Veteran Hill advisor Marci Surkes among two new additions to Compass Rose’s public affairs team
Marci Surkes, seated, smiling at camera
Surkes’ whole-of-government lens on decision-making will bolster agency’s work to find the common good for clients and Canadians
OTTAWA — Compass Rose continues its year of record growth with the addition of veteran political staffer Marci Surkes, one of Ottawa’s most experienced public affairs professionals, bringing a fresh, whole-of-government perspective on finding the common good.
Surkes joins the bilingual public affairs firm as Strategic Advisor, bringing her extensive experience and insights across all sectors at a critical time, as clients grapple with complex economic and geopolitical issues, and Canada continues to navigate the pandemic and recovery. She will offer strategic counsel to Compass Rose public affairs counsellors and clients.
Due to the nature of her previous roles, Surkes will not lobby and will abide by ethics and lobbying rules.
Surkes’ known as PMO ‘air traffic controller’
Surkes held a series of key roles during her 15-year run in Ottawa’s halls of power, which spanned five Parliaments and four Liberal leaders. She most recently served as Executive Director of Policy and Cabinet Affairs in the office of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the government equivalent of an air traffic controller. She oversaw the development of policy and programs from scratch at an unprecedented time in Canadian history. Her previous roles included chief of staff to former Minister of Public Safety Ralph Goodale.
“From opposition to government, minority to majority, and through a global pandemic, Marci’s experience has given her an unparalleled perspective on public policy that will benefit every client in our roster,” said Jacquie LaRocque, Compass Rose founder and principal. “The icing on the cake is that she’s also an amazing colleague. Those who know Marci know her as kind and empathetic, and quietly and competently driven.”
Julia Mills, standing with arms crossed, smiling at camera
Mills joins Compass Rose as Public Affairs Counsellor to bolster Compass Rose Digital
Also joining the growing Compass Rose team as public affairs counsellor this month is Julia Mills, who also supports Kelly Hutchinson at Compass Rose Digital. Mills brings extensive experience in digital government, having most recently served as Senior Government Relations and Communications Manager, Services at the Canadian headquarters of a multinational tech company. She also spent six years managing national public affairs campaigns in the technology, agriculture, health and pharmaceuticals, aerospace, and not-for-profit sectors.
“Julia’s keen eye for all things digital, her diligence and attention to detail on complicated technological issues will be incredible assets as we continue to attract, onboard and serve our digital procurement and transformation clients,” said LaRocque. “Compass Rose is building a team of the absolute best and brightest in the business and we are thrilled to have Julia’s experience to complement our already strong roster.”
About Compass Rose
Compass Rose is a full-service bilingual public affairs firm in Ottawa that helps companies and organizations find the common good. By assembling and understanding different voices and viewpoints, we help our clients of all sizes across all industries uncover the best policy direction — not just for their organizations, but for all Canadians.
We work with clients across a wide variety of sectors, specializing in government relations, strategic communications, targeted information campaigns, relationship building, profile raising and, above all, a commitment to results.
Our strength is built on our team with extensive experience in public policy, stakeholder engagement, communications, campaigns and advocacy — all based on the unsurpassed understanding of national issues and a commitment to provide the best in communications analysis and advice.