Some job opportunities are too good to pass up, says HR leader Heidi Hauver of the offer that came her way to join data-centric software company Shinydocs as its very first vice-president of people experience.
Accepting the role meant, of course, leaving Invest Ottawa, where she was head of HR and talent strategy, as well as a growth coach. The non-profit organization facilitates economic growth and job creation in Ottawa, serving as a rallying point for local businesses and entrepreneurs.
“I loved my time at Invest Ottawa, loved my team and loved the purpose of what we were doing for the community,” the former Forty Under 40 Award recipient said in an interview. “It was a ton of fun.”
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Hauver knew, however, that she wanted to return to working in technology. Shinydocs is in the business of helping its clients tackle whatever data challenges they may face.
“Technology is really my passion,” said Hauver. “I spent a lot of time in tech.”
Shinydocs was a case of right timing, right fit for Hauver, who felt an instant chemistry with the company’s leadership team.
“It feels really good to be back in a space where I can innovate and create and really roll up my sleeves, as opposed to just advising from the sidelines,” she said. “I can tell you, I’m having a blast.”
Shinydocs, founded in 2013, is based in Waterloo. Hauver, 44, says she’s able to work remotely from Ottawa, where she lives with her husband, Assent Compliance CEO Andrew Waitman, and their two young boys. As one of two VPs in Ottawa, she will help the company grow its distributed team.
“To be able to come in at the executive level and really help steer the ship for greatness, I couldn’t pass up on that opportunity. I’m honoured to be in that role.”
Shinydocs, which currently has a team of 63, has been recognized as a great place to work, said Hauver. It’s committed to a remote-first work environment and to maintaining a positive work-life balance.
“They’re really people-focused, and that mattered to me a lot. They value the strategic role that HR can play in a scaling business, and that spoke to my core. They’re all about transformation and I’m all about transformation.”
Hauver plans to continue her promotion of Ottawa, which has been home to her since 1999, when she moved here for work and to continue her studies. She originally hails from Cowansville in the Eastern Townships of Quebec.
The executive leader has been a mentor to many and has been involved with such non-profit organizations as Hire Immigrants Ottawa, CHEO and the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation. Her volunteer work has also extended to the entrepreneurship hub at the University of Ottawa and to Algonquin College, which honoured her in 2020 with an alumni distinction award.
“I’m a big believer in paying it forward,” said Hauver. “I had great mentors as I grew my career. Algonquin College was a big part of my journey. I always give back to those places that helped me to get to where I am.”
She acknowledged that her success took time; it didn’t happen overnight.
“I had to put in the hard work,” said Hauver, who found the journey much easier once she discovered her love for human resources.
“Find your passion; it will lead you to greater purpose.”
People on the move across Ottawa
Jeff Johnson has joined BDO Canada in his new role as an audit and advisory partner. He will be leading the effort to expand BDO’s involvement and support within Ottawa’s tech sector. Johnson spent 20 years with Deloitte Canada, most recently as an audit partner and technology industry leader for the National Capital Region.
Gordon Cudney is now director of M&A and general counsel at Inflector Environmental Services. He was previously an equity partner at Gowling WLG and specialized in mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, secured transactions and business succession planning. Cudney is also past chair of the board of the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health and sits on the board of the Beaver Boxing Club.
Jamie Kwong is the new executive director of the Ottawa Safety Council. Most recently, she was helping to guide Ottawa’s music scene through the challenges of COVID-19 as the executive director of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition. She’s also worked in the past as executive director of the Vanier BIA as well as the former Oléans Chamber of Commerce.
Former Redblacks offensive lineman Alex Mateas has joined the team at Ottawa-based real estate auction site Unreserved as a property expert. Mateas, who announced his retirement from football last year, spent his entire pro career in Ottawa, appearing in three Grey Cup games and winning the championship in 2016. He’s also worked at Cushman & Wakefield as a commercial real estate agent.
The Cement Association of Canada has announced that it has appointed its VP of environment and sustainability, Adam Auer, as its new president and CEO effective this April. Auer has more than 20 years’ experience as a sustainability professional, working with public, private and non-profit institutions. He will take over from long-standing president and CEO Michael McSweeney, who has held the position for 12 years.
Guy Levesque has become the inaugural associate vice-president of innovation, partnerships and entrepreneurship at the University of Ottawa. Levesque, who’s a member of the board of directors with the Kanata North Business Association, has been with uOttawa for three years, most recently holding the position of VP of research support and infrastructure. He also used to work for the Canada Foundation for Innovation.
– caroline@obj.ca
