Strategic Advisory
Introduction
Our team of advisors have decades of executive experience. Led by Nick Koolsbergen, the founder and CEO of Wellington Advocacy, our advisors have counseled world leaders, brands and executives on a wide range of issues. Their expertise can be trusted to provide your organization with our thoughtful perspectives, nuanced analysis and clear strategic insight.
Delivering value for our clients
Practice Leads
Nick has fifteen years of executive experience in numerous senior roles. He directed issues management for the Prime Minister of Canada, served as Chief of Staff to the former Premiers of British Columbia and Alberta, and was Campaign Director for a major political party.
Andrea van Vugt was the longest serving Foreign Affairs and Trade Advisor to Canada’s 22nd Prime Minister. She played an instrumental role in the conclusion of the Canada-Europe trade negotiations and Canada’s entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations. She advised the Prime Minister and members of cabinet during more than 20 bilateral visits around the world, and at summits which included the G8, G20, North American Leaders’ Summit, COP and NATO. As Chief of Staff to the Minister of International Trade, Andrea was instrumental in the conclusion of trade talks with Ukraine, Israel and the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Leah Ward served as the Director of Communications for Rachel Notley and the Alberta NDP Caucus. Leah’s experience and insights from her time serving Premier Notley helps our clients navigate both sides of the political aisle in Alberta.
Our expertise will guide your organization through complexity, identify opportunities, and drive outcomes.
Areas of Expertise: Government Relations, Public Policy, Regulatory Development, Regulatory Approval, Strategic Communications, Stakeholder Engagement, Project Management, International Trade, Border Policy, Foreign Affairs, International Relations
Andrea has more than 20 years of experience working in the public and private sectors, advising some of North America’s largest businesses on bilateral and trilateral trade issues. Andrea was the Foreign Affairs and Trade Advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada where she played an instrumental role in the conclusion of the Canada-Europe trade negotiations. Andrea also served as Chief of Staff to the Minister of International Trade where she oversaw the conclusion of trade talks with Ukraine, Israel, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Andrea will navigate complicated transborder activities for your organization, including trade and tariff rules.
Areas of Expertise: Government Relations, Public Policy, Regulatory Development, Regulatory Approval, Strategic Communications, Stakeholder Engagement, Project Management, International Trade, Border Policy, Foreign Affairs, International Relations
Andrea has more than 20 years of experience working in the public and private sectors, advising some of North America’s largest businesses on bilateral and trilateral trade issues. Andrea was the Foreign Affairs and Trade Advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada where she played an instrumental role in the conclusion of the Canada-Europe trade negotiations. Andrea also served as Chief of Staff to the Minister of International Trade where she oversaw the conclusion of trade talks with Ukraine, Israel, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Andrea will navigate complicated transborder activities for your organization, including trade and tariff rules.
Areas of Expertise: Government Relations, Corporate Communications, Issues Management, Western Canada
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.
Areas of Expertise: Government Relations, Corporate Communications, Issues Management, Western Canada
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.
Expertise
Public Engagement
Stakeholder Engagement
Virtual Town Halls
Facilitation
Strategic Communications
Strategic Planning
Stakeholder Mapping & Outreach Planning
Design & Presentation Development
Presentation & Workshop Delivery Training
Digital Engagement