Managing Partner
Heather Phelps, MBA is the Managing Partner of Phelps Executive Search and Leadership Advisory, where she leads national talent strategies and advises senior executives and boards to recruit, assess, and develop exceptional leaders. With a passion for people and a strategic mind for talent, Heather helps organizations build inclusive, future-ready leadership teams that drive meaningful change.
With over two decades of experience in executive search, Heather is widely recognized for her ability to navigate complex leadership landscapes with precision, insight, and care. She combines a bespoke, values-driven approach with data-informed decision-making to deliver impactful placements across Canada’s public and private sectors. Her leadership is characterized by discretion, strategic foresight, and a deep understanding of how transformational leaders shape thriving organizations and resilient communities.
Heather serves as Chair of the Global AI Committee for the Panorama Executive Search Network, where she leads international collaboration on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in search. She is also a member of the North American Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Council with the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC), contributing to the advancement of inclusive practices across the profession.
Recognized as a thought leader in the global executive search community, Heather regularly contributes to panels, research, and publications focused on inclusive leadership, innovation, and the future of work. Her strength lies not only in connecting people—but in shaping leadership that leaves a legacy.
“My passion is people. Each client and candidate brings a unique perspective, like colours in a kaleidoscope. I find great fulfillment in bringing those pieces together to create meaningful, lasting solutions.”
Senior Partner
Jayson Phelps is a Senior Partner with Phelps Executive Search and Leadership Advisory, where he leads executive searches across the public, private, and social sectors, helping organizations build leadership teams that drive innovation, resilience, and community impact. Based in Toronto, Jayson brings over 20 years of experience in executive search, specializing in appointing transformative leaders across municipal government, health, education, infrastructure, and mission-driven organizations.
Jayson is known for his trusted advisory work with councils, boards, and executive teams—helping organizations navigate complex leadership transitions and build executive teams that deliver impact, innovation, and community connection. He has led high-profile searches such as Chief of Police for London Police Service and Chief of Paramedics for the Region of Waterloo, demonstrating his expertise in critical leadership roles across emergency services and public administration.
He takes a hands-on approach to every search, engaging deeply with key stakeholders to understand the unique opportunities, challenges, and community priorities of each mandate. His collaborative style and strong partnership with research teams ensure that each search is tailored, inclusive, and aligned with the client’s vision for the future.
Beyond his professional work, Jayson is deeply committed to civic engagement. He is the Past President of the Rotary Club of Toronto (2022–23), where he has been an active member since 2003. He currently serves on the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and the Rotary Club of Toronto Foundation, and has chaired or supported committees focused on Youth, Indigenous Services, Community Development, and Seniors.
Through his career and community involvement, Jayson helps bridge the private and social sectors, supporting leadership that strengthens both organizational outcomes and broader societal impact.
Sr. Consultant and Head Coach
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.
Practice Lead, Diversity & Inclusion
Fareed Amin, MPA is a Senior Advisor with Phelps Executive Search and Leadership Advisory, where he champions inclusive leadership strategies and advises organizations on building equitable and representative leadership teams. With deep roots in public service and a personal commitment to creating pathways for underrepresented voices, Fareed brings both lived and professional experience to shaping leadership that reflects and serves diverse communities.
With over 26 years of senior leadership experience at the provincial and municipal levels, Fareed is recognized for his ability to navigate the complexities of public governance with integrity, insight, and vision. He integrates best practices throughout the executive search process—from pre-search consultation to post-search support—ensuring diverse candidate representation and mitigating systemic biases at every stage. His leadership is defined by his unwavering focus on fairness, transparency, and building trust within Selection Committees and organizations.
Fareed leads Phelps’ Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) practice and chairs the firm’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Advisory Board, advancing best-in-class methodologies that foster truly inclusive searches. His distinguished public sector career is complemented by his ongoing community contributions, serving on several boards across the not-for-profit, private, and public sectors, including as Chair of Ontario’s Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee.
A lifelong learner and advocate for inclusive leadership, Fareed holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration, a Diversity & Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University, a Certificate in Leadership from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and a Certificate in Public Administration. As a thought leader, Fareed actively shapes practices that not only connect organizations with outstanding talent but also build leadership legacies rooted in equity, resilience, and societal impact.
Practice Lead for Cyber | Tech | Risk
Brent Thomas is a recognized cybersecurity leader with two decades of experience in building and running cybersecurity teams and programs across many large and recognized organizations, nationally and globally. Throughout his career, Brent has worked with post-secondary institutions and professional accreditation organizations to shape curriculum, develop certifications, and support the cybersecurity, risk and technology professions. He maintains several sought-after certifications in information security and risk management. As Brent has a proven ability to solve complex business problems and lead people amid growth and change, he brings wealth of experience to help recruit and develop the leadership you need to build strong and resilient leadership teams and programs for your organization.
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.
Senior Research Consultant
Madeha Mukati is a Senior Research Consultant with Phelps Executive Search and Leadership Advisory, specializing in talent acquisition and executive search research across a wide range of disciplines, particularly within the not-for-profit and healthcare sectors.
With a strong background in human resources, Madeha brings extensive experience in recruitment, HRIS administration, labour relations, and health and safety. She has developed and led targeted outreach strategies to identify top leadership talent, ensuring that each search is grounded in a deep understanding of organizational culture and sector-specific needs.
Known for her self-motivation, attention to detail, and strategic approach to talent research and engagement, Madeha plays a critical role in helping clients build leadership teams that are resilient, inclusive, and future-ready.
Senior Research Consultant
Sana Iqbal is a Senior Research Consultant with Phelps Executive Search and Leadership Advisory, where she supports organizations in building leadership teams that reflect the communities they serve. With a focus on inclusive, future-oriented recruitment, Sana partners with clients across sectors to identify and engage exceptional leaders who drive organizational resilience and social impact.
With more than 12 years of experience in leadership hiring and talent acquisition, Sana’s career has spanned diverse geographies and sectors, including both private industry and the non-profit world. Her global perspective, combined with deep expertise in executive recruitment, allows her to navigate complex talent landscapes with insight, adaptability, and care.
Sana’s differentiating strength lies in her ability to craft comprehensive, data-informed outreach strategies while centering the candidate’s unique journey. Drawing on her training and lived experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), she approaches every search with an empathetic lens, fostering equitable opportunities and ensuring candidates feel seen and valued throughout the process.
“Leadership is not just about who gets the seat—it’s about who gets seen. My role is to help organizations recognize the extraordinary in unexpected places.”
Research Analyst
Anurit Kaur is a Research Associate on the Phelps research team, where she supports Research Consultants on executive search assignments across both the private and public sectors.
She contributes to candidate sourcing and research activities through industry mapping, database analysis, and outreach strategies to help build inclusive and well-qualified talent pools for leadership roles. With a strong interest in equity, inclusion, and organizational leadership, Anurit brings a global perspective and a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to each engagement. She is committed to learning and contributing to search processes that reflect the values and diversity of the communities Phelps serves.
“Executive search starts with curiosity—and I follow the data.”
Director of First Impressions
Antonella Knorr is the Administrative Lead and Director of First Impressions at Phelps Executive Search and Leadership Advisory, where she has been a cornerstone of the firm’s operations for over a decade. With more than 10 years of experience at Phelps, Antonella is often the first point of contact for clients and candidates, setting the tone for an exceptional and welcoming experience.
Known for her professionalism, attention to detail, and warm, client-centered approach, Antonella ensures that every interaction reflects Phelps’ commitment to service excellence. She plays a vital role in coordinating the administrative and logistical elements of the search process, providing seamless support to both the internal team and external stakeholders.
Antonella’s long-standing tenure with Phelps speaks to her dedication, reliability, and passion for creating a positive and lasting first impression—one that builds trust, strengthens relationships, and contributes to the success of every search.
“It’s rewarding to help ensure every candidate and client feels valued and well-supported throughout their journey with us.”
Practice Lead
Consumer Packaged Goods, Sports and Entertainment
David Thomson is a Practice Lead with Phelps Executive Search and Leadership Advisory, bringing over 30 years of leadership experience across the consumer packaged goods (CPG) and sports industries. David has held senior executive roles at Clorox, Molson, and Coca-Cola, where he led high-performing teams and successfully advanced business strategies to drive sustained growth.
Most recently, David served as General Manager of NFL Canada, where he expanded the league’s presence through strategic partnerships, fan engagement initiatives, and grassroots development. Known for his strategic mindset, collaborative leadership style, and ability to build strong, resilient teams, David brings a wealth of operational and business expertise to his advisory work at Phelps, helping organizations identify and cultivate transformational leadership.
Practice Lead, Calgary
Tariq Elnaga is the Practice Lead, Calgary, with Phelps Executive Search and Leadership Advisory, bringing two decades of leadership and talent management experience across the energy, agriculture, retail, and financial services sectors. Tariq partners with organizations to identify and attract transformational leaders, with a strong focus on aligning exceptional talent with organizational culture and strategic priorities.
Before joining Phelps, Tariq held senior roles overseeing all aspects of the talent cycle, including talent attraction, succession planning, leadership development, and performance management. His approach is deeply informed by a passion for building lasting relationships and a commitment to delivering an outstanding candidate and client experience throughout every search engagement.
Tariq holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and an MBA and is certified as both a SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR). Known for his strategic insight, relationship-building skills, and dedication to service excellence, he brings a thoughtful, client-centered approach to every engagement.
“I enjoy matching great leaders with great organizations and watching them make a difference – it is quite a fulfilling experience.”
Managing Director, Quebec
Jonathan Plourde is the Managing Director, Quebec, with Phelps Executive Search and Leadership Advisory. With over a decade of experience in executive search, Jonathan specializes in solving complex talent challenges, particularly within the technology sector. His extensive network and deep industry knowledge allow him to identify and engage senior leadership talent, from directors to C-suite executives, with precision and insight.
Prior to joining Phelps, Jonathan held leadership roles within globally recognized European and American executive search organizations, where he built high-performing teams committed to excellence, professionalism, and client-centered service. His strategic approach emphasizes transparency, relationship-building, and delivering tailored solutions that drive long-term organizational success.
Beyond his professional work, Jonathan is dedicated to community leadership. He has served on several boards, including the Miriam Foundation for Autism, and has chaired the Board of Directors for the HEC Montréal Alumni Association, representing over 100,000 graduates worldwide. Through these roles, he has worked to strengthen global alumni networks and advance causes he is passionate about.
“The satisfaction of finding a leader’s new professional challenge and purpose is THE reason I love doing what I do!”
Search Consultant
Guillaume Poirier St-Pierre is a Search Consultant with Phelps Executive Search and Leadership Advisory. With over 15 years of experience across talent acquisition, organizational development, coaching, psychometrics, governance, and higher education, Guillaume brings a multidisciplinary approach to leadership recruitment and advisory services.
Guillaume has worked with local, national, and international organizations across the private, public, and non-profit sectors, supporting transformational change through the identification and development of leadership talent. His ability to adapt to diverse business models and organizational cultures enables him to deliver tailored, high-impact search solutions that align with clients’ strategic goals.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the Université de Sherbrooke, a Master’s degree in Organizational Development from HEC Montréal, and the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from the International Coach Federation (ICF). He is currently completing a Graduate Diploma in Finance at McGill University, further enhancing his broad expertise.
In addition to his professional work, Guillaume is actively engaged in governance and leadership development initiatives, serving on various committees and boards including the Regroupement des Jeunes Chambres du Commerce du Québec (RJCCQ), the Young Directors of the Institute for Governance of Private and Public Organizations (IGOPP), and the Ordre des Conseillers en Ressources Humaines Agréés (CRHA).
“I am passionate about executive search for the value we create for our clients, leveraging our market intelligence, human understanding and in-depth knowledge of business models.”
Practice Lead, Edmonton
Tracy Presisniuk is the Practice Lead, Edmonton, with Phelps Executive Search and Leadership Advisory, where she specializes in executive recruitment, relationship management, and leadership advisory services. With over two decades of experience in executive and corporate administration, Tracy partners with organizations to source, assess, and place transformational leaders who drive impact and foster organizational success.
Tracy leads full-cycle executive search engagements, working closely with Selection Committees, Boards, and senior stakeholders to understand organizational needs and deliver tailored, thoughtful recruitment strategies. Her approach is rooted in building authentic, trusted relationships with clients and candidates alike, recognizing that successful placements are built on a foundation of trust, transparency, and cultural alignment.
A graduate of Grant MacEwan University, Tracy is a proud Edmontonian who values community and service. She actively contributes to initiatives such as the Belvedere Community Board and the Community Revitalization Committee in partnership with the City of Edmonton. Tracy is also a co-author of Navigating Today’s Corporate Challenges: The Power of a Modern Board of Directors (2025), reflecting her commitment to advancing leadership excellence across sectors.
Search Consultant
Ryan Guenter is a Search Consultant with Phelps Executive Search and Leadership Advisory, where he brings a dynamic and diverse professional background to supporting leadership recruitment across sectors. With experience spanning corporate and agency recruitment as well as the investment and sports industries, Ryan applies a strategic, relationship-driven approach to every search engagement.
Known for his thorough research skills, strong candidate assessment abilities, and collaborative mindset, Ryan partners with clients to deliver search processes that identify top talent aligned to each organization’s unique culture and needs. His broad industry perspective and commitment to service excellence help ensure successful, lasting leadership placements.
Ryan holds two undergraduate degrees from the University of Lethbridge and a graduate degree from the University of Alberta. Outside of his professional role, Ryan remains deeply connected to the sports community, working with teams as a mental performance coach.
“What I enjoy most about the executive search practice at Phelps is our process works, and we effectively create a win-win situation for clients as well as candidates.”
Search Coordinator
Pooja Nayak is a Search Coordinator with Phelps Executive Search and Leadership Advisory, supporting executive and professional search engagements through project coordination, research, and data management. Based in Edmonton, Pooja brings strong research capabilities and excellent written and verbal communication skills to her work, helping ensure the smooth execution of each search process.
Pooja holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Psychology from the University of Alberta, along with a Research Certificate in Arts. She actively applies her academic training in recruitment, interviewing, and candidate assessment to assist in the sourcing and evaluation of top talent. Prior to joining Phelps, she completed an internship in human resources and recruitment, further strengthening her skills in project coordination and candidate engagement.
Known for her attention to detail, organization, and collaborative approach, Pooja plays an integral role in delivering high-quality support to clients, candidates, and internal teams across all stages of the search process.
“I enjoy matching great leaders with great organizations and watching them make a difference – it is quite a fulfilling experience.”
Founder & Chair Emerita, Phelps
Trailblazer in Equitable Executive Search & Leadership Advisory
Valerie Phelps is the visionary founder and Chair Emerita of Phelps, a boutique executive search and leadership advisory firm originally established in Thunder Bay, Ontario. A trailblazer in the Canadian search industry, Valerie built Phelps on the foundation of service excellence, integrity, and a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and leadership development—principles that continue to define the firm today.
With a steadfast belief that exemplary leadership begins with values and relationships, Valerie set out to create a firm that would serve both clients and candidates with transparency, care, and long-term impact. Her work helped redefine what ethical, high-impact executive search could look like, placing people and purpose at the centre of the process.
In 2000, alongside Jayson Phelps and Heather Phelps, she helped lead the firm’s expansion to Toronto, growing Phelps from its Northern Ontario roots into a national firm serving clients across Canada’s public, non-profit, and private sectors.
Valerie’s extraordinary contributions have been recognized by her community, including being honoured through a Women of Excellence recognition for her leadership in building a more inclusive and values-driven future for Canadian organizations.
Her legacy is one of quiet strength, deep listening, and unwavering purpose. Today, her example continues to guide Phelps’ work and inspire a new generation of leaders committed to making a difference.
Senior Consultant
Jennifer Adams is a Senior Consultant, Executive Search, with Phelps Executive Search and Leadership Advisory, specializing in leadership recruitment and advisory services for the K–12 education sector. With a distinguished career in public education, Jennifer brings deep expertise in system leadership, curriculum development, and educational transformation.
Jennifer recently completed an eight-year term as Director of Education for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, overseeing a diverse student population of 73,000 across 150 elementary and secondary schools. Her leadership experience also includes serving as Superintendent of Curriculum, elementary school principal, and French teacher within the Lakehead District School Board.
Recognized internationally for her work in curriculum planning, instructional practice, and education system improvement, Jennifer has been a featured speaker at numerous conferences, sharing her experience in translating academic research into impactful policy and practice. She is deeply committed to working collaboratively with communities to strengthen public education and advance student success.