Members,
Thank you for your support and electing me as President of the Public Affairs Association of Canada (PAAC). It is an honour to take on this new challenge and have the opportunity to represent and serve our members from coast to coast.
I look forward to working alongside a talented and experienced board composed of public affairs professionals from across the country from a variety of sectors, who are truly representative of the public affairs industry. Alongside my fellow board members, we will work together to accomplish our numerous objectives for 2023. I believe it is the national board’s responsibility to provide oversight while supporting the Chapters to ensure they are successful in driving forward their various initiatives on the ground.
We are here to champion you and your organizations, and your goals as public affairs leaders. Our board is dedicated to PAAC’s mission of supporting and developing opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and networking throughout the industry to become the most effective contributors to their organizations. We will continue to be advocates for our membership while also developing a greater understanding of the role of public affairs in public process and ensuring this value is strongly communicated to government and to the public.
As a board, we will focus on the following five principles to better our industry and create a truly national association that will be to the benefit of all public affairs professionals.
The below-outlinedpriorities are my commitment our valued PAAC members.
Canada-wide: A key priority will be expanding PAAC to include more national opportunities for networking, mentorship, and engagement, as well as development of new chapters. We will look at opportunities for expansion into new markets and seek interest from public affairs professionals to grow our footprint across the country.
Competence: Public affairs is more than lobbying – we help influence positive advancements for our country and are strong proponents of responsible government and public policy development. We will prioritize highlighting our necessity and competency as an industry with proactive thought-leadership and engagement on public affairs policy issues.
Collaboration: We know that creating improved collaboration between PAAC’s chapters across the country comes from the top. We will ensure members receive coordinated engagement and communication from their provincial boards. We will also continue to cultivate a collaborative environment between those in the industry, rather than one of competition.
Culture: Both within our boards and across our membership, building a positive culture is critical. We will have a team mentality as a board and in our leadership. Whether you have been part of PAAC for one month or ten years, our goal is to make everyone feel welcome, appreciated, and supported as you grow their careers in public affairs.
Connection: No matter where you practice public affairs, we believe in building community for the public affairs industry across the country and ensuring members feel like they are an integral part of our network of professionals.
As President, I am committed to being an advocate for our industry and promoting the critical work of our industry professionals at a national level. I am committed to making PAAC relevant for public affairs professionals at every stage of their careers.
I look forward to working with you to make 2023 PAAC’s best year yet.
Alexis Easton
PAAC President
