Team

All big think team members share the common driving goal of helping our client succeed. We're thinkers. We're doers. Common sense, practicality, and our experiences are what make us distinct. Our skills, instincts and unwavering eye on the objective are what make us successful.

We're team players, a driving force at the boardroom table, the voice of calm and reason during a storm, and a bridge with stakeholders. We see to the end of the road and map a clear path. We thrive on success.

big think's consortium model ensures skills and individuals are lined-up with the right project and that we are able to respond quickly and seamlessly to client needs and requests. We're large enough to meet all client needs, yet small enough to provide consistent access to senior counsel.

Key big thinkplayers:

Marilyn Marchment, Principal & Senior Counsel

Lizette Parsons, Senior Counsel

Christine McLenan, Events & Account Coordinator

Paul Tansey, Communications Specialist

big think adds to its team through our associate relationships.

Marilyn Marchment, Principal & Senior Counsel Top of Page

Navigating clients through the rough waters of public opinion and consent is what Marilyn does for a living. Drawing from a solid background in strategic communications planning and issue management, Marilyn approaches everything she does with an analytical eye, a quick wit and a healthy dose of real world.

The founding Principal of big think, Marilyn named the company after her mantra, "let's have a big think about this..." Whether it's attaining approvals for a large capital project, developing a communications strategy or managing an issue, Marilyn considers the proponents strategic goals, what's reasonable and sustainable and what's going to work to get it done. Based on nearly 15 years experience, she gets that relationships and understanding are the foundation pieces to success.

Marilyn holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Sociology, supported by a graduate Certificate in Public Relations.

Lizette M. Parsons, Senior Counsel Top of Page

Inclusive strategies are at the core of Lizette's thinking. Everyone counts.

As the former Director, Communications for the Vancouver 2010 Bid Corporation, Lizette was not only responsible for all community consultation and stakeholder relations but was instrumental in what is considered to be two firsts in the Olympic Movement:

• an inclusive games - ensuring that opportunities and benefits are maximized for those that do not traditional benefit from hallmark events
• a positive result in a civic referendum. This has never been achieved in the history of the Olympic Movement.

An energetic, creative and people-focused strategic communicator for over 12 years Lizette has extensive experience delivering winning communications strategies to a variety local communities, government officials, the media and cultural groups (First Nations in Canada, Tribal communities in the USA, Aboriginal communities in Australia, local communities in rural Mexico).

At the heart of her success is the ability to create trust and understanding between company/client and stakeholders, resulting in successful promotion, acceptance, and approval of various large scale corporate and not for profit initiatives and/or projects.

Lizette holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and a Diploma in Community Relations and External Communications.

Christine McLenan, Events & Account Coordinator Top of Page

From publicity and promotion to information management and event planning, Christine provides a complete range of support services. Christine makes it all happen. She knows and does what it takes to get it done; and get it done right.

Whether it's a large scale capital project, a small town meeting or that "oh so important" special event, Christine combines her capabilities and commitment with her sense of humor and almost obsessive nature to supporting the big think team in serving the client.

Christine attended Simon Fraser University, pursuing general studies (1983-1985).

Paul Tansey, Communications Specialist Top of Page

Paul has a thing about details. He's spent the last nine years of his professional life making sure that every "I" is dotted and "T'" is crossed. He clearly tells the story that needs to be told, in a way that audiences can hear and understand. Paul has cultivated a deep respect for deadlines, and has a reputation for doing whatever is necessary to produce a high quality product on time.

When not researching, writing and editing content, Paul can be found on stage playing drums for the band Edmonton Block Heater. Maybe that's where he developed his obsession with precision and time.

Paul has a Bachelor of Arts in English and an accompanying Bachelor of Arts in Communications.