CFMWS Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

CFMWS has 5 executives leading key functions including strategic oversight, operational management, information technology, human resources, and financial advisory.

Operating as a social enterprise, CFMWS delivers essential support services to military members and families. This organization prioritizes the creation of positive value through comprehensive welfare programs and community-focused initiatives across Canada.

Leadership Roles at CFMWS

  • Chief Executive Officer - Ian Poulter
  • Senior Advisor To the Chief Financial Officer - Tara Giberson
  • Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Forces Morale & Welfare Services - Julie Peckham
  • Vice President, Information Services & Chief Information Officer - Bruce Pickard
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Gratia Derde
  • Ian Poulter - Chief Executive Officer

    Ian Poulter, the Chief Executive Officer at CFMWS, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. This leadership role involves aligning social enterprise objectives with the specific needs of military personnel and families. Ian Poulter manages high-level stakeholder relationships while ensuring the long-term sustainability of welfare programs. By overseeing the executive team, the Chief Executive Officer maintains focus on the core mission of creating positive value for members. The Chief Executive Officer evaluates organizational performance against federal standards and community impact metrics. Through rigorous assessment of service delivery models, the Chief Executive Officer drives continuous improvement across all departments. This position requires constant coordination with government partners to secure resources for national initiatives. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the operational integrity of the entire enterprise, ensuring that every program remains responsive to the evolving requirements of the Canadian Armed Forces community.

    Tara Giberson - Senior Advisor To the Chief Financial Officer

    Tara Giberson, the Senior Advisor To the Chief Financial Officer at CFMWS, provides critical financial analysis to support the fiscal health of the social enterprise. This role involves monitoring budgetary compliance and evaluating the financial viability of new welfare initiatives. Tara Giberson directs the preparation of detailed financial reports that inform executive decision-making processes. By overseeing fiscal planning, the Senior Advisor To the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources are allocated to maximize the impact on military members. The Senior Advisor To the Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the finance department to maintain rigorous accounting standards and federal reporting requirements. This position requires deep expertise in financial modeling to forecast the long-term sustainability of various programs. Through the careful management of financial risks, the Senior Advisor To the Chief Financial Officer supports the organization in achieving its mission while maintaining strict adherence to budgetary constraints and fiscal responsibility.

    Julie Peckham - Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Forces Morale & Welfare Services

    Julie Peckham, the Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Forces Morale & Welfare Services at CFMWS, manages the daily execution of complex service delivery systems. This role involves optimizing internal processes to ensure that welfare programs reach military members efficiently. Julie Peckham coordinates cross-departmental workflows to maintain high standards of operational excellence. By monitoring service metrics, the Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Forces Morale & Welfare Services identifies opportunities for scaling support initiatives across diverse regional markets. The Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Forces Morale & Welfare Services collaborates with the executive leadership team to translate strategic goals into actionable daily tasks. This function requires precise management of logistics and resource allocation to support the social enterprise model. Through the implementation of standardized operational protocols, the Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Forces Morale & Welfare Services guarantees consistent quality in every program, directly contributing to the overall well-being of the military community.

    Bruce Pickard - Vice President, Information Services & Chief Information Officer

    Bruce Pickard, the Vice President, Information Services & Chief Information Officer at CFMWS, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for modernizing welfare service delivery. This role involves securing sensitive data while enabling seamless access to digital resources for military members. Bruce Pickard directs the implementation of enterprise-wide software solutions that enhance operational transparency. By overseeing the information technology department, the Vice President, Information Services & Chief Information Officer ensures that all systems align with federal security requirements. The Vice President, Information Services & Chief Information Officer manages the integration of new technologies to streamline administrative functions and improve user engagement. This leadership position requires constant innovation to support the social enterprise mission through data-driven insights. Through the deployment of robust network architectures, the Vice President, Information Services & Chief Information Officer maintains the technological foundation required for the organization to scale its impact across the entire national landscape.
    Bruce Pickard

    Gratia Derde - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Gratia Derde, the Chief Human Resources Officer at CFMWS, manages the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies essential for a high-performing social enterprise. This role involves cultivating an organizational culture that prioritizes service excellence and member support. Gratia Derde directs the implementation of comprehensive training programs to ensure staff members possess the skills required for specialized military welfare roles. By overseeing human capital management, the Chief Human Resources Officer aligns personnel policies with the broader mission of the organization. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with other executives to address staffing needs across various regional operations. This leadership function requires the development of retention strategies that maintain a stable and motivated workforce. Through the optimization of performance management systems, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives organizational efficiency and ensures that every employee contributes effectively to the overarching goal of creating positive value for military members.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CFMWS Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads CFMWS?
    CFMWS is led by Ian Poulter (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Tara Giberson (Senior Advisor To the Chief Financial Officer) and Julie Peckham (Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Forces Morale & Welfare Services).
    Who is part of CFMWS’s executive team?
    The executive team of CFMWS includes leaders such as Ian Poulter (Chief Executive Officer), Tara Giberson (Senior Advisor To the Chief Financial Officer), Julie Peckham (Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Forces Morale & Welfare Services) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does CFMWS have?
    CFMWS has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in CFMWS’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of CFMWS includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Senior Advisor To the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Forces Morale & Welfare Services, Vice President, Information Services & Chief Information Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer.