With years of experience working in the private sector, the leadership at Grassroots understands first-hand the challenges businesses face, and how complicated and frustrating it can be to get your message heard by government officials and the public.
Our team is ready to help!
Peter Seemann
Principal & Sr. Consultant
Peter has 20 years’ experience as a business owner and entrepreneur. He has been deeply involved in federal and provincial politics since 1993 and has earned an impressive reputation as a campaign manager and highly effective, “get things done” leader. Peter has his MBA in Executive Management from Royal Roads University, BC, graduating in 2008 with a specialization in Leadership.
The focus of Grassroots is to bring a solid, real-world, business approach to government advocacy based on “Clarity – Consistency – Collaboration” designed to help businesses and associations get tangible support for their vision, mission and message.
Artem Chaplynsky
Consultant
Artem contributes a multifaceted background in project management, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement to our team. During his 4-year tenure as a Policy and Special Advisor at the Office of the Premier of Ontario, Artem developed expertise in policy development and political communications. With experience in both the public and private sectors, he understands the importance of building relationships between businesses, governments, and communities.
At Grassroots, Artem helps clients navigate the complexities of government and public relations with confidence, aligning their interests with public needs. As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with an Honors Specialization in International Relations degree from Western University, Artem applies proven research and project management skills to his advocacy work. He is committed to fostering open dialogue between policymakers and clients, ensuring that innovative technologies and ideas are recognized and understood.
Ray Pons
Sr. Communications Specialist
Ray is an expert on leadership development, impactful communication and strategic coaching. In addition to his years as a serial entrepreneur, Ray’s experience includes life insurance, reinsurance, being a faculty member trainer at Rockhurst University Continuing Education Center, Keynote Speaker and Executive Coach to businesses small and large. He has a straightforward, no-nonsense style heavily influenced by Dr. Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People & The 8th Habit. Ray brings an experienced, yet innovative approach to performance improvement, team-building and change management.
Catherine Sprague
Campaign Support Specialist
Catherine is a bilingual public policy and communications professional with an interest in public affairs and the agri- food sector. She has experience working with supranational, national, provincial and municipal governments and organizations including: the Ontario MTO, the UN, the House of Commons, the City of Ottawa, and the Québec Public Service. Catherine holds a BA in Global Politics with Minors in French and Spanish from Carleton University, a Masters of Public and International Affairs from Glendon College, and an MPA from the University of Strasbourg.