Meet our leadership team

WCG's executive team believes in the power of work. That belief motivates us to create exceptional work environments and to deliver client-based, community-driven services that improve people’s lives.

Tania Bennett

CEO

Designations: BA, MBA
Tania Bennett has served as WCG’s Chief Executive Officer since 2016 and provides strategic and cultural leadership for WCG as chair of the company’s executive committee. Tania oversees the successful delivery of federal and provincial employment services and rehabilitation services contracts across Canada. During her tenure as CEO, her team has grown significantly, helping to expand WCG's impact on the lives of thousands of Canadians.

With over 24 years of operational leadership experience, including as WCG’s Vice President of Operations between 2014 and 2016, Tania has contributed to the success of 79 contracts that provided life-changing services for over 285,000 people across Canada.

Tania earned her Master of Business Administration (Innovation Leadership Specialization) in 2019 and holds a Bachelor of Arts with honours degree (political science and economics) from the University of Victoria. Tania has a reputation throughout the industry as a collaborator who builds partnerships globally and locally to bring inclusive, accessible, and innovative solutions to social and economic challenges.
Tania Bennett
Crysta Walski

Crysta Walski

VP People & Culture

Designations: MA, CPHR

Crysta Walski has served as WCG’s VP People & Culture since 2017. Prior to that she spent five years as WCG’s VP Talent. Crysta is responsible for driving performance through excellence in human resources practices and supporting high levels of engagement through marketing and communications.

As WCG’s VP People & Culture, Crysta has nearly two decades experience ensuring that WCG’s teams are “best-in-class” and have the skills, expertise and knowledge they require to successfully deliver workforce development programs. Crysta’s communications leadership has contributed to WCG’s high staff and stakeholder engagement. Crysta is well respected in the human resources field for ensuring a balanced and people-focused approach that supports business objectives, and was recognized by her peers in 2013 as a finalist for HR Professional of the Year.

Crysta holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University as well as an Associates Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Leadership from the Justice Institute of British Columbia. She is a certified EQ-I and Resilience in the Workplace trainer and registered yoga teacher. Crysta is a heart-centred leader who values integrity, compassion and agility.

Risë Bulmer

VP Business Development & Risk Management

Designations: MBA

Risë Bulmer has been leading WCG’s growth as Vice President of Business Development since 2015, with the added responsibility of risk management since 2018. Risë’s responsibilities includes oversight of the procurement projects within WCG, risk management, and compliance reporting. Her goal is to ensure WCG’s growth and continued operations are sustainable, mitigate risk, and align with the organizational values.

Risë has 25 years’ experience in program development and design, management and leadership in employment programming, including seven years’ experience in business development, procurement and project management, following 12 years in senior field delivery management positions. Risë was responsible for leading WCG’s competitive bid process that resulted in WCG currently holding the largest market-share in employment services delivery in BC. She continues to work towards WCG’s growth in new markets across Canada.

Risë’s education includes a Master of Business Administration in Executive Management and a Diploma in Marketing and Sales Management from the Sauder School of Business, University of BC. She believes in creating team-based strategic development that has a foundation of integrity, respect and innovation

Risë Bulmer
Ben Forsyth

Ben Forsyth

VP Finance

Designations: CGA, CPA, MBA

As integral part of the Executive Team at WCG, Ben Forsyth provides strategic and financial oversight to the company through forecasting, strategic planning, and leading WCG’s financial department in its day-to-day activities. Ben carries more than 20 years of financial work-experience, having served as WCG’s Director of Finance from 2017 to 2021, and prior to that as Controller for eight years, and Assistant Controller for two more.

Ben’s insightful approach to financial systems have brought workflow efficiencies to WCG’s finance department, resulting in substantial business improvements throughout the organization. Ben is a Chartered Professional Account and Certified General Accountant with a Bachelor of Commerce from University of Calgary and obtained a Master of Business and Administration (Specialized in Leadership) from Royal Roads in Victoria.

Ben continuously strengthens the fabric of WCG’s Executive Team and the organization as a whole through his recognition of the importance of collaboration, openness, and work-life balance.

Gillian Blair

Vice President, Rehabilitation Services

Designations: BA, RRP, RTWDM

Gillian Blair joined WCG as VP Rehabilitation Services in September 2021. An experienced senior leader, she develops robust teams by creating a culture of continuous improvement that drives employee engagement and business excellence. Gillian possesses a diverse skill set with significant expertise in the hands-on design, implementation and optimization of disability management transformation programs, originating tailor-made rehabilitation and claims models that have brought sustainable value add in relation to customer strategy with associated accelerated performance outcomes.

Gillian holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology coupled with Diplomas in Rehabilitation Counselling & Rehabilitation Benefits Administration. She is also formally trained in Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) Methodology. As an active member of the Vocational Rehabilitation Association of Canada since 1994, Gillian’s longstanding focus has been to help to accelerate best in class rehabilitation support services throughout the industry that are underpinned with innovation and thought leadership.

Gillian is an active participant with the Woman in Leadership Foundation (WIL) Mentorship Program (Toronto Chapter), dedicated to positive change in the future of women’s leadership in Canada.

 

Gillian Blair
Robin Thompson

Robin Thompson

VP Information Services & Technology

Robin Thompson joined WCG in October 2021 as VP Information Technology Services. Robin is an open and engaged technology/business transformation leader with a people-centric, quality driven approach. Working within public and private sectors, Robin rallies teams to achieve outstanding results. Leveraging modern technologies and innovative design thinking, she and her teams have delivered multiple service transformations with a focus to both serve and delight the customer.

Robin brings over 25 years of progressive leadership experience across multiple roles including Vice President Rogers Communications Inc.; Chief Information Officer, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Ministry of the Solicitor General; Vice President Business Improvement and Chief Information Officer for ServiceOntario; and most recently, Chief Technology Officer for the Ontario Public Service. An adept negotiator and influencer, Robin excels at strategic planning, program management and outcome delivery, powered by innovation and creativity.

Robin believes in people. As a strategic leader and colleague, she strives to build a work environment in which people can thrive. With teamwork at the heart of every great achievement, she is energized by challenging work, passionate colleagues and the drive for excellence in service delivery.

Adam Collison

Chief Operating Officer - Employment Services

Adam brings over 15 years of experience in Employment Services, with a diverse background in both not-for-profit and for-purpose organizations. Starting as an Employment Consultant, he has progressed through various roles, ultimately attaining executive positions overseeing more than 1,000 staff and 100+ locations.

In his most recent role as General Manager at APM's Australian Employment Services, Adam led specialized programs such as Transition to Work, ParentsNext, Career Transition Assistance, Employability Skills Training, and Self-Employment Assistance. These programs catered to diverse demographics, from at-risk youth to mature-age individuals and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Beyond employment services, Adam has held executive roles in not-for-profit sectors focusing on housing, homelessness, mental health, and out-of-home care. As part of Lifeline's provider network, his team responded to over 100,000 crisis calls annually, providing 24/7 support for Australians in emotional distress.

Adam's impact extends to housing and homeless services, where he spearheaded projects resulting in government investment for initiatives like Common Ground, a Youth Foyer model addressing accommodation challenges for disadvantaged young people.

Throughout his career, Adam consistently prioritizes building the capacity of individuals, communities, and human services providers, with a shared goal of fostering a better future. His qualifications include human resources and business, complemented by postgraduate degrees in management. Adam is also accredited in Mental Health First Aid, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, and Applied Suicide Intervention Training.

Adam Collison Headshot - Chief Operating Officer at WCG