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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Travis Boissoneau
Vice President
Travis Boissoneau is Blackbird Strategies’ Vice President. From Parliament Hill to Standing Rock, Travis has stood with First Nations to defend their rights and advance their interests for decades. A proud member of the Anishinabek Nation from the Ojibway Nation of Garden River First Nation, he has dedicated his life to serving First Nations across Ontario, including as the former Chief Administrative Officer of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, as a Regional Deputy Grand Chief of the Anishinabek Nation, and as an advocate on justice issues on behalf of the Leadership Council at Chiefs of Ontario. Travis brings this same passion and leadership to Blackbird. He understands the importance of developing meaningful ways to engage with First Nations, Treaty partners, and other stakeholders to support the critical work of Indigenous communities. He is also a business professional who holds a degree in accounting and business from Metropolitan University, as well as having attained the designation of Certified Professional Accountant. Travis is a proud father of four and lives in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
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Tom Potter
Senior Director 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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Olivier Cullen
Director of Strategy
Olivier brings two decades of experience in government relations, marketing, and communications, with a strong focus on advancing Indigenous rights and reconciliation in Canada. His career includes significant roles in the private sector and at the most senior levels of the federal government. For eight years, Olivier served as a senior political advisor, including as Chief of Staff to the Minister of Indigenous Services, where he was instrumental in shaping policy initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Indigenous peoples.
During his four years advising the Minister of Public Safety, Olivier led the overhaul of the national First Nations Policing Program, a pivotal reform that strengthened safety and security in Indigenous communities across Canada. His work has consistently focused on building trust and fostering meaningful relationships between governments and Indigenous communities. Known for his strategic insight, creative problem-solving, and communication skills, Olivier is a trusted advisor who excels at forging partnerships and navigating complex issues. He continues to be an advocate for positive change, both within government and in the broader community. -
Jwane Izzetpanah
Director of Public Affairs – Western Canada
Jwane brings a decade of experience advancing strategy and influence across Canada’s political, policy, and business arenas. Known for her ability to navigate high-pressure environments, she has built a career shaping issues where reputation, communications, and national policy converge. She began her career in the Senate of Canada, working with Independent Senators on national initiatives and later served in a senior role within the Office of the Leader of the Official Opposition, leading engagement across major policy and communications portfolios. In collaboration with Conservative Shadow Ministers, she helped align policy, communications, and issues management to strengthen national messaging and strategic direction. An entrepreneur at heart, Jwane also has private-sector experience that includes technology, architecture, and real estate; scaling ventures focused on operational efficiency and brand growth. In 2022, she was a candidate in Ottawa’s municipal election, which deepened her understanding of grassroots engagement and public opinion, complementing her national-level strategy work.
Jwane brings to Blackbird a results-driven approach and a reputation for strategic clarity, helping clients anticipate challenges, influence outcomes, and strengthen their position in Western Canada, and beyond -
Annalisa Harris
Senior Consultant
Annalisa Harris is a Senior Consultant 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. -
Aaron O’Quinn
Consultant
Aaron brings experience in communication, writing, and research in government, non-profit, and academic settings. Across these roles he has acted as a researcher, writer, and editor, identifying the key elements from a broader set of issues so that our clients can advocate for policy solutions that are in their best interest. His education is situated in the Humanities and has been interdisciplinary in practice, which has allowed him to conduct research across disciplines and make deliberate connections between disparate fields of knowledge.
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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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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.