Today, with the confidence of the Policy Insights Forum’s (PIF) Board of Directors, Chairperson Goran Samuel Pesic has named Ms. Fatima Atik as the NGO’s inaugural Executive Director.
In her work, Ms. Atik will be committed to advancing “policy-literacy”, Canadian interests, and the transatlantic alliance. As PIF Executive Director, she will oversee the day-to-day operations of the PIF, work with fellows to produce future-forward analytical content on strategic horizon issues, coordinate with international partner organizations, and use her platform to promote the next-generation of policy leaders. She will lead the continued expansion of the PIF in its vision to facilitate meaningful Canadian public policy decisions regarding national defence, international relations, emerging and disruptive technologies, climate change, and the economy.
Ms. Atik holds a B.A in Liberal Arts and Political Science from Concordia University and a Master of Public Policy and International Affairs from the University of Montréal. She has completed both her L.L. Band J.D at the University of Sherbrooke in Québec. She also holds various international academic and professional certificates from universities in the U.S., Germany, and Austria.
In addition to her academic qualifications, Ms. Atik brings a myriad of experiences from the private sector, NATO, and with Not-for-Profit Boards. Her past roles in regulatory affairs and commercial litigations at Telus Communication and a leading boutique law firm where she effectively articulate domestic policy and legal issues to positively influence outcomes at the national level.
These skillsets are complemented by a deep understanding of national and international security issues honed during her Masters, Transnational Law degree and her time at NATO Allied Command Transformation within the POLAD office in Norfolk. Additionally, she completed the ICD-Rotman NFP Program offered by the Institute of Corporate Directors, which focuses on Not-for-Profit Board Governance, and she has sat on numerous Boards since then.
“Fatima brings extensive experience working with NATO, the private sector, legal firms, Not-for-Profits, and academia in Canada, the U.S., Europe, and elsewhere,” said Chairperson Goran Samuel Pesic. “She has the full trust of the Board to execute on our vision for the Policy Insights Forum moving forward. We know that Fatima is the right person for this position, and we are thrilled to support her to the strongest extent possible as the PIF’s new Executive Director.”
Ms. Atik exclaimed: “I am honoured to lead the Policy Insights Forum with the backing of the PIF Board of Directors and the Samuel Group of Companies. I cannot imagine a better place for thought-leaders, executives, and decisions-makers to convene and tackle the strategic horizon issues critical to Canada’s national interests. I am grateful to Goran and the team for their confidence, and I am ready to take the PIF forward to achieve its true potential as a think tank in Ottawa and across our country. I am excited to get down to the real, substantive work of the upcoming days, weeks, and months.”
For media inquiries regarding Ms. Atik’s appointment as Executive Director of the Policy Insights Forum, please contact info@policyinsights.ca.
