Our People
The foundation of a successful agency is its people. Attracting and retaining the best communicators in the business has always been a focus for APEX. We commit senior level management to all our client projects. We focus our efforts on not only finding the best talent in the industry, but cultivating it as well. It’s not just experience and qualifications that matter to APEX: we place a high value on strong work ethic, positive attitude, passion for communications and determination to exceed expectations.
Pat McNamara, CEO
If you can’t find Pat treading the pathways of her neighbourhood with her two beloved Wheaton Terriers, Taz and Percy, then you’ll likely find her on the nearest tennis court. Either way, she’s always on the move.
Since starting APEX in 1998, Pat has used her natural inspiration and passion for public relations to manage APEX and the development and implementation of a wide range of communications strategies.
She has counseled several leading corporations, such as Adobe, BMO Bank of Montreal, Coca-Cola Jamieson Laboratories, Jergens, Levi Strauss & Co., Nike Canada, Samsung Canada Ltd and UPS.
A recipient of national and local mentor recognition awards (including the CPRS Award of Attainment, CPRS Mentor
Recognition Award and the 2003 CPRS ACE Award: PR Professional of the Year), Pat has also been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Women Business Owners for seven years running.
Linda Andross, President
During football season, this seasoned PR pro can be found cheering on the 49ers flanked by her Jack Russell Terriers, Bullet and Buck. It’s the perfect inspiration for what Linda does at APEX — taking our clients to the end zone.
Linda’s high energy and creative spirit lets her pick up the ball and start running. She’s APEX’s booster shot and a critical part of our ongoing success.
After more than 17 years in public relations, including roles in three major international firms, Linda’s expertise in marketing communications, media relations strategy, acquisition and internal communications is unmatchable.
Her zest for the creative and innovative has brought accolades from all her clients, including Nintendo of Canada Ltd, Fujifilm, Google, Ministry of Natural Resources, Samsung Canada, UPS Canada, and RSA Canada.
But don’t take our word for it. Just take a look at her countless industry awards, many of which came from the acclaimed International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) of which she is an accredited member.
Ken Evans, Senior Vice President
As a devout news junkie and avid reader of the latest in political non-fiction, it’s only fitting that Ken manages APEX’s financial services and corporate divisions, as well as the agency’s communication training practice.
When he’s not indulging in what he affectionately refers to as “extreme cuisine”, Ken helps clients maximize the full potential of public relations for business development purposes through his own unique approach to strategic counsel.
Ken brings his expertise to BMO Financial Group, UPS Canada, George Brown College, NPD Canada, Fujifilm and Davies Ward Phillips and Vineberg.
He is a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers and a member of the board of Charity Intelligence.
Erin Hardy, Vice President & Creative Director
It’s not surprising that Erin has been a member of the same book club for more than 10 years. This is a testament to her loyalty (she has been with APEX for the same duration!), her love of reading and writing, and appreciation for creative thinking.
As Creative Director, Erin is constantly on the hunt for inspiring ideas to bring to her clients. In addition to consuming pages of modern fiction, Erin turns to people watching and window shopping in Toronto’s diverse fashion and retail districts for inspiration. Immersing herself in popular culture and consumer patterns allows her to provide skilled and imaginative counsel on the planning and implementation of national campaigns for APEX consumer marketing clients.
A Jane of all trades, Erin manages special events, product launches, brand awareness programs and media relations campaigns for Nike Canada, Levi Strauss & Co., Brooks Brothers, Corona, LASIK MD, Bausch & Lomb, Energizer and Kao Brands Canada (Jergens, Bioré, Curel, Ban and John Frieda). Her efforts have helped clients achieve award-winning results on local and national levels.
Tanya Elliott-Briden, Vice President
Drop in to visit Tanya unexpectedly at the office and you’re bound to find every sheet of paper neatly organized in strategically placed and labelled piles on her desk. It’s an obsession with detail that has earned this PR practitioner of almost 12 years a special place in her clients’ hearts.
Since she burns the midnight oil regularly, you’ll rarely find Tanya indulging in her guilty pleasures of romantic comedies and hospital dramas (which she watches peering through her fingers), but that’s the price she’s willing to pay to get the job done right for clients like Google Canada, Nintendo of Canada, Samsung Electronics Canada, UPS Canada, George Brown College and many more.
Her experience in the corporate and consumer electronics sector has helped APEX to generate creative ideas to promote today’s greatest gadgets.
Tanya is a member of the International Association of Business Communicators and sits on the Public Relations Advisory Board of Durham College.
Stephanie Engel, Vice President
If she’s not doting on her cats Matzi and Ollie, you’re likely to find Stephanie catching up on the latest celebrity gossip or trekking to her spin class in socks and sandals (even in January!).
It’s that “me” time (and books recommended by Oprah, of course) that generate the bright ideas that turn into successful consumer public relations campaigns for clients like Lasik MD, Levi’s, Kao Brands Canada, and Yoplait.
Her inherent ability to creatively revitalize brands and tactically develop new forms of engagement for those that are already long established has earned her kudos from a long list of clients while her 14 years of experience serve as the foundation for her strategic thinking and counselling.
Stephanie brings with her a B.A. in English from McGill University and a diploma in public relations from Humber College.
Leanne James, Senior Vice President - Human Resources & Operations
Seasoned human resources vice president, Leanne James brings her love of fashion and design to her role with the many hats she wears at APEX (among the many pairs of shoes!).
Leanne balances both the people at APEX as well as our infrastructure. From her recruitment savvy, negotiating skills for the tough talent market, to her ability to nurture the staff at APEX. But she can easily switch to the role of designer and software wizard that enables APEX to visually put its best foot forward.
Prior to arriving at APEX, Leanne oversaw the recruitment requirements and operations for international and private firms.
She is a member of the Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario.
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