Our Team
At Ryan, our employees are creative. They are bold in exploring new avenues. They combine the rigor and commitment necessary to change the status quo. Ryan brings together highly qualified, experienced, and determined professionals from all areas of public affairs and public relations. We are a team that works hard to meet your expectations.
Join our team and build on your skills and passions
Patrice Ryan
President and Founder
Former Canadian diplomat. Before founding Ryan Public Affairs and Communications, Patrice held high government relations positions in large companies. He has a master's degree in public administration from Columbia University.
Valérie Pomerleau
Vice-President and Partner
Valérie was the political advisor to the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and minister responsible for the Plan Nord. She has expertise in crisis management and communications. Valérie holds a degree in Accounting Sciences from the University of Quebec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue and she recently completed a degree in Project Management from Laval University.
Étienne Gosselin, PhD
Vice-President and Partner
A high-level strategist, Étienne personifies the intellectual rigor of the firm. He holds a doctorate in Social Studies of Health from McGill University, our clients turn to him to establish the credibility and strength of their issues.
Marie-Anne Bélanger
General Manager
With more than ten years of experience with the firm, Marie-Anne has developed skills in managing organizational issues. She ensures the proper functioning and optimal allocation of resources within mandates, and actively contributes to the professional development of team members. She studied public communications at Laval University and law at the University of Quebec in Montreal.
Lorraine Berkhoff
Coordinator
Possessing a diversified experience within prestigious firms both in administration and in marketing and business development, Lorraine ensures the proper functioning of our team. Lorraine holds diplomas in international relations and communications.
Joël Simard-Ménard
Vice-President
Joël Simard-Ménard has expertise in the development of municipal and provincial public policies and in communication management issues. He has worked in communications and politics for nearly 25 years. Joël led the political cabinets of Projet Montréal at Montreal City Hall for more than 10 years. He studied journalism.
Simon-Pierre Diamond
Vice-President and Partner
Simon-Pierre has over 10 years of experience inpublic affairs and communications. He served as a member of Quebec’s National Assembly from 2007 to 2009. Elected at the tender age of 22, he then worked as a political advisor in the Quebec Government between 2010 and 2012. Following his political career, he worked in government relations at an artificial intelligence company. He is a lawyer, holds an MBA, and is currently writing a doctoral thesis in constitutional law at the Université de Montréal.
François William Croteau
Strategic Advisor
François brings with him a deep knowledge and experience of municipal governance and ecological transition. In addition to an already very full professional career, François William Croteau has a very strong academic background. Holder of a doctorate in urban studies from the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQÀM), he obtained his MBA from the same institution in 2007. He also taught in the MBA program for executives in the City and Metropolis Management program (at UQAM?), and worked as a researcher with the Chair of Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development.
Nadine Gelly
Strategic Advisor
Nadine Gelly is an experienced manager who has established an esteemed reputation in the fields of culture, entertainment, tourism, and video games. Notably, she has held the positions of Executive Director of La Guilde du jeu vidéo du Québec, Alliance numérique, Zú, the Lune Rouge creative hub (Guy Laliberté's Montreal flagship project) and La Vitrine culturelle de Montréal.
Marc Ranger
Strategic Advisor
A seasoned negotiator and communicator, Marc is renowned for the mastery of his files and the strength of his arguments. He will be able to share with Ryan's clients his perspective on current and future labour issues, in addition to providing support to unions and organisations in their negotiation and communication strategies.
Sandra Ataman
Account Director
Sandra has over twenty years of experience in communications. She was notably a journalist for Radio-Canada in Abitibi-Témiscamingue and political attaché for the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister responsible for the Plan Nord. She is particularly interested in the realities experienced by the First Nations of Quebec and has a developed political sense, recognized leadership in her community and the ability to understand and communicate complex issues. Sandra holds a bachelor's degree in public communication from Laval University.
Sarah Gougeon
Senior Consultant
Sarah comes from Paris where she held the position of Public Affairs Manager for two years in an employers' association bringing together more than 350 French companies of various sizes and sectors. She has a master's degree specializing in Advocacy Law and Public Affairs from Paris-Dauphine University.
Camille Michaud
Senior Consultant
Having worked for various elected officials of the City of Laval, Camille has extensive experience in the field of municipal politics. Camille holds a joint bachelor’s degree in Economics and Politics from the University of Montreal and a master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from the same institution.
Andrew Dunn
Senior Consultant
Fond of history and politics, Andrew completed an honors program in Political Science and History at the University of Ottawa, which he obtained with honorary mention - Cum Laude. He then undertook a law degree at the University of Ottawa and worked in Switzerland in the field of government relations for a Quebec multinational. Andrew also has professional communications experience with the Department of Justice Canada.
Genevieve Bordeleau
Consultant
Geneviève has a bachelor's degree in public relations and several years of experience in strategic and corporate communications in a diverse array of industries. Formerly working as a media intelligence specialist, she has an in-depth knowledge of the political and media ecosystem in Quebec and Canada, as well as of communications monitoring and analysis strategies.
Vincent Locas
Consultant
Vincent holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Master's degree in International Business Management from HEC Montreal. He previously worked as a political attaché for several MNAs, which led him to develop an excellent understanding of Quebec’s political landscape and issues.
Marie-Lou Freymann
Consultant
Marie-lou has recently joined the Ryan Public Affairs and Communications team. She has several years of experience in French public institutions. She worked for two years with the french President as communication Officer and has a solid experience in crisis management and government relations.
Emmanuelle St-Onge
Consultant
Emmanuelle studied Political Science at the University of Montreal and joined our team with the goal of making a significant difference. With her experience in immigration with the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, she is ready to take on new challenges. Emmanuelle is passionate about Indigenous, environmental and social issues. She is a good interpersonal and communication skills person. Her team spirit, her keen sense of observation and collaboration make her an accomplished professional.
Nicolas Blanchette
Research Consultant
Intern for the summer of 2022, Nicolas graduated from McGill University with a double major in Political Science and International Development. He will continue his studies next fall with a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Montreal.
Delphine Duhaime-Gagné
Research Consultant
Delphine possesses a Bachelor’s degree in communication and politics and is actively pursuing a Master’s degree with a focus on electoral behavior. Her professional journey includes a pivotal role as a political attaché at the Quebec National Assembly, where she honed her understanding of the complex nuances of politics. Delphine has joined our team, motivated by a strong inclination to embrace new challenges. With a deep-seated passion for Quebec politics and a commitment to social justice, she skillfully melds critical thinking with strategic communication. Delphine's methodology is deeply anchored in thorough research, reflecting her steadfast ambition to effectuate significant contributions and drive real, impactful change. Her fervent aspiration to influence positive outcomes, coupled with her meticulous work ethic, steers her towards a proactive and result-oriented approach.