Understanding Character Based Leadership | Jennifer Allen & Stephen Virgin | Episode 240

Jennifer Allen started her career in the private sector in Human Resources and developed an expertise in organizational design.  She joined the public service in 2007 and worked at various government departments including Transport Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, before joining the CRA in 2017. Throughout her career Jennifer has developed skills in inclusive design, process improvement, and change management. She is now the Assistant Director responsible for Character Leadership Development for the Agency. Jennifer holds a Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce with a specialization in Human Resources. Jennifer is passionate about food, her family, and dancing!

Steve Virgin joined the Canada Revenue Agency in July 2018 as the new Director for Character Leadership. He is a former senior naval officer in the Canadian Armed Forces and he joined the Public Service in 2015. During his military career he was fortunate to have a variety of leadership experiences including submarine captain, frigate command, and a variety of strategic leadership appointments in National Headquarters in plans, policy and strategic resource management. His final appointment in the Forces was as the Deputy Commander of Canada’s Special Forces Command. As an Executive employee in the Department of Defence, he was the Director of Business Management and Director of Analytics for the Defence CIO. Steve holds a Bachelor of Military Arts and Science from the Royal Military College of Canada, he is a graduate of the Canadian Forces Command College, he is a fellow of the National Defence University of the PLA Beijing, and he recently completed a Certificate in Regulatory Leadership at the University of Ottawa. Mr. Virgin is a volunteer citizenship presiding official with IRCC where he very much enjoys the opportunity to welcome new Canadians. He was invested into the Order of Military Merit in 2015 and he was awarded two meritorious service medals during his career.