Ontario Defence Association Welcomes Fabiola Stevens as Executive Director

Ontario Defence Association Welcomes Fabiola Stevens as Executive Director

The Ontario Defence Association (ODA) is pleased to announce and warmly welcome Fabiola Stevens as its new Executive Director, marking an important milestone in the Association’s continued development and commitment to strengthening Ontario’s defence and security industrial base.

Fabiola brings more than 20 years of experience in international diplomacy, public policy, economic development and strategic partnerships. Her extensive background in government relations, international engagement and industry development will be a valuable asset as ODA continues to expand its membership, advance industry-led initiatives and strengthen collaboration across Ontario’s defence ecosystem.

A Distinguished Career in International Leadership

Fabiola brings a distinguished career spanning the public, diplomatic, and private sectors. Before entering the private sector, she held senior roles within both provincial and federal governments, including more than two decades in Canada’s foreign service. During her diplomatic career, she served in Haiti, Kenya, Rwanda, Barbados, and at Canada’s missions to the United Nations in New York and the OECD in Paris. Her work focused on advancing foreign policy, security, economic development, and human rights priorities in complex international environments.

Prior to joining ODA, Fabiola served as Vice President, International Business & Development at SafeHouse Science Inc., a veteran-led organization delivering a comprehensive, trauma-informed model of care and workforce transition services for veterans, RCMP members, first responders, and their families.

Recognized for her strategic leadership, policy expertise, and ability to build high-impact partnerships, Fabiola has consistently brought together government, industry, and community stakeholders to advance economic opportunity, organizational resilience, and national priorities. She has received multiple federal recognitions for outstanding public service and is a graduate, with honours, of New York University’s School of Professional Studies in Global Affairs.

Supporting ODA’s Next Chapter

Fabiola joins ODA at an important point in its evolution.

Since its establishment in April 2026, the Association has worked to create a dedicated provincial voice for Ontario’s defence and dual-use industries, connecting businesses with government, industry partners and opportunities across Canadian and allied defence supply chains.

As Executive Director, Fabiola will help guide ODA’s continued organizational growth, strengthen relationships with members and strategic partners, and support the development of programs that improve industry participation, supplier readiness and access to defence-related opportunities.

Her combination of international experience, public-sector leadership and private-sector engagement aligns closely with ODA’s mission to organize, represent and enable Ontario’s defence industrial base.

Looking Ahead

The Ontario Defence Association extends its sincere congratulations to Fabiola on her appointment and looks forward to working with her as the organization continues to grow.

Her leadership will help strengthen ODA’s capacity to serve its members, foster collaboration across sectors and contribute to Ontario’s expanding role in Canada’s defence and security economy.

Please join us in welcoming Fabiola Stevens as Executive Director of the Ontario Defence Association.