John Walsh

John has over 30 years of experience in the Canadian federal public service including senior executive roles advising Deputy Ministers and Assistant Deputy Ministers in several departments in areas related to data and statistics, natural resource development, climate change, economic development and international relations.

John has a history of leading data and digital transformation efforts across business lines. He has led strategy, operations, business and data/digital transformations for clients in multiple Canadian federal public sector organizations. While at Natural Resources Canada he was named the very first departmental data lead responsible for driving the data transformation agenda. Later he was named the first Chief Data Officer at Environment and Climate Change Canada where he implemented the Chief Data Office organization and developed and implemented the first enterprise-wide Data Analytics Strategy. He was also enterprise Chief Data Officer of the Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces where he implemented the first enterprise Data Analytics Strategy and led the development of the DND Artificial Intelligence Strategy. John has developed experience across a broad range of departments, addressing challenges to technology improvement and delivery. His additional areas of focus include IT/digital strategy and innovation and how organizations can successfully leverage data for more effective decision making.

John completed his MPA at Carleton University. He is a certified change management and Big Data professional and has led the implementation of agile approaches at the Department of National Defence. While working in the federal public service on the data file he was a recognized thought leader and change agent. He was a founding member of the Government of Canada Chief Data Officer Council, and the interdepartmental Data Leads. In addition, he was a founding member of the FYES Chief Data Officer Council, representing Canada and the Department of National Defence internationally on issues related to AI, the responsible use of AI, Open Data and Data Standards.

Whether figuring out the digital transformation agenda, leveraging data for insight, thinking about the best Business Intelligence tools, or meeting change management challenges, John can provide ongoing insight and expertise.