Tara Whelan

Tara Whelan has extensive experience in human resources and people management. Tara is currently working as the Director, People & Culture at AcuityAds Inc. since June 2022. Prior to that, they served as a Human Resources Lead at Shopify from February 2020 to June 2022. At Shopify, they managed a team of HRBPs and was responsible for talent management, organizational redesign, and culture-related employee communications.

Before joining Shopify, Tara worked as a Senior Human Resources Manager at Array Marketing from July 2019 to January 2020, where they focused on HR strategies and policies. Tara also served as a Senior Human Resources Business Partner at TMX Group from April 2017 to July 2018. During their tenure at TMX Group, they led the implementation of a talent strategy framework and provided leadership for organizational design.

Prior to TMX Group, Tara worked as a Senior HR Manager at Scotiabank from August 2016 to April 2017. In this role, they provided HR consultation on various matters and supported business objectives through effective communication and execution of HR programs. Before Scotiabank, they worked as an HR Manager at Rogers Communications from January 2010 to August 2016. At Rogers Communications, they managed a team of HRBPs and provided consultation on a range of HR issues, including legal compliance, employee relations, talent management, and organizational development.

Tara's career in human resources and people management began at The Nuance Group, where they worked as a Human Resources Business Manager from January 2001 to January 2010. In this role, they developed HR programs and strategies, ensured policy implementation and effective administration, and elevated the HR function to a strategic partner.

Overall, Tara Whelan has demonstrated expertise in talent management, organizational design, HR strategy, and employee relations throughout their career in various organizations.

Tara Whelan has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology / Sociology from York University. Tara also has a Post Graduate Certificate in Human Resources from Seneca College. In addition to their formal education, Tara has obtained several certifications, including Behavioural Interviewing Techniques from Behavioural Description Technologies, Coaching for Results from Essential Impact, Myers Briggs, Insights & Thomas International Behaviours Assessment Tools from The Myers & Briggs Foundation, Skill Deployment Inventory Certified Facilitator from Essential Impact, Union Contract Negotiations from Canadian Professional Management Services, and Winning Grievances & Arbitrations from Canadian Professional Management Services.