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.
Senior Consultant, Executive Search
Madeha Mukati is a Senior 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.
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!”
Strategic Lead, Infrastructure
Bruce has spent over 40 years in the land use and transportation sectors, leading public and private sector organizations. Currently, Bruce is Strategic Lead, Infrastructure, with the Phelps Group. He is also on the Board of Trustees of the United Way of Greater Toronto, and chairs its Finance, Audit and Risk Committee. He also teaches at Osgoode Hall Law School’s Professional LLM program in Energy and Infrastructure.
Bruce previously served as Vice President and Senior Vice President at AECOM Canada Ltd from 2018 through 2025, leading its transportation business in Canada from 2019. In 2017, he worked at Privy Council Office, supporting the launch of the Canada Infrastructure Bank. From 2010 to 2016, Bruce was President & CEO of Metrolinx, the regional transit authority in the Greater Toronto Region. From 1984-2010, Bruce held a variety of roles with the Ontario Public Service, culminating as Deputy Minister of Transportation.
He is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University (BAA, Urban and Regional Planning) and Queens University (Masters of Public Administration).
“My decades of experience across the transportation sector gives me a clear understanding of the importance of collaboration and partnerships within and between organizations, and the leadership skills required to succeed in this complex environment. At a time when relationships matter more than ever and leadership demands are evolving, having the right people makes all the difference.”
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.
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.
Practice Lead
Nathalie Dallaire has nearly 20 years of experience in federal and provincial politics.
With this experience, which has allowed her to develop and maintain relationships with
stakeholders in the business, cultural, community and academic communities, she
decided to make the leap into executive recruitment in 2011.
Since then, she has
carried out mandates in the private sector and the public and parapublic sectors,
science and innovation, the cultural and philanthropic sectors, just to name a few. She
has also developed expertise in recruitment in the education and non-profit sectors. His
ability to carry out mandates in different sectors of activity demonstrates her versatility
and adaptability. She stands out for her attentive listening and understanding of clients'
needs, as well as her commitment to supporting candidates throughout the process.
Nathalie is a graduate from HEC Montréal.
Practice Lead
Robert Racine has been building his career in executive recruitment since 2000. His
extensive experience across the private sector, not-for-profits organizations, and the
public sector, as well as his deep understanding of organizational change management
within complex environments, brings significant added value to his practice.
He leads executive search mandates in a wide range of industries, including
professional services, engineering, community organizations, communications, finance,
and more. Robert has also been actively supporting numerous not-for-profits
organizations for several years, particularly in matters of governance, across sectors
such as health, culture, and business. He holds a degree in Communications (Journalism) from the Université du Québec à
Montréal and currently serves on the boards of Montreal Council on Foreign Relations
(CORIM) and Théâtre du Nouveau Monde (TNM).
Senior Advisor
Practice Lead
Thierry Faure is Practice Lead with Phelps Executive Search and Leadership Advisory, where he brings over a decade of expertise in executive recruitment with a specialization in finance, private equity, and technology.
Throughout his career, Thierry has held senior roles, including Associate Partner and Principal, at both international and boutique executive search firms based in Montreal. His global outlook is shaped by leadership and management experience in Canada, France, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, and by his active engagement in the international business community. He has served on several boards of directors, including the Canadian Club.
Thierry holds a master’s degree in law from University Lyon 3 (France) and a postgraduate diploma in Wealth Management from Toulouse Business School. He has further deepened his expertise through executive education at Oxford (UK), Cornell (US), Maryland (US), and the University of Helsinki (FI), with a focus on executive search and leadership consulting, private equity, and artificial intelligence.
Marketing & Communications Lead / Practice Lead
As Marketing and Communications Lead at Phelps, Cheryl defines the firm’s brand voice and strategic messaging, leading campaigns, thought leadership content, and client engagement. A dynamic leader in marketing, communications, and public relations, Cheryl brings more than 20 years of experience across the public and private sectors. She previously managed communications and public relations for one of Ontario’s largest school service centres, where she led award-winning campaigns, district-wide brand modernization initiatives, and developed engagement strategies for diverse audiences.
Her private-sector experience has further strengthened her expertise in customer experience, market analytics, and campaign management, including work in the international technology sector. Cheryl’s background as a morning show host, news anchor, and producer at CTV Television has deeply shaped her identity as a storyteller, enabling her to craft and deliver impactful live narratives.
Cheryl holds advanced certifications from Harvard Business School, Columbia University, and the Rotman School of Management. She is also actively involved in community organizations and non-profit initiatives.
“Deep down, I’m a storyteller. That’s what I’ve always done—whether in front of the camera, in boardrooms, or through strategic campaigns. I’m passionate about leadership, and I believe organizations truly thrive when they have the right leaders: those who inspire collaboration, encourage creativity, and support others so they can share their stories and ideas.”
Engagement & Digital Project Manager
Lennie Chadillon is a seasoned executive search professional with over 10 years of expertise in strategic project management and executive-level business development support. In addition to leading full-cycle executive search assignments, she brings strong experience in strategic business development intelligence and crafting targeted content to drive growth initiatives. Renowned for orchestrating high-profile recruitment projects at top-tier firms, she excels at supporting managing partners and ensuring seamless delivery from client briefing to interview coordination and candidate placement. With a strong focus on both client and candidate experience, Lennie is known for building trusted relationships and delivering a high-touch, tailored approach throughout every search.
Bilingual in French and English, Lennie’s business acumen, efficiency, and adaptability enable the consistent delivery of superior results, even in complex, international contexts. Recognized for foresight and versatility, Lennie leverages evolving technologies to optimize processes and strengthen relationships. As a trusted strategic partner at Phelps, she is committed to delivering excellence and elevating the executive search experience for both clients and candidates.
Senior Consultant, Executive Search
Laura brings more than a decade of experience across executive search, stakeholder engagement, and relationship management within the public, private, and social-profit sectors. She supports executive search through research, strategy, and identifying exceptional leaders who align with an organization’s vision, culture, and future direction.
Known for her thoughtful, people-centred approach, Laura is drawn to the discovery at the heart of search: understanding organizational context, exploring talent landscapes with curiosity and intention, and recognizing leadership potential in unexpected places.
Laura is energized by the impact strong leadership hiring has on shaping teams, their culture, and supporting long-term growth.
Senior Consultant, Executive Search
Maria Rivas-Rivero is a Senior Consultant, Executive Search, with Phelps Executive Search and Leadership Advisory, where she supports clients in identifying and appointing exceptional leaders across Quebec and Canada. Trilingual in English, French, and Spanish, Maria brings a global perspective to executive search with end-to-end delivery in both English and French.
Most recently with an executive search firm specializing in education, research, society, and the environment, Maria contributed to over 50 executive search mandates spanning university presidencies, CEO positions, and board appointments. Her approach combines search strategy and candidate experience, adapted to each client’s institutional culture.
Prior to executive search, Maria held senior roles at McGill University and AtkinsRéalis, developing expertise in strategic communications and cross-cultural engagement across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. This background informs her ability to navigate complex organizational environments and tailor her approach to diverse clients.
Maria holds a Master’s in Geopolitics from Université Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne, an MBA from EADA Business School in Barcelona, and a Graduate Diploma in Political Science from Sciences Po Paris. Based in Montreal, she contributes to Phelps’ growth across Quebec and Canada in close collaboration with the national team.