Karen E. Shepherd, Commissioner of Lobbying

Holding a Master's degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Carleton University and a Baccalaureate of Arts (B.A.) from Concordia University, Karen E. Shepherd has more than twenty years experience in the federal public service, where she has gained extensive administrative, policy and leadership experience.

Mrs. Shepherd was appointed as Commissioner of Lobbying on June 30, 2009. She has been with the Office (and its precursor the Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists) since 2004. Mrs. Shepherd was instrumental in the creation of the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying, as well as the Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists.

Prior to working in the area of lobbying, Mrs. Shepherd held a number of positions in the Industry Sector of Industry Canada, a sector primarily responsible for the development of programs, policies, strategies and services aimed at helping Canadian businesses and industries expand, compete, create and retain highly qualified jobs. One of the key positions she held was Director of Aerospace where she led a team tasked with the promotion of international competitiveness and sustainable growth in the Canadian aerospace sector.

Before joining Industry Canada in 1996, Mrs. Shepherd served in several positions with Revenue Canada, the Office of the Auditor General, the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, and with Employment and Immigration Canada, gaining significant experience in human resources, policy and program management.