Who We Are

  Colin O'Leary, the Principal of O’Leary & Associates Ltd., has spent the past 15+ years working with businesses, non-profits, public entities and social enterprises of all sizes, across all industries, to overcome a variety of challenges. During this time, his work has touched thousands of organizations. He has won numerous provincial, national and international awards for projects, program development and implementation, is one of only a handful of individuals in BC that holds both a provincial and federal designation in Economic Development and is an International Association of Public Participation certified practitioner.

Colin has earned his Masters in Business Administration, where he graduated at the top of his class, from the Sauder School of Business, which is consistently recognized among the top 1% of business schools in the world. He was recognized by Development Counsellors International, a New York-based firm, as a Top 40 Under 40 Rising Star celebrating the top new leaders in the economic development industry globally. The Top 40 Under 40 Rising Stars are named every two years, and Colin is one of only a handful of Canadian professionals to ever be recognized. 

  Sonya brings more than 30 years of experience in natural resource management, Indigenous relations, and collaborative land stewardship across British Columbia. Her work has focused on building strong relationships, navigating complex challenges, and advancing practical, land-based solutions that integrate First Nations values, knowledge and perspectives.

Throughout her career, Sonya has held senior roles with the Province of BC including First Nations Relations Advisor, Provincial Range Specialist, First Nations Relations Manager for the Thompson Okanagan Region, and most recently Negotiator with the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation supporting land claims advancement.

Known for her thoughtful and solutions-oriented approach, Sonya brings deep experience in consultation, reconciliation, and collaborative problem-solving involving communities, industry, and government. Following her retirement from provincial government service in 2026, she joined O’Leary & Associates to continue supporting meaningful, relationship-driven work across the region.

  Calum brings more than 15 years of advisory experience across public, private, and international sectors, specializing in strategy, policy, economics, and economic development. His work has included strategic planning, feasibility studies, financial analysis, business case development, and advisory services for organizations navigating complex challenges across Canada and internationally.

Before joining O’Leary & Associates, Calum was a Senior Manager with KPMG’s Strategy, Policy & Economics and Infrastructure Advisory practices, where he led regional Advisory Services in Interior BC. He has worked extensively with governments, Indigenous communities, and organizations on high-impact strategic initiatives.

Calum holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of British Columbia and an MBA from Edinburgh Business School in Scotland.

  Jamie Mayes joined O’Leary and Associates Ltd in June 2022, bringing more than a decade of experience supporting communities, local governments, and nonprofits through strategic planning, project coordination, and economic development. She has worked across a wide range of regional initiatives with a focus on resilience, reconciliation, and collaboration.

Her past roles include Economic Development Officer for the City of Revelstoke, Community Economic Development Coordinator with Community Futures Revelstoke, Program Manager for Imagine Kootenay, and Executive Director of the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce. Jamie is IAP2 certified and holds a degree in Tourism Management. She also brings valuable operations and systems experience from her early years in the tech sector.