VALERIE PHELPS

Founding Partner

Valerie Phelps is a career transition and leadership development executive with over three decades of experience in Canada. Known for her personalized approach, she advises a range of clients, from technical professionals to C-suite executives, often during organizational changes like downsizing or mergers. She holds the CHRL, CPC, and CMP designations, signifying her expertise in human resources and career management. Additionally, Valerie is a member of the International Association of Career Professionals (IACMP), a select group dedicated to career services. This membership underscores her commitment to ethical standards and recognized industry competencies.

HEATHER PHELPS

Managing Partner

Heather Phelps is the Managing Partner of Phelps Executive Search and Leadership Development, overseeing human capital initiatives nationwide. With a focus on strategic recruitment and leadership development, she works closely with clients to align their goals and objectives. Heather's rigorous process and successful strategies make her a trusted advisor to C-Suite executives and senior leaders. She emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and confidentiality in her innovative recruitment approaches.

JAYSON PHELPS

Partner

Jayson Phelps, a Senior Partner at Phelps, has a strong track record in successful placements across various sectors. His ability to create lasting partnerships has made him a trusted advisor to academic institutions, non-profits, corporations, and more. With over 20 years of expertise in Leadership Recruitment and Board Advisory, Jayson excels in identifying talent and ensuring their fit within client cultures. He actively engages with selection committees and stakeholders, delivering a tailored experience throughout the talent search cycle.

DR. JILL BIRCH

National Director, Leadership & Strategy

Dr. Jill Birch, Founder and CEO of BirchGrove Inc., is a leadership advisor, author, and senior executive. As the National Director of Leadership & Strategy at Phelps, she supports organizations in developing leaders and achieving strategic imperatives. With extensive experience in non-profit and for-profit sectors, she has worked with prestigious institutions and held senior leadership roles in retail, broadcasting, publishing, and marketing. Dr. Birch is a renowned speaker who addresses global leaders on employee engagement, innovative strategies, and success metrics.

Heather Angel

MBA, CPC

Heather Angel, is the Senior Coach and Leadership Development Consultant at Phelps Group, specializes in executive coaching and leadership development across various sectors. With over 25 years of experience, she guides leaders through complex challenges and works with them and their teams to evolve their leadership presence and enhance their positive impact within the organizations they serve. Heather has held executive leadership roles at Golder & Associates, the Canadian Diabetes Association, Mylan Pharmaceuticals, and Monsanto Canada, and served on several boards. She holds a master's degree in Adult Education, the Institute of Corporate Governance Director designation and certificates in professional coaching, advanced HR management, alternative dispute resolution, and Thomas International PPA analysis.

ANTONELLA KNORR

Office Administrator

With over 20 years of experience in customer service and administration and a diverse career including library and travel services, she effectively supports all members of our Senior Leadership team. Her attention to detail, strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize allows for the effective delivery of administrative support that is crucial within the executive search market.

In addition to her role within the Executive Search practice, Antonella leads the Temporary Staffing Division in Thunder Bay, focusing on identifying and placing suitable candidates for short-term job opportunities.

Michael Macneil

Research and Database Coordinator

Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Michael is a member of Bearskin Lake First Nation. He attended and graduated from Confederation College’s Business Administration – Human Resources Program followed by Lakehead University’s Bachelor of Administration program. Michael started working at Phelps as a Research & Database Coordinator in 2019. He has a passion for Backcountry Camping and hiking.

Teana Sacchetti

Communications Lead

Teana Sacchetti is Phelps' Communication Lead. A diligent and self-motivated worker, Teana thrives in communications spaces and fast paced environments. She holds a Master of Arts degree in English Literature, as well as an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Lakehead University.

Varnika Shah

Administrative Assistant

Varnika Shah is an Administrative Assistant at Phelps. She recently completed her degree in Human Resource Management at Confederation College, and is passionate about helping employees, clients, and candidates. She brings over two years of experience in the recruitment industry placing the right candidates in the right job.

Unekwu Hadiza Ogbodo

Administrative Services & Project Coordinator

Unekwu Hadiza Ogbodo is a Administrative Services & Project Coordinator for Phelps. Unekwu utilizes her diverse skills to provide invaluable support, contributing to the smooth functioning of the organization. She holds LLB and BL degrees in Law and a post-graduate certificate in International Business Management which demonstrate a dedication to continuous learning and professional growth.

Sadia Uddin

Manager, Research & Analytics

Sadia has many years of experience working within the public and private sector, non-profit and social advocacy organizations. Sadia applies her extensive knowledge of rights, diversity, equity and inclusion while conducting research, implementing leading industry practices for outreach and strategizing to meet varying and evolving client needs.

David Calloway

Sr. Research and Communications Associate

David Calloway is a Sr. Research and Communications Associate at Phelps. David holds a PhD in Rhetoric and Writing Studies from the University of Alberta. He brings over 15 years of professional communications experience working at universities in the US and Canada.