Public Relations

We develop compelling narratives and crisis response strategies that shape public opinion and protect brand reputation.

Media interview. Press conference.

Effective strategies that build and protect reputation. 

Positive brand reputation is a valuable and vulnerable asset. Our trusted advisors manage risk, seize opportunities, and shape public opinion for partners.

Service areas

Public relations and strategic communications

Effectively guiding public relations.  

Wellington Advocacy offers comprehensive communications planning. Our approach includes laser-focused strategic planning, media engagement, product and content creation, and media monitoring. 

Crisis communications and issues management

Urgent support when it’s needed most. 

Wellington advisors leverage unrivaled experience advising Prime Ministers, Provincial Premiers, Cabinet Ministers and corporate executives to drive crisis communications responses and issues management strategies that safeguard brand reputation for partners. 

Media training

Deliver your message with confidence.

Wellington Advocacy’s media training services equip business leaders and representatives with the skills to communicate and engage strategically with the press, including interview preparation and media interaction techniques.

Narrative development

Craft stories that resonate.

Compelling stories are the heart of effective communications. Our advisors draft narratives that inform and emotionally connect with your stakeholders and target audiences.

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Our Public Relations Team

  • Kayla Iafelice

    Kayla Iafelice

    Vice President, Strategic Communications And Digital Advocacy

    Kayla is a respected public affairs leader with experience executing communications strategies for businesses and governments. A journalist by trade, Kayla has a decade of experience in media relations, brand PR, reputation management and corporate communications. Kayla most recently served as Executive Director of Communications to the Premier of Ontario where she was responsible for leading the government’s strategic communications, including the government response to COVID-19.

  • Nick Koolsbergen

    Nick Koolsbergen

    CEO and Co-Founder

    As the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Wellington Advocacy, Nick draws on his 15 years of political experience across Canada to advise the senior leadership of some of Canada’s largest companies and associations. Prior to Wellington, Nick directed issues management for the Prime Minister of Canada, served as Chief of Staff to the former Premiers of British Columbia and Alberta, and as a political party Campaign Director.

  • Madison Cox

    Madison Cox

    Chief Product Officer

    Madison brings over a decade of public affairs experience in government relations, stakeholder engagement and strategic communications. Madison recently spent half a decade working in Ontario’s higher education sector where she served as chief of staff to the president of one of Ontario’s leading comprehensive universities. In this role she led revenue generating advocacy strategies and relationship building across all levels of government. Madison has also led communications strategies in support of former Canadian Cabinet ministers and heads of states from around the world while at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI). Prior to this, Madison served as a political professional in the Office of the Prime Minister leading domestic events and the development and execution of strategic communications across numerous senior federal departments.

  • Leah Ward

    Leah Ward

    Vice President

    Leah brings two decades of experience in both the private and public sectors with expertise in providing advice to leaders and organizations that focuses on core goals and driving outcomes. Leah is the former Director of Communications to Rachel Notley and the Alberta NDP Caucus where they secured consistent and frequent media coverage exceeding that of all opposition leaders across Canada. Leah also served as a senior advisor to former Premier Rachel Notley during the NDP’s term in government where they provided advice and strategic communications direction to the Premier and Cabinet on environmental and energy policy, Indigenous relations, and social services policy. Leah has a Master’s degree in political science from the University of Alberta and an honors degree in political science from Carleton University. Leah is also an occasional commentator with recent appearances including CBC’s Power and Politics, CBC Calgary’s political panel, CPAC, CTV National News, CBC’s Alberta at Noon, and the CBC podcast West of Centre.

Our Impact

We create value 

by shaping government policy and public opinion.

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  • Government Relations

    Our trusted advisors craft and deliver strategies that shape government policy and seize opportunities for partners.

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  • NGO Partnership Development

    We build and strengthen connections between businesses, governments, foundations, and NGO’s to advance international development partnerships worldwide. 

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  • Executive Advisory

    Chaired by the Honourable Wayne Wouters, PC, OC, former Head of the Canadian Public Service, the Wellington Advocacy Strategic Advisory Board provides partners with strategic and specialized policy counsel.

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  • Trade Policy and Market Entry

    Guiding businesses through Canada’s regulatory landscape, we help international and domestic partners expand into new markets, maintain compliance, and identify growth opportunities.

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