Alex Callahan, former staffer with Ontario’s Official Opposition, has been tapped to guide Strategies 360’s Public Affairs practice in Toronto.

Toronto, Ontario – Strategies 360 (S360) is expanding its Canadian practice into Ontario, with the addition of new Public Affairs Director, Alex Callahan. The new office will collaborate with S360’s Vancouver B.C. office to serve Canadian clients across the country.

Alex has over a decade of experience driving campaigns in politics and the private sector. He brings expertise in qualitative and quantitative opinion research, issue management, media training, media relations and stakeholder engagement. Most recently, he served in Ontario’s Official Opposition where he successfully built their Stakeholder Relations Department through new two-way communications channels to ensure stakeholder engagement, understanding and buy-in. His work built strong ties and trusted rapport with CEOs, Labour, NGO and industry leaders to move the Official Opposition’s positions forward.

“Alex is a real asset to our firm and to our clients who value our wrap-around services,” said Ron Dotzauer, Founder and CEO of Strategies 360. “His ability to bring analytical, creative, and relationship building skills to the table ensures that our clients get the absolute best strategies to tackle their toughest challenges.”

Prior to his work with the Official Opposition, Alex drove the New Democratic Party’s 2018 policy and platform. His work was part of a campaign that led to the caucus more than doubling and forming Official Opposition. By engaging closely with business, labour, NGO, civic and thought leaders, Alex was instrumental the development and execution of the party’s campaign.

“S360 Canada has been working across provinces to address some of our country’s most dynamic issues,” said Michael Gardnier, President of S360 Canada. “With Alex at the helm in Toronto, we will have on-the-ground expertise to support our clients across numerous industries, making an even larger impact.”

S360’s expansion into Toronto will allow the firm to provide its full suite of services for Ontario clients. This includes public policy, communications, research, and marketing and creative services. The addition also integrates with the firm’s established presence and expertise in Vancouver, British Columbia as well as across the western United States and Washington D.C.

 You can reach Alex at AlexC@strategies360.ca

Raj Sihota and Lise Fenton join S360 after serving the BC New Democratic Party strengthening the firm’s leadership in BC government relations.

Vancouver, BC – Veteran BC New Democrat Raj Sihota, who ran the BC NDP as Party Director through its successful 2017 and 2020 campaigns, has joined Strategies 360 in BC as Vice President. Former New Democrat organizer and digital lead Lise Fenton has joined the BC team as Senior Public Affairs Manager. 

“Raj Sihota has been at the forefront of New Democrat leadership in BC since her time as a senior aid to then Deputy Premier Joy MacPhail, and then as Director of Outreach to then BC NDP leader Carole James,” said Strategies 360 Canada president Michael Gardiner. “Sihota’s decades of experience and relationships, along with her deep knowledge of BC politics and her strategic mind, will give S360 clients top level guidance and advocacy.” 

Fenton is also an experienced political strategist and campaigner with expertise in communications, digital strategy, fundraising, and organizing. Prior to joining Strategies 360, Fenton held roles in  the Manitoba Health Minister’s office, as Deputy Digital Director for Canada’s NDP, and most recently, as Candidate Recruitment and Nominations Organizer for the BC NDP, where she drove the recruitment of BC NDP candidates for the 2020 election. 

“Lise Fenton is a top-notch organizer and communicator,” said Gardiner. “Her experience in government and politics, combined with her superb communications knowledge, builds trusting relationships with the public and decision-makers alike. Lise delivers strategies and messaging that get results for clients.”  

Sihota and Fenton join the experienced leadership team of Gardiner, and Vice President Stephen Howard who previously worked as Chief of Staff to Adrian Dix and as a senior aide to Attorney General David Eby. 

“Together, our British Columbia team brings decades of experience in BC politics.” said Strategies 360 CEO Ron Dotzauer. “Their expansive knowledge of regional issues and industries, the NDP, and the decision-makers at the tablehelp clients achieve their goals and drive lasting change.”  

Strategies 360 is the largest integrated public affairs firm in the west, with offices in thirteen states, Washington DC, and Vancouver, Canada. Strategies 360’s Washington, DC practice recently received a major boost with Patrick Baskette, former special assistant to then Senator Joe Biden, joining S360’s already impressive U.S. federal team.  

Learn more about Raj Sihota here

Learn more about Lise Fenton here