People
Counsel’s Principals offer you the benefit of many decades of combined senior-level experience in strategic communications, public affairs, public relations, digital communications and organizational management. They are directly involved in all day-to-day client work, supported by skilled and efficient staff.
John Beaucage
Principal
416-920-0716 x 239
John Beaucage is one of Canada’s most respected First Nation leaders. He was elected as Grand Council Chief of the 42-member First Nations of the Anishinabek Nation (Union of Ontario Indians) in 2004, after serving four consecutive terms as Chief of Wasauksing First Nation.
Charles Beer
Principal
416-920-0716 x 222
Minister, CEO, Chief of Staff, Commissioner, Executive Director – with over 30 years of leadership experience in government and not-for-profit organizations, Charles brings extraordinary skills and experience in public policy and issues advocacy to your service.
Helen Burstyn
Principal
416-920-0716 ext. 242
Helen Burstyn is an expert communicator who has enjoyed a 30-year career in public service, public relations, marketing, and volunteer service with local, national and international organizations. She became Chair of The Partnership Forum after completing two terms as Chair of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, one of Canada's leading granting agencies.
Don Cousens
Principal
416-920-0716 x 236
Donald Cousens is one of the Greater Toronto Area’s most distinguished community leaders. He has served a long and remarkable career in both the public service and business.
Philip Dewan
President
416-920-0716 x 235
Philip Dewan is one of the leading public policy practitioners in Ontario. He has played critical roles in the election of two Premiers and helped shape the provincial agenda on issues as diverse as the creation of centres of excellence in technology, the crafting of sustainable landlord-tenant legislation and the designation of the world's largest urban Greenbelt.
Charles Harnick
Principal
416-920-0716 x 221
Charles Harnick, Q.C. is an accomplished mediator and strategist. His broad network of relationships comes from years of experience working in the government and is evidence of his steadfast ability to resolve issues and provide sound, strategic communications counsel to clients.
Malcolm Heins
Principal
416-920-0716 ext. 241
Malcolm Heins has demonstrated his change management capabilities in both business and legal settings. He brings a wealth of experience in law, regulation, governance, strategic planning, operations and public affairs. From 2001 to 2012, Malcolm was the Chief Executive Officer of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the regulator of Ontario's 41,000 lawyers and 2,700 paralegals. Under his tenure the Law Society structure was completely restructured and the regulation of paralegals successfully incorporated into the mandate.
Bob Lopinski
Principal
416-920-0716 x 251
Recognized by the Toronto Star as both “an architect of Premier McGuinty’s rise to power” and “one of the most influential officials in government”, Bob brings with him 15 years of experience at the highest levels of Queen’s Park.
Dorenda McNeil
Principal
416-961-5898 x 216
Dorenda McNeil is a passionate and driven communications expert. With over 15 years of experience in public relations, marketing and strategic planning, Dorenda possesses the quintessential attributes needed to be successful in the business, including her never-ending curiosity for current events, business and culture.
Carol Mitchell
Principal
416-920-0716 ext. 243
Carol Mitchel is a municipal and provincial leader with an intimate, hands-on understanding of rural Ontario. She was the highly respected MPP for the riding of Huron-Bruce from 2003 to 2011.
Caroline Pinto
Managing Principal
416-920-0716 x 220
Caroline Pinto knows how to get to the root of a problem. She has a keen ability to prioritize and determine influential people and issues, giving her a competitive edge in policy development, negotiation, and strategic problem solving.
Mary Ellen Richardson
Associate
Mary Ellen’s career in the oil, natural gas and electricity industries spans 28 years, and has included roles in marketing and sales to residential, business and industrial customers in Canada and the United States. She has also held executive and operating responsibility for legal and regulatory affairs, facilitation, market planning, stakeholder management, public relations, media relations and government liaison activities.
Staff
Stephanie Gawur
Office Administrator and Consultant
416-920-0716 x 223
Stephanie Gawur has worked in numerous municipal, provincial and federal election campaigns. She is currently the President of the Etobicoke Centre PC riding association and worked full-time on Toronto Mayor Rob Ford's 2010 election campaign team serving as the Executive Assistant to the Campaign Manager.
Patrick Harris
Executive Consultant
416-920-0716 x 217
Patrick Harris is a results driven political and communications strategist with more than a decade of experience as a senior advisor to politicians and private sector companies. Patrick specializes in developing integrated public affairs strategies and works with clients to navigate through complex public policy challenges to help achieve their objectives.
Craig Ruttan
Consultant
416-920-0716 x 234
Craig Ruttan is a dynamic and insightful member of the Counsel team. Providing support on both public relations and government relations projects, Craig knows how to exceed a client’s expectations.
Taylor Scollon
Digital Communications Strategist
416-920-0716 x 213
Taylor Scollon is well-versed in the rapidly-evolving world of digital media. Beyond staying up-to-date on the cutting edge of digital communications and social media, Taylor has put his knowledge to work on a number of high-profile campaigns and projects for advocacy groups, not-for-profits, causes, and brands. Whether it's producing targeted e-mail campaigns, creative web videos, or generating buzz on social media, Taylor has a unique understanding of how to put digital tools to work for clients.
Marcus Staviss
Account Director
416-920-0716 x 210
Marcus Staviss is an energetic, forward-thinking communications strategist. With over nine years of experience in public sector communications, Marcus knows how to get to the core of each client’s story, highlighting the positive impact on communities and stakeholders. A passionate leader, coach and relationship-builder, Marcus believes that good communications is always linked with clear results that align to your business goals.