This year’s recipient, Charmaine Gaudet, APR, is the Director of External Relations at Genome Atlantic, a not-for-profit corporation where she is the sole in-house communications specialist.
Charmaine was nominated specifically for the Genomics in Society element of her work plan, which included the sector and public relations efforts. The latter encompasses traditional media relations, educational/promotional video, the use of social media and select panel sessions.
Charmaine’s communications leadership underpins Genome Atlantic’s success in raising the profile of the organization, enhancing stakeholder awareness, product offerings and impacts to date, which all in turn fosters the expansion of the organization’s business development.
Charmaine is a true leader and fierce communicator – her unique ability to distill very complex issues into creative and compelling articles, stories, videos and presentations have been a cornerstone to supporting Genome Atlantic’s vision, which serves to educate and demystify the power and promise of genomics technologies.
Her ongoing efforts, creativity and innovative thinking continue to help Genome Atlantic achieve its ultimate organizational goal of making a very meaningful positive impact on the Atlantic Canadian economy.
Congratulations, Charmaine on your well-deserved award as 2019 Nova Scotia Communicator of the Year!
This year’s recipient, Alison MacDonald, spearheaded one of the most impactful communications campaign in HRM’s recent history in her role as Communications Manager at Halifax Harbour bridges (HHB).
In early 2015, HBB embarked on one of their biggest initiatives since the building of the MacKay bridge – the replacement of the suspended spans of the MacDonald bridge. With planning starting back in 2010, this was a significant project for HHB as it was only the second time in history that the deck of a suspension bridge has been replaced while remaining open to traffic.
With an average of almost 50,000 vehicle crossing per day, the MacDonald bridge is a major route for many commuters – and as one can imagine, nothing frustrates a commuter more than a disruption in their routine. From this challenge, “The Big Lift” was born.
The work on the bridge spanned over two years with the majority of the work happening during nights and weekend closures. There were multiple audiences for this initiative with the ultimate goal of keeping them aware of the schedules and any changes so that they could plan their commute accordingly. This meant ensuring that there was constant communication and easy access to information, including the closure schedule and any changes along the way.
Peter Spurway is a well-known member of the communications community who has over 25 years of progressive communications experience in the province. Peter is an expert in media and stakeholder relations which can be largely attributed to his 12 years working in media before beginning his corporate communications career.
Nominated for his work as Vice President, Corporate Communications & Airport Experience with Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA), Peter created and championed the airport’s culture program, The Stanfield Way. His strong focus on customer service through creative and fresh tactics elevated brand reputation and customer satisfaction.
Peter’s leadership and substantial expertise in areas such as crisis management and social media programming are why Peter Spurway is CPRS-NS’ 2017 Nova Scotia Communicator of the Year recipient.
The Nova Scotia Communicator of the Year award recognizes excellence in public communications and honours individuals and organizations in Nova Scotia making significant contributions to our community.
With 15 years of experience, Suzanne is a senior communications practitioner with a proven ability to conceive and deliver strategies that support organizational growth. Her diverse experience spans the practice areas of issues and reputation management, stakeholder/shareholder relations, marketing and brand strategy. She has advised clients, senior executive, government officials and boards in all facets of marketing and communications.
As Senior Director, Corporate Strategy, Marketing and Communications for Trade Centre Limited, she leads a talented team of professionals focused on marketing the new Halifax Convention Centre to the world and building community enthusiasm in the lead up to the facility’s opening in 2017. Her team’s work for brand development and client engagement has been recognized internationally.
A graduate of Mount Saint Vincent University’s Bachelor of Public Relations program, she also holds a Certificate in Marketing and is accredited by the Institute of Communications and Advertising.