Taylor Paxton - Biography

Taylor Paxton is the Corporate Secretary for the Department of National Defence.

Taylor began her career in the federal public service 15 years ago, first at the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (2008), Transport Canada (2010), and Western Economic Diversification Canada (2014), focusing on policy and program-related communications initiatives.

In 2018, Taylor accepted a position at the Privy Council Office (PCO), leading Ministerial Services and supporting the PCO Ministers. During her time at PCO, Taylor managed the communications for the 2018 First Ministers’ Meeting in Montreal, developed the establishment of a Corporate Communications function within the Communications and Consultations secretariat, and directed the support for communications needs of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council, all while continuing to develop the Ministerial Services function.

Taylor joined the Department of National Defence as the Director General, Marketing and Electronic Communications in August 2021, with accountability for various internal and external-facing communications initiatives, including advertising for the department, as well as internal and creative communications. In September 2022, Taylor became the acting Assistant Deputy Minister for Public Affairs, leading communications on behalf of the department and the Canadian Armed Forces. Subsequently, Taylor led the Chief of Staff organization in Public Affairs, establishing a new function and organizational structure for the branch. She joins the Corporate Secretariat in September 2023.

Taylor is a proud graduate from Laurentian University (B.A. Honours) and Athabasca University (Master of Arts), and a mom to one kid and one dog, whom she raises alongside her husband, Chris.