Kelly Walsh

Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer
Four-year term, from May 2, 2024 to May 1, 2028

Kelly Walsh was appointed to the role of Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Committee in May 2024 for a four-year term.

Ms. Walsh is an executive leader with a distinguished career spanning over 25 years in the public service. Her expertise traverses various domains including human resources, labour relations, corporate services and policy.

With a robust background in military grievances, Ms. Walsh held pivotal roles from analyst to director, contributing significantly to the development and refinement of the Canadian Forces Grievance System. Her contributions during the formative years of the Canadian Forces Grievance Board, now known as the Military Grievance External Review Committee, underscore her deep commitment to ensuring fairness and justice within the military.

In her recent positions as Director of Labour Relations Operations and Director of Military Personnel Management within the Department of National Defence, Ms. Walsh spearheaded strategic initiatives aimed at proactive issues management. Notably, she played a key role in establishing the Administrative Response Centre for military personnel and led national strike preparedness and operations for public servants. Ms. Walsh’s strategic vision and unwavering dedication to excellence have been instrumental in driving organizational success and fostering a culture of fairness and equity.

Ms. Walsh holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Human Resource Management from the University of Ottawa, and a Master of Industrial Relations from Queen’s University. She also holds a Certificate in Adjudication for Administrative Agencies, Boards & Tribunals from Osgoode Hall Law School and the Society of Ontario Adjudicators and Regulators. Ms. Walsh is also a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner.