Brad Ross Communications Counsel

The last 13 months have been a whirlwind.

In December 2022, I retired from the City of Toronto as its Chief Communications Officer after almost 40 years in public service communications. I was tired. Hit a wall. Needed a break.

Eight weeks later I had a heart attack. A serious one. A widow maker. But thanks to the skilled cardiac team at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, and the Simcoe County paramedics whom I welcomed into my home that February morning, I sit here today, one year gone.

In May, recovered and feeling healthier than ever, I went on a wild and wonderful adventure, trying my hand(s) at being a barber, which ended this January. I wrote about that experience last month in the Toronto Star. It was a lot of fun, but, ultimately, we weren’t a match.

I’ve done a lot of thinking about what’s next. I would have loved a long walk in the snow if there was any. But I have reached what I suppose was an inevitable conclusion (for me at least): that it’s time to get back in the saddle – to build something, to hang a shingle, to print some business cards that read “Brad Ross Communications Counsel.”

I’m eager to share what I’ve learned after almost 40 years, and how best to navigate communications when things get a little hot.

Whether your needs are around communications strategy, issues, crisis, media or help with some critical writing and editing, I’m here for you – and in your corner until the end. Check me out at bradross.ca.