Brandon Lee is the Director General of the Grants and Contributions Transformation Initiative (GCTI) at Global Affairs Canada (GAC), leading the modernization of how GAC delivers over $6 billion in global grants and contributions. The GCTI is centralizing all grants and contributions into a single enterprise management system, developing a core process for the Department, and standardizing data collection. Project data and documents will be automatically stored in a single GAC database, and aggregated project and reporting information will be available in real time through improved dashboards. Previously, Brandon served as Consul General of Canada in San Francisco, Seattle, and as Canada’s Ambassador to Silicon Valley. He has also held senior roles at the World Trade Organization and the International Committee of the Red Cross, spearheading key international reforms. Brandon has a diverse background in both government and private sectors, including innovation and change management.
Day 1: Oct 14, 2025
9:00 am
KEYNOTE: DATA TRANSFORMATION
Leveraging Analytics to Optimize the Distribution of $6 Billion in Grants
Managing three of the most topical portfolios including trade, diplomacy and foreign aid, Global affairs is under huge pressure to demonstrate through data that we as Canadians are getting value for money. After a 2 year digital transformation Global Affairs has put analytics at the heart of its evidence based decision making and it will share actionable strategies for::
- Building end-to-end visibility into applications, approvals, and outcomes through integrated data platforms.
- Using predictive analytics to identify high-impact projects, streamline decision-making, and mitigate funding risk.
- Align digital transformation efforts with public accountability and clear, transparent performance reporting.
Optimize every stage of your project funding process through data to ensure taxpayer dollars deliver the greatest possible value.
Day 2: Oct 22, 2025
