Valerie Keyes joins Samuel Associates of Ottawa as Professional Development Executive

Valerie Keyes will be a valuable team member, providing executive development and leadership advice to clients.

Valerie served as Director of Personnel Security and Identity Management at the Department of National Defence (DND). Before that, she was Director of Headquarters Integration and Strategic Requirements for the Carling Campus Project for the new DND Headquarters. Valerie authored various papers on leadership for the International Facilities Managers Association and multiple Five Eyes fora.

“Valerie’s personal leadership experience is extensive and transnational. We are excited to have her join our professional team. Having worked at the highest levels of the department of defence and her understanding of the internal workings of the Government of Canada will be a great asset to the firm and our clients.” - said Goran Samuel Pesic, President and CEO of Samuel Associates.

Valerie spent her 35-year career working in various progressive leadership positions within DND and the Canadian Public Service. Following her retirement, she established her practice, GMT Leadership Matters, where she will be providing leadership advice to executives.

Valerie is very involved in various charitable works for women in Canada and abroad. She was a member of the Board of Directors of TEMBO Canada, supporting women’s education in Tanzania, the RA Centre Ottawa, and the Canadian Fencing Federation. Currently, she is a member of MADD Canada (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and Chair of the Security and Intelligence Study Group for the Canadian International Council.

Valerie holds Degrees from the University of Toronto and the Royal Military College of Canada. She is the first Canadian to hold a Master of Science in Leadership from Washington University in St. Louis.