As Chief Operating Officer, Deborah Gillis is responsible for developing and executing Catalyst’s global strategy for membership growth and engagement, including member operations, programs, services and events in Canada, Europe, India, and the United States.
Ms. Gillis was appointed in August 2006 to lead Catalyst’s Canadian office, assumed responsibility for Catalyst’s regional offices in North America in 2008, and was appointed Senior Vice President, Membership and Global Operations, in January 2011. She was appointed to her current role in November 2012.
Having spent more than 20 years working for both large multi-national organizations and governments and having run for elected office, she understands the challenges women face in high-pressure, male-dominated environments. Ms. Gillis regularly addresses senior leaders in a variety of business, academic and public policy venues and is frequently quoted in media outlets on issues related to women’s leadership. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from York University in Toronto and was selected as a “Woman Worth Watching in 2011” by Profiles in Diversity Journal.