Leadership Overview
The Canada Border Services Agency has 8 executives leading key functions including administrative coordination, strategic policy development, financial management, and border operations.
Committed to national security and economic prosperity, The Canada Border Services Agency facilitates international trade and travel while maintaining rigorous oversight of all Canadian entry points.
Committed to national security and economic prosperity, The Canada Border Services Agency facilitates international trade and travel while maintaining rigorous oversight of all Canadian entry points.
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, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation of the entire organization. Pilgrim oversees budgetary planning, financial reporting, and the procurement of essential technology required for border security operations. By directing the allocation of funds toward critical infrastructure, the Corporate Management Chief Financial Officer & Vice President ensures that the agency maintains the capacity to process international trade and travel effectively. Ryan Pilgrim monitors financial performance metrics to identify opportunities for cost-efficiency and operational improvement. This role involves collaborating with other executive leaders to align financial strategies with the agency's overarching security objectives. Through the rigorous oversight of corporate assets, the Corporate Management Chief Financial Officer & Vice President supports the long-term sustainability of border operations. Ultimately, Pilgrim secures the financial foundation necessary for the agency to protect Canadian interests.
Erin O'Gorman - President
Erin O'Gorman, the President at The Canada Border Services Agency, provides the overarching leadership and strategic direction for the entire organization. O'Gorman oversees the agency's mission to facilitate international trade and travel while ensuring the security of the Canadian border. By setting the tone for organizational culture and operational priorities, the President drives the agency toward achieving its federal mandates. Erin O'Gorman collaborates with government officials and international partners to address complex security challenges and promote economic prosperity. This role involves making high-level decisions that impact the deployment of resources, the implementation of new technologies, and the enforcement of border regulations. Through the continuous assessment of the agency's performance, the President ensures that all divisions remain aligned with national security goals. Ultimately, O'Gorman secures the agency's position as a vital protector of Canadian interests and a facilitator of global commerce.
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, supports the President in the overall management and strategic oversight of the agency. Gallivan directs the implementation of major organizational initiatives, ensuring that all branches operate in harmony with the agency's core mission. By overseeing the integration of new technologies and security policies, the Executive Vice- President and Premier Vice- Président enhances the agency's capacity to manage international trade and travel. Ted Gallivan coordinates with other executive leaders to address systemic challenges and improve the efficiency of border operations. This role involves providing leadership to various departments and ensuring that all activities align with federal government objectives. Through the continuous monitoring of agency performance, the Executive Vice- President and Premier Vice- Président drives the organization toward achieving its long-term goals. Ultimately, Gallivan secures the operational effectiveness of the agency in protecting national security.
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 flow of information between executive leadership and departmental units to ensure operational efficiency. By aligning internal resources with the broader mission of securing national borders, the Chief of Staff optimizes organizational performance. Sharon Spicer maintains oversight of critical administrative projects, facilitating seamless cooperation across various federal divisions. This role involves managing complex scheduling, briefing senior leadership on emerging border security challenges, and ensuring that all internal processes adhere to government standards. Through the implementation of streamlined communication protocols, the Chief of Staff supports the agency in maintaining a robust posture regarding international trade and travel. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff drives the internal cohesion necessary for the agency to fulfill its mandate of protecting Canadian prosperity and security.
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 integration of policy initiatives that govern international trade compliance and border security protocols. By analyzing emerging global trends, the Strategic Policy Branch Chief of Staff ensures that agency policies remain adaptive to evolving security threats. Sarah McCulloch coordinates with policy analysts to refine legislative approaches, supporting the agency in maintaining a balance between trade facilitation and rigorous border control. This leadership role involves translating complex government mandates into actionable operational guidelines for staff across the country. Through the continuous evaluation of policy effectiveness, the Strategic Policy Branch Chief of Staff strengthens the agency's ability to manage cross-border movement efficiently. Ultimately, McCulloch secures the integrity of national policy frameworks through precise strategic planning and inter-departmental collaboration.
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 intersection of high-level strategic advisory and executive operations. Lapensee coordinates the development of long-term organizational goals, ensuring that strategic advice translates into concrete operational actions. By facilitating communication between the Senior Strategic Advisor and various operational branches, the Chief of Staff & To The Senior Strategic Advisor & Vice President maintains alignment across the agency. Katherine Lapensee oversees the execution of complex projects that impact national border security and trade facilitation. This role involves synthesizing diverse data points to provide actionable insights for executive decision-making. Through the management of strategic initiatives, the Chief of Staff & To The Senior Strategic Advisor & Vice President drives the agency toward achieving its mission of national security. Ultimately, Lapensee ensures that strategic vision remains central to all operational activities.
Dave Gault - A & Operations Chief
Dave Gault, the A & Operations Chief at The Canada Border Services Agency, directs the tactical execution of border security and trade facilitation protocols. Gault oversees the daily management of personnel and technology at key entry points, ensuring that all operations adhere to national security standards. By optimizing the flow of goods and people, the A & Operations Chief maintains the efficiency of international trade routes. Dave Gault coordinates with regional teams to address operational challenges and implement security measures that protect the integrity of the border. This role involves managing the deployment of resources to meet fluctuating demands in travel and trade volume. Through the application of rigorous operational standards, the A & Operations Chief supports the agency in fulfilling its mandate to secure the nation. Ultimately, Gault drives the operational excellence required to maintain safe and prosperous borders across the entire country.
Philip Whitehorne - Operations Chief
Philip Whitehorne, the Operations Chief at The Canada Border Services Agency, manages the logistical and tactical aspects of border enforcement. Whitehorne oversees the implementation of security procedures at various ports of entry, ensuring that all personnel follow established protocols for trade and travel. By directing the daily activities of border officers, the Operations Chief maintains the security of the national perimeter. Philip Whitehorne coordinates the response to operational incidents and ensures that resources are distributed effectively to manage traffic volume. This role involves analyzing operational data to improve the speed and accuracy of border processing. Through the management of field operations, the Operations Chief supports the agency in its mission to facilitate safe and efficient movement across the border. Ultimately, Whitehorne drives the tactical success of the agency by ensuring that all operational units remain prepared to handle diverse security and trade requirements.
Explore Leadership Teams in Federal
Austrade, based in Australia, is the Australian Governments trade and investment development agency, helping businesses succeed internationally. Founded in 1985, it serves the government and economic development sectors.
Company Leadership
RD
AR
MW
The Treasury New Zealand is responsible for supporting the government in financial management and economic policy, aiming to lift living standards for all New Zealanders. It provides services such as budget forecasting, fiscal strategy, investment management, and public sector performance guidance. The Treasury engages with various stakeholders, including government agencies and the public, to ensure effective governance and accountability. Its intended clients include government entities, policymakers, and the general public seeking information on economic and financial matters.
Company Leadership FF
GM
CA
The Australian Army is a branch of the Australian Defence Force responsible for land-based military operations. It provides a range of services including combat, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance. The intended clients include the Australian government and citizens, as well as international partners in defense collaborations. The Army is committed to maintaining national security and supporting global peace efforts.
Company Leadership TA
AD
SB
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency operates as a specialized government organization dedicated to locating and recovering military personnel classified as prisoners of war or missing in action from past conflicts. The agency conducts systematic recovery operations across multiple international locations, working to bring closure to families and honor those who served. Through meticulous investigative work and field operations, the organization pursues leads and coordinates with foreign governments and international partners to locate remains and identify individuals. The agency's mission encompasses comprehensive accounting efforts that combine historical research, forensic analysis, and on-the-ground recovery operations. Teams conduct excavations at potential burial sites, examine archival records, and collaborate with international authorities to piece together information about missing service members. This work requires specialized expertise in forensic anthropology, historical documentation, and diplomatic coordination across multiple nations and regions. Operations involve detailed case management where each missing person receives sustained attention and resources. The agency maintains extensive databases of historical records, conducts DNA analysis to confirm identifications, and works systematically through cases spanning multiple decades.
Company Leadership
AB
RS
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Canada Border Services Agency Top Executives and Leadership Team
