Suzanne Rivard is an experienced project coordinator with over 25 years working with non-profits on community development, health promotion, and volunteer engagement initiatives. She has developed programs like Upper Canada School Travel Planning and Family Health Councils. Rivard also created tools like the Healthy Communities Asset Inventory and facilitated the development of the Healthy Communities Vision. Currently, she works as an independent consultant and holds volunteer leadership roles with organizations like Heart & Stroke Foundation and school boards.

1. SU Z A N N E RI V A R D
Email: suzannemrivard@gmail.com
Tel: 613 329 5738
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/SuzanneRivard
PROFILE
An accomplished and award winning project coordinator with extensive experience in working with non profit
organisations and volunteer based boards in the areas of community development, health promotion and volunteer
engagement. Throughout my career I have:
• Developed and facilitated the Upper Canada School Travel Planning in Lanark Leeds and Grenville, building
active, safe and sustainable routes to school for students.
• Facilitated the development of Family Health Councils at schools within the Town of Gananoque, and the
Township of Leeds and the Thousands Islands.
• Developed and implemented improved policies and procedures for the Healthy Communities Vision.
Embracing over 25 years’ experience of working with local communities, schools, and non profit organisations, I am a
proficient communicator and a keen social entrepreneur with a passion for developing and implementing policies and
procedures to support others in the areas of health promotion and community engagement. Proven ability to work well
under pressure, and achieve excellent results. Highly adaptable to change, flexible and versatile with an ability to
maintain a sense of humour whilst under pressure. Thrives on challenges, with diverse experience of working with multi
cultural groups and demonstrated ability to easily transcend cultural differences. Collaborative team leader, with
excellent team building skills and proven experience of motivating others to achieve goals and targets.
EXPERTISE
• Community Engagement: through volunteer work and partnerships with non profit organisations, developed a
successful ability to reach out and help those in the community providing them with dedicated programs and
services.
• Project Coordination: ability to successfully coordinate multiple projects and multi tasking whilst meeting
deadlines effectively and efficiently.
• Program Development & Implementation: advocate for successfully developing and implementing programs
which benefit local communities.
• Customer Relationship Management: demonstrated experience of successfully building and maintaining
effective relationships with community groups, volunteers, staff, local municipalities and boards of directors of
non profit organisations.
• Research and analysis: proficient in researching and analysing social/public and health policies and presenting
qualitative and quantitative findings to senior management and stakeholders.
• Highly competent in the use of social media as a marketing and communication tool.
• Public Speaking & Presentations: highly competent in presenting reports and findings to senior boards of
directors and members of local municipalities.
SKILLS
• Communication demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with people at all levels, both verbally and
written.
• Leadership: highly collaborative leader with a demonstrated ability to manage, motivate and build cohesive
teams that achieve results.
• Planning & Organizing: proven experience of successfully planning and organizing multiple events and fund
raising activities etc.
• Creative Thinking: ability to think ‘out of the box’ in order to achieve effective strategies, processes and
procedures.
• Customer Service: fully competent in providing exemplary customer service at all times, achieving customer
satisfaction and meeting deadlines and targets.
• Team Player: a cohesive team player and natural leader with the ability to perform independently with minimal
supervision.

2. CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Rivard Consulting, Gananoque, ON
Founder/Consultant 2012 – to date
Contract with Healthy Communities Partnership of Lanark, Leeds & Grenville.
Selected Achievements:
• Developed and facilitated the creation of Upper Canada School Travelling Planning, building active, safe and
sustainable routes to schools.
• Identified key stakeholders and community partners required to ensure success of the program, leading to
the development of multiple community committees.
• Successfully grew the process from 2 pilot schools to 10 schools in a 2.5 year timeframe.
• Co-Developed Healthy Communities Vision for Lanark, Leeds and Grenville.
• Created Healthy Communities Asset Inventory Tool for Municipalities in Lanark Leeds and Grenville.
Communities ALIVE, Gananoque, ON
Project Coordinator 2006 – 2012
Responsible for facilitating the “Sustaining What We Value” Project in partnership with Ryerson University,
Frontenac Arch Biosphere, an asset based community development project which worked at identifying assets that
exist in Lanark Leeds and Grenville using a GIS mapping tool.
Selected Achievements:
• Facilitated the development of Family Health Councils at schools within the Town of Gananoque, and the
Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands.
• Facilitated the Recreation Needs Assessments for the Town of Gananoque, and the Township of Leeds and
the Thousand Islands.
PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE
Added Value/Pharmasave, Gananoque, On
Manager 2003 – 2006
Rivard Home Daycare, Gananoque, On
Owner 1999 – 2003
Carewell Nursing Home, Jasper, ON
Activation Director 1991 – 1992
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE
Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, Lanark Leeds & Grenville
Chair of Health Promotion Committee 2009 – to date
Selected Achievements:
• Presented to various municipalities on the SPARK initiative, a promise statement regarding the health of
children.
• Participated in Heart at the Park events at Queens Park, meeting with Members of Provincial Parliament
advocating on behalf of Heart and Stroke mandate.
• Member of the Regional Automated External Defibrillators committee, assisted in placing over 2500 units
across Ontario.
UCDSB Parent Involvement Committee, Brockville, ON
Chairperson 2012 – to date
Selected Achievements:
• Conducted strategic planning event for Parent Involvement Committee leading to the development of goals
and target course of action.
• Provide advice, feedback and leadership to school board on parent engagement, mental well being, school
board policies and ongoing development.

3. Gananoque Intermediate and Secondary School, Gananoque, ON
Chair of Parent Council 2007 – 2012
Selected Achievements:
• Successfully developed and improved parent engagement in Parent Council
• Assisted in navigating Parent Council through the integration of Grade 7/7 into the secondary school
• Planned and organized several fund raising initiatives and activities.
Thousand Islands Minor Football League, Gananoque, ON
Fundraising Manager 2005 – 2009
Selected Achievements:
• Original founding member of the Thousand Islands Minor Football League.
• Provided extensive research on the formation of a minor tackle football league and the steps required for
the implementation of the league.
• Developed a fundraising campaign including grant proposals, leading to the accumulation of $50,000 in
three years.
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Health Sciences:Thompson Rivers University, BC, currently in the 4th
year of four year degree
Certificate in Corrections (with Honours): Correctional Staff College, Kingston, ON, 1988
Diploma, Social Service Worker: Sir Sandford Fleming College, ON, 1988
AWARDS
Champions of Gananoque, Town of Gananoque, 2008
Awarded in recognition and dedication of youth athletics, in gratitude of volunteer commitments which have
significantly improved the quality of life for the citizens of the community.
Rick Gallop Award, Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 2010
Awarded in recognition of pioneering leadership/execution of development of an idea/project that leads to long
term impact and significance for the Foundation.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Continual professional training: in areas of vocational training and community engagement, eager to
participate in career related workshops and continued learning through webinars and conferences.
• IT Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and PowerPoint; Social Media; Internet Research
REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST