Team

The Daisy Consulting Group (DCG) is made up of a strong team of experienced individuals from a range of disciplines.

• Edwige Jean-Pierre
  Edwige is fluently bilingual, having been born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario. A University of Ottawa and Langara College’s Studio 58 graduate, she has written several plays and monologues that have been presented by Ontario theatre companies. Edwige has taught workshops in playwriting and acting in elementary schools in the GTA, community centres and art programs for aspiring theatre artists. She was the recipient of the 2010 Summerworks Festival’s Spotlight Award for her solo show entitled Even Darkness is Made of Light. Edwige was the co-curator for b.Current’s rock.paper.sistahz #11, an annual event that concentrates mainly on presenting performance work by black women artists and artists of colour. Her writing reflects her strong passion for social issues and current affairs.
  
  
• Warren Kinsella
  Warren Kinsella is president of Daisy. Previously, he was a partner at the law firm of McMillan Binch, in its Public Policy Group, and has also worked as a consultant, journalist and political Chief of Staff. Warren received a Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) from Carleton University and his law degree from the University of Calgary; he has also completed executive education courses at Harvard’s law school and its school of business. From 1990 to 1993, Warren held the position of Special Assistant to the Rt. Hon. Jean Chrétien, leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. In addition, from 1993 to 1996, Warren served as Chief of Staff in a number of federal ministries.
  
  In 2003, 2007, and 2011 he was Chairman of the War Room in the successful Ontario Liberal Party election campaigns; federally, he managed the Liberal Party of Canada’s War Rooms in 1993 and 2000. He is an award-winning author and journalist, and has assisted clients on a wide variety of communications, strategic and regulatory matters. His legal practice focuses on aboriginal and governmental affairs, and he is a former member of the executive of the Ontario Bar Association, and has sat on the communications committee of the Canadian Bar Association. Warren has been a columnist for various newspapers; he currently writes for the Hill Times and the Sun chain, and published his best-seller, The War Room: Political Strategies for Business, NGOs, and Anyone Who Wants To Win in 2007. His seventh book, Fight the Right, was published across North America, fall 2012.
  
  
• Lisa Kirbie
  Lisa Kirbie is Vice President of the Daisy Group. Lisa spent more than a decade working for government and the public sector. On Ottawa’s Parliament Hill, she rose quickly through the ranks, having held positions as Chief of Staff and Executive Assistant, as well as many others. Well-known for her political skills, Lisa was also tapped to lead issues management in a War Room. In early 2010, with her extensive legislative and political experience, she was quickly hired by a large Ontario public sector agency to lead its government relations department and assist with communications strategies. Lisa has also completed a graduate year in Public Relations, with honours – her academic and professional accomplishments resulted in Lisa being nominated for a Premier's Award as an Outstanding Ontario Graduate. A communications and social media expert, Lisa has extensive experience in crisis communications and media management. Currently, she is a regular commentator on a national news network.
  
  
• Amanda MacKenzie
  Amanda MacKenzie has had a diverse 10-year career in government and public affairs. Amanda has formerly worked in the health charity sector as a national public policy manager, as a disability issues consultant, and as a policy assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources and Aboriginal Affairs at Queen’s Park. Amanda has worked on many political campaigns, including in the 2007 Liberal War Room. Amanda is committed to volunteerism and has served as the co-chair of the board of a Toronto social enterprise and environmental NGO and has held numerous leadership positions. A native Torontonian, Amanda completed her post secondary education at York University and holds a BA (Hons) in political science.
  
  
• Gian Mele
  Gian is a graduate of the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Philosophy. Gian was heavily involved in the 2011 provincial election working for the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario. He has worked at several levels of the provincial government, including interning at the Ministry of Government Services. He has also worked in the Legislature as well as for the PC Party. Gian prides himself on producing results under pressure, is determined to win, and always endeavours to keep a level head. His interests include theatre, music, and philosophical discourse.
  
  
• Julie Pieterse
  Julie Pieterse was raised in Welland, Ontario before leaving to pursue an undergraduate degree at Brock University, where she was placed on the Dean's Honour List each year she was there. She has also completed a Master of Arts Degree in History. Much of the work she had completed during this time, including her graduate dissertation, focused on political and communications history. Julie's education has provided her with tremendous insight into the power and importance of well-executed communications. Julie is passionate about politics and human rights. Currently, she is a contributing reporter for an international newspaper specializing in Middle Eastern relations. Julie was also a recipient of many awards and scholarships while pursuing her post secondary education.
  
  
• Vishal Sharma
  Vishal Sharma was born and raised in Thornhill, Ontario and graduated from Glendon College, York University with a first class standing Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Over the past four years, he was a political aide to two Members of Provincial Parliament and volunteered for numerous campaigns. Vishal was also the President of the Glendon Young Liberals and the Vice President of the Thornhill Young Liberals while in University. He is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Religion at the University of Toronto.