Proof Strategies Grows Government Relations and Public Affairs Team
Toronto, ON – July 18, 2023 – Proof Strategies is expanding its integrated team of Government Relations and Public Affairs professionals with several new colleagues.
The bilingual, multipartisan team works nationally, provincially and locally, and is a powerful blend of experience from Minister’s offices, Parliament, journalism, Crown agencies, policy groups and the corporate world.
“This team of collaborative, talented public policy experts is the strongest in our company’s history,” said Bruce MacLellan, President & CEO of Proof Strategies. “Every day, we work as trusted partners to our clients to help them navigate the policy process and win in public opinion at the highest possible standards.”
Earlier this year, the Government Relations and Public Affairs team was integrated under the leadership of Melody Gaukel, Senior Vice President and National Lead. Melody is a 25-year veteran of the industry, with extensive experience in complex, multi-stakeholder projects and management. With more than 10 years of experience at Proof Strategies, her clients are often in highly regulated environments, requiring a deep understanding of governments and policy implications.
“We work with clients to deeply understand their organization and the role government plays within it so that we can build the best team to address the opportunities ahead,” said Melody Gaukel, Senior Vice President. “Our team’s size allows us to scale when needed and provide a holistic approach to working with clients to solve problems, deliver results and build trust.”
The expanded team also includes Indigenous knowledge and insight. Amelia Williams has joined Proof Strategies as a Director in the Toronto office, having worked previously in community engagement with TC Energy. Amelia brings strong Indigenous affairs expertise and has held various policy related roles, including as a Policy Analyst with Chiefs of Ontario.
Also joining the team in Toronto is Alexandra Valcour as Director, Public Affairs. She has worked in consulting and was previously a Senior Policy Advisor in the office of Ontario’s Minister of Long-Term Care and spent time as a Policy Advisor for the Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy in his role as President of the Treasury Board of Ontario. Prior to this, she also supported the Federal Status of Women and worked with the Oshawa Chamber of Commerce – bringing additional federal and municipal experience to the team.
“As always, we extend sincere appreciation to our clients for their continued partnership and collaboration,” added Gaukel. “We’re excited by the challenges and look forward to further successes.”
About Proof Strategies
Proof Strategies is a communications, public affairs and government relations partner that Asks Better Questions.™ As an independent agency founded in 1994, Proof Strategies has earned more than 325 awards for client work and industry leadership, including Best Workplace in Canada in 2010 by Great Place to Work™, Large Agency Team of the Year in 2020 and 2023 by the Canadian Public Relations Society, and Caring Company Certification in 2022 by Imagine Canada. The Proof Strategies CanTrust Index™ is a leading source of insight on trust in Canada. Learn more at getproof.com and follow @get_proof on Twitter and Instagram.
Media contact:
Maddy Porter
Associate Account Director, Proof Strategies