411 Hannah Street Midland, Ontario L4R 2G4 (705) 527-9612 Education: University of Western Ontario B.A. Major in History 1979 Canadian Armed Forces Public Affairs Officer Qualification 2006 Career: Concurrently 2002 to the present: Managing Director, G.H.Laco&Associates Ltd, North American distributor for European manufacturers of quality traditional marine deck and rigging hardware for classic yachts and working sail. Owner/President, Voyager Self Steering Inc, manufacturer of mechanical self steering vanes for ocean going yachts 2012 to present National Distributor, Epifanes Canada 2012 to present Producer, Writer and Consultant, 1997 to present, in the making of over 60 productions, including commercials, documentaries and feature films. Significant among these was serving as Lead Historical Adviser on the making of the film ‘Master and Commander, the Far Side of the World 2002-2004 filmography at www.gordonlaco.com Public Affairs Officer, Royal Canadian Navy, November 2005 to retirement, February 2016. Responsible for media relations, creation of events, documents, strategies and reports for the RCN. During this time I provided PA guidance and support for a number of special projects including the RCN’s National observance of the Navy’s Centennial in 2010, Commemoration of the loss of HMCS SHAWINIGAN, the national Namesake Ship programme, and other events and occasional crisis issues as they occurred work. Prior to 2002 National Marketing Manager Transat Marine Ltd Canadian distributor of yacht fittings 1997 – 2002 Executive Director Toronto Brigantine Inc 1993 – 1997 Media Coordinator Huronia Historical Parks 1990 – 1993 Marketing Manager, Windward Publishing (Boat for Sale Publications) 1984 – 1990 Retail Store Manager Tom Taylor Marine Outfitting Company 1979 – 1984 Retail Store Manager, Marine Mail Order Supply Inc 1979 Other Activities: Faculty member of Georgian College’s School of Recreational Marine Technology 1991 – 2004 (taught marketing, media relations, communications and other business related courses) Founding Coordinator, Midland-Penetanguishene Tourism Consortium Director, Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society- till 2015 Director, Tall Ships America – current Director, Huronia Museum 2007-2009 Founder and Director, The Marine Heritage Association of Canada – Operators of two War of 1812 replica warships HMS BEE and HMS TECUMSETH 1998 – 2003 Co-founder and Director Atlantic Challenge Canada – youth oriented seamanship program based upon the construction and operation of historic sailing craft 1992 –94 Captain – HMS BEE, a replica War of 1812 sailing warship operating with an honourary warrant from the Royal Navy 1997-2002 I am a frequent public speaker on issues related to leadership training, history, and public affairs theory and management. Professional Memberships: Naval Officer’s Association of Canada Royal Canadian Geographic Society Personal Activities: When I have the time enjoy few things more than racing and cruising with my family on Georgian Bay. I am a frequent public speaker on issues involving Canadian history, leadership, and seamanship..