Harris Stevenson Advisory

Senior technology leadership, without the full-time commitment

Strategic guidance on AI, cybersecurity, and IT governance for associations, government, and organizations across Canada. Thirty years of experience, available when you need it.

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Advisory services for organizations navigating technology decisions

I work with leaders who need experienced, independent counsel. Not a team of juniors, not a twelve-month contract, and not a sales pitch disguised as advice.

01

Fractional CIO

Part-time executive IT leadership for organizations that need strategic direction without a full-time hire. I sit at the leadership table, align technology with organizational goals, manage vendor relationships, and provide the judgment that comes from having done this across sectors for three decades.

02

AI Advisory

Practical guidance on evaluating, adopting, and governing AI tools. No hype, no fear. A clear-eyed assessment of what AI can do for your organization now, what to prepare for, and how to manage the risks. From policy frameworks to pilot programs to board-level briefings.

03

Cybersecurity

Security posture assessments, policy development, risk management, and staff awareness for organizations that don't have—and don't need—an enterprise security team. Strategic oversight from a governance perspective, not a product pitch.

04

Internet Governance & Digital Policy

Policy research, regulatory submissions, and stakeholder engagement for the complex questions around how the internet is governed and regulated. A combination of academic depth and practitioner experience in Canadian telecom, broadcast, and digital policy.

Dr. John Harris Stevenson

I've spent over thirty years helping organizations make better technology decisions — from the House of Commons and the Bank of Canada to international development agencies, national associations, and the private sector.

Most recently I served as the technology leader for a national non-profit association, where I led IM/IT strategy, cybersecurity, enterprise platform modernization, and the early adoption of AI tools. Before that, thirteen years at Canada's International Development Research Centre, along with advisory work for the World Bank, UNESCO, UNITAR, UN FAO, and other international organizations.

I hold a PhD in Information from the University of Toronto, with a research focus on Internet governance and knowledge media design. My academic work and my consulting practice share a common thread: understanding how technology decisions are made, who they affect, and how to make them well.

I'm based in Ottawa. I work with a small number of clients at a time which means you work directly with me, not a junior team.

Sectors Served

  • National associations, non-profits, and co-operatives
  • Canadian federal government
  • International development
  • Private sector
  • Academic and policy institutions

Select Clients

  • House of Commons
  • Bank of Canada
  • Treasury Board of Canada
  • National Research Council
  • International Development Research Centre
  • World Bank · UNITAR · UN FAO

Education

  • PhD, Information — University of Toronto
  • MA, Media Studies — Concordia University
  • BA - Dalhousie University
PMP Professional Scrum Master I SAFe Agilist Lean Six Sigma Green Belt PhD

Let's talk about what you need

If your organization is facing a technology decision and you'd value an experienced, independent perspective, I'd welcome the conversation. No pitch, no obligation. Just a straightforward discussion about whether I can help.

I'm available for engagements across Canada, with a primary focus on the Ottawa–Montreal–Toronto corridor. Remote and on-site arrangements are both comfortable.