Jacqueline Durnford anchors the management consulting branch of Porter O’Brien. With experience centering around management, human resources and the creation of operational and business protocols, Jacqueline works closely with clients from municipalities, Indigenous organizations, non-profit and private sector businesses to offer solutions for organizational and management challenges.

In previous roles, Jacqueline served as a Director of Operations, excelling in customer service engagement initiatives, and as a Vice President of Customer Success, where she found success in global business expansion and honed her skills in change management.

Jacqueline is a double alumnus from the University of New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education. In addition, Jacqueline is a designate for the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources certification, an associate member of the Canadian branch of the Association of International Certified Management Consultants and holds a certification in Effective Personal Leadership from LMI Canada.

A former long-time civil servant, Tyler Campbell brings close to two decades of public sector communications experience to his work at Porter O’Brien. An expert in strategic communication, media relations and departmental management, Tyler has knowledge to lend to all clients that enter Porter O’Brien’s doors.

Before joining the team at Porter O’Brien, Tyler recorded an impressive career at the Government of New Brunswick as Director of Communications, overseeing communications for portfolios as diverse as energy, business development and education.

Tyler holds a degree in Communications and previously studied History and English Literature at England’s Oxford University.

A seasoned communications professional, Erin Brandt Filliter has extensive experience in crisis management, stakeholder engagement efforts and strategic planning. Working with Porter O’Brien clients from a broad range of industries, Erin excels in navigating complex communication landscapes and finding effective, narrative-based solutions.

Prior to joining Porter O’Brien in 2022, Erin recorded an impressive 20-year career in government, not-for-profit and private sectors, holding senior level positions in the federal government, Indigenous organizations, and post-secondary institutions.

Erin holds an undergraduate degree in International Relations, a Master’s in International Diplomacy and an Executive Certificate in Social Impact Strategy.

Jessica is a strategic communicator and business development professional with a passion for storytelling and community engagement. With experience in journalism and corporate communications, she understands how to craft compelling narratives, build strong relationships, and enhance organizational visibility and reputation.

Before joining Porter O’Brien, Jessica worked in private sector, where she led strategic campaigns, managed partnerships, and oversaw internal communications across various industries such as Forestry, Transportation and Logistics, Pulp and Paper, and Construction.

Jessica holds a Master’s degree in Data and Investigative Journalism from the University of King’s College. Based in Saint John, she is committed to fostering connections and expanding Porter O’Brien’s presence in the region.

With a strong background in research, innovation, and the not-for-profit sector, Joni Leger possesses a broad range of skills to help clients harness opportunities, improve their performance, and achieve their goals. Joni excels at project development, relationship building, stakeholder engagement, and facilitation.

Prior to joining Porter O’Brien, Joni spent ten years working in research and innovation with post-secondary institutions, industry, and government partners. In the ten years before, she worked with not-for-profit organizations developing and delivering programs and services. Joni has served in senior leadership roles in post-secondary institutions and not-for-profit organizations.

Joni holds an undergraduate degree with Honours in Psychology from Mount Allison University and a Master's in Applied Health Services Research from the University of New Brunswick.

An expert in multimedia communication, Alyson Samson excels in crafting compelling narratives and content that engages audiences across different multimedia platforms. Possessing a sharp editorial eye and an ability to adapt to the ever-evolving media landscape, Alyson supports Porter O’Brien clients with a range of communication and media relations needs.

Alyson’s work at Porter O’Brien is backed by a decade of experience in multimedia journalism, through which she mastered her ability to research, report and convey information with clarity and accuracy. During her time as a journalist, Alyson covered stories on a wide range of subjects, including politics, raising Indigenous voices, and human-focus features.

Alyson holds a degree in Communication Studies and English from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and a diploma in Journalism from the College of the North Atlantic.

Jessica Langille is a seasoned professional who excels in research, public policy and intergovernmental affairs, and possesses notable experience in strategic planning, and technical, proposal and report writing. Jessica utilizes her analytical skills and knowledge of government and public affairs to consult on various Porter O’Brien client files.

Prior to joining Porter O’Brien in 2023, Jessica served over a decade at the Government of New Brunswick in various roles, including as a policy analyst, a manager within the Province’s Immigration Division, and a negotiator and managing consultant.

Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Rights from St. Thomas University and a Master’s degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Ottawa.

With a strong background in government affairs, Neil McKenna possesses expertise in research, strategic communications, event planning and stakeholder engagement. Using this experience, Neil helps navigate Porter O’Brien clients through the complexities of public and government relations.

Backing his work at Porter O’Brien is his wealth of experience gained from working in federal government, including having supported various Members of Parliament and spent time working in the Office of the Prime Minister.

Neil graduated from Dalhousie University, where he completed his Bachelor of Arts - a double major in Political Science and History.

Brandon joins the Porter O'Brien team following several years of political staffing at both the Federal and Provincial levels. He served once as Executive Assistant to the Speaker of the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly, and also as a Chief of Staff to a New Brunswick cabinet minister across multiple portfolios, including Housing and Social Development.

Previously, Brandon was a Parliamentary Assistant to an Opposition Member in Ottawa. There, he assisted the MP on committees such as the Special Committee on Canada-China Relations, and he helped manage stakeholder relations.

Brandon brings a wealth of knowledge to the Porter O’Brien team on how to work with various levels of government to achieve results for our clients.

Jean-Philippe comes from a diplomatic, political and non-profit background. He worked at the Canadian Embassy in Paris for nearly 15 years, first as a program officer, then as department head.

Since his return to Canada, he has held various positions in New Brunswick's non-profit and political sectors, notably as Senior Advisor to the Legislative Assembly and Director of Communications and Research at the Office of the Official Opposition.

He holds a bachelor's degree from the Université de Moncton and a master's degree in literature from the Université de Paris VII.

A compelling writer and communicator in both official languages, Claudia Gervais has served as an associate with Porter O’Brien since 2021, supporting client files involving both government and public relations. Proficient in research, digital communication and building stakeholder relationships, Claudia divides her time between Montréal and Ottawa, where she has been registered as a federal lobbyist for several Porter O’Brien clients.

Claudia’s experience outside of Porter O’Brien includes work with public relations, fundraising and nonprofits.

Claudia graduated from the University of Montréal with a degree in International Studies, where she specialized in Peace and Security, and possesses a certificate from the Canada’s Future of Work Skills Program.

Passionate about community and storytelling, Caitlin Dutt worked to build brands to their full potential before she came to work at Porter O’Brien. Bringing a range of skills to the firm from marketing and digital strategy to relationship building and writing, Caitlin was a journalist for several years until she switched to working with the arts and post-secondary education sectors.

At Porter O’Brien, Caitlin is excited to be able to take her passion for writing and strategy and implement it to help others reach their goals.

Caitlin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communications and Public Policy from St. Thomas University and is currently working toward a Master of Public Relations.