Trailblazer in Equitable Executive Search & Leadership Advisory Valerie Phelps is the visionary founder and Chair Emerita of Phelps, a boutique executive search and leadership advisory firm originally established in Thunder Bay, Ontario. A trailblazer in the Canadian search industry, Valerie built Phelps on the foundation of service excellence, integrity, and a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and leadership development—principles that continue to define the firm today. With a steadfast belief that exemplary leadership begins with values and relationships, Valerie set out to create a firm that would serve both clients and candidates with transparency, care, and long-term impact. Her work helped redefine what ethical, high-impact executive search could look like, placing people and purpose at the centre of the process. In 2000, alongside Jayson Phelps and Heather Phelps, she helped lead the firm’s expansion to Toronto, growing Phelps from its Northern Ontario roots into a national firm serving clients across Canada’s public, non-profit, and private sectors. Valerie’s extraordinary contributions have been recognized by her community, including being honoured through a Women of Excellence recognition for her leadership in building a more inclusive and values-driven future for Canadian organizations. Her legacy is one of quiet strength, deep listening, and unwavering purpose. Today, her example continues to guide Phelps’ work and inspire a new generation of leaders committed to making a difference.