Environment and Climate Change Canada Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Environment and Climate Change Canada has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to environmental stewardship, Environment and Climate Change Canada focuses on protecting Canada's natural heritage, predicting environmental conditions, and promoting clean growth for current and future generations.

Leadership Roles at Environment and Climate Change Canada

  • Chief Financial Officer - Carol Najm
  • A and Senior Advisor To the Assitant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer - Sabrina Annibalini
  • Chief of Staff - Caroline Lee
  • Chef De Cabinet Adjointe and Deputy Chief of Staff - Isabelle Doucet
  • Chief of Staff & Manager, Issues & DE Cabinet ET Gestionnaire Des Enjeux Chef - Darren Hempel
  • Senior Advisor & Chief of Staff - Morgan Whalen
  • Chef De Cabinet. Chief of Staff - Philippe Van Dyk
  • Chief of Staff & To The Senior Advisor & Assistant & Science & Technology Deputy Minister - Pooja Arora
  • Carol Najm - Chief Financial Officer

    Carol Najm, the Chief Financial Officer at Environment and Climate Change Canada, architects the financial strategy and fiscal management for the organization. Carol Najm oversees all budgetary allocations, financial reporting, and investment strategies, ensuring robust fiscal health. This critical role involves managing resources to support the agency's mandate of protecting natural heritage and promoting clean growth across Canada. By implementing stringent financial controls and driving efficiency, Carol Najm ensures that funds are optimally utilized for environmental protection initiatives and sustainable development programs. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight extends to risk management and compliance, safeguarding the organization's financial integrity and supporting its long-term objectives for a sustainable environment for present and future generations.
    Carol Najm

    Sabrina Annibalini - A and Senior Advisor To the Assitant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer

    Sabrina Annibalini, the A and Senior Advisor To the Assitant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer at Environment and Climate Change Canada, provides critical strategic counsel and operational support. Sabrina Annibalini assists in the formulation and execution of financial policies and departmental objectives, ensuring alignment with the agency's core mission. This advisory role is integral to protecting Canada's natural heritage and promoting clean growth. By offering expert guidance on financial matters and operational improvements, Sabrina Annibalini contributes to the effective prediction of environmental conditions and the prevention of pollution. The Senior Advisor's insights directly support the sustainable environment goals for present and future generations.

    Caroline Lee - Chief of Staff

    Caroline Lee, the Chief of Staff at Environment and Climate Change Canada, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across key departments. Overseeing critical projects, Caroline Lee ensures seamless execution of the organization's mandate to protect and conserve Canada's natural heritage. This leadership position involves managing complex issues and facilitating communication between senior leadership and various governmental bodies. By optimizing internal processes, Caroline Lee directly supports the agency's mission of predicting environmental conditions and preventing pollution. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of environmental policy and a proactive approach to problem-solving, ensuring all operations contribute to promoting clean growth and a sustainable environment for present and future generations.

    Isabelle Doucet - Chef De Cabinet Adjointe and Deputy Chief of Staff

    Isabelle Doucet, the Chef De Cabinet Adjointe and Deputy Chief of Staff at Environment and Climate Change Canada, supports the strategic direction and operational execution of the department. Isabelle Doucet manages key priorities and facilitates the flow of information between executive offices and operational units, ensuring alignment with the agency's mission. This role is pivotal in coordinating efforts related to protecting Canada's natural heritage and predicting environmental conditions. By overseeing critical communications and stakeholder engagements, Isabelle Doucet enhances the department's ability to prevent and manage pollution effectively. The Deputy Chief of Staff's focus on operational efficiency directly contributes to promoting clean growth and a sustainable environment for present and future generations.

    Darren Hempel - Chief of Staff & Manager, Issues & DE Cabinet ET Gestionnaire Des Enjeux Chef

    Darren Hempel, the Chief of Staff & Manager, Issues & DE Cabinet ET Gestionnaire Des Enjeux Chef at Environment and Climate Change Canada, drives critical issue management and strategic communications. Darren Hempel oversees the coordination of responses to pressing environmental challenges and ensures effective cabinet liaison. This leadership function is essential for protecting and conserving Canada's natural heritage and for accurately predicting weather and environmental conditions. By managing sensitive issues and facilitating interdepartmental collaboration, Darren Hempel supports the prevention and management of pollution. The role's focus on strategic problem-solving directly contributes to promoting clean growth and a sustainable environment for present and future generations.

    Morgan Whalen - Senior Advisor & Chief of Staff

    Morgan Whalen, the Senior Advisor & Chief of Staff at Environment and Climate Change Canada, spearheads strategic planning and operational oversight. Morgan Whalen ensures the effective implementation of departmental priorities, focusing on protecting and conserving Canada's natural heritage. This role is crucial for coordinating efforts in predicting environmental conditions and managing pollution risks. By providing expert advice and managing key initiatives, Morgan Whalen enhances the organization's capacity to promote clean growth. The Senior Advisor's strategic input directly supports the development and execution of policies aimed at fostering a sustainable environment for present and future generations.

    Philippe Van Dyk - Chef De Cabinet. Chief of Staff

    Philippe Van Dyk, the Chef De Cabinet. Chief of Staff at Environment and Climate Change Canada, directs high-level strategic operations and executive coordination. Philippe Van Dyk manages critical departmental initiatives, ensuring alignment with the mandate to protect Canada's natural heritage and predict environmental conditions. This leadership position is vital for overseeing the prevention and management of pollution across various sectors. By facilitating communication and driving key projects, Philippe Van Dyk supports the promotion of clean growth. The Chief of Staff's strategic oversight directly contributes to establishing and maintaining a sustainable environment for present and future generations.

    Pooja Arora - Chief of Staff & To The Senior Advisor & Assistant & Science & Technology Deputy Minister

    Pooja Arora, the Chief of Staff & To The Senior Advisor & Assistant & Science & Technology Deputy Minister at Environment and Climate Change Canada, provides essential support for scientific and technological advancements. Pooja Arora ensures that strategic initiatives align with the department's mission to protect natural heritage and predict environmental conditions. This role is critical in managing the integration of science and technology for pollution prevention and control. By facilitating collaboration and overseeing key projects, Pooja Arora contributes to promoting clean growth. The Chief of Staff's focus on innovation directly supports the development of solutions for a sustainable environment for present and future generations.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Environment and Climate Change Canada Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Environment and Climate Change Canada?
    Environment and Climate Change Canada is led by Carol Najm (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Sabrina Annibalini (A and Senior Advisor To the Assitant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer) and Caroline Lee (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s executive team?
    The executive team of Environment and Climate Change Canada includes leaders such as Carol Najm (Chief Financial Officer), Sabrina Annibalini (A and Senior Advisor To the Assitant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer), Caroline Lee (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Environment and Climate Change Canada have?
    Environment and Climate Change Canada has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Environment and Climate Change Canada’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Environment and Climate Change Canada includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, A and Senior Advisor To the Assitant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff, Chef De Cabinet Adjointe and Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff & Manager, Issues & DE Cabinet ET Gestionnaire Des Enjeux Chef.