HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA — November 3, 2025 — MDR Strategy Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Catherine Robar as Director, Strategic Partnerships, joining the firm’s leadership team to strengthen its national and international reach.
Robar brings nearly two decades of global experience in leadership, partnerships, and strategic development. She served with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), most recently in Ethiopia, where she led resource mobilization and donor relations for one of UNICEF’s largest and most complex country offices. Her work helped generate more than US$1.6 billion in funding to support humanitarian and development programs in the country. Previous to Ethiopia, Catherine served the UN in Uganda, Nigeria, Lesotho, and the Regional Bureau for Eastern and Southern Africa in South Africa.
Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Robar returns home after 17 years abroad. “Even though this is a new opportunity in a new jurisdiction, I am excited to come home to apply the tools, the commitment to social impact, and the inclusion lens I gained working in some of the most challenging yet rewarding places on earth,” she said.
As Director, Strategic Partnerships, Robar will lead MDR’s business development strategy, expanding the firm’s collaborations across Canada and beyond. She will focus on building long-term relationships with regulators, public-interest organizations, and mission-driven partners, strengthening MDR’s growing suite of services in strategic communications, public engagement, organizational leadership and design, and AI strategy.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Catherine,” said Daniel Roukema, CEO of MDR Strategy Group. “She will be instrumental in introducing MDR’s people and work to new sectors and markets where we can make measurable impacts. Our team is passionate about people and purpose, and Catherine’s experience, values, global insight, and people-first commitment make her a natural fit for MDR.”
Robar holds degrees from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Roma Tre University in Italy, as well as executive certificates from Harvard University, Oxford University, University of Cape Town, and Toronto Metropolitan University.
About MDR Strategy Group
MDR Strategy Group is a Canadian social-enterprise consulting firm that helps public-interest organizations strengthen their impact through strategic communications, public engagement, organizational leadership and design, and responsible AI strategy. The firm’s clients include regulators, non-profits, and public-sector organizations across Canada and internationally.
Media Contact
Collette Deschenes
Director, Communications Strategy
MDR Strategy Group
communications@mdrstrategy.ca | www.mdrstrategy.ca
