Director General,
Client Enablement and Governance
Laural Porth-Jones is the Director General of Client Enablement and Governance for the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). Laural joined NRC IRAP in 2012 as an industrial technology advisor (ITA) and subsequently became a regional director for the Prairies. She has worked as the executive director for the Prairies region and moved to national director general roles as part of the COVID-19 response for NRC IRAP.
Laural brings a breadth and depth of knowledge to her role, underpinned by extensive experience in both public and private sectors. Starting her NRC IRAP career as an ITA allowed her to build a strong background in understanding the Program from all sides, especially that of the small and medium-sized businesses that form NRC IRAP's client base. Prior to joining the NRC, Laural worked as a consultant specializing in creating value through management advisory services, and held international roles at Microsoft Corporation and several other technology enterprises. Her strong background in strategy, operations and finance is a valuable asset in her current role as Director General.
Laural holds a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba.