Our Team

Incite’s boutique model is supported by a team of senior strategists and business advisors with backgrounds in the fields of market research, business development, market strategy, brand, communications, and internal engagement. We work collaboratively to build project teams that provide clients with a range of perspectives to inform strategic decisions.

Join Incite

Our team consists of smart, dedicated, and invested professionals who thrive in a collaborative environment.

Current Positions:

Principal
Permanent, full-time

Associate
Permanent, full-time

Ted Kouri

Founder and President

As Founder and President of Incite, Ted brings over 25 years of strategic marketing, M&A advisory, and consulting experience working with owner-managed companies, strategic buyers, industry associations, Board-led non-profits, and private equity firms. His proven ability to engage in complex business strategy and multi-stakeholder environments as a facilitator and advisor helps both buy-side and sell-side clients with growth strategy, communications, strategic issues management, and post-merger brand and culture integration.

Ted is an active volunteer, working with the University of Alberta Venture Mentoring Service and having recently served as the Board Chair of Edmonton Community Foundation. He is an engaged member of the business community, including involvement with Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), Edmonton Executives Association (EEA), Synergy Network, and Association for Corporate Growth (ACG).

Recent transactions supported:

  • CompuVision & VC3 – Strategic Communications
  • Capital Colour & Priority Printing – Strategic Communications
  • CWB – Integration Planning

Darren Tonn

Partner and Creative Director

Always focused on the possibilities, Darren leads every brand strategy with creativity, passion, and drive. His array of artistic abilities, coupled with two decades of design experience, make him a true creative catalyst.  He plays a vital role in assessing brand reputation for our clients’ target acquisitions while also making recommendations around integrated brand positioning and brand strategy. As Creative Director, Darren has successfully led hundreds of branding initiatives for our clients.

As past president of the Advertising Club of Edmonton, Darren continues to remain involved in the creative community. He carries on his lifelong pursuit for art through visual expression with his design work and his work as an artist. View Darren’s art: www.darrentonn.com

Recent client engagements:

  • Belterra & All-State Belting – Brand Integration and Renaming
  • BBE Expediting – Brand Integration Strategy
  • CLPNA – Brand Integration Strategy
  • Capital Colour & Priority Printing – Strategic Communications

Stephanie Sims

Senior Associate

Stephanie brought her creativity, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills to our team in 2019. She works closely with clients to support due diligence around market, brand, and customer assessments, then develops key deal deliverables that guide critical stakeholder communication and the smooth integration of both companies. Stephanie draws on her knowledge of marketing and strategic business analysis to help our clients rise above the competition and position themselves for immediate or future growth. Having owned and managed her own business, she understands the challenges our clients face and enjoys helping them create higher levels of success.

Stephanie is passionate and steadfast, successfully seeing projects through each phase of development. In 2015, she was a finalist for the Success 4 Business Start-Up Entrepreneur Award for Central Alberta, an award that recognizes innovation, strategy, and general approach to business.

Recent client engagements:

  • CLPNA – Brand Strategy, Culture Integration, Strategic Communications
  • Capital Colour & Priority Printing – Strategic Communications
  • ProducKIDvity – Strategic Acquisition Communications

Jessica Gauthier

Associate

Jessica joined the Incite team in June of 2023, bringing her collaborative, creative and competitive spirit to the group. She brings her public sector knowledge from her time at the City of Lloydminster where she led large-scale public engagement campaigns, developed marketing strategies, analyzed data and presented findings. Through her experience, Jessica has honed her skills in project management, digital marketing, research and branding. She is passionate about making a positive impact and driving meaningful connections between organizations and their customers.

Raised in Kitscoty, Alberta, Jessica moved to Edmonton to attend MacEwan University and received her Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in marketing. Her background in agriculture includes experience in crop management and caring for animals. Jessica has a passion for sports and is currently active in Edmonton Sport and Social Club’s volleyball leagues.

Jesse Meyer

Partner

Jesse works with clients to solve challenging problems, generate revenue, and unlock untapped growth potential. Drawing from over 10 years of marketing, branding, strategic planning, and stakeholder relations experience, Jesse brings a wealth of experience working with clients in the public, corporate and not-for-profit sectors,  He has spearheaded effective organizational change, and helped to maximize operational excellence and innovation by working collaboratively with leadership teams to build the foundation, structures, and processes for long-term success.

Jesse is passionate about the communities he has called home. This passion is reflected in past involvement with organizations such as the CKUA Radio Foundation, the interVivos Mentorship Program, and the ITU World Triathlon Edmonton. He has also served on boards for the South Edmonton Business Association, Fort McMurray Tourism, 2015 Western Canada Summer Games – Wood Buffalo, and the Fort McMurray Sport Tourism Committee.

Recent client engagements:

  • Argus – Strategic Planning & Corporate Advisory
  • BC Health Regulatory College Amalgamation – Brand Integration
  • Explore Edmonton – Culture & Engagement Advisory
  • Town of Diamond Valley – Amalgamation Brand and Communications

Dania Spillett

Partner

With an abundance of relationship management, market positioning, communications, and engagement experience, Dania has supported the strategic growth of B2B organizations for over 10 years, establishing foundational elements for clients to effectively manage change and realize long-term goals. She is committed to understanding the unique challenges of her clients and their environment, then leverages market intelligence to craft impactful strategies that align stakeholders, brands, and messaging through all phases of a deal.

Dania’s appetite for business and community engagement is reflected in her active involvement with the Edmonton Executives Association (EEA), International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), and provision of strategic advisory for social profits such as Habitat for Humanity Edmonton, University Hospital Foundation, and Fort Edmonton Management Company. She has previously coached UofA students for JDC West business case competitions and served on the board of the Edmonton-based Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation (CEASE).

Recent client engagements:

  • ProducKIDvity – Strategic Acquisition Communications
  • Belterra & All-State Belting – Post Deal Market Positioning, Strategic Communications, Brand Integration, Culture Alignment, Change Management
  • CLPNA – Brand Strategy, Culture Integration, Strategic Communications
  • Diamond International Trucks – Positioning and Growth Strategy, Brand Integration
  • CompuVision & VC3 – Strategic Merger Communications
  • Vantage Living & Aster JV (Age Care Health Services & Axiom Infrastructure) – Strategic Communications

Janet Laurie

Principal

Janet joined Incite in July 2022 bringing more than 20 years of communications experience from a variety of industries, including energy, technology, banking, and professional services. Collaboration with internal and external audiences; excellent writing, analytical and interpersonal skills; and strategic vision are the cornerstones of her professional approach. Janet is passionate about solving problems, building strong relationships, and helping clients achieve their goals.

Born in Montreal and raised in Edmonton, Janet has also lived in Calgary and Victoria as well as points further afield in the Middle East and France. She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Calgary and a public relations diploma from MacEwan University. With two active teenagers, Janet’s current support within the community falls around volunteer commitments through their activities and sports.

Recent client engagements:

  • ProducKIDvity – Strategic Acquisition Communications

Merissa Paulhus

Associate

With a proven track-record building strong relationships and delivering client service excellence, Merissa brings invaluable expertise to the Incite team. From coordinating with clients, tackling research, managing schedules, and organizing Incite activities – her passion lies in confronting new challenges head-on and finding innovative solutions.

Merissa radiates positivity as a quick-thinking and enthusiastic team player. Looking ahead, she aspires to enhance her understanding of the research processes within the organization, working closely with colleagues to contribute to the company’s ongoing success.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Merissa leads an active lifestyle. Whether hitting the gym or engaging in outdoor adventures like rock climbing, kayaking, or biking, she approaches life with an easy-going and hard-working spirit.

With her zest for life and commitment to quality, Merissa is an integral team member. Her enthusiasm and determination contribute significantly to Incite’s growth.

Joanne Canga

Executive Assistant

Joanne is the glue that keeps Incite together. Whether it’s setting up meetings, coordinating calendars, or assisting with proposals, everyone knows they can count on her to make things a bit easier. As the first point of contact for Incite’s clients and guests, Joanne’s positive attitude is a quality everyone appreciates. Her self-motivated nature and over 10 years of customer service experience shows in everything she does, and her friendly disposition makes anyone who walks through our doors feel comfortable and welcome.

When she’s not managing the office, finding operational efficiencies, or driving the internal adoption of new software and technology, Joanne leads Incite’s social club.

Ted Kouri

Founder and President

As Founder and President of Incite, Ted brings over 25 years of strategic marketing, M&A advisory, and consulting experience working with owner-managed companies, strategic buyers, industry associations, Board-led non-profits, and private equity firms. His proven ability to engage in complex business strategy and multi-stakeholder environments as a facilitator and advisor helps both buy-side and sell-side clients with growth strategy, communications, strategic issues management, and post-merger brand and culture integration.

Ted is an active volunteer, working with the University of Alberta Venture Mentoring Service and having recently served as the Board Chair of Edmonton Community Foundation. He is an engaged member of the business community, including involvement with Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), Edmonton Executives Association (EEA), Synergy Network, and Association for Corporate Growth (ACG).

Recent transactions supported:

  • CompuVision & VC3 – Strategic Communications
  • Capital Colour & Priority Printing – Strategic Communications
  • CWB – Integration Planning

Jesse Meyer

Partner

Jesse works with clients to solve challenging problems, generate revenue, and unlock untapped growth potential. Drawing from over 10 years of marketing, branding, strategic planning, and stakeholder relations experience, Jesse brings a wealth of experience working with clients in the public, corporate and not-for-profit sectors,  He has spearheaded effective organizational change, and helped to maximize operational excellence and innovation by working collaboratively with leadership teams to build the foundation, structures, and processes for long-term success.

Jesse is passionate about the communities he has called home. This passion is reflected in past involvement with organizations such as the CKUA Radio Foundation, the interVivos Mentorship Program, and the ITU World Triathlon Edmonton. He has also served on boards for the South Edmonton Business Association, Fort McMurray Tourism, 2015 Western Canada Summer Games – Wood Buffalo, and the Fort McMurray Sport Tourism Committee.

Recent client engagements:

  • Argus – Strategic Planning & Corporate Advisory
  • BC Health Regulatory College Amalgamation – Brand Integration
  • Explore Edmonton – Culture & Engagement Advisory
  • Town of Diamond Valley – Amalgamation Brand and Communications

Dania Spillett

Partner

With an abundance of relationship management, market positioning, communications, and engagement experience, Dania has supported the strategic growth of B2B organizations for over 10 years, establishing foundational elements for clients to effectively manage change and realize long-term goals. She is committed to understanding the unique challenges of her clients and their environment, then leverages market intelligence to craft impactful strategies that align stakeholders, brands, and messaging through all phases of a deal.

Dania’s appetite for business and community engagement is reflected in her active involvement with the Edmonton Executives Association (EEA), International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), and provision of strategic advisory for social profits such as Habitat for Humanity Edmonton, University Hospital Foundation, and Fort Edmonton Management Company. She has previously coached UofA students for JDC West business case competitions and served on the board of the Edmonton-based Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation (CEASE).

Recent client engagements:

  • Vantage Living & Aster JV (Age Care Health Services & Axiom Infrastructure) – Strategic Communications
  • CompuVision & VC3 – Strategic Communications
  • CLPNA – Brand Strategy & Culture Integration, Strategic Communications
  • Diamond International Trucks – Positioning, Brand Integration & Growth Strategy
  • Belterra & All-State Belting – Post Deal Market Positioning, Strategic Communications, Brand Integration, Culture Alignment

Darren Tonn

Partner and Creative Director

Always focused on the possibilities, Darren leads every brand strategy with creativity, passion, and drive. His array of artistic abilities, coupled with two decades of design experience, make him a true creative catalyst.  He plays a vital role in assessing brand reputation for our clients’ target acquisitions while also making recommendations around integrated brand positioning and brand strategy. As Creative Director, Darren has successfully led hundreds of branding initiatives for our clients.

As past president of the Advertising Club of Edmonton, Darren continues to remain involved in the creative community. He carries on his lifelong pursuit for art through visual expression with his design work and his work as an artist. View Darren’s art: www.darrentonn.com

Recent client engagements:

  • CLPNA – Brand Integration Strategy
  • Capital Colour & Priority Printing – Strategic Communications
  • BBE Expediting – Brand Integration Strategy

Janet Laurie

Principal

Janet joined Incite in July 2022 bringing more than 20 years of communications experience from a variety of industries, including energy, technology, banking, and professional services. Collaboration with internal and external audiences; excellent writing, analytical and interpersonal skills; and strategic vision are the cornerstones of her professional approach. Janet is passionate about solving problems, building strong relationships, and helping clients achieve their goals.

Born in Montreal and raised in Edmonton, Janet has also lived in Calgary and Victoria as well as points further afield in the Middle East and France. She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Calgary and a public relations diploma from MacEwan University. With two active teenagers, Janet’s current support within the community falls around volunteer commitments through their activities and sports.

Stephanie Sims

Senior Associate

Stephanie brought her creativity, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills to our team in 2019. She works closely with clients to support due diligence around market, brand, and customer assessments, then develops key deal deliverables that guide critical stakeholder communication and the smooth integration of both companies. Stephanie draws on her knowledge of marketing and strategic business analysis to help our clients rise above the competition and position themselves for immediate or future growth. Having owned and managed her own business, she understands the challenges our clients face and enjoys helping them create higher levels of success.

Stephanie is passionate and steadfast, successfully seeing projects through each phase of development. In 2015, she was a finalist for the Success 4 Business Start-Up Entrepreneur Award for Central Alberta, an award that recognizes innovation, strategy, and general approach to business.

Recent client engagements:

  • CLPNA – Brand Strategy & Culture Integration, Strategic Communications
  • Capital Colour & Priority Printing – Strategic Communications

Jessica Gauthier

Associate

Jessica joined the Incite team in June of 2023, bringing her collaborative, creative and competitive spirit to the group. She brings her public sector knowledge from her time at the City of Lloydminster where she led large-scale public engagement campaigns, developed marketing strategies, analyzed data and presented findings. Through her experience, Jessica has honed her skills in project management, digital marketing, research and branding. She is passionate about making a positive impact and driving meaningful connections between organizations and their customers.

Raised in Kitscoty, Alberta, Jessica moved to Edmonton to attend MacEwan University and received her Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in marketing. Her background in agriculture includes experience in crop management and caring for animals. Jessica has a passion for sports and is currently active in Edmonton Sport and Social Club’s volleyball leagues.

Merissa Paulhus

Associate

With a proven track-record building strong relationships and delivering client service excellence, Merissa brings invaluable expertise to the Incite team. From coordinating with clients, tackling research, managing schedules, and organizing Incite activities – her passion lies in confronting new challenges head-on and finding innovative solutions.

Merissa radiates positivity as a quick-thinking and enthusiastic team player. Looking ahead, she aspires to enhance her understanding of the research processes within the organization, working closely with colleagues to contribute to the company’s ongoing success.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Merissa leads an active lifestyle. Whether hitting the gym or engaging in outdoor adventures like rock climbing, kayaking, or biking, she approaches life with an easy-going and hard-working spirit.

With her zest for life and commitment to quality, Merissa is an integral team member. Her enthusiasm and determination contribute significantly to Incite’s growth.

Joanne Canga

Executive Assistant

Joanne is the glue that keeps Incite together. Whether it’s setting up meetings, coordinating calendars, or assisting with proposals, everyone knows they can count on her to make things a bit easier. As the first point of contact for Incite’s clients and guests, Joanne’s positive attitude is a quality everyone appreciates. Her self-motivated nature and over 10 years of customer service experience shows in everything she does, and her friendly disposition makes anyone who walks through our doors feel comfortable and welcome.

When she’s not managing the office, finding operational efficiencies, or driving the internal adoption of new software and technology, Joanne leads Incite’s social club.