Employment and Social Development Canada Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Employment and Social Development Canada has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, marketing, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to public service, Employment and Social Development Canada focuses on enhancing social programs and optimizing the labor market at the federal level, impacting citizens across Canada.

Leadership Roles at Employment and Social Development Canada

  • Chief Financial Officer - Serena Francis
  • Regional Director & Chief Financial Officer, Branch Atlantic Region - Serge Leger
  • Financial Services Clerk & Chief Financial Officer, Amp, Branch - Godefroid Nahimana
  • Financial Analyst & Chief Financial Officer, Branch - Karine Doiron
  • To The Strategic Advisor & Chief Financial Officer - Sophie Caron
  • Chief of Staff - Janik Sicoli
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Ryan Baker
  • Acting Chief of Staff - Brian Grimaldi
  • Chef De Cabinet - Chief of Staff - Melanie Charette
  • Chief of Staff & Director, Strategic Operations & Oversight - Patrick Charette
  • Serena Francis - Chief Financial Officer

    Serena Francis, the Chief Financial Officer at Employment and Social Development Canada, manages all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Francis oversees budget allocation, financial reporting, and resource management to ensure fiscal responsibility across federal social programs and labor market initiatives. This critical role involves safeguarding public funds and optimizing financial performance to support the department's objectives. By providing expert financial guidance, Serena Francis ensures compliance with government regulations and drives efficient resource utilization. The Chief Financial Officer's purview includes developing financial models, forecasting expenditures, and advising on investment strategies to maximize the impact of government funding. Francis's leadership ensures the financial integrity of the department's extensive operations.
    Serena Francis

    Serge Leger - Regional Director & Chief Financial Officer, Branch Atlantic Region

    Serge Leger, the Regional Director & Chief Financial Officer, Branch Atlantic Region at Employment and Social Development Canada, directs financial operations and regional program delivery within the Atlantic provinces. Leger oversees the fiscal management and strategic implementation of federal social programs and labor market policies specific to this region. This dual role requires balancing financial stewardship with effective regional oversight. By managing resources and guiding regional teams, Serge Leger ensures that departmental objectives are met efficiently across the Atlantic area. The Regional Director & Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include adapting national strategies to local needs and ensuring optimal service delivery. Leger's leadership supports the department's commitment to citizens in the Atlantic Region.

    Godefroid Nahimana - Financial Services Clerk & Chief Financial Officer, Amp, Branch

    Godefroid Nahimana, the Financial Services Clerk & Chief Financial Officer, Amp, Branch at Employment and Social Development Canada, manages critical financial functions within a specific branch. Nahimana ensures the accurate processing of financial transactions and adherence to fiscal protocols. This role supports the broader financial management framework of the department, focusing on operational efficiency and compliance. By meticulously handling financial services, Godefroid Nahimana contributes to the integrity of departmental accounts and reporting. The Financial Services Clerk & Chief Financial Officer's duties involve supporting budget execution and maintaining financial records. Nahimana's work is essential for the smooth operation of the Amp Branch's financial activities.

    Karine Doiron - Financial Analyst & Chief Financial Officer, Branch

    Karine Doiron, the Financial Analyst & Chief Financial Officer, Branch at Employment and Social Development Canada, provides expert financial analysis and oversees fiscal management within a designated branch. Doiron is responsible for evaluating financial performance, developing forecasts, and ensuring compliance with budgetary regulations. This role is crucial for maintaining the financial health and operational efficiency of the branch. By conducting thorough financial analysis, Karine Doiron supports informed decision-making and strategic resource allocation. The Financial Analyst & Chief Financial Officer's duties include preparing financial reports and advising on fiscal strategies to optimize program delivery. Doiron's contributions are vital to the branch's effective management of public funds.
    Karine Doiron

    Sophie Caron - To The Strategic Advisor & Chief Financial Officer

    Sophie Caron, To The Strategic Advisor & Chief Financial Officer at Employment and Social Development Canada, provides strategic financial counsel and supports high-level decision-making. Caron analyzes complex financial data to inform departmental strategy and ensure fiscal prudence across key initiatives. This advisory role is integral to guiding the department's financial direction and optimizing resource deployment for social programs and labor market development. By offering strategic insights, Sophie Caron contributes to the effective management of public finances. The Strategic Advisor & Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include assessing financial risks and opportunities. Caron's expertise enhances the department's capacity for sound financial planning and execution.
    Sophie Caron

    Janik Sicoli - Chief of Staff

    Janik Sicoli, the Chief of Staff at Employment and Social Development Canada, directs internal operations and strategic initiatives. Overseeing departmental alignment, Sicoli ensures efficient execution of government mandates. This leadership position involves coordinating cross-functional teams to support the department's mission of managing social programs and the labor market. By managing key administrative functions, Janik Sicoli drives operational effectiveness and supports the strategic direction set by senior leadership. The role requires meticulous planning and execution to maintain departmental coherence and responsiveness to evolving policy objectives. Sicoli's oversight extends to critical support services that underpin the department's public service delivery.

    Ryan Baker - Chief Marketing Officer

    Ryan Baker, the Chief Marketing Officer at Employment and Social Development Canada, leads public outreach and communication strategies. Baker is responsible for disseminating information about federal social programs and labor market services to the Canadian public. This role involves developing and executing campaigns that enhance public awareness and engagement with departmental initiatives. By crafting clear and accessible messaging, Ryan Baker ensures that citizens understand available resources and support systems. The Chief Marketing Officer's efforts focus on building trust and facilitating access to essential government services. Baker's strategic direction guides the department's efforts to connect with diverse populations across Canada, promoting program uptake and understanding.

    Brian Grimaldi - Acting Chief of Staff

    Brian Grimaldi, the Acting Chief of Staff at Employment and Social Development Canada, provides interim leadership for strategic operations and administrative functions. Grimaldi supports the executive team by ensuring continuity in departmental planning and execution during this period. This role involves coordinating key staff activities and facilitating communication across various departments. By stepping into this capacity, Brian Grimaldi ensures that critical initiatives continue to advance without interruption. The Acting Chief of Staff's responsibilities focus on maintaining operational momentum and supporting the department's mandate for social programs and labor market development. Grimaldi's temporary leadership ensures sustained progress on departmental priorities.

    Melanie Charette - Chef De Cabinet - Chief of Staff

    Melanie Charette, the Chef De Cabinet - Chief of Staff at Employment and Social Development Canada, directs the immediate office of a senior executive, managing strategic priorities and operational flow. Charette oversees the coordination of key departmental activities and ensures effective communication channels are maintained. This leadership position involves advising on policy implementation and managing stakeholder relations. By orchestrating the executive's agenda, Melanie Charette drives progress on critical government objectives related to social programs and the labor market. The Chef De Cabinet's role is pivotal in translating high-level strategy into actionable plans. Charette's expertise ensures the efficient functioning of the executive office and supports the department's overall mission.

    Patrick Charette - Chief of Staff & Director, Strategic Operations & Oversight

    Patrick Charette, the Chief of Staff & Director, Strategic Operations & Oversight at Employment and Social Development Canada, leads critical operational functions and ensures strategic alignment across the department. Charette oversees the implementation of key government initiatives and monitors their progress to ensure effective delivery of social programs and labor market services. This dual role demands a comprehensive understanding of both strategic planning and day-to-day operational execution. By directing strategic operations, Patrick Charette drives efficiency and accountability throughout the organization. The Chief of Staff & Director's responsibilities include enhancing oversight mechanisms and ensuring that departmental objectives are met with precision. Charette's leadership ensures robust operational frameworks are in place.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Employment and Social Development Canada Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Employment and Social Development Canada?
    Employment and Social Development Canada is led by Serena Francis (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Serge Leger (Regional Director & Chief Financial Officer, Branch Atlantic Region) and Godefroid Nahimana (Financial Services Clerk & Chief Financial Officer, Amp, Branch).
    Who is part of Employment and Social Development Canada’s executive team?
    The executive team of Employment and Social Development Canada includes leaders such as Serena Francis (Chief Financial Officer), Serge Leger (Regional Director & Chief Financial Officer, Branch Atlantic Region), Godefroid Nahimana (Financial Services Clerk & Chief Financial Officer, Amp, Branch) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Employment and Social Development Canada have?
    Employment and Social Development Canada has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Employment and Social Development Canada’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Employment and Social Development Canada includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Regional Director & Chief Financial Officer, Branch Atlantic Region, Financial Services Clerk & Chief Financial Officer, Amp, Branch, Financial Analyst & Chief Financial Officer, Branch, To The Strategic Advisor & Chief Financial Officer.