Leadership Overview
The Canada Border Services Agency has 10 executives leading key functions including administrative oversight, financial management, intelligence enforcement, strategic policy, and operational security.
Committed to national safety and the facilitation of legitimate trade, The Canada Border Services Agency manages complex border enforcement and immigration protocols to protect the integrity of Canadian borders.
Committed to national safety and the facilitation of legitimate trade, The Canada Border Services Agency manages complex border enforcement and immigration protocols to protect the integrity of Canadian borders.
Leadership Roles at The Canada Border Services Agency
Ryan Pilgrim - Corporate Management Chief Financial Officer & Vice President
Ryan Pilgrim, the Corporate Management Chief Financial Officer & Vice President at The Canada Border Services Agency, directs all fiscal planning and budgetary allocation for the organization. Pilgrim oversees the financial health of the agency, ensuring that resources support critical border enforcement and customs infrastructure. By managing complex financial reporting and risk assessment frameworks, the Corporate Management Chief Financial Officer & Vice President maintains strict compliance with federal government standards. This leadership role involves optimizing capital investments to enhance technological capabilities at ports of entry. Ryan Pilgrim drives long-term financial sustainability by aligning budgetary priorities with the evolving needs of national security. Through precise fiscal oversight, the Corporate Management Chief Financial Officer & Vice President supports the agency in balancing the facilitation of international trade with the necessity of rigorous border control measures across all Canadian entry points.
Ted Gallivan - Executive Vice- President and Premier Vice- Président
Ted Gallivan, the Executive Vice- President and Premier Vice- Président at The Canada Border Services Agency, directs the overarching operational strategy for the entire organization. Gallivan oversees the execution of national border enforcement programs, ensuring that all regional operations meet federal security standards. By managing the senior leadership team, the Executive Vice- President and Premier Vice- Président drives the agency's mission to facilitate trade while maintaining strict border control. This role involves high-level coordination with other government entities to address complex immigration and customs challenges. Ted Gallivan maintains oversight of large-scale infrastructure projects and technological upgrades at ports of entry. Through the strategic management of agency resources, the Executive Vice- President and Premier Vice- Président ensures that the organization remains capable of responding to emerging threats while supporting the economic interests of Canada on a global scale.
Karun Prakash - Strategic Advisor & President, S Office
Karun Prakash, the Strategic Advisor & President, S Office at The Canada Border Services Agency, manages the high-level advisory functions for the office of the President. Prakash coordinates the development of long-term strategic initiatives that guide the agency's approach to border security and trade facilitation. By overseeing the flow of information within the President's office, the Strategic Advisor & President, S Office ensures that leadership remains informed on critical operational developments. This role involves analyzing complex policy issues and providing actionable recommendations to the executive team. Karun Prakash drives the alignment of agency activities with broader government objectives. Through the management of key stakeholder relationships and strategic planning processes, the Strategic Advisor & President, S Office supports the agency in navigating the complexities of national border management and maintaining the security of Canadian entry points.
Erin O'Gorman - President
Erin O'Gorman, the President at The Canada Border Services Agency, directs the entire strategic vision and operational mandate of the organization. O'Gorman oversees the agency's commitment to border enforcement, immigration control, and customs services across all Canadian entry points. By leading the executive team, the President ensures that the agency effectively balances the facilitation of legitimate trade with the necessity of national security. This role involves representing the agency in high-level government discussions and shaping the future of border management policy. Erin O'Gorman drives the implementation of innovative technologies and processes to enhance the efficiency of border operations. Through the leadership of the agency, the President maintains the integrity of Canada's borders, ensuring that the organization remains a cornerstone of national safety and economic stability for all citizens and international partners.
Sharon Spicer - Chief of Staff
Sharon Spicer, the Chief of Staff at The Canada Border Services Agency, coordinates high-level administrative workflows and internal communications. Spicer manages the executive office agenda, ensuring alignment between departmental priorities and the broader mandate of border security. By streamlining information flow across the agency, the Chief of Staff enables rapid decision-making during critical border incidents. This role involves constant collaboration with senior leadership to refine organizational processes and improve internal efficiency. Sharon Spicer maintains oversight of cross-functional projects, ensuring that all administrative initiatives support the core mission of facilitating trade and travel. Through rigorous management of executive resources, the Chief of Staff drives operational excellence across the agency. This position remains vital for maintaining the structural integrity of the organization while navigating the complexities of federal government operations and national security requirements.
Julia Tokarew - Intelligence & Enforcement Chief of Staff
Julia Tokarew, the Intelligence & Enforcement Chief of Staff at The Canada Border Services Agency, manages the integration of intelligence data into daily enforcement operations. Tokarew coordinates the flow of critical information between field officers and national security analysts to identify potential threats at the border. By overseeing the administrative functions of the enforcement branch, the Intelligence & Enforcement Chief of Staff ensures that tactical teams possess the necessary resources to execute complex security mandates. This role involves bridging the gap between strategic intelligence gathering and frontline border protection activities. Julia Tokarew drives the implementation of advanced screening protocols, enhancing the agency's ability to intercept prohibited goods and individuals. Through meticulous coordination of enforcement assets, the Intelligence & Enforcement Chief of Staff strengthens the overall security posture of the agency while maintaining the efficient movement of legitimate travelers.
Sarah McCulloch - Strategic Policy Branch Chief of Staff
Sarah McCulloch, the Strategic Policy Branch Chief of Staff at The Canada Border Services Agency, directs the development and implementation of long-term regulatory frameworks. McCulloch oversees the policy lifecycle, ensuring that all agency guidelines align with federal immigration and customs legislation. By managing the administrative operations of the policy branch, the Strategic Policy Branch Chief of Staff facilitates the creation of robust standards for border management. This role involves constant engagement with government stakeholders to refine the agency's approach to international trade and security. Sarah McCulloch drives the translation of complex legislative requirements into actionable operational procedures for frontline staff. Through the careful orchestration of policy initiatives, the Strategic Policy Branch Chief of Staff ensures that the agency remains responsive to shifting global security trends while upholding the legal obligations of the Canadian government.
Katherine Lapensee - Chief of Staff & To The Senior Strategic Advisor & Vice President
Katherine Lapensee, the Chief of Staff & To The Senior Strategic Advisor & Vice President at The Canada Border Services Agency, manages the executive advisory functions and strategic planning initiatives. Lapensee coordinates the flow of high-level briefings to the senior leadership team, ensuring that all strategic decisions reflect current border security priorities. By overseeing the administrative support for the Vice President, the Chief of Staff & To The Senior Strategic Advisor & Vice President maintains the continuity of executive operations. This role involves synthesizing complex policy data into clear directives for the agency. Katherine Lapensee drives the alignment of strategic goals with the operational realities of border enforcement. Through the management of executive communications and project tracking, the Chief of Staff & To The Senior Strategic Advisor & Vice President ensures that the agency effectively addresses the challenges of managing international borders.
Dave Gault - A & Operations Chief
Dave Gault, the A & Operations Chief at The Canada Border Services Agency, directs the tactical deployment of personnel and resources at key border locations. Gault oversees the daily operational readiness of frontline teams, ensuring that all customs and immigration procedures follow established safety protocols. By managing the logistical aspects of border enforcement, the A & Operations Chief maintains the flow of goods and people across international boundaries. This role involves constant monitoring of operational performance metrics to identify areas for improvement in service delivery. Dave Gault drives the implementation of standardized procedures to ensure consistency in border enforcement across diverse geographic regions. Through the coordination of operational assets, the A & Operations Chief supports the agency in achieving its mission of protecting the border while facilitating the efficient movement of legitimate travelers and commercial traffic.
Philip Whitehorne - Operations Chief
Philip Whitehorne, the Operations Chief at The Canada Border Services Agency, manages the execution of border enforcement strategies at the regional level. Whitehorne oversees the implementation of security protocols for both land and air ports of entry, ensuring that all operations align with national mandates. By coordinating the activities of frontline officers, the Operations Chief maintains the integrity of the border while facilitating the movement of international trade. This role involves managing complex operational challenges and responding to real-time security incidents. Philip Whitehorne drives the optimization of screening processes to improve the efficiency of customs services. Through the oversight of regional operational teams, the Operations Chief ensures that the agency remains capable of addressing the diverse needs of travelers and businesses while upholding the highest standards of border security and immigration enforcement across the country.
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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Canada Border Services Agency Top Executives and Leadership Team
