Claudia Verno, M.A. Economics

Experienced Director of Strategic Policy and Programs
Toronto, CA.

About

An accomplished Director with over two decades of experience in strategic policy, economic research, and transformational leadership, holding a Master's in Economics. Proven ability to lead and rebuild high-performing teams, drive significant improvements in operational efficiency and data integrity, and contribute to substantial revenue growth and policy development in complex environments, including real estate, insurance, and international trade. Adept at leveraging advanced analytical skills and strategic thinking to navigate challenges, foster innovation, and deliver outstanding results.

Work

Sabbatical
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Caregiver/Professional Development

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Summary

Dedicated period for personal and professional development following a global restructuring, focusing on skill enhancement and strategic career reflection.

Highlights

Utilized a transition period for targeted professional development, enhancing skills relevant to strategic leadership and policy roles.

Engaged in self-directed learning and reflection to identify new career pathways aligned with extensive experience in economic research and policy.

Leveraged time for personal growth and family support, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in career transitions.

JLL Canada
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National Director, Research

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Summary

Rebuilt and led a national research team, driving significant improvements in team performance and data integrity while contributing to revenue growth.

Highlights

Rebuilt and led a 19-member national research team across 7 regional offices, reducing turnover by 90% and improving employee satisfaction by 70% through strategic restructuring and enhanced communication.

Drove operational excellence by standardizing job descriptions, creating new roles, and optimizing systems, resulting in 3 team members receiving promotions.

Developed a national research agenda, expanding production to include 2 biannual reports, 2 vertical market studies, and 1 local market piece, significantly increasing the team's footprint.

Enhanced data integrity and streamlined workflows by establishing a new data entry group in India and centralizing data into JLL's proprietary repository.

Served as the in-house economist and thought leader, regularly briefing the CEO and Senior Management on the Canadian economy, contributing to JLL Canada's nearly doubled revenues, partly through two large strategic acquisitions.

Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC)
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Climate Risk Director - Natural Catastrophes and Climate Policy Development

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Summary

Led the Natural Catastrophe and Climate Policy team, driving policy solutions and climate adaptation initiatives while achieving zero turnover.

Highlights

Rebuilt and re-energized the Natural Catastrophe and Climate Policy team from 1 to 5 professionals, achieving zero turnover and significant employee satisfaction improvements through mentorship and priority setting.

Directed research and developed policy solutions for Canada's earthquake and flood insurance markets, initiating multi-stakeholder conversations that led to the creation of the Task Force on Flood Insurance and Relocation.

Developed proprietary databases using confidential member information to conduct data analytics, influencing legislation and fostering innovation in climate resilience, leading to IBC's inclusion in policy consultations.

Managed complex multi-stakeholder projects, including the creation of urban flood risk maps, which were fundamental to initiating public discussions on the flood file in Canada.

Export Development Canada (EDC)
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Director - Insurance Distribution Strategy & Broker Channel

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Summary

Drove client base expansion and enhanced broker capabilities through strategic relationship management and training initiatives.

Highlights

Expanded EDC's client base by developing long-term relationships with key strategic insurance brokers, resulting in the addition of three major accounts.

Trained existing and new brokers on EDC's new products, delivery channels, and industry best sales practices, enhancing distribution effectiveness.

Organized the first EDC/Broker annual summit in coordination with the business development team, strengthening partnerships and improving customer service.

Export Development Canada (EDC)
|

Research Director – Corporate Research Department

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Summary

Provided expert leadership to a five-member research team, generating market insights and contributing to strategic planning for senior executives.

Highlights

Provided expert leadership to a five-member research team, generating critical analysis and market insights for senior executives and contributing to strategic planning.

Organized and presented at events to promote EDC's competitive edge, including a study on the North American Renminbi hub that attracted over 100 government and private sector participants.

Developed and led the Student-Consultant Initiative with the University of Toronto, generating high-caliber background material for five research papers used for strategic product expansion.

Peer-reviewed trade-related academic articles from think tanks and economic associations, providing valuable input from the private sector.

Export Development Canada (EDC)
|

Economist and Sr. Economist - Economics Team

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Summary

Conducted economic assessments and risk analyses, providing strategic advice on investments and transactions and representing the organization at international forums.

Highlights

Generated comprehensive assessments of the economic outlook and market conditions, providing strategic insights on industry trends and country-specific factors.

Collaborated with federal departments and crown corporations to build statistical frameworks, conduct research across various industries, and cultivate critical relationships.

Authored research on environmental issues and commodity market speculation, collaborating with national experts and think tanks.

Developed and tracked economic developments and market conditions, creating risk assessment methodologies to advise on investments and transactions, and represented EDC/Canada at international forums.

Volunteer

CARE India
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Advisor - Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (EDC Corporate Volunteer Program)

New Delhi, Delhi, India

Summary

Developed strategic papers and presentations on integrating climate change research into CARE's programs.

Highlights

Authored a seminal document on the current and future impact of climate change on the organization's programs in India and its effect on the annual budget.

Provided strategic recommendations to integrate latest climate change research into CARE India's disaster risk reduction programs.

Education

McGill University
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Master's Degree (MA)

Economics

Université de la Méditerranée
Aix-en-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

Honour's BA

International Economics and Finance

Languages

English
French
Italian

Skills

Strategic Planning & Policy

Strategic Planning, Policy Development, Strategic Initiatives, Enterprise Risk Management, Management Strategies, Portfolio Management, Climate Risk, Operational Risk, Change Management.

Research & Analysis

Economic Research, Industry Research, Data Analytics, Market Analysis, Economic Forecasting, Statistical Analysis, Research & Development, Problem Solving Ability.

Leadership & Management

Team Leadership, Performance Management, Communications, Relationship Management, Conflict Resolution Skills, Talent Development, Stakeholder Engagement, Cross-functional Collaboration, Ability to Lead.

Industry Expertise

Commercial Real Estate, Insurance Policy, Natural Catastrophes, International Trade, Distribution Strategy, Broker Channel Management.

Technical & Systems

Data Management, Data Integrity, Workflow Optimization, Operational Systems Review.

Business Development

Client Relationship Management, Sales Practices Training, Customer Service.