Presented By
Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Defence and Marine Procurement Branch
Chief of Naval Capability, Canadian Armed Forces
Chief Operating Officer, Babcock Canada
Editor in Chief, Vanguard Media
Section Head, Scientific & Engineering Trials, Atlantic Research Centre
Director of Solutions Development, Ultra I&C
Program Manager, Victoria Class Trainers & Victoria Class Submarine Command Team Trainer In-Service Support Contracts, MDA Space
Senior Director Business Development, L3Harris Technologies
National Director, Defence and Federal Government Relations, PCL Construction
Former President, BMT Canada
Owner, Seax Strategy Group Inc.
Continuous Capability Sustainment Program Manager, Department of National Defence
Project Director - Canadian Patrol Submarine, Royal Canadian Navy
Vice President of Growth, Industry and Corporate Affairs, Thales Canada
CPSP Program Manager, Babcock Canada Inc.
Copyright ©2025 Vanguard Canada Media
Terri Pavelic
Editor in Chief, Vanguard Media
Sarah McMillan
Chief Operating Officer, Babcock Canada
Sarah McMillan attended Royal Roads Military College in Victoria with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Military Psychology and has a Master of Science from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
Sarah joined Babcock Canada in 2021 as Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Services where she was responsible for developing and implementing the business’ strategic Corporate Services agenda for all sectors of Babcock Canada. In June 2025, Sarah was appointed to her current role as Chief Operating Officer and is responsible for the Procurement and Supply Chain functions as well as Health and Safety, Communications, Business Solutions, Risk, Quality, Infrastructure, IT, and Security.
Commodore James Clarke RCN (Ret’d)
Commodre James Clarke (Ret’d) spent nearly 35 years in the Royal Canadian Navy going underwater when he could and on the surface or ashore when he had to. His seagoing highlights include commanding the submarines HMCS Victoria and Corner Brook, the Halifax-class frigate HMCS St. John’s, and Canada’s Submarine Force from 2013 - 2017. His final posting was as Deputy Director of Strategy, Policy and Plans at NORAD in Colorado Springs. James is a graduate of the Canadian Forces College and the United States Naval War College. He also holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Western Ontario and master’s degrees from the University of New Brunswick and the Royal Military College of Canada.
Paula Folkes
Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Defence and Marine Procurement Branch
Paula Folkes was appointed Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Defence and Marine Procurement, on 3 April 2023. In this role, she supports Canada’s military and coast guard operations by leading major air, land and marine procurements, as well as overseeing associated sustainment and support service contracts.
From 2019 to 2023, Paula served as Director General of Defence Procurement at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, D.C., where she led a team responsible for managing Canada’s acquisitions under the United States Foreign Military Sales programme, and for an international cooperation programme in defence procurement.
Paula brings over 16 years of executive experience in a variety of leadership roles across Public Services and Procurement Canada, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. She served for almost four years as Senior Director of Canada’s Future Fighter Capability Project, working to replace the CF-18 fighter aircraft.
At Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Paula held senior positions in programme evaluation, corporate planning, performance and reporting, corporate risk management, strategic policy, and real property. She has also held roles within the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and Employment and Social Development Canada.
Paula holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Toledo in Ohio, and a Certificate in Cyber Security Risk Management from Harvard. She is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and a published author in the Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation.
Rear-Admiral Jason Armstrong
Chief of Naval Capability, Canadian Armed Forces
As the son of a career soldier Rear-Admiral Jason Armstrong grew up in various army and air force bases throughout Canada, but calls Sault Ste-Marie, Ontario his hometown. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces as a Maritime Surface Officer in 1989 and graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) Kingston, with a Bachelor of Arts Honours History in 1993.
Rear-Admiral Armstrong, upon completion of Naval Warfare Officer training in 1994, joined the Pacific Fleet. Since then, he has served onboard HMC Ships on both coasts conducting a number of international deployments including WESTPLOY, NATO, Op AUGMENTATION, and Op ALTAIR. He has had the honour and privilege of commanding three of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships during his command tour and deployed onboard HMCS Toronto as Commanding Officer for Op REASSURANCE in 2014-2015.
Rear-Admiral Armstrong has served in staff positions at Maritime Pacific and Canadian Fleet Atlantic Headquarters. He has served in the National Capital Region in Naval Force Development and as the Chief of Staff for the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy.
Rear-Admiral Armstrong is a graduate of the Canadian Forces College Joint Command and Staff Program and the National Security Program. He holds a Master’s degree in Defence Studies (MDS) and a Master’s degree in Public Administration both from the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) Kingston.
Denis Couillard
Director of Solutions Development, Ultra I&C
Denis Couillard received his B. Eng. in Electrical Engineering and his Master in Technology Management from École Polytechnique de Montréal, Canada. He has close to 40 years experience in the telecom industry where he helped develop several new radio communication solutions and products, working in Systems Engineering and Products Innovation for several years.
Denis authored a book on strategic technology management and holds two US Patents on Electronic Attack and Protection. Ultra designs high-capacity pan-domain radios, tactical satellite terminals and troposcatter systems. The company is best known in North America as the designer of the GRC-262 ORION radios, the terrestrial backbone of US and Canadian Forces in the field. Ultra’s ORION radio technology is also being leveraged for the US Navy ATCS program.
Rear-Admiral Nigel Greenwood RCN (Ret’d)
Rear-Admiral Nigel Greenwood is a 37-year veteran of the RCN. In his final appointment as Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, he was responsible for Canada’s western maritime defences, joint military response to domestic contingency operations in BC, and SAR over BC/Yukon and Canada’s Pacific approaches. Since then, he has established Greenwood Maritime Solutions as a successful consultancy specializing in maritime risk assessment, security, operations research and emergency response planning. He holds a current license as Master Mariner and sails as a seasonal Ice Navigator in Greenland/Canadian Arctic waters. He is also a keen motorcyclist, a competitive coastal sailor and a mediocre flautist.
Lieutenant-Commander Doug Renken RCN (Ret’d)
Program Manager, Victoria Class Trainers & Victoria Class Submarine Command Team Trainer In-Service Support Contracts, MDA Space
Lieutenant-Commander Doug Renken (Ret’d) is the Program Manager for the Victoria Class Trainers (VCT) and Victoria Class Submarine Command Team Trainer (VCSCTT) In-Service Support Contracts for MDA Space. He brings a realistic and pragmatic view to the topic of ‘preparing people’ for submarine service having spent 11 years in the submarine training environment as an instructor, senior technical officer and program manager. Having previously experienced the transition from Oberon to Victoria Class, he is well positioned to understand the complex engagement between navy and industry necessary to make such a transition successful. He has a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from the Royal Military College.
Marc LeBlanc
Senior Director Business Development, L3Harris Technologies
Marc LeBlanc is Senior Director Business Development for the MAS Canada Division of L3Harris Technologies. He is responsible to lead the development of strategic business growth plans and execution of capture activities, both domestically and internationally, to grow L3Harris MAS’ business base. He assumed this position in 2016 after performing various Business Development roles of increasing responsibility with both L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation.
Prior to joining L3Harris, Marc served for 21 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force as an Aerospace Engineering Officer, including operational tours at CFB Baden, Germany and BFC Bagotville, Quebec, in support of front line CF-18 operations, as well as various senior staff duties at headquarters in Ottawa and Winnipeg.
He holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the Royal Military College of Canada and is a graduate of the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College.
Brian May
Section Head Scientific & Engineering Trials,
Atlantic Research Centre
Brian May graduated from Royal Roads Military College with a BSc in Physics and Physical Oceanography. He also earned an MSc in Explosives Ordinance Engineering from Cranfield University in the UK. Brian served as a Naval Combat Systems Engineer in submarines, sailing in the previous Oberon Class in both HMCS OKANAGAN and HMCS OJIBWA. He was the Group Technical Officer in Maritime Operations Group 5 during the introduction of the Victoria Class. He is a graduate of the Academia de Guerra Naval in Valparaíso, Chile. Upon retirement from the RCN, he has assumed the position of Section Head for Scientific and Engineering Trials at the Atlantic Research Centre of Defence Research and Development Canada.
David Hudock
National Director, Defence and Federal Government Relations, PCL Construction
David Hudock is PCL Construction’s National Director of Defence and Federal Government Relations. He joined PCL in 2013 after more than 30 years of service with the Royal Canadian Navy. David works out of PCL’s Ottawa office and supports PCL across Canada for any and all DND, PSPC, and other federal construction opportunities. David is heavily involved in project teaming strategies such as partnering with design consultants and major subcontractors so that PCL can help design and build the best solutions for owners and clients. David also leads most federal government project pursuit/capture activities for PCL Construction.
Patrice Miron
Continuous Capability Sustainment Program Manager, Department of National Defence
Patrice Miron is a civilian engineer within the Department of National Defence. With over 22 years of experience in project management, engineering, and leadership across the Department of National Defence and the private sector, he is known for his collaborative and results-driven approach. Patrice has led multi-disciplinary teams, participated in and managed high-value projects, and has spearheaded transformation initiatives across the department. He is passionate about building strong partnerships, aligning project goals to the desired outcome, and fostering transparent communication. He is now the Continuous Capability Sustainment Program Manager, leading this initiate through its implementation phase with the collaboration of project, equipment and weapons management teams and most importantly industry.
Commander Éric Isabelle
Project Director - Canadian Patrol Submarine, Royal Canadian Navy
Hailing from Montmagny, Québec, Commander Éric Isabelle joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2002. He attended the Royal Military College of Canada and was fortunate to spend a semester on exchange at the United States Naval Academy. In 2007, he graduated with a First-Class Honours Bachelor of Arts in Military and Strategic Studies.
Upon completing his naval training in Victoria, BC he was assigned to HMCS Fredericton. As Bridge Watchkeeper and the Ship’s Diving Officer, he took part in Operations Saïph and Ocean Shield conducting counterterrorism and counter-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Gulf, and off the Eastern Coast of Africa.
On completion of his time overseas, Commander Isabelle volunteered for the Submarine Service. His first assignment was in HMCS Corner Brook during its coastal transfer from Halifax to Victoria, where he achieved his submarine officer qualification and participated in Operation Carribe, a counter-narcotics mission off the South American shores. He was then assigned as Navigating Officer and later Combat Officer of HMCS Windsor. During his Combat Officer tour, he conducted two European deployments participating in several multinational exercises and operational patrols. Cdr Isabelle was then appointed Executive Officer of HMCS Windsor in July 2017 and deployed to the Mediterranean Sea on Operation Projection, which included operational patrols under NATO Operation Sea Guardian.
Upon HMCS Windsor’s return, Commander Isabelle was selected to attend the Royal Norwegian Navy’s Submarine Command Course.
In April 2019, he became the 58th Canadian to successfully complete “Perisher” and was appointed Commanding Officer of HMCS Victoria on 6 June 2019. His first Command tour saw Victoria conducting Patrols through an enduring COVID-19 environment, qualifying several new submariners at all levels. From April 2022 to May 2025, Cdr Isabelle commanded HMCS Corner Brook, returning the submarine to operational duties following a lengthy modernisation period, prior to moving to the NCR to assume his current role of Project Director - Canadian Patrol Submarine.
Cara Salci
Vice President of Growth, Industry and Corporate Affairs, Thales Canada
Cara Salci serves as Vice President, Growth, Industry and Corporate Affairs at Thales Canada, Defence & Security, leading business development, industrial participation and government relations activities.
Cara is a current Board Member of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada and member of CADSI’s Defence Policy Committee. She has been recognized by Women in Defence & Security as an Emerging Leader and a Top 40 Under 40 Aerospace & Defence professional.
Prior to joining Thales in 2016, Cara served as Deputy Chief of Staff to a federal minister and worked in healthcare administration.
Commodore Keith Coffen RCN (Ret’d)
Owner, Seax Strategy Group Inc.
Keith Coffen is the owner of Seax Strategy Group Inc. (SSGi). He had a 30+ year career in naval engineering and defence acquisition, culminating in service as Director General Maritime Equipment Program Management and Chief Engineer of the Royal Canadian Navy. He is still, in his heart, a Newfoundlander, submariner, CAF General Officer and RCN Flag Officer, more or less in that order.
He recently retired from Regular Force service and is now settled in Nova Scotia. He intends to remain very active in defence circles, both for submarine-related matters and other interests. He also plans to maintain a strong link to the RCN through intermittent part-time service in the CAF Primary Reserve.
Ian Flight
CPSP Program Manager, Babcock Canada Inc.
Ian Flight is the CPSP Program Manager for Babcock Canada Inc. He served 25 years in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Submarine Marine Systems Engineer and has significant experience in operating, maintaining, and providing materiel assurance for Victoria class submarines. Ian has participated in submarine operations throughout the Arctic, Europe, and in the Caribbean. Ian has extensive experience delivering complex work periods in the public service and private industry. Ian is particularly motivated to balance technical and operational requirements to keep submarines operationally available.
Lieutenant-Commander William (Bill) Smallman RCN (Ret’d)
Bill Smallman brings over 40 years of diverse experience in Defence. His naval career started with 15 years as a Naval Warfare Officer primarily in ASW operations, trials, innovation, and training. Followed by 15+ years as a Training Development Officer; he has a decade in ADM (Mat) on Naval and other projects. He is the recipient of a DM/CDS Innovation Award and two Command Commendations.
Commodore Laurence (Larry) Hickey RCN (Ret’d)
A former naval officer with a policing background, Commodore Laurence Hickey has served at sea aboard a variety of warships, commanded two Oberon-class submarines, a Halifax-class the frigate, and the Canadian Atlantic Fleet. Failing miserably at retirement, he became a ship handling and command development mentor at the Naval Fleet School (Atlantic), concomitantly obtaining civilian certification as a Master Mariner. Between 2016 and 2025, he was the Master of various oceanographic research vessels, carrying out research and hydrographic survey operations in the eastern Arctic and Hudson Bay, northern Labrador, and eastern seaboard of Canada and the United States. He holds a doctorate in Marine and Coastal Management from Cardiff university and frequently contributes to DRDC projects dealing with anti-submarine operations and Arctic surveillance.
Commander Darcy Byrtus RCN (Ret’d)
Former President, BMT Canada
Darcy Byrtus has over 40 years’ experience in the Canadian Defence industry in a variety of Operations, Major Crown Project and In-Service Support positions. He recently retired from BMT where he was Government and Industry relations for BMT North America since 2024. Prior to that he was President of BMT Canada from 2014 to 2023. During that time BMT was engaged in supporting the RCN and DGMEPM for the initiation and execution of National Shipbuilding Strategy Major Crown Projects (MCPs) and for In-Service Support (ISS) requirements including the development of the future support concepts, class life extension studies and transition plans including engineering support for the ISS contracts for both the Victoria Class submarines and for the RCN Minor War and Auxiliary Vessels.
Prior to joining BMT, Darcy spent 16 years at General Dynamics Canada where he held a number of positions including Project Manager for the Hydra Project for Swedish Visby Class Corvette and Project Manager Acquisition for the Canadian Maritime Helicopter Project. Prior to working at General Dynamics, he served 22 years in the RCN as a Marine Engineering Officer and Naval Architect. He served in a variety of positions at sea, in the Naval Ship Repair Units and in Major Crown Projects including in the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project and a posting in ADM Policy responsible for Latin America policy.