The Clayton H. Riddell Graduate Program in Political Management is proud to welcome a distinguished group of new contributors to our program. As we prepare to greet an incoming cohort of students, we are energized by the breadth of experience and diverse perspectives these individuals bring. Their expertise will enrich our curriculum and offer students invaluable insights into the ever-evolving world of political management.
At the heart of our program is a commitment to developing the next generation of leaders in political offices, advocacy, and public affairs. The addition of these contributors reflects our dedication to providing a dynamic and comprehensive educational experience. We look forward to a vibrant year ahead, one filled with thought-provoking dialogue, innovative thinking, and collaborative learning that will equip our students to make a lasting impact in the political sphere.
Practitioner-in-Residence
The Master of Political Management (MPM) program appoints a Practitioner-in-Residence (PIR) each year to support students, faculty, and the continued growth of the program. This one-year appointment is a distinctive feature of the MPM experience, reflecting both our commitment to experiential learning and the strong support we receive from seasoned professionals across the country.
The Practitioner-in-Residence plays an integral role in our community, contributing to classroom instruction, mentoring students, offering career guidance, and engaging actively in the professional and academic life of the program. Their presence ensures that our students benefit from practical, real-world insights that complement and enhance their academic training.
We are extremely pleased to announce that Don Guy will be our Practitioner-in-Residence for the 2026-26 academic year.
Don Guy started as a phone and intercept interviewer for the forerunner of Pollara Strategic Insights (Insight Canada Research) as a Carleton political science undergrad in 1986, eventually becoming Pollara owner and caretaker in 2018. He is also founding partner in national public affairs firm GT & Company and research agency PoliSci, the agency of record to the leading progressive parties in seven of ten provinces.
He has provided insights and winning strategies in roles ranging from pollster to campaign chair for three Liberal Prime Ministers as well as Premiers and Mayors from all three parties from coast to coast to coast.
Fellows
The MPM program prepares students for impactful careers on Parliament Hill and in government relations, campaigns, advocacy, and lobbying with critical support from our Program Fellows. These scholars and seasoned practitioners bring expertise from across the political landscape, including political offices, campaigns, public affairs, media, and public service.
Fellows contribute through guest lectures, student mentoring, networking, program events, and special topics courses. This year, we are pleased to introduce four new appointments, further enriching our students’ real-world learning experience.
Gozde Kazazoglu, PhD.
Director of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability, The Coca-Cola Company Canada
Gozde is an accomplished leader in government relations, public affairs, and corporate communications with over a decade of international experience over three continents driving impactful advocacy strategies across diverse industries.
She currently serves as the Director of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability at The Coca-Cola Company Canada, where she manages federal and provincial public affairs, and cultivates key stakeholder relationships to advance the company’s strategic priorities.
Throughout her career, Gozde has demonstrated a proven ability to design and execute public policy strategies, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and deliver measurable advocacy outcomes. Her prior roles include Policy Director at Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, where she championed sustainability and labor policies for manufacturing industry across Canada, and Senior Government Relations Manager at Procter & Gamble, leading advocacy efforts across eight countries including Turkiye, Caucasus and Central Asia.
Gozde holds a Ph.D. in Management, an MA in International Trade, BA in Economics, and multiple professional certifications, including Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) qualifications. She is also a graduate of Clayton H. Riddell’s Political Management MA at Carleton University.
Tasha Kheiriddin is one of Canada’s best-known political analysts, thought leaders, and strategists. Fluently bilingual in English and French, she is the national political columnist for Postmedia, a writer on geopolitics for GZero Media, author of In My Opinion on Substack, and a political analyst for Radio Canada. A graduate of McGill University, Tasha practiced law before beginning a career in media, where she host-produced current affairs programming for CBC Newsworld, CPAC, CTV News Channel and Global News Radio. Named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Media and Communications by the Women’s Executive Network, Tasha also worked for several think tanks and advocacy groups, including the Montreal Economic Institute, the Fraser Institute, and the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, and is an expert in strategic communications. Her political experience includes serving as youth President of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada, working in ministers’ offices in both Ottawa and Queen’s Park, and most recently, co-chairing the campaign of the Hon. Jean Charest for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada. She is also the best-selling author of two books on Canadian conservative politics.
Dennis Matthews is President of Creative Currency, an advertising agency and content studio. At Creative Currency he leads a team that works with leaders, major brands and causes to tell their story and move public opinion. Dennis served as an advertising advisor to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and is a veteran of numerous political campaigns. He has worked at a major media company in Toronto and is a frequent commentator on advertising, digital and political issues. His work has been published in the Globe and Mail, Maclean’s Magazine and The Sun newspaper chain. Dennis is a member of the Board of Directors of Destination Ontario, the lead tourism marketing organization for the province. He also serves on the Marketing and Communications Committee of the Michael Garron Hospital. In 2019, he was recognized as an Adweek Magazine Toronto Brand Star.
Joanne McPherson is an award-winning media strategist and trusted executive leader with over 30 years of experience at CBC News. Over the years, Joanne has been on the front lines of the changing media landscape and has a keen understanding on how to communicate and connect with the public in this new environment.
Joanne is recognized for driving institutional change, mentoring young people and building enduring public media brands.
Most recently, Joanne was the Managing Editor for Program Content and Strategies with CBC News, leading content teams in a variety of roles, overseeing live and breaking news and platform integration within CBC News.
Joanne has extensive experience within Canadian, U.S. and international media. She began her journalism career as an editorial assistant when she was 23. She has produced news coverage in Canada and around the world, including Chile, the Middle East, Ukraine, throughout Europe and the United States before joining CBC News Network as the executive producer of CBC News Morning.
Joanne is a graduate of Ryerson University, now Toronto Metropolitan University with a Bachelor of Applied Arts, Journalism. She is the recipient of the 2023 Distinguished Service Award from RTDNA Canada and championed the Joe Schlesinger Memorial Award in Journalism recognizing outstanding students who show a demonstrated interest in international journalism and a demonstrated commitment to community service in Canada.