Joan Dunlop, B.A., LLB, CIAPP-M

Partner

As a Partner at Cenera and lead of the Privacy and Information Management practice, Joan provides strategic leadership to clients and teams navigating complex and evolving privacy requirements. She has been with Cenera since 2011 and has over 18 years of experience working in the field of access to information, privacy, and information security across the public, private, non-profit and health sectors spanning many jurisdictions. Drawing on her legal background, she delivers practical, risk-informed guidance that is grounded in legislation and defensible decision-making. Joan is known for her clear, collaborative style and her ability to translate complexity into actionable direction. A sought-after speaker, she enjoys delivering training and mentoring both new and experienced leaders who have access and privacy responsibilities in their organizations, helping them build confidence and consistency in their day-to-day practice.

Joan is also a member of the HR Consulting practice, where she is part of a team of talented and dedicated Consultants who provide various HR services to clients across different sectors and sizes. As the leader of Cenera's Workplace Investigations (WI) team, she sets the investigation standard for the firm and provides hands-on leadership on files ranging from day-to-day concerns to complex and sensitive matters. She brings a fair-process, trauma-informed approach to investigations, with a focus on clear communication, thorough fact-finding, and practical recommendations that support safe and respectful workplaces. Joan developed Cenera's WI process, trains and mentors the Investigation Team, and ensures the quality and integrity of the workplace investigations through direct oversight of all cases.

Joan has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Regina, a law degree from the University of Saskatchewan, and is a certified Master of the Canadian Institute of Access and Privacy Professionals (CIAPP). She also holds the Women in Leadership certification from Cornell University.