Nick Blanas

Senior Freedom of Information, Privacy, and Information Governance professional with 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in the public sector, including education and government. Proven ability to lead FOI programs, manage complex access requests, conduct privacy investigations, interpret MFIPPA/PHIPA/EDSTA, and develop enterprise governance frameworks that strengthen compliance and reduce risk. Experienced in privacy impact assessments (PIAs), breach response, legislative analysis, policy development, staff supervision, and cross-departmental advisory support.

Known for sound judgment, strategic leadership, and the ability to modernize processes, improve transparency, and protect personal information across large multi-site organizations.

Laboratory Data Management Specialist - Pinchin Ltd. - Mississauga, ON

(2026-01)

Ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of laboratory data and documentation supporting environmental testing programs, while coordinating information flow between lab, field teams, and clients

• Strengthened data governance practices through classification rules, metadata standards, and lifecycle controls.
• Improved data accuracy through structured validation, documentation review, and error-correction workflows.
• Supported compliance reporting and prepared validated datasets for operational decision-making.
• Provided training on documentation standards, secure handling, and digital recordkeeping.

Records & Information Services Lead / Privacy Coordinator - Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board - Mississauga, ON

(2017-06 - 2025-04)

Led enterprise-wide privacy, FOI, and information governance programs across 150+ schools and multiple administrative departments.

• Managed FOI searches, records reviews, and disclosure packages under MFIPPA, ensuring timely and legislatively compliant responses.
• Applied statutory exemptions and privacy protections to sensitive records, preparing decision letters and defensible documentation.
• Coordinated complex access requests requiring multi-department collaboration, legal review, and risk assessment.
• Supported IPC-related matters by preparing evidence packages, documentation summaries, and compliance responses.
• Led privacy investigations, breach assessments, containment actions, and mitigation strategies.
• Conducted privacy impact assessments (PIAs) for new programs, digital tools, vendors, and cloud-based applications.
• Identified emerging privacy risks and recommended updates to policies, procedures, and governance practices.
• Interpreted MFIPPA, PHIPA, EDSTA, and IPC guidance to advise senior leaders and operational teams.
• Developed and standardized board-wide records governance policies, retention schedules, and lifecycle procedures.
• Implemented governance frameworks that improved consistency, reduced risk, and strengthened compliance across 150+ sites.
• Led audits, quality reviews, and compliance checks to ensure proper handling of personal information and sensitive records.
• Collaborated with Legal, IT, Academic, Planning, Finance, and Research departments to ensure data accuracy and secure information flow.
• Supervised staff, coordinated assignments, and provided coaching, performance feedback, and professional development.
• Delivered privacy, FOI, and governance training to school administrators, office staff, and departmental teams.
• Prepared reports, executive briefings, and documentation for senior leadership and board-level presentations.

Research & Policy Analyst (Records and Policy) - Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration - Toronto, ONT

(2012 - 2017)

Supported senior leaders by conducting research and policy analysis to inform decisions across multiple program areas.

• Conducted legislative and policy analysis supporting compliance, privacy protections, and program development.
• Drafted policy briefs, reports, and documentation for senior leadership.
• Validated sensitive records and coordinated information flow across multiple divisions.
• Supported privacy and access initiatives through research, interpretation, and documentation governance.

Operations Manager - AMI Accessible Media Inc. - Toronto, ONT

(2008 - 2012)

Oversaw daily operations, reporting structures, and internal documentation systems for a national media organization.

• Oversaw secure handling of sensitive HR and financial records.
• Developed documentation standards and compliance procedures.
• Managed staff, scheduling, and operational workflows.
• Improved documentation processes by 35% through updated systems and procedures.

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science - University of Toronto

Diploma - Human Resource Management - Sheridan College

Records and Information Management Fundamentals - Humber College