About Us

Gilker McRae is a Canadian HR consulting firm specializing in leadership development, executive coaching, and career transition. With over 22 years of experience, we have supported clients across various industries, in Canada and internationally, through long-term partnerships.

Our approach is thorough and results-driven, focusing on practical solutions that align with your organizational needs. We strive to be a trusted partner, helping your leaders and teams excel through tailored support and actionable strategies. Our commitment to integrity and collaboration ensures we understand your unique challenges and aspirations.

Our Story

Under the leadership of Hailey Adlard, Gilker McRae is committed to providing innovative, results-driven career transition and leadership development services. Since taking ownership in 2022, Hailey has infused the company with a forward-thinking approach while preserving the strong relationships and personalized support that have long defined our success.

Founded in 2002 by Rick Mastel and expanded by Ross Gilker in 2014, Gilker McRae has a rich history of delivering high-quality, people-focused solutions. Today, Hailey builds on that legacy, driving the company’s growth and ensuring that every client benefits from our commitment to tailored, impactful solutions.

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.

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.

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

, Theresa Jumpsen brings extensive experience from her senior HR leadership, operations, and coaching roles in both corporate and consulting sectors. Her diverse background uniquely positions her to drive the growth of Gilker McRae, enhance service offerings, and provide strategic consulting support that benefits both organizations and individuals during times of transition.
With over 10 years in career transition consulting, Theresa has effectively supported organizations through large-scale downsizes while providing personalized coaching for senior-level outplaced employees across Canada. She is dedicated to creating tailored solutions that not only facilitate individual career transitions but also help organizations manage change effectively and maintain employee engagement during difficult periods.
Theresa has led a career services team in a federally funded initiative with Calgary’s post-secondary institutions, empowering displaced oil and gas professionals to transition into the growing technology sector in Calgary. Her expertise extends to conducting comprehensive climate reviews and assessments, enabling organizations to cultivate positive workplace cultures and enhance overall organizational health.
Holding multiple certifications in coaching from The Neuroleadership Group and Newfield Network, change leadership from eCornell, and strategic workforce planning from Queen’s IRU, Theresa is equipped to address the complex dynamics of modern workplaces. She also earned a Higher National Diploma in Business Studies from Glasgow Caledonian University.
A strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, Theresa actively engages in professional organizations such as the International Coach Federation and the CPHR Alberta Chapter. Her commitment to community service is reflected in her volunteer work with Cause Canada and BeMyHR.ca, where she helps organizations and individuals achieve their goals.

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.

Calgary - Senior Consulting Team

A seasoned leadership development professional with over 25 years of experience, Heather Beck has a proven track record of empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential.
Her career has spanned diverse industries, from operations management to human resources. This rich experience, coupled with her ICF PCC certification and CPHR designation, provides her with a unique perspective on leadership challenges and opportunities.
Heather is passionate about developing leaders and fostering high-performance cultures. She specializes in executive coaching, leadership development programs, and team building. With approximately 600 hours of professional coaching experience, she has helped numerous individuals and teams achieve significant growth and transformation.

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.

Troy is a dynamic, results-driven professional with over a decade of senior management experience in Human Resources, Management Consulting, Entrepreneurship, and Coaching. He's built a career focused on driving success by leading high-performing teams, developing impactful business and career strategies, and guiding individuals and organizations through significant transitions. Troy's passion lies in recognizing people's strengths and unlocking their potential, making him a trusted advisor for growth and transformation across various sectors.
Troy is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and Certified Management Consultant (CMC), as well as a Prosci Change Management Certificate. He holds a Master's Degree in International Relations.

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.

Deb is a seasoned professional in human resources and personal development, with over 20 years of experience in education, HR consulting, talent management, and executive coaching. She empowers clients to unlock their full potential, drive meaningful outcomes, and create the career and live that allows them to thrive. Through her coaching practice, Deb helps professionals at all levels - from emerging leaders to executives - achieve their goals and navigate challenges with confidence and creativity.
With a strengths-focused approach grounded in leadership theory, Deb tailors her coaching to meet each client's unique needs and growth stage. She specializes in enhancing self-awareness, decision-making, communication, and problem-solving skills, while fostering resilience and adaptability.
As a certified Professional Coach (PCC) with a Master’s in Leadership, Deb brings a unique combination of expertise and credentials to her practice. She is also certified in various psychometric assessments, including CliftonStrengths, MBTI, and Strong Interest Inventory which are particularly helpful in career navigation and transition. With a passion for helping clients thrive, Deb is committed to delivering personalized coaching and development strategies that enhance well-being, resilience, and success

Northern Alberta Team - Edmonton, Fort McMurray & Grande Prairie

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

Tracy Zander is a senior Human Resources Professional with 19 years of generalist experience. She has worked in both the private and nonprofit sectors in a variety of different industries. Her areas of practice include policy/procedure development, employee/labour relations, performance management, recruitment and employee engagement, learning and development, and organizational design/strategic planning.
In addition to being an HR consultant, Tracy owns a small business with her husband so knows firsthand how instrumental HR is to the growth of a business. She is committed to providing practical HR solutions that align with business objectives to drive growth and productivity AND increase employee retention and engagement.
Tracy holds the CPHR designation and has diplomas in both HR Management and Legal Assistant as well as certificates in Conflict Resolution, Integrative Negotiation and Mediation.
When Tracy is not working, she enjoys activities such as playing hockey, kickboxing and walking Edmonton’s beautiful river valley. She is also a voracious reader, loves to scuba dive and explore the world.

Located in Edmonton

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.
Throughout his career, Tim has conducted hundreds of interviews and supported leaders across a wide range of industries. This firsthand experience allows him to provide career transition clients with realistic, employer informed guidance on resumes, interviews, and positioning their experience in a way that resonates with hiring managers.
Tim is known for his thoughtful, grounded coaching style and his ability to help clients connect their strengths to meaningful next steps. He focuses on building confidence, sharpening interview skills, and helping individuals navigate career transitions with purpose and direction.
His work is especially valuable for clients who want a clearer understanding of how hiring decisions are made and how to stand out in competitive processes.
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.

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 member 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.