Andy Watson, Regional Director, Strategic Communications, Victoria, BC

Andy Watson is a seasoned strategic communications professional, a connector, an emerging leader, and a proven media and government relations specialist. He is currently in a rewarding government and media relations role, supporting strategic communications planning, media and government relations, and issues management with WorkSafeBC. Andy also spent almost a decade with the BC Government with stops at the BC Coroners Service and Government Communications and Public Engagement with various ministries, specializing in crisis communications, media relations, issues management and strategic communications planning.

Here is what Andy had to say about his reason for wanting to join MSTH:

“I'm looking to join the great efforts of Moms Stop the Harm and provide some external support for communications and engagement, to share the important work you are all doing together with as many Canadians as possible. You have all inspired me to want to be involved and give back and know I'm here to help you reach even greater heights and help to turn this crisis around.”

In 2020, Andy worked on B.C.'s initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic at the provincial Joint Information Centre, managing strategic communications. In 2019, he was named one of four finalists for the Premier's Award as an emerging leader. Previously, Andy worked as the manager for the communications team with Emergency Management BC (EMBC) and before that at the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation (MARR), managing a team of four. Andy also worked in a number of other communications and public affairs roles with the Province between 2012-2020.

Andy has expertise in media relations, issues management, communications planning, strategic planning, internal communications, social media and crisis communications. He also coaches and trains media spokespeople after professionally conducting more than 1,000 interviews through his career.

Outside of communications, Andy is a passionate lacrosse referee and supports training, mentorship, evaluation and development of officials around the world. Andy is a proud graduate of Royal Roads University's Master of Arts in Professional Communication program and Carleton University's Bachelor of Journalism program.

Andy's government communications role follows 12 years of work experience in reporting, media relations, sports information and part-time teaching, working for a number of employers including the Ottawa Sun, the University of Western Ontario in London, Ont., the University of Victoria, Fanshawe College and the Toronto Rock Lacrosse Club. Andy also served as the director of communication and marketing for two world lacrosse championships (2006 senior men’s in London, Ont., and 2016 under-19 men’s in Coquitlam, B.C.)

Specialties: Spokesperson & Media Training, Media Relations, Issues Management, Communications Planning, Sports Communications, Blogging, News & Speech Writing, Editing, Communications Strategy, Internal Communications, Teaching, Refereeing, Crisis Communications, and Government Relations.