President

Nadine James,  MBA, APR, SCMP

Nadine James is a seasoned Senior Bilingual Communications and Public Relations Leader with extensive experience in both strategic and crisis communications. Nadine excels in engaging with executives to craft impactful marketing and branding strategies, currently serving as Communications Manager at The Standards Council of Canada.

vice-president

Elizabeth Binette

Elizabeth Binette is a Communications Specialist with Polar Knowledge Canada. A graduate of UVic’s Public Relations Diploma program (2024), Elizabeth has been actively involved in the local PR community, first serving as Student Liaison (2023–24) and now as Vice President (2024–present) on the CPRS Ottawa-Gatineau Board of Directors. She loves building networks, sharing stories that matter, and supporting the next generation of communicators.

Member

Afia Drah

Afia is an accredited communications professional with over ten years of experience in the healthcare, nonprofit, and development sectors, as well as in content creation and development. Originally from Ghana, she brings a global perspective to CPRS Ottawa-Gatineau, based on both practical experience and academic training at graduate level in Ghana and Canada, including  studies in communications at the University of Ottawa.  

Member

Courtny Vaz

Courtny Vaz is a communications professional with nine years of experience leading national campaigns and high-profile initiatives, including her role as Media Relations Lead at the College of Family Physicians of Canada. She has supported organizations across health, non-profit, and business sectors, and co-founded Vaz Digital Solutions to help entrepreneurs and realtors grow through tailored marketing and business development. As a CPRS Ottawa-Gatineau Director, she is committed to advancing the profession and fostering community.

Member

Hana Sabah

Hana Sabah is a strategic communications professional who thrives at the intersection of media, policy, and storytelling. As Communications Manager at Grain Growers of Canada, she leads national advocacy campaigns that shape policy and secure coverage in outlets such as The Globe and Mail, CBC, and CNN. She has also worked in public affairs and with a national non-profit, where she managed high-profile events. Her work is driven by a passion for shaping narratives and delivering impact.

Member

Victoria Vail

Victoria is a 2025 Public Relations graduate from Algonquin College and a scholarship recipient. She brings eight years of experience in corporate partnerships, along with leadership skills as captain of multiple soccer teams. Passionate about community engagement, volunteerism, and social media strategy, Victoria looks forward to contributing her expertise and making a meaningful impact with the board.

member

Stephen McGill

Stephen McGill is a founding partner at McGill Buckley, a strategically and creatively driven marketing, branding, and design company. An award-winning writer and creative director, he solves marketing, branding and communication problems and addresses irksome challenges by working at the intersection of strategy and creativity.