization has been truly inspiring. The Ottawa Food Bank plays a vital role in our city, and I’m proud to have supported them in building a team that’s driving that mission forward.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to see the continued impact this team will have on fighting food insecurity and supporting our community, and I feel lucky to be part of that journey.

Final Thoughts

Each of these projects reflects what drives us at Keynote Search: connecting exceptional leaders with organizations that make a lasting difference. Whether it’s supporting community-based groups, advancing sustainability initiatives, or strengthening Canadian industries, we’re proud to partner with clients who trust us with their most important leadership decisions.

At the end of the day, it’s about more than executive search, it’s about building legacies of leadership that matter. If your organization is preparing for a leadership transition or looking to strengthen its executive team, connect with us today.