Meet the team behind the work.
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Lisa Kirbie
CEO & Founder
Lisa Kirbie is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Blackbird, where she advises clients on navigating government, shaping public policy, and advancing complex public affairs mandates. She spent nearly a decade on Parliament Hill in political roles in both the House of Commons and the Senate, including with the Leader of the Official Opposition and the Senate Government Leader. Her experience in federal politics gave her an insider’s understanding of how decisions are made, how influence is built, and how to move complex files forward within government. Lisa later served as Director of Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs for a large provincial public-sector health agency, leading complex regulatory and stakeholder initiatives. She then moved to the private sector as Managing Partner and Indigenous Practice Lead at a boutique consultancy before returning to Ottawa and founding Blackbird in 2019.
Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Lobbyists by The Hill Times and named one of Canada’s Top 50 Women Over 50 by CEO Magazine, Lisa is known for providing clear strategic counsel, navigating politically sensitive environments, and advancing priorities that require both credibility and discretion. -
Dan Pujdak
Chief Strategy Officer
Dan Pujdak is a nationally recognized thought leader on reconciliation and Arctic affairs and a leading policy and public relations practitioner. He has worked alongside major Canadian firms in the finance, resource, and retail sectors to build reconciliation initiatives and enhance the reputation of their brands. He has also worked with Indigenous groups across Canada to build partnerships, design policy frameworks, and grow their internal governance and communications capacity. Previously Dan has served as a senior advisor to Indigenous leaders as well as on Parliament Hill. He is a Fellow at the Public Policy Forum and Arctic 360, and a Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute.
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Tom Potter
Vice President of Government Relations
Tom Potter provides clients with strategic advice on government relations activities, helping them build lasting, productive relationships with decision-makers at various levels of government. He brings several years of parliamentary affairs and communications experience to his role at Blackbird, having worked for multiple Members of Parliament both in Ottawa and in their constituencies, providing our clients with an inside perspective on federal politics and policymaking.
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Tobi Warisaron Mitchell
Director of Health
Tobi Warisaron Mitchell is a member of the Bear Clan from the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory, she obtained her BA from Trent University and her Executive Masters of Health Administration from Ottawa University. Her education is combined with over a decade of experience advancing First Nations health policy and leadership. Her work has been grounded in supporting the health, wellbeing, and self-determination of First Nations communities.
From 2018 to 2021, Tobi served as an elected District Chief in Akwesasne, where she worked with technicians and other leaders to lead critical response efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, working to protect community members while navigating complex and rapidly changing public health challenges.
For the past five years, she has served as the Health Director for Chiefs of Ontario, where she worked collaboratively with leadership, communities, and partners to shape and advocate for First Nations health priorities across the province. -
Annalisa Harris
Director of Policy
Annalisa Harris is a Director of Policy at Blackbird Strategies. She has spent over a decade working at senior levels in federal, provincial, and municipal politics including as Policy and Regional Affairs Advisor to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations where she also served as the minister’s Quebec and British Columbia desks. An award-winning public speaker in both English and French, she has prepared ministers, mayors, and business leaders to effectively advocate for their interests. In her spare time, she volunteers as a soccer coach and as a mentor for the next generation of young leaders in sport and politics.
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Erica Wallis
Senior Consultant
Erica Wallis is a writer and communicator with experience developing communication plans and products across sectors, from think-tanks to nonprofits to public-sector institutions. Erica most recently worked for the Official Opposition at Queen’s Park, advising political leaders and Members of Provincial Parliament on communications strategies and rapid response measures. She has been at the heart of some of the biggest news in Ontario and knows what it takes to tell an impactful story.
Erica has worked on NDP election campaigns across Ontario and has spent time working in El Salvador and China. She has a Master’s degree in Global Affairs from the University of Toronto’s Munk School, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and the Public Interest from Western University. -
Laurel Lennox
Consultant
Laurel Lennox is an experienced communicator, with five years of experience working as a former federal political staffer. She led media relations during the pandemic for two federal ministers: Minister of Transport and created communications plans for the Minister of Industry on government priorities such as, green investments, marketplace competition, and consumer protection. Laurel is well-versed in coordinating between multiple levels of government for funding and policy decisions, as well as crisis response situations. She has key knowledge of the transport sector, clean technology sector, and economic development policy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University in History and Economics. Laurel is a natural problem solver and strives to deliver tailored and effective results for clients and communities. Born and raised in Montreal, she is also fluently bilingual.
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Ben Carriere
Consultant
Ben Carriere is an experienced former political staffer who has worked for two Indigenous members of Parliament during his time on the Hill. He understands the challenges that progressive organizations face and is eager to help guide clients through the complex Parliamentary machine. Ben has extensive campaign experience, most recently providing stakeholder outreach for a major political party during the 2025 federal election. He is also familiar with large projects, having worked on VIA Rail Canada’s government relations team as they successfully lobbied the federal government to fund two major infrastructure investments.
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Sarah Smith
Consultant
Sarah is a thoughtful communicator and adaptable professional with experience across government, research, and public-facing roles. She joins Blackbird Strategies from the federal public service, where she worked on issues that Canadians care deeply about. Her background spans work in academic and historical research, cultural institutions, and community-focused initiatives, including time spent overseas and involvement in human-rights-oriented projects. She also brings experience in student leadership, writing, and journalism from her academic years. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from McGill University and a law degree from the University of Kent in England, where she focused on cybersecurity and privacy and international humanitarian law. She is driven by a curiosity for people and policy, and by a commitment to thoughtful, community-minded work.
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Hannah Walhad
Consultant
Hannah works at the intersection of finance, public affairs, and community engagement, bringing experience from across Canada’s political, public-sector, and non-profit landscapes. She spent a decade in corporate investment banking at BNP Paribas, where she developed strong analytical, strategic, and stakeholder-management skills in high-pressure environments.
She later transitioned into the public sector, applying this lens to policy, outreach, and engagement work on Parliament Hill, including in the federal NDP Leader’s Office, where she supported national outreach and policy engagement initiatives. Alongside her government experience, Hannah has worked with and volunteered in community and non-profit organizations, guided by a practical belief that effective advocacy is built on relationships, trust, and a clear understanding of how systems operate.
Having lived abroad both growing up and later as a professional, Hannah brings a global perspective and cultural fluency to her work. Outside of work, she enjoys travel, exploring different cultures, and spending time with her family and loved ones. She brings a thoughtful, grounded approach to helping clients navigate complexity and advance their work with clarity and purpose. -
Dorian Reid
Junior Consultant
Dorian is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in project management and client service, honed through diverse roles in both the hospitality industry and military service. With a genuine passion for community engagement, Dorian actively contributes to efforts that strengthen relationships within his community, particularly focusing on youth development through part-time work. Dorian holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology with a Minor in Law from Carleton University, complemented by an educational background in police studies. As a proud member of the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, Dorian is committed to serving his community and fostering connections that promote understanding and collaboration.
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Riaz J. Kara
Senior Associate
Riaz J. Kara is a senior public policy and public affairs leader with more than 20 years of experience spanning government, consulting, and the non-profit sector. Riaz is President and CEO of Pathfinder Policy Group, providing clients with expert guidance on how to navigate the political and public service maze.
He brings deep expertise in governance, state capacity, and complex policy development across areas including Canada–U.S. relations, trade diversification, housing and infrastructure, energy, and life sciences. Riaz was Vice-President of Policy at both the Public Policy Forum, a national independent think tank, and at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Formerly he was a Director General of Policy at Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, where he led housing policy and federal-provincial-territorial negotiations, and at Employment and Social Development Canada, where he led in labour policy.
Riaz is a recognized media commentator, with appearances on international outlets such as CNBC and BBC World News and has been a featured writer in The Hub and for the Centre for Civic Engagement. He holds an Executive Certificate in Public Sector Leadership from Harvard Kennedy School and an M.Sc. from the London School of Economics. Riaz is also active in the community, serving on the board of Christie Lake Kids, supporting youth from low-income households. -
Kluane Adamek
Associate
Kluane Adamek, MBA, ICD.D (Aagé) is a citizen of Kluane First Nation and honours the Matriarchs who welcomed her into the Dakl’aweidi (Killer Whale) Clan. Based in Whitehorse, Yukon, she brings a governance-focused, systems leadership approach grounded in relationships, integrity, and long-term thinking.
Kluane served as the Assembly of First Nations Yukon Regional Chief from 2018–2025, advancing priorities in climate, health, and governance, and elevating northern and Indigenous leadership.
She now advises governments, Indigenous communities, and organizations, supporting decision-making, strengthening relationships, and advancing long-term community well-being. She is also a Senior Advisor with Mokwateh and serves as Chair of the Indigenous Advisory Council to the Government of Canada’s Major Projects Office. -
Tabatha Soltay
Associate
Tabatha Soltay is an Associate with Blackbird Strategies, and a facilitator and strategic planner by trade. After a decade of public services, Tabatha started her own company in 2013 where she designed stakeholder engagement and adult learning tools to open up spaces for dialogue on difficult topics. Tabatha now partners with Blackbird Strategies to focus on transformational change projects and co-design work that aims to build trust faster. She has worked to supported engagements with publicly traded companies, First Nations communities and leaders, family offices and environmental nonprofits.
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Amelia Brown
Associate
Amelia Brown brings more than 20 years’ experience advising senior leaders and organizations and developing public policy in Canada and the United States. She has held a series of executive roles—most recently at Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and previously with the Privy Council Office, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, and Elections Canada. Prior to her federal career, Amelia was a Program Associate at the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars in Washington, DC; held positions at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the Foundation for Educational Exchange Between Canada and the United States of America; and was a Canada-US Fulbright Scholar.
Amelia’s areas of expertise include government relations, strategy and policy development, intergovernmental affairs, governance and organizational design, and data-driven decision-making. Amelia holds a Master in Public Affairs from Princeton University, with a certificate in demography, and is a past President of the Association of Princeton Graduate Alumni. She also holds a B.A. in international relations with a minor in mathematics from Wellesley College and has co-edited two books and published several articles and book chapters. -
Mariia Shumenkova
Executive Assistant
Mariia Shumenkova is Executive Assistant at Blackbird Strategies. Originally from Ukraine, she values resilience, cultural connection, and community engagement. She brings over five years of experience supporting senior leadership in financial and non-profit environments, where precision, discretion, and strong organizational systems are essential. Known for her clear communication and calm approach under pressure, Mariia ensures leadership priorities, internal processes, and project coordination run seamlessly.
Prior to joining Blackbird, Mariia worked in the financial sector at a credit union, building a strong foundation in structured processes, client service, and financial coordination. She has also led and supported community-driven initiatives, coordinating large teams and contributing at the board level as a Ukrainian Canadian Congress representative with the Ukrainian National Federation in Canada. Her background includes digital administration and systems oversight, reflecting her focus on efficient, process-driven environments.
Mariia brings a thoughtful, proactive approach to executive support, with strengths in project coordination, stakeholder communication, and operational organization.