Compass Rose launches digital practice and deepens its roster of public affairs experts
Collage of Kelly Hutchinson, Graham Milner, Lucy van Oldenbarneveld, seated, smiling at camera
OTTAWA — Compass Rose is pleased to announce its expansion with the official launch of Compass Rose Digital, a highly specialized practice led by veteran digital government and procurement strategist Kelly Hutchinson that will offer tech clients unique services.
Compass Rose’s new digital transformation and procurement practice will advance work with leading companies in the technology space as they engage with governments to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen the delivery of the modern-day public services Canadians rely on.
Tisha Ashton, whose unmatched Parliament Hill insight includes leadership roles on Canada’s toughest digital government and innovation files, will now play a key role in the new practice.
“Kelly’s and Tisha’s experience navigating the public procurement landscape will be invaluable as Compass Rose leverages its strategic insight and expertise to work with tech companies as they make an impact in this space,” Compass Rose founder and principal Jacquie LaRocque said. “We are immensely proud to have two women with such deep experience and insight guiding clients contributing to digital government advances.”
Digital practice aims to find the common good
Kelly has unique experience supporting technology companies as a consultant, working with them to strengthen their alignment with government requirements and the effective delivery of digital transformation solutions. She has also worked in the non-profit sector, in particular helping to advance engagement on Canada’s innovation and digital government agendas.
“This is a generational opportunity for Canada to really transform public services because we have accomplished so much since the start of the pandemic,” Hutchinson said. “Let’s keep turning over the heavy rocks to strengthen procurement, become more accessible and continue transforming, so that we can turn on a dime for citizens and businesses when they need it most.”
Ashton, who joined Compass Rose last year, most recently worked as senior advisor (digital and telecommunications) to Innovation Ministers Navdeep Bains and François-Philippe Champagne. Previously, she held a number of senior jobs in the office of former cabinet minister Scott Brison, including director of policy and acting chief of staff for the President of the Treasury Board, policy advisor to the opposition finance critic, and procurement advisor to the Minister of Public Works and Government Services.
Compass Rose expands its roster with Milner, van Oldenbarneveld
Compass Rose continues to bolster its public policy expertise with the addition of Graham Milner as public affairs counsellor. He brings a deep understanding of government policy agendas based on his work on parliamentary affairs at the highest levels.
In addition to several years in international development work, Milner has extensive knowledge of complex decision-making in government departments and the federal political space. He spent several years on Parliament Hill working for Mona Fortier, who is now Treasury Board President. He also played an important role in the Liberal Party of Canada campaign platforms for the 2019 and 2021 elections.
Lucy van Oldenbarneveld, one of Canada’s most popular and respected broadcast media figures, brings a wide range of domestic and global experience in media, politics and community relations to Compass Rose.
An award-winning journalist, van Oldenbarneveld spent more than 20 years at the CBC as both a radio host and television anchor. Today, she runs her own small business and is a sought-after moderator and emcee who brings authenticity, knowledge and humour to a variety of events.
“Compass Rose is pleased to have so many amazing women on our team who have worked on public affairs and policy from every possible viewpoint,” added LaRocque. “As we approach International Women’s Day, we look forward to celebrating them and the many strong female leaders making a difference across Canada, especially during the pandemic. Stay tuned!”
About Compass Rose
Compass Rose is a full-service, bilingual public affairs firm that helps companies and organizations find the common good. By assembling and understanding different voices and viewpoints, we help our clients of all sizes uncover the best policy direction — not just for their organizations, but for all Canadians.
Working in full compliance with government ethics and lobbying guidelines, the new additions to Compass Rose’s roster will bolster an already strong team of experts in public relations, government decision-making, digital modernization, and public sector engagement. To learn more about our team, visit https://compassrosegroup.org/