Leanna is a seasoned problem solver with extensive experience in government relations, strategic communications, and issues management. Her experience in politics combined with her deep insight of the inner workings of government, positions her as a valuable partner for any of Pathway Group’s clients.
Prior to joining Pathway Group, Leanna spent eight years at Queen’s Park honing her skills in issues management, strategic communications, media relations, and writing.
She has held senior communication consultant positions in the Office of the Minister and in the Ontario Public Service at five Ontario Ministries: including Cabinet Office, Attorney General, Government and Consumer Services, Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Small Business and Entrepreneurship. In these roles she developed and executed communications strategies, issues management plans, prepared legislative materials for Cabinet Ministers, responses to the media and social media messaging. She also provided support to other ministerial divisions on projects, such as helping develop policy options to address affordable housing in Ontario.
From working in government at both the political and bureaucratic level, Leanna possesses extensive knowledge of political, legislative, and regulatory processes, as well as government policies and procedures. Using this experience, Leanna is able to help clients navigate through the complex government landscape by drawing on her knowledge of the government legislative and policy development cycles and decision-making process. She has a proven track record of effectively managing issues and crises, building trust with various stakeholders, and developing integrated communications plans to meet an organization’s goals and objectives.
She has a proven track record of effectively managing issues and crises, building trust with various stakeholders, and developing integrated communications plans to meet an organization’s goals and objectives. One of her greatest strengths is forging strong relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, making her a trusted strategic advisor to senior government leaders, political staff, and cabinet ministers.
She also has experience in the political arena having worked as a Legislative Assistant and Issues Manager to a former minister, and Constituency Assistant to Members of Provincial Parliament in Ottawa and Mississauga. She was also an active member of the Ontario Liberal Party and the Liberal Party of Canada having helped organized events across the GTA and worked on several political campaigns in Ontario.
Additionally, she has designed a variety of successful government lobbying and public relations campaigns and events, including the inaugural Futurpreneur Canada G20 Young Entrepreneur Summit; Powered Up 2020 and Beyond! the first ever national power sports industry conference in Canada; and the Carleton University Hometowners Media Project, which received two national awards of excellence from the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.
Outside of Pathway Group, Leanna is a clarinetist and member of the Newmarket Citizens Band Executive Leadership Team. As the Communications Officer for the band, she is responsible for regularly developing and executing social media marketing plans and graphic design projects. Leanna is also actively involved in her local community, volunteering for municipal political campaigns, including developing campaign communication materials and providing debate preparation and issues management guidance and support to candidates. Additionally, she was a member of the Town of Georgina Trails and Active Transportation Advisory Committee.
Leanna holds a Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law from York University and a Bachelor of Arts (High Honours) in Mass Communications and a Minor in Music from Carleton University.
