Karla Sealy

Strategic communications professional with over 10 years experience advising senior leadership, shaping thought leadership, and delivering integrated communications strategies in complex, policy-driven environments. Skilled in translating technical and regulatory information into clear, audience-focused communications that support organizational priorities, strengthen stakeholder trust, and drive engagement. Experienced across executive communications, thought leadership, issues management, media relations and integrated communications planning.

Communications Manager at Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) (2022-02 – Present)

Lead strategic and corporate communications for a provincial association operating within Ontario's healthcare and policy landscape, aligning communications with organizational priorities, government relations objectives, and sector developments

• Provide counsel to executive leadership on stakeholder positioning, thought leadership, issues management, and sector advocacy initiatives
• Produce executive-level content including speeches, briefing notes, and opinion pieces that position the organization and its leaders as credible voices within the sector
• Translate complex policy, funding, and system-level developments into accessible communications tailored to government, member organizations, media, and public audiences
• Lead integrated communications planning and cross-functional coordination for sector-wide advocacy and public awareness initiatives
• Manage media relations, content development, digital communications, and organizational messaging to strengthen sector visibility and engagement
• Provide day-to-day leadership and coaching to a direct report, supporting delivery, prioritization, and professional development

Communications & Marketing Specialist at Limegrove Lifestyle Centre (2015-04 – 2022-02)

Led integrated communications and brand strategy for a multi-stakeholder commercial organization, managing cross-platform campaigns, media relations, and corporate partnerships

• Managed external communications and strategic positioning initiatives supporting organizational growth, tenant relations, and brand visibility
• Developed audience-informed communications strategies and content plans using consumer insights, analytics and market trends
• Oversaw agency, media, and partner relationships while managing a $500K communications and marketing budget

Health Communications Consultant at Heart & Stroke Foundation (2018-04 – 2019-01)

• Advised on the development of a multi-stakeholder communications strategy addressing childhood obesity and non-communicable diseases, aligning public health messaging with policy and behaviour change objectives
• Synthesized epidemiological research into accessible, behaviour-change messaging and led development of a nationally endorsed campaign

Communications Consultant at Breastfeeding & Child Nutrition Foundation (2018-04 – 2018-09)

• Developed advocacy communications and policy materials supporting maternal and child health initiatives
• Delivered presentations on WHO recommendations and the economic case for breastfeeding policies

Communications & Marketing Manager at Island Villas Ltd. (2012-09 – 2015-04)

• Led communications strategy for a luxury real estate and hospitality company
• Produced executive communications and long-form content supporting brand positioning

Implementation Consultant at United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Caribbean (2012-01 – 2012-12)

• Translated Human Development Report findings into communications for policymakers and media

Programme Officer at AIDS Foundation of Barbados (2010-01 – 2012-12)

• Delivered workplace and public education initiatives addressing HIV awareness and stigma

Earlier Career Experience (UK & Barbados) at PRMR Ltd; Wendy Walker PR; Surrey County Council

Progressive experience across public relations, public affairs, and nonprofit communications, including roles with PR agencies and local government. Built foundational expertise in media relations, stakeholder engagement, and public sector communications

MA in Public Policy – University of Nottingham (2006-01)

BSc. (Hons) in Environmental Science – University of Guelph (2004-01)

Certificate in Strategic Copywriting – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (2024-01)

Customer Analytics – University of Pennsylvania (Coursera) (2021-01)