Public Affairs and Communications
Kari is a public affairs and communications expert serving almost 25 years in pivotal roles across the health and seniors, public and private sectors in Canada.
A trusted advisor to senior leaders, and one herself, Kari’s time at the Ontario Retirement Communities Association, Ontario Medical Association, Ontario Dental Association, in government and subsequent roles ensure a finely honed mastery of skills such as:
- issues management,
- communications,
- media relations,
- stakeholder relations,
- government relations and
- association governance.
Kari has an undergraduate degree in History and Politics from Mount Allison University (go Mounties!) and a Master of Arts in Journalism from Western University. A lifelong learner, Kari received a fellowship to attend Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health to study Applied Risk Communication for the 20th Century and attended the Harvard Kennedy School to study the Application of Behavioural Insights to the Design of Public Policy. Additionally, Kari has rounded out her skillset by participating in the Rotman School of Management’s ICD Not-For-Profit Governance Essentials course.
Kari is the Founder of Cuss & Company Consulting and is a strategic partner of the Barnes Management Group.
When time permits, Kari enjoys contributing to the community as a part-time professor at the University of Guelph-Humber, a volunteer basketball coach, and a political campaigner.