About Us

Established in 2002 by Rick Mastel, we specialize in career management, offering services such as Outplacement, Coaching, Leadership Development, and Organizational Development.

In 2014, Ross Gilker assumed leadership, infusing the company with his remarkable ability to connect with people and provide top-quality service. Under his guidance, Gilker McRae continues to be a trusted partner for individuals and organizations alike. Ross's leadership extended beyond business; he was a pillar of the community, fostering relationships with stakeholders and championing causes that matter.

Under Ross's guidance, Hailey Adlard assumed ownership in 2022, marking a continuation of our dedication to mentorship and growth.

Our Approach

Every organization is unique, and so are our solutions.

We prioritize understanding the specific needs and challenges of each organization, allowing us to craft customized strategies for success.

Whether it's developing people, navigating transitions, or offering HR advisory services, we provide comprehensive support at every stage of your organization's journey.

We have long-standing relationships with our clients, deeply understanding their businesses and delivering supportive services.

Executive Team

Ross continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the organization while maintaining close relationships with our customers. With extensive experience in business ownership, franchising, career coaching, and executive coaching, Ross brings a unique perspective to his role.

He provides valuable coaching to individuals considering business ownership/consulting, retirement/lifestyle planning, and career transition. In addition to his client-focused work, Ross also offers advisory services to customers, clients, and colleagues alike.

Equipped with qualifications and certifications in several psychometric assessment tools, Ross has assisted numerous individuals in finding their passion and identifying their ideal career path. He holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta and has undergone training in various psychometric tools.
After a stroke in 2007, Ross has dedicated himself to raising money for various charities through his cycle club, CycleTherapy. This group has supported the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer, MS Bike Ride and more recently has sponsored their own annual 100 km ride with funds going to support KidSport and the Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured. For his commitment to community service he was honored with the Human Resources Institute of Alberta’s Community Champion Award in 2013.

As President of Gilker McRae Ltd., Hailey Adlard leads the firm's strategic initiatives and drives its growth trajectory. With over a decade of experience, she has forged impactful partnerships with organizations, providing holistic support in people management.
Hailey serves as a trusted advisor to CEOs, HR professionals, and executive teams, offering expert counsel in leadership development, executive coaching, assessments, and career transition.
Drawing from her background in executive recruitment, career transition, and business development, Hailey adeptly understands and addresses diverse business needs.
Committed to professional development, Hailey holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honors from the University of Manitoba and is a Certified Leadership Coach (CLC) accredited by Essential Impact. She has also received training in Mental Health First Aid from the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
Actively engaged in professional communities, Hailey is a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF), CPHR Alberta, Career Development Association of Alberta, and AXIS Connects – Advancing Women in Calgary.
When she's not working, Hailey's all about family time with her two daughters. You'll catch her cheering on the Winnipeg Jets during hockey season or lending a helping hand at local animal shelters. And when she needs a break, there's no place

With more than 20 years in the career transition and office management field, Diane brings significant knowledge of office management and administration. Customer and client service, accounting and vendor management are some of the many areas Diane supports. Diane has a legal secretary diploma and has previously worked in both government and accounting management sectors. She displays tact, empathy and confidentiality in dealing with internal and external clients.
Diane loves the beach and her time in Nelson, BC, especially her early morning walks on the golf course.

Senior Consulting Team

Over the past 23 years, Charla has dedicated her career to fostering personal growth, enhancing self-assurance, and facilitating the development of individuals in her vicinity. Her unwavering passion and innate ability to recognize people's strengths, coupled with her relentless commitment to their success, have led her to specialize exclusively in the field of Career Coaching.
Charla boasts a diverse professional background encompassing Human Resources, Recruitment, Life Coaching, Management, People and Culture, and Career Consultancy. This multifaceted experience has equipped her with a unique perspective on the job market and an astute understanding of the qualities sought after by companies.
Charla's clients emerge from their interactions with her feeling rejuvenated, self-assured in their capabilities, and eagerly anticipating the next phase of their professional journey. In addition to her primary role, Charla generously volunteers as a Connect Group overseer, diligently connecting individuals with like-minded communities to foster robust mental well-being and a profound sense of inclusivity for all.

Pauline brings over 15 years of corporate Human Resources experience working with all levels of management. She has been privileged to work across several industries including education, professional services, manufacturing and oil and gas. She brings outside expert objectivity to help executives and employees maintain employee engagement, and execute on critical business goals and objectives.
Pauline is the author of A Grand Dinner Party - Setting the Table for Employee Engagement Through Mergers and Acquisitions and also speaks on Human Resources topics.
Pauline holds certifications in Myers Briggs Type Indicator and Insights Discovery and she works in our career transition team. She's passionate about helping others discover and pursue their career goals.
Pauline holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Lethbridge and holds a Chartered Professional in Human Resources designation from the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of Alberta.

Lindsay a Senior Consultant with Gilker McRae, as well as the Founder & Principal at High Voltage Leadership. Her passion for coaching grew out of her 15 years spent working as a human resources professional, partnering extensively with senior leaders and executives as they built high-performing teams.
Lindsay's background includes extensive work on strategic talent initiatives, organizational design, engagement strategy, compensation, and performance management. With a focus on career, leadership and executive coaching, Lindsay’s powerful coaching style leverages her extensive HR background, empowering leaders and executives as they develop and embrace their personal leadership practice.
Lindsay’s clients experience transformative change in their leadership that drives the engagement and performance of their teams, directly reflecting on the success of the entire business unit.

Located in Edmonton.
Mary-Lou Hamilton is a career coach, mentor and human resources consultant helping clients make a thoughtful next step in their careers. She works extensively with professionals and senior executives affected by organizational change. Located in Edmonton, Mary-Lou works with individual and corporate clients throughout Western Canada with a focus on community delivery methodology and one on one coaching. She has extensive leadership experience in Human Resources Operations; Sales and Marketing and General Management.
Located in Edmonton

Located in Edmonton. A respected and experienced human resource professional with over 25 years experience; recognized for building solid client and team relationships; strategic and operational business experience and extensive experience providing career transition coaching, recruiting, compensation and performance management consulting.
Located in Edmonton

Located in Fort McMurray.
Tim is a career coach, resume writer, interview coach, and recruiter. He is driven by the belief that it is possible for every person to have a fulfilling career. He works with people at all levels affected by organizational change to determine next steps.
He is a proud Disney alumni and works with clients across North America leveraging extensive senior leadership experience in transportation, hospitality, and government affairs.
Located in Fort McMurray.

Cara is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists and a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association. With more than 10 years of experience helping individuals overcome various life challenges, Cara gravitates towards helping individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, panic attacks, worry, stress, OCD, intrusive thoughts, PTSD, relationship concerns, and perinatal issues.
Cara is passionate about working with each individual client to create a space of safety and connection. Human experience is optimized when we feel safe, so establishing a genuine strong relationship with each client is integral towards individualizing the most effective treatment methods for their unique needs.
In addition to extensive training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Cara is currently completing her certification as an EMDR therapist. To ensure she is providing the most effective treatment methods to achieve the best outcomes for each individual client, Cara receives weekly supervision as a Provisional Psychologist and monthly consultations in EMDR therapy.
Cara received her Undergraduate Degree from Mount Royal University in Psychology and earned her Graduate Degree in Counselling Psychology from Athabasca University. Additionally, Cara is a member of the Perinatal Support International.
Besides her clinical work, Cara’s interests include spending time with her family, raising two sons, playing with her dogs, working out, relaxing, and eating good food.

Guiding Principles

People First: Whether it's within our own team or with our clients, we prioritize empathy, understanding, and support to ensure everyone's well-being and success.

Ethical Resolve: Our compass is set to "do the right thing, for the right reasons," guiding us to navigate complex landscapes with integrity and authenticity.

Local Insight, National Reach

We're rooted in Calgary, Alberta, leveraging local ownership to ensure quick decision-making and a deep sense of community connection. This local understanding allows us to respond swiftly and adapt flexibly to the ever-changing market dynamics. Our commitment to being locally attuned is complemented by our national reach, with partnership offices strategically positioned across Canada. These collaborations bring diverse perspectives and insights, enriching our ability to address challenges creatively and effectively. At Gilker McRae, we're dedicated to providing timely support and tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client, wherever they may be.

Photo By Harold Cundal of Calgary Alberta

Image courtesy of Calgary photographer Harold Cundal.

Gilker McRae is a proud of VF Career Management, one of Canada’s leading national human resources consulting firms. For over 30 years, VF Career Management has focused on the people side of business, specializing in career transition/outplacement, coaching and talent management.