Job Category	Communications and Marketing
Employee	Susan Senior Communications Adviser STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
Ministry	Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Region	West
City	Guelph

Before I joined the OPS, I … completed a BA in Geography from the University of Western Ontario and received a certificate in Public Relations from Humber College. I also worked in public relations and marketing for the Toronto Zoo, the Ontario Science Centre and Theatre on the Grand (a small, live theatre in Fergus, Ontario).

I began my career in… the OPS, in 2001 as a communications officer working primarily on food safety issues. I also spent 1 ½ years doing communications for the Food Inspection Branch.

And now I am ... a Senior Communications Advisor working primarily on animal health and environmental issues. I am also the ministry’s Alternate Emergency Information Officer, and provide communications advice and support during emergency situations.

A day in my shoes… is never the same everyday. My main duties include preparing communications plans, writing media releases and supporting materials, writing speeches for the Minister and senior ministry staff, preparing issue management materials (Qs&As, messaging). The subject matter may be anything from Avian Influenza to fertilizer spreading.

I have chosen to work for the public service because… when I first applied for the job, it sounded intriguing! Since I have been here, not only is the work fascinating, and the work environment terrific, I truly feel that I am “making a difference”. One of my first public service projects was working on the Food Safety and Quality Act – it was really rewarding to work on legislation that will make a difference in people’s lives

The thing that has surprised me the most about working for the OPS is… that I learn something new every day here.

Outside of work, my most memorable achievement is/was... being a hockey mom to two boys. It’s embarrassing when you’re five-year old knows “offside”, but you can’t “get it”. Now, I get it!