The VP, External Relations has oversight of government relations, university relations and partnerships strategy and supports the Shad team in its organizational strategic operations.

Rob is most impressed with Shad’s focus on providing youth with an experience that equips them with new tools and a pan-Canadian perspective that will enable them to become our country’s future leaders, making positive impacts in whatever careers they choose to pursue.

Prior to joining Shad, Rob spent 15 years leading government relations and economic development activities at two Canadian universities. Before that, Rob spent eight years working in and around the provincial legislature including time leading policy development in the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Rob has a Master of Communications Management from the McMaster-Syracuse program and two undergraduate degrees from McMaster University.

In his spare time, Rob enjoys walking his giant dogs, golfing, playing hockey and baseball, and coaching and cheering on his three children at various arenas and diamonds across southern Ontario.