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High-impact talent

Image of Adrienne Rand
Adrienne Rand

VP, Strategy


As a VP of Strategy, Adrienne feels lucky to have made a career out of people “watching”. An anthropologist by training, years ago she became curious about how you could leverage cultural insights to accelerate positive behaviour change. Today she develops strategies based on these insights to benefit both consumers, clients and the issues we work on. A mom of four kids, her greatest societal contribution is doing her part to combat global underpopulation.
Black & white headshot of Ayaan Abdulle
Ayaan Abdulle

Project Coordinator


A Project Coordinator with experience in both the non-profit and tech sectors, Ayaan is a passionate advocate, knowledge-sharer and pop culture aficionado. Her purpose priorities include cultivating equity, justice and accessibility everywhere she can. Ayaan is a people-person who loves travelling, matcha and fashion, and she firmly believes that the best food in Toronto can be found in Scarborough.

Ben Egnal

Associate Creative Director


Ben is an Associate Creative Director with a background in design, who knows it really doesn’t matter how pretty something looks if there isn’t a killer idea behind it. He believes we make our own luck – largely by having an entrepreneurial spirit. Ben co-founded a dog clothing line called ‘Higgins Would Be Proud’, which is proud to donate 10% from each purchase to ElderDog. When he’s not knee-deep in ads, you can find him performing standup comedy or playing pickup basketball on the mean streets of Toronto.
Beth Thomson

Director, Client Strategy


As a Client Strategy Director, Beth works closely with her clients, building trusted partnerships and working together to produce smart, insight led work. She counts herself very lucky that she is able to marry her personal passions and values with her day to day work. Beth spent the first 6 years of her career on the media agency side and looks to bring a unique lens to the social impact space here at Public. Beth is originally from the UK and moved to Toronto 2 weeks before the first lockdown (great timing). She is a big foodie, loves both eating out and exploring new restaurants as well as whipping up a meal at home. Family and friends are a big part of her life, she recently became an aunt for the first time and is totally and utterly obsessed with her.
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Caleigh Farrell

Head of Research


As Head of Research and Senior Director Strategy, Caleigh marries strategic prowess with a background in Anthropology. Her innate curiosity and use of the anthropological toolkit results in the consistent delivery of research and insight-driven strategies that have been helping our clients profit with purpose since she joined the company in 2013. As a mum to two littles, Caleigh is perpetually under-slept / over-caffeinated and looking for ways to live her values through the great parenting adventure.
Charlotte O’Brien

Coordinator, Client Strategy


With a background in strategy and marketing, Charlotte loves brand storytelling and human-centric problem-solving. Having previously worked in the non-profit sector, Charlotte is excited to continue collaborating with community stakeholders to drive sustainable impact as a Client Coordinator at Public. In her spare time, you’ll find her learning about ancient civilizations, planning her next trip, or spending time in nature.
Image of Dominic Smith
Dominic Smith

Director, Client Strategy


Dominic brings a flair for storytelling to his role as Director, Client Strategy. Throughout his career, he has worked to bring insights and opportunities to light that drive sustainable long-term growth and deliver positive social impact. His approach is to look beyond sectors, focusing on the individual needs and desires of people that ultimately form the trends, behaviours, and systems of the world we live in. When he isn’t working he’s walking, reading, running, writing, or dancing—usually with son, partner, and dog happily in tow. 
Image of Elizabeth Ellis
Elizabeth Ellis

Manager, Creative Impact


From a young age, Elizabeth felt drawn to advocacy work. (In fact, at age 12, she wrote a speech for her class on ‘why animals deserve more than zoos’.) With experience in marketing, brand strategy and social content, Elizabeth uses the power of creative storytelling to engage communities. As an active volunteer with the City of Toronto, her focus is on accelerating the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Essential parts of her life are: spending time in nature, drawing and yoga.
Erin Stevens

Creative Director


Erin has spent most of her career working at large, traditional agencies and boutique social agencies across the U.S., on almost every kind of brief imaginable – from luxury cars to mayonnaise jars; from Super Bowl to social content.
She thrives in the fuzzy space between art direction and design. Where big idea meets creative content. Where you do a lot with a little. Where big brands want to talk to the little guy. Where things are funny because they're too true. Where you don't want to just rebrand your product, you want to rebrand your whole industry, too. And where strategy and creative teams join forces for good.
Image of Georgia Cottrelle
Georgia Cottrelle

Director, Client Strategy


A dynamic collaborator and communicator, Georgia Cottrelle is a Client Strategy Manager who leads her projects at Public with a passionate commitment to social impact with an approach steeped in research. Georgia is also never far from a well-steeped cup of tea, even when volunteering to bring fun and meaningful experiences to young campers undergoing cancer treatment and Camp Ooch.
Hannah Willis

Manager, Client Strategy


As a Client Strategy Manager, Hannah always has her hand raised, whether to ask a question or offer to help. "Hopelessly Canadian", Hannah has built her career on compassionately engaging Canadian communities on social issues. Hannah is an SSHRC Canadian Graduate Scholar with her B.Ed in educating for social justice and her MA in communications & culture studies – with a thesis on Trailer Park Boys that her parents definitely, totally endorsed. Hannah loves working at Public because she can walk to work.
Heather Apple

Creative Director


Heather Apple is a Creative Director, a writer and a mom. She's worked in agencies across the US on everything from social posts to a Super Bowl spot. She loves humor, female empowerment and cats.
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Indra Persad

VP, Finance


Merged with her passion for doing good are Indra’s 20+ years as an accounting executive, directing timely financial reports, forecasting, as well as optimizing financial strategies to boost profitability, mitigate risks and enhance business performance. When she’s not perfecting her flow at the yoga studio, Indra’s mantra (at work and at home) is: “How can I make this more productive?” Indra is devoted to volunteering, and helps single mothers and retirees file their taxes; she also makes donations from her professional wardrobe to help women and refugees re-enter the workforce in style.
Chief Creative Officer Jill Applebaum
Jill Applebaum

Chief Creative Officer


As Chief Creative Officer, Jill leads the creative output of the agency. Prior to Public, she worked at many big NYC agencies and spent a 4-year stint at Meta. She has garnered all major industry awards including the Cannes Cyber Grand Prix. Jill has dug in on all types of brands from packaged goods to luxury goods, scooping up every social-purpose project she could get her hands on along the way. She’s thrilled that since joining Public, her favorite type of projects are her whole job. Right now, Jill’s volunteering energy is dedicated to her kids’ NYC public school. She spends what free time she has boxing, reading, drinking too much coffee and spending time with her amazing friends and family.

Junwoo Kahng

Sr Graphic Designer


Jun is a Graphic Designer with a background in film production and photography. He has previously worked at various creative agencies and architecture firms in Toronto. When he’s not working, he is constantly learning about tech and how it can be used in art and design, and he is devoted to anti-racism and social justice. In his spare time – when not learning or working – he chases his two toddlers around, telling them to stop touching things.
Image of Kate Dier
Kate Dier

Sr Manager, Client Strategy


Kate has an innate curiosity about the world and is focused on creating lasting, positive impact. She is passionate about people, has travelled to over 30 countries (and counting), and loves learning about people’s unique experiences and the fundamental similarities between us all. As a Client Strategy Manager at Public, Kate uncovers insights and develops purpose-led strategies to help clients and consumers make their mark on the world.
Image of Katee Hui
Katee Hui

Sr Director, Client Strategy


For most of her adult life, Katee has kept a list of ideas the world needs – ways of connecting the dots where systems are broken or ways of solving a societal or environmental problem. A social entrepreneur at heart, she founded Laces Community Club, the UK's largest football club franchise, exclusively for girls and women. Katee has experience working both client-side in a CSR team and agency-side focused on brand and sustainability strategy across Asia, Europe and North America. When she’s not working, she’s usually enjoying type II fun (not limited to triathlons and marathons) and spending time with her pack: her partner, her daughter, and a tiny wiener dog.
Katie Elder

Head of Client


With over 15 years of professional experience managing businesses and coaching teams, Katie is always looking for ways to support Public clients' business strategies by integrating social impact and sustainability. Prior to Public, Katie spent 11 years with Procter & Gamble in brand management, product design and shopper marketing roles in Canada and Asia leading some of the world's most well-known brands including Gillette, Old Spice, and Olay. She has a long history of involvement and interest in governance, including 6 years on the board of directors of Meal Exchange, a former Toronto-based food security charity and as a Junior Director and member of the finance committee for Otter Co-op in Langley, BC.

Image of Keltie Doolittle
Keltie Doolittle

VP, Growth & Culture


The balance between Keltie’s diverse background and her passion for social issues allows her to seamlessly move across a wide range of clients. Keltie is an innovative and solutions-oriented thinker who loves to troubleshoot both client and team needs. Making small changes at home – using reusable grocery and produce bags, eating a plant-based diet, and walking whenever possible – are not only important for her own impact but essential in demonstrating to her children that there are simple daily actions we can all take.
Image of Marc Lavine
Marc Levine

Co-Founder


An explorer and serial entrepreneur, Marc is constantly in search of exciting opportunities, new collaborators, and transformative ideas. Ideas that can have a real impact and truly do some good. In addition to creating businesses, Marc extended his creative spirit to the non-profit sector with the launch of the Exclamation Foundation to stimulate creativity in theatre with The Grand Prix du Theatre, as well as to support initiatives that respect our planet. Marc is also a graduate of l’Ecole Ritz Escoffier; when not cooking Marc can be found meditating on the sea in his kayak.
Image of Mark Flanjak
Mark Flanjak

Integrated Producer


With an unconventional start in the world of film and video, Mark transitioned from engineering technology to film production driven by his passion for telling meaningful stories through creative problem-solving. With experience in brand work, short films, PSAs and music videos, Mark has gravitated towards projects that have a significant impact and meaning. He has a deep appreciation for the environment and takes every opportunity to spend time outdoors, whether it be camping, hiking, or climbing, which helps inform his perspective on life and work.
Image of Michael Porfirio
Michael Porfirio

Senior Copywriter


The more you learn about something the more interesting it becomes. It’s a simple lesson, but it’s one that helps Michael get the most from life. Fortunately for him, a career in creative advertising comes with endless subjects to explore. As projects come and go, Michael finds himself revisiting the ones that changed the world for the better. Joining the Public team marks a new chapter in his creative journey, where every idea spawns from a passion to make a difference. But when it’s time to focus on himself, Michael returns to curating playlists, tending to houseplants, and hitting the tennis courts with his best friends.
Mila Schneider

Manager, Client Strategy


Mila is a client strategy coordinator at Public. Having spent a lot of her childhood in South Africa, Mila grew up surrounded by the importance of understanding different cultures. She has always done her best to put others first, whether it’s volunteering in her community, working on pro-bono projects, or fundraising for worthy causes. With a background in advertising, she understands – and is drawn to – storytelling. When she’s not working, you can find Mila outdoors in nature, in the kitchen, listening to music, or playing with her pups.
Image of Paul Rivait
Paul Rivait

Director, Creative Impact


What's trending on TikTok? Is anyone still using Snapchat? And who exactly are Millennials? From marketing channel planning to in-depth data analysis, Paul is your go-to. He's passionate about equality and social justice, is an active supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, and is a staunch defender of the Oxford comma. Because even the smallest of causes deserve a champion.
Image of Phillip Haid
Phil Haid

Founder & CEO


As Founder & CEO, Phil drives and oversees the growth of the business, ensuring our clients, team and partners profit with purpose. A passionate advocate for businesses to create social and environmental impact that benefits the bottom line, Phil can’t help but get involved in strategies and campaigns that prove our thesis. Phil’s favourite weekend activities include coaching his son’s basketball team, watching the Raptors with his boys and wife, jogging, dinner with friends and as many Netflix movies as possible.
Rachel Klysen

Manager, Client Strategy


Rachel likes to take complicated things and make them simple. When she isn’t knee-deep in research, Rachel can be found knee-deep in snow. Time in nature is a must, and for her, best spent when she’s making outdoor adventures accessible for people with unique needs. She also plants trees: 250,000, to be exact. Which, she’d like to point out, will be toilet paper in 80 years.
Image of Robyn Lobay
Robyn Lobay

Director, Client Strategy


Robyn is a Senior Client Strategy Manager who makes it her job to solve problems creatively, keep projects impactful, strategic, and have fun. In a past life she worked as a sexual assault counsellor, peer educator, and worked in mental health curriculum development. Outside work, this true-crime podcast lover’s flair for justice and investigation doesn’t rest. And she makes her impact felt by rallying for diverse social justice concerns, like women’s and indigenous rights and volunteers for animal welfare and environmental action.
Ruby Judson

Senior Project Manager


With a knack for spreadsheets, systems and schedules, Ruby is good at making things happen. Her upbringing in rural Aotearoa, New Zealand and her experience in social and environmentally-focused projects, has instilled a passion for the environments in which we live and the communities to which we belong.
Image of Sarah Civil
Sarah Civil

Manager, Client Strategy


Her previous experience in commercial post-production paired with her passion for storytelling and desire to live on purpose has led Sarah to Public's Client Strategy team. Between her knack for thrifting and eating a plant-based diet, she is always looking for new ways to be sustainable. And in her free time, you'll find her writing grant applications for the environmental non-profit she volunteers for, taking on a new DIY project, or playing with her rescue pup.
Sarah Wallace Carr

Sr Art Director


Sarah is a Senior Art Director who thrives on human truths and well-timed jokes. She’s happiest with a camera in hand, and even met and adopted her dog Finn while doing shelter photography during grad school. In her free time, you’re most likely to find Sarah out on a hike, on the couch with a book, or defending Survivor as the best reality show of all time.
Image of Shalyse Mackay
Shalyse Mackay

Copywriter


A love for social impact and a passion for creative writing is what led Shalyse to pursue a career as a Copywriter. She's thrilled to finally be joining the two together, at Public. With a mix of volunteer and agency experience, she’s an optimist who always looks towards possibility. If she’s not writing she's probably reading, doing yoga, thrift shopping or restaurant hunting.
Sy Chia

Senior Art Director


Sy is an Art Director with a background in design and production from Singapore. He has previously worked at various advertising agencies in managerial positions and goes about with his quirky candour. He is dedicated to his craft and believes that passion for it comes before politics. When he’s not working, he is either running Artisan & Fox (a craft-based online store using a market intermediary business model for marginalized people and refugees), at a CrossFit box laughing away, or painting.
Or all three –  but hopefully never all at once.
Image of Teju Oladoyin
Teju Oladoyin

Manager, Client Strategy


With a background in Communications and Marketing within the nonprofit sector, Teju has a penchant for asking "why?" Having always had an interest in the complexities within the socioeconomic landscape, how they come together to inform the lived experiences of different people, and whose stories are told and why, friends have coined her "the people watcher".  Perhaps this explains her interest in reality television. Teju's ultimate goal in life is to lead with love and help drive positive, purpose-driven change in the world.
Black & white headshot of Tess DiFrancesco
Tess DiFrancesco

Manager, Client Strategy


Through interdisciplinary approaches to strategy and innovation, Tess is determined to do work that empowers others and invokes meaningful, lasting change. With her Master's degree in Sustainability Management from the University of Toronto, Tess joins Public after helping to manage the global channel partner sustainability program at HP. In the summertime Tess enjoys hiking, rowing, camping, and portaging but, in the colder months, you'll find her cooking, baking, and playing games with family and friends.
Zaehen Ghanshani

Designer


Zaehen’s passion for art began at an early age when she was growing up in Mumbai, India. Even after moving to Canada to pursue a Psychology degree at McGill, she constantly found herself involved in personal and professional creative projects, realizing that it was her true calling. She enjoys using her art as a medium to draw attention to social issues and facilitate meaningful discourse. Her other interests include trying out new recipes, riding her bicycle around Montréal, and being a devoted cat mum.