Inside CORE
We’re not built like other firms — because we weren’t built for business as usual.
CORE Strategic is shaped by real-world experience — leading through crisis, building trust where it’s been broken, spotting disruption or showing up in moments that matter. We’ve worked inside the system, for organizations and alongside communities. We’re guided by purpose, integrity and a relentless focus on impact.
Purpose-built. Impact-driven. Focused clearly on what matters to you.
Our Value.
We give clients strategic horsepower, clear thinking and trusted judgment — when it matters most. Whether navigating crisis, advancing reconciliation, negotiating agreements or shaping long-term strategy, our value lies in helping you move decisively and deliver lasting results.
Confidence to act in uncertain or high-pressure moments
Protection of what matters — your reputation, relationships and results
Execution without noise — clarity, alignment and action
Senior counsel without overhead
We aren’t here for show. We’re here to make a difference.
Built for impact. Driven by purpose.
The People Driving Impact.
Shawn Howard
President | Risk + Response Advisory
Strategic clarity and bold counsel — built to protect, built to deliver.
Shawn positions organizations to manage high-stakes challenges where reputation, risk and results matter most. As Co-Founder and President of CORE Strategic, he delivers tailored strategies to identify risks, defend interests, build alliances and drive outcomes under pressure.
With over 25 years of experience and leadership across industry, government, and public service, Shawn brings a practical, high-trust approach to external relations, Indigenous engagement, government relations, crisis response and counter-activism. He works directly with leaders, Boards and project teams to anticipate risks, strengthen reputations and move strategies from plan to action.
Shawn has played key leadership roles in managing protests, industrial incidents, Indigenous negotiations, shareholder activism and major project advocacy. His experience spans the boardroom, elected office and the field, blending communications expertise with operational understanding.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Canadian Studies (University of Calgary), plus certifications in Indigenous learning and risk communication. He is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors and a lifetime member of the Emergency Management External Affairs Association.
Shawn partners with clients to bring clarity, resilience and impact to the moments that matter the most. Let’s talk ➞
Cris Howard
Vice-President | Strategic Impact Advisory
Building relationships and sustainable strategies that drive real impact.
Cris brings a human-centered approach to complex challenges — helping organizations build trust, align strategy and move forward with clarity and conviction. She’s a purpose-driven strategist, systems thinker and empathic leader with over 20 years of cross-sector experience spanning health care, private post-secondary education, energy and telecommunications. As Co-Founder and Vice-President of CORE Strategic, Cris partners with clients to design practical solutions, foster meaningful relationships and lead through disruption with both structure and heart.
She blends formal training in sustainable business with a deeply human-centered leadership style. Her approach is grounded in structure, guided by empathy and focused on impact — aligning stakeholder engagement with long-term, ethical outcomes. With direct governance experience on professional boards, hearing tribunals and advisory committees, she brings a strong grasp of risk, reputation and regulatory nuance to her work.
As a Bachelor of Commerce candidate (Royal Roads University), Cris continues to expand her expertise in sustainable business and strategic management.
At CORE, Cris leads with both vision and resolve — helping clients accelerate outcomes, strengthen organizational resilience and deliver results that stand up to disruption. Let’s talk ➞