Meet the Secretary’s team

Helen Angus

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Health

Helen Angus has served as the Deputy Minister of Health since June 2018, including serving as the Deputy Minister of Health and Long-Term Care from June 2018- June 2019.

Helen has also served as the Deputy Minister of Treasury Board Secretariat and the Secretary of Treasury Board and Management Board of Cabinet. Previously, she was Deputy Minister of International Trade and Deputy Responsible for Women’s Issues, and Deputy Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade. Helen has also served as an Associate Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care with responsibility for Policy and Transformation.

Prior to her return to the Ontario Public Service in 2012, Helen served as the Vice President responsible for the Ontario Renal Network at Cancer Care Ontario (CCO). She was also CCO’s Vice President of Planning and Strategic Implementation and Vice President of Research and Analysis at the Canadian Institute for Health Information.

Helen holds a Master of Science degree in planning from the University of Toronto.

Shawn Batise

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Indigenous Affairs

Shawn Batise became Deputy Minister of Indigenous Affairs in August 2019.

He is a proud member of Matachewan First Nation and began his career in policy and negotiations as the Executive Director of the Wabun Tribal Council, which represents six First Nation communities in northeastern Ontario. As Executive Director, Shawn was responsible for overseeing the Council’s day-to-day operations. He served in this position for 20 years, representing Wabun’s member communities in negotiations.

Under Shawn’s leadership, Wabun negotiated Treaty Land Entitlements, the first federal health transfer in Ontario, and resource development agreements, in addition to five Impact and Benefits Agreements, and over 50 Memoranda of Understanding with exploration companies. Shawn also found time to further his education, and in 2012 received an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Governance from Ryerson University.

In 2016, Shawn joined the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs as Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) to the Negotiations and Reconciliation Division, before moving into the ADM role in the Indigenous Relations and Programs Division. Since joining the Ontario Public Service, Shawn has been actively involved in key files, including:

• Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women and Girls
• Indigenous Economic Development Fund and New Relationship Fund
• Ring of Fire
• Social Emergencies
• Wataynikaneyap Power

Over the years his dedication, commitment and advocacy of First Nations issues at local, regional and national levels in policy and political forums have earned Shawn the respect of Indigenous, government and industry leaders.

Shawn makes his home in Toronto with his partner, Irma and son, Quinton. His daughter, Samyra, lives in Timmins.

Lynn Betzner

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs
Associate Secretary of the Cabinet

Lynn Betzner has served as the Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs since 2014. She also serves as the Associate Secretary of Cabinet.

Lynn has held a number of senior leadership roles within the Ontario Public Service, including Deputy Minister of Communications, Assistant Deputy Minister, Communications and Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Communications. She has also held executive positions across a number of different ministries, notably Energy, the Environment and Transportation.

She holds a Master of Arts in public administration from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Public Administration from Carleton University. Lynn has also completed an executive management program at the Rotman School of Management.

Nina Chiarelli

Deputy Minister, Communications, Cabinet Office
Associate Secretary of the Cabinet

Nina Chiarelli was appointed Associate Secretary of the Cabinet in July 2021 and Deputy Minister of Communications in June 2019.

She brings more than a decade of extensive leadership experience as an executive in government communications and providing public policy leadership in the areas of resource development, electricity and energy security and Indigenous affairs. Recently, Nina was the director of communications for the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM) and chief of staff to the Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, and Minister of Indigenous Affairs.

She has also held a range of senior leadership positions with the federal and British Columbia governments. In those roles, Nina advised the Prime Minister of Canada and two provincial Premiers. In Ottawa, she was press secretary and director of communications to several federal cabinet ministers and manager of Question Period for the Prime Minister. In British Columbia, she was the director of communication for the ministries of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, and the Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat in the Office of the Premier. Nina also oversaw strategic planning as the director of the province’s central Government Communication and Public Engagement agency.

Prior to her roles in federal and provincial governments, Nina was a journalist in New Brunswick covering legislative affairs and was a stringer for Time Magazine contributing articles about the Canadian political landscape.

Nina is committed to developing talent and inspiring new leaders as a former mentor in Cabinet Office’s Developing Communications Leaders Program and the Diversity Career Champions program at MNDM. She has also been awarded for her work as a champion of diversity and inclusion.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Western Ontario and is completing a certificate in public management from the Schulich School of Business.

Denise Cole

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Deputy Minister, Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility

Denise Cole became Deputy Minister for Seniors and Accessibility in July 2019. She was appointed Deputy Minister for Children, Community and Social Services in July 2021, and will continue to serve as Deputy Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, while a recruitment process is conducted.

Before becoming Deputy Minister, Denise was with Ministry of the Attorney General as the Assistant Deputy Attorney General, Strategic Initiatives.

Denise has been in the OPS since 2010 and has held senior executive positions in a number of ministries. Denise is a transformational leader with extensive experience in the human services sector and has led complex transformation initiatives with cross-divisional and cross ministry implications.

Prior to joining the OPS, Denise was Partner and Vice-President with a public affairs firm where she provided strategic advice to a diverse array of clients on public policy and government issues. She has also worked in senior positions within the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government.

Community involvement and volunteering are enormously important to Denise, and she is a recipient of the Governor General’s Commemorative Medal on the 125^th Anniversary of the Canadian Confederation, which was awarded to individuals who have made a significant contribution to their fellow citizens, to their community, or to Canada. Denise is profiled in the inaugural edition of the book 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women, and in Jamaicans in Canada: When Ackee Meets Codfish, as one of 250 individuals born in Jamaica who have made extraordinary contributions to Canada.

Denise is a graduate of McMaster University. When she is not being a doting auntie or godmother, she is learning to play the saxophone.

David Corbett

Deputy Attorney General

David Corbett became Deputy Attorney General in August 2020.

David joined the OPS as Deputy Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development in August 2019.

Previously, David was Chair of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT). His focus as Chair was reducing the time it took for appeals to be heard and expanding the use of digital technologies.

David was a partner at Fasken where he practiced law from his days as an articling student until his appointment as WSIAT Chair. David was also a member of the Fasken Labour, Employment and Human Rights practice.

During his years at Fasken, David was involved in many aspects of labour, employment and human rights law on behalf of employees, unions and employers. His experience includes collective bargaining, grievance and interest arbitration, labour board matters, occupational health and safety, workers’ compensation, employment standards, human rights and pay equity. David appeared before both provincial and federal tribunals and courts.

David also served as the global managing partner of Fasken for nine years between 2006 and 2015 and the Ontario regional managing partner for three years between 2003 and 2006. David began the labour, employment and human rights practice of Fasken Toronto in 1984. Prior to that, David practiced as a corporate and commercial lawyer.

Mario Di Tommaso

Deputy Solicitor General, Community Safety

Mario Di Tommaso was appointed Deputy Solicitor General of Community Safety in October 2018.

Previously, Mario held the rank of Staff Superintendent of Communities and Neighbourhood Command with the Toronto Police Service. Mario has more than 38 years of progressive policing experience in community safety, homicide, major crime, intelligence, national security, drug investigations, major incident management and community relations. In his role as Staff Superintendent, Mario was responsible for 8 police Divisions, Traffic Operations, Community Partnerships & Engagement Unit. He oversaw a staff of approximately 2250 officers, 500 civilians and a $300M budget.

Mario held a number of positions over his distinguished career at the Toronto Police Service and served on various committees including, but not limited to, the Mayor’s Committee on Supervised Injection and Overdose Prevention sites and the Toronto Drug Strategy Implementation Panel. Mario has also co-chaired the Chief of Police’s Muslim Community Consultative Committee. In 2017, Mario represented the Toronto Police Service in, and graduated from the IALG – Pearls in Policing Program, a Senior International Police Leadership Program.

Mario holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Justice Studies from the University of Guelph Humber, a Certificate in Law Enforcement and Administration from the University of Toronto, and is a Graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police. He also holds his Certified Municipal Manager designation.

Mario was invested into the Order of Merit for the Police Forces by the Governor General at the Officer rank, and has received the Police Exemplary Service Medal - 30 year bar, and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Karen Ellis

Deputy Solicitor General, Correctional Services

Karen Ellis became Deputy Solicitor General, Correctional Services in July 2021.

Karen has over 30 years of diverse and extensive experience in Canada’s federal public service encompassing policy, operations, service delivery and three regional postings. She has worked in 11 different federal departments and agencies including the Privy Council Office, National Defence, the Canada Revenue Agency, Natural Resources Canada and Veterans Affairs.

As a federal executive, Karen held increasingly senior positions over 20 years, culminating in 7 years as an Associate Deputy Minister, in 3 different posts.

Karen has led diverse teams to many accomplishments, through significant changes, and has adapted successfully to different mandates and cultures throughout her career.

Most recently, Karen served as the Assistant Deputy Minister of Institutional Services within the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General, where she had strategic and operational oversight and accountability for 25 adult correctional facilities, including provincial jails, detention centres, correctional centres, and treatment centres.

Karen brings her focus on people, and her expertise and experience in change management and leadership development to all of her work in public service.

Kevin Finnerty

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries

Kevin Finnerty became Deputy Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries in July 2021.

Before that, Kevin was the Assistant Deputy Minister of Heritage, Tourism and Culture Division in the same ministry. He has been with the OPS for over 30 years, and previously held the role of Assistant Deputy Minister of Communications with the Ministry of Health.

Marie-Lison Fougère

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Francophone Affairs
Deputy Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues

Marie-Lison was appointed Deputy Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues in March 2020. She also continues to serve as the Deputy Minister for Francophone Affairs. Previously, she was the Deputy Minister of Long-Term Care and the Deputy Minister for Seniors and Accessibility.

Marie-Lison has more than 25 years of experience in the Ontario Public Service.

Her prior positions include Interim Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities; Assistant Deputy Minister of the Strategic Policy and Programs Division at the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities; Assistant Deputy Minister at the Office of Francophone Affairs; and a variety of senior management roles at the Ministry of Education.

Marie-Lison studied political science and German literature at Dalhousie University in Halifax and Heidelberg University in Germany. She holds a Master’s degree from York University in Toronto and is fluent in French, English and German.

Kevin French

Deputy Minister and Strategic Advisor in Cabinet Office

Kevin French is supporting the recovery from the pandemic until September 2021.

Kevin French was previously appointed Deputy Minister, Treasury Board Secretariat and Secretary of Treasury Board and Management Board of Cabinet in June 2019. Previously, he was the Deputy Minister, Government Services, Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. There, he led Ontario Shared Services, I+IT, Government Real Estate (including the Queen’s Park Reconstruction Project) and Information, Privacy and Archives.

Kevin has a background in corporate financial management and brings big picture thinking to drive long-term, sustainable outcomes for the programs he leads. During his 30-year career in public service, he has helped the province respond to the Walkerton drinking water crisis, supported the development of several Ontario budgets, and worked collaboratively with the federal government to deliver job development and training programs. He has also led government service transformation initiatives in his previous roles, including Associate Deputy Minister at Treasury Board Secretariat and Ontario Shared Services and interim Deputy Minister of Government and Consumer Services.

Kevin holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Western Ontario, a Master’s in public administration from Queen’s University and has completed the Executive Development Program and Public Executive Program through Queen’s University. He also attended the Strategic Management of Regulatory Agencies Program from the Kennedy School at Harvard University.

Giles Gherson

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Deputy Minister, Small Business and Red Tape Reduction

Giles Gherson is the Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and the Deputy Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction.

Previously, he was appointed Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Science, and Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Growth and Deputy Minister Responsible for Small Business.

Giles served as Deputy Minister of Communications and Associate Secretary of the Cabinet, and he has been a leading force in modernizing government communications.

Giles also served as Deputy Minister of Policy and Delivery and Associate Secretary of the Cabinet, and Deputy Minister of Consumer Services.

Prior to joining the Ontario government, Giles was, successively, editor-in-chief of the Toronto Star, editor of the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business, and editor-in-chief of the Edmonton Journal. He has worked as an editor, reporter and columnist in Washington, Ottawa and Edmonton.

During the mid-1990s, Giles served as principal secretary for social security reform in the federal Department of Human Resources Development.

Chris Giannekos

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Infrastructure

Chris was appointed Deputy Minister of Infrastructure in December 2018. Previously, he was Associate Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, leading the development and oversight of the province’s infrastructure plan and related federal/provincial and municipal programs.

He comes to Infrastructure from the Ministry of Finance where, as the Assistant Deputy Minister, Office of the Budget, he provided oversight and coordinated the development of the annual Budget, the Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review, and also advised on fiscal policy and fiscal arrangements with the federal government.

Chris previously held the position of Assistant Deputy Minister in the Capital Planning Division of Treasury Board Secretariat responsible for infrastructure planning. He led the infrastructure component of the Results-based Planning and Estimates processes and policy development related to alternative financing and procurement for large infrastructure projects.

Chris joined the Ministry of Infrastructure after holding progressively senior positions in Cabinet Office, including Director and Executive Assistant to the Secretary of the Cabinet and the Director of the Executive Council Office. He has over 25 years of experience in the Ontario Public Service and has served in six ministries to date. Much of his career experience has focused on business planning, cabinet and budget decision making processes, federal/provincial cost sharing programs as well as transportation and municipal policy.

Chris holds an MBA and MA in economics from Dalhousie University.

Martha Greenberg

Deputy Minister, Policy and Delivery, Cabinet Office
Associate Secretary of the Cabinet

Martha Greenberg became Deputy Minister of Policy and Delivery at Cabinet Office and Associate Secretary of the Cabinet in February 2019. As the Deputy for Policy and Delivery, she works with all ministries and the Premier’s Office to develop and deliver the government’s policy and legislative agenda.

Martha previously had carriage over the economic, environmental, resource, transportation, justice and intergovernmental aspects of the government’s policy agenda, as an Assistant Deputy Minister within Cabinet Office.

Prior to joining Cabinet Office, Martha worked at the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in various roles, including in Health Promotion working on policies and programs that promote healthier choices and supportive environments. She also worked in the Transformation Secretariat, providing leadership for health-system transformation and initiating the ministry’s strategy around patient empowerment. Martha began her OPS career working in various roles in infrastructure and energy.

Martha holds a Bachelor of Science from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Master of Science from Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Hillary Hartley

Chief Digital and Data Officer
Deputy Minister of Ontario Digital Service

Hillary Hartley is Ontario’s Chief Digital and Data Officer and Deputy Minister, of Ontario Digital Service. As the head of the Ontario Digital Service, Hillary is responsible for leading the government’s digital transformation efforts and the administration of the Simpler, Faster, Better Services Act to deliver simpler, more easily accessible services for the people, communities and businesses of Ontario.

Hillary joined the provincial government in April 2017 as Deputy Minister Responsible for Digital Government. She also served as Deputy Minister of Consumer Services, where she led the government’s retail services operation (ServiceOntario), and programs focused on consumer protection.

Previously, Hillary was the Deputy Executive Director of 18F, a digital services agency in the U.S. federal government, and was a Presidential Innovation Fellow in 2013. She has worked with governments, across jurisdictions, for more than twenty years, serving as a director at NIC Inc., an organization that helps governments deliver programs and services online.

Serge Imbrogno

Deputy Minister, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks

Serge Imbrogno was appointed Deputy Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks in June 2018.

Serge served as the Deputy Minister of Energy from April 2012 – June 2018. Previously, he served as the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Corporate and Electricity Finance Division in the Ontario Financing Authority. He has been a member of the board of directors of the Ontario Electricity Financial Corporation since April 2008.

Serge has also held senior positions at the Ministry of Finance, in the former ministries of Industry, Trade and Technology and Consumer and Commercial Relations, and at the Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth.

Serge has an Honours Bachelor degree in economics and history from McMaster University and a Master of Arts in economics from the University of Western Ontario.

John Kelly

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

John Kelly was appointed Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) in August 2020.

John brings more than 25 years of leadership in the agricultural, food and life sciences industries, spanning private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Prior to joining OMAFRA, John was Chief Innovation Officer at Bioenterprise Corporation, where he was responsible for leading the acceleration of agri-tech business ventures. John has also held senior-level roles in organizations such as DNAstack Inc., Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association and MaRS Landing.

John holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the University of Guelph and a Master of Science from the University of Alberta.

Renu Kulendran

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Government and Consumer Services

Renu Kulendran was appointed Deputy Minister of Government and Consumer Services in July 2021.

Renu has over 32 years of Ontario Public Service experience in diverse policy, regulatory, licensing, enforcement and program delivery environments across several ministries, including Education, Labour, Training and Skills Development, and Cabinet Office. She was most recently the Associate Deputy Minister, ServiceOntario, at the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services.

Prior to joining MGCS, Renu was the Assistant Deputy Minister, Community Services, at the Ministry of the Solicitor General where she championed community reintegration planning, modernizing frontline staff training and investing in technological solutions. Renu was also responsible for leading Ontario’s response to the federal government’s legalization of recreational cannabis. This work at the Ministry of the Attorney General involved leading collaboration across government, First Nations communities, municipalities, police services, public health and education stakeholders, along with extensive engagement with Health Canada and Justice Canada. She also led the delivery of consumer and business services, regulatory compliance, and enforcement programs as Assistant Deputy Minister of Consumer Service Operations in MGCS.

Renu is a collaborative operational and policy leader and has demonstrated success in diverse regulatory and operational environments. She is politically astute and has a strong record in leading transformation. As a leader, Renu continuously strives to embed diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism into organizational practices, including as Executive Sponsor of Tamils in Public Service.

Renu holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English and History from the University of Toronto and has completed the Executive Development Program and Public Executive Program through Queen’s University.

Laurie LeBlanc

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Transportation

Laurie LeBlanc became Deputy Minister of Transportation in August 2020. She was previously Deputy Minister of Colleges and Universities. She has also served as Deputy Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Laurie has more than 30 years of experience in the Ontario Public Service in a variety of policy, communications and operations positions, including Deputy Minister of Aboriginal Affairs; Assistant Deputy Minister of Employment and Training in the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities; Assistant Deputy Minister for the Policy and Strategic Planning Division in the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services; and Assistant Deputy Minister in Cabinet Office Communications. She has also held Director positions at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, including Communications, and Urban Affairs and Stakeholder Relations.

Laurie has a Master’s degree in political science and a Bachelor of Journalism from Carleton University, and is a graduate of the Queen’s University Public Executive Program.

Kate Manson-Smith

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Kate Manson-Smith was appointed Deputy Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing in December 2019. She previously served as interim Deputy Minister, starting in August 2019.

Since joining the Ontario Public Service in 1998, Kate has held a number of executive roles. Most recently, Kate served as the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Local Government and Planning Policy Division at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (2014-2019) and prior to this, was the Assistant Deputy Minister of Health Promotion of the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care (2011-2014). She has also held executive roles at Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History and Masters in Public Administration, both from Queen’s University.

Nancy Matthews

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Long-Term Care

Nancy Matthews was appointed Deputy Minister of Long-Term Care in July 2021. She was previously the Deputy Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries.

Nancy began her public service career at the Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto and City of Toronto, and over a 23-year period held progressively senior management and executive positions in a number of community services, policy and human services portfolios.

Since 2009, Nancy has been an assistant deputy minister with the Ontario government, beginning in the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. In 2013, she moved to the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change as Assistant Deputy Minister of Operations. In October 2015, Nancy joined the Ministry of Education as Assistant Deputy Minister of the Early Years Division and also served as interim Deputy Minister of Education. From October 2016 to June 2018, Nancy served as Deputy Minister of Children and Youth Services.

Greg Meredith

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development
Deputy Minister, Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism

Greg Meredith became Deputy Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development in August 2020. He is also serving as Deputy Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, while a recruitment process is conducted.

Previously, he served as Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) as well as Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

Greg came to OMAFRA in 2017 from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, where he headed Federal-Provincial-Territorial Relations and held positions as Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) of Strategic Policy, ADM Financial Programs, and ADM Communications and Consultations. Greg also spent several years in the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (now Global Affairs) focusing on trade and investment policy and development.

Greg holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science from Carleton University, a Master’s degree in International Affairs from the Norman Patterson School of International Affairs and an MBA from the University of Ottawa. He is an alumnus of the Ivey Senior Public Sector Leader Program.

Nancy Naylor

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education

Nancy Naylor was appointed Deputy Minister of Education in August 2018.

Nancy has extensive experience in senior management positions in the Ontario government, most recently as the Associate Deputy Minister, Delivery and Implementation at the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC), leading two large divisions: Health System Accountability, Performance & French Language Services Division, and Health System Quality and Funding.

Before joining the MOHLTC, Nancy was the ADM of the Postsecondary Education Division in the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. She has also served as an ADM in the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance and has held other senior positions in the Ontario government.

Greg Orencsak

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Finance

Greg Orencsak became the Deputy Minister of Finance in June 2018.

Greg first joined the Ontario Public Service (OPS) in 1999 on an internship as an economist for the Ministry of Finance. Since then, he has held progressively senior positions in the public service. In November 2010, he became Associate Deputy Minister of the Office of the Budget and Treasury Board in the Ministry of Finance, where he was responsible for the coordination of the delivery of the annual Ontario budget.

He was appointed Deputy Minister of Government Services in April 2014 and later that year became the Deputy Minister of Treasury Board Secretariat. Concurrently, he also served as Chair of the Public Service Commission, which ensures the effective management of human resources in the OPS. In 2017, he became Deputy Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development.

Directly before becoming Deputy Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development, Greg worked in the private sector as a partner in Ernst & Young’s Canadian advisory practice, where he served as the firm’s National Leader for Public Policy and Fiscal Innovation.

Stephen Rhodes

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Energy

Stephen Rhodes was appointed Deputy Minister of Energy in June 2018.

Previously, he has served as the Deputy Minister of Northern Development and Mines, the Deputy Minister of Transportation, the Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, and the Ministry of the Attorney General’s first Associate Deputy Minister, providing strategic oversight and senior executive leadership.

Prior to his appointment as Associate Deputy Minister, Stephen served for seven years as the Ministry’s Chief Administrative Officer and Assistant Deputy Attorney General, Corporate Services Management Division.

During his tenure with the Ontario Public Service, Stephen has taken on increasingly challenging and complex roles leveraging his policy, operations and business expertise.

Stephen holds a Master of Science in planning from the University of Toronto, an Honours Bachelor of Arts in geography from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario Ivey School of Business Executive Development program.

Deborah Richardson

Deputy Minister, Treasury Board Secretariat
Secretary of Treasury Board and Management Board of Cabinet

Deborah Richardson, LL.B, BA, was appointed Deputy Minister of Treasury Board Secretariat, Secretary of Treasury Board and Management Board of Cabinet and Chair of the Public Service Commission in July 2021.

Previously, she has served as Deputy Solicitor General for Correctional Services and as the Deputy Minister of Indigenous Affairs.

Deborah is a seasoned intergovernmental affairs executive and Indigenous relationships expert. She began her career as an articling student in a criminal law firm in Ottawa before joining the finance industry. Her professional foray into Indigenous Affairs began as Executive Director of the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto in 1999.

Since 2004, Deborah has held progressively more senior positions in the federal and provincial public service, including Regional Director General for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Aboriginal Relationships and Ministry Partnerships division of the Ontario Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, Assistant Deputy Minister at the Ring of Fire Secretariat at the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines and Deputy Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.

Deborah is a proud Mi’gmaq woman with strong ties to her home community of Pabineau First Nation on the north shore of New Brunswick. Deborah and her husband, Bob, are proud parents of five children.

Shelley Tapp

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Colleges and Universities

Shelley Tapp became Deputy Minister of Colleges and Universities in August 2020.

Previously, Shelley served as Deputy Minister of Transportation. She has also held the roles of Assistant Deputy Minister of the Corporate Services Division and Chief Administrative Officer for the Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Infrastructure.

Shelley has held a number of senior management positions leading organizational development, business and strategic planning, research and innovation and division corporate management services. She brings strong leadership, relationship management and oversight experience, having led a number of reviews for the Ministry of Transportation (MTO). In addition, Shelley has strong operational and policy skills as a result of leading large, complex organizations. Shelley has also worked with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Ontario, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the former Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto, the City of Toronto and the City of St. Catharines.

Shelley is a graduate of the University of Waterloo and holds a degree in Environmental Studies and Planning. She is a graduate of Queen’s University’s Executive Program and the OPS Leadership Development Program.

Monique Rolf von den Baumen-Clark

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry

Monique Rolf von den Baumen-Clark became Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry in May 2019, and of the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry in July 2021.

Monique has worked with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for over 25 years. Most recently, she has been the Assistant Deputy Minister for the Regional Operations Division responsible for the Regional, District and Branch operations within that division. Over her career, Monique has held a variety of Director and Managerial roles in the Ministry and has contributed to several significant modernization and change management initiatives.

Monique has a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Science in Resource Management Planning and Development from the University of Guelph and has completed the Executive Development Program through Queen’s University.