Michelle MacDonald is a seasoned strategist and governance leader with an extensive career in leadership roles across government, business, and the non-profit sector. As co-owner and principal of AOR 360, she brings a wealth of experience from her past roles as Executive Director of CFN (a National Centres of Excellence non-profit research network) and Chief of Staff to a federal cabinet minister. These positions have honed her ability to set and achieve strategic goals, navigate complex environments, and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders in government, academia, and both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.

Since 2003, Michelle has been a trusted consultant, partnering with numerous not-for-profit organizations at local, regional, and national levels. She has deep expertise in guiding and coaching volunteer board directors and senior staff in strategic planning, board development, CEO mentoring, policy formulation, and governance reporting. Michelle focuses on a collaborative approach, ensuring that strategic initiatives align with the practical needs of delivering on the organization’s mission while maintaining strong accountability.

Michelle is also a skilled facilitator, adept at conducting environmental scans, key informant interviews, stakeholder engagement, situational analysis, communications analysis, and project management. Outside of her professional life, she is an avid sailor and a voracious reader, always seeking new challenges and knowledge.

How many web companies have a PHD in Mathematics as a co-founder? And one who was a spy to boot?

Co-owner Dr. Jay Adamsson, has been studying the Google search algorithm since 2000. He has put his PhD to use as a specialist in analytics, data analysis and optimization for 20 years.

Jay has been a Defence Scientist with the Department of National Defence, an Assistant Professor at the University of Prince Edward Island, and a Cryptomathematician with the Government of Canada.

Jay’s expertise is in the understanding of business requirements and developing data and analysis to support business goals.

He has been in business since 2003, and is Google Analytics Certified.

Jay loves to sail, travel, sing off key and play guitar until his fingers ache.

Erin brings to the AOR team a wide range of logistical and procurement experience. She has extensive experience in contract management, negotiations and in small business development. From small events to large, Erin is able to keep a strong focus on the details to keep everyone organized while providing the best possible client experience.

Outside of events and planning, she’s focused on her dream team of three amazing children on beautiful Prince Edward Island.

Laurance is an experienced graphic designer with a sharp eye for detail, and the ability to bring innovative solutions that satisfy client objectives. He is a Graphic Design graduate of George Brown College in Toronto, specializing in corporate identity and branding.

From the client brief to the final implementation, Laurance approaches any project in a methodical manner that is consistently anchored in the design process. Laurance believes that great design is always timeless and should never be reliant on trends. By creating effective and innovative solutions that are strongly rooted in classic design principles, the result will always be a durable investment.

Also he really, really loves cats.

Colleen has spent most of her career working in leadership roles in the health, higher education and not for profit sectors. Colleen has managed projects of varying size and scope for governments, institutions, not for profits and agencies of the United Nations.  She has experience in project management, event management, needs assessments, strategic planning, policy development, and not for profit governance.

Most recently, Colleen was executive director of a provincial organization where she developed a national profile as an expert in partnership development, community engagement, and community-focused education.  Her professional career has included the management and direction of initiatives which support the needs of vulnerable populations provincially, nationally, and internationally A competent and experienced presenter, Colleen has represented organizations at events, policy dialogues, in the media and with the public.

Now a full-time staff person with AOR Solutions, Colleen supports our non-profit association clients.

When not working, Colleen loves to cook (and eat) and spending time with family in beautiful Nova Scotia.

Natalie is a communications and marketing professional with experience working for private and not-for-profit organizations. After completing degrees in Psychology and English Language and Literature, Natalie worked across Canada in the agricultural industry. Currently, she is pursuing a Public Relations certificate and looks forward to future learning opportunities.

Melvin is our Accounting Technician. His roots are in The Netherlands. That is also where he graduated in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administrations. After graduating Melvin worked as Assistant Accountant and Assistant Controller. In 2016 he moved to Canada. In Canada he worked as Cook, Cleaner, Newspaper deliverer and Bartender. He also worked as Liaison Officer at the Canada Revenue Agency where he helped small business owners and self-employed individuals with their tax problems and to better understand their tax obligations.

Melvin’s hobbies are soccer, travel and playing games.