Keep calm & respond: lessons on COVID-19 from senior communicators

Lessons from top leaders on managing crisis communications during COVID-19.

A virtual breakfast event on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. EDT.
Zoom webinar hosted by IABC/Toronto President, Russell Baker

FREE to IABC Members
$15: Non-member rate ($16.95 with HST)

The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a renewed interest in how to manage communications during a crisis.

Join IABC/Toronto and fellow communicators for a virtual breakfast session with four of Toronto’s leading senior communicators. Learn from those on the frontlines how to manage crises from everyday communications to large scale crisis events, stay prepared and effectively communicate important information to key audiences.

Featured Speakers:

Gillian Howard, Vice President, Public Affairs & Communications, University Health Network

With more than 30 years in communications, Gillian Howard has led portfolios at Famous Players Theatres, the Ontario Cancer Institute/Princess Margaret Hospital, McMaster University and St. Michael’s Hospital. Gillian now manages public affairs and communications at UHN, a health care and medical research organization at Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and The Michener Institute of Education. She holds degrees from York University, the University of Toronto and Ryerson University.

Sophie Nadeau, National Media Lead & Executive Media Trainer, Edelman

Sophie Nadeau is a fluently bilingual media expert with over 20 years of experience in newsrooms and boardrooms navigating the complicated world of storytelling and public relations. She heads Edelman’s skilled national media team and leads strategic media counsel for key clients, specializing in complex narrative challenges and executive media training. Sophie holds a master’s degree in communications (with honours) from the University of Ottawa (Ontario) as well as a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications from the University of Regina (Saskatchewan).

Brad Ross, Chief Communications Officer,  City of Toronto

Brad Ross has been Chief Communications Officer for the City of Toronto since January 2019, when he returned to the City after 11 years with the Toronto Transit Commission as its Executive Director of Corporate Communications. Prior to joining the TTC, he was Manager of Issues Management and Media Relations for the City of Toronto. Brad’s expertise ranges from social media to media relations, issues management to crisis planning and response, video production to employee engagement to leadership communications. Brad is on the front lines of public communications, supporting his team, peers and leaders with agile communications that are accessible, accountable and transparent. 

Jackie DeSouza, Director, Corporate Communications, Ontario Power Generation

Jackie DeSouza joined Ontario Power Generation (OPG) as Director, Corporate Communications in July 2018. As part of the Corporate Affairs team, she is responsible for leading and implementing a robust communications program including media relations, issues management and internal communications. Prior to joining OPG, Jackie spent nearly eight years as Director, Strategic Communications at the City of Toronto. She has also held senior communications and marketing roles at Mount Sinai Hospital, the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Ontario Public Service, and started her career many years ago as a journalist.

REGISTER NOW