Zachary Spicer

Keynote Speaker | Toronto, Ontario

Public Sector and Government Thought Leader
Technology | Policy Design and Innovation

Zachary Spicer Expertise Strategic Thinking, Public Relations & Media Training, Disruption Management, Organizational Change, Influence & Negotiation, Presentation Skills, Mindset & Attitude, Leadership and Change and Government Departments & Agencies.

Zachary Spicer

About Zachary Spicer

Zachary Spicer is a speaker and Associate Professor at York University’s School of Public Policy and Administration in Toronto, specializing in building stronger governments and advancing effective public policy. He is known for making complex subjects such as digitization, technological disruption, and government modernization accessible through clear and practical presentations. His work is sought after by governments, professional associations, and international audiences who value his expertise in fostering innovation within the public sector, designing digital governments that meet citizen needs, and envisioning smarter cities. Zachary also provides insights on adapting to shifting workplace dynamics, cultivating cooperative relationships, and managing technological disruption, offering strategies that equip leaders and organizations to navigate the challenges and opportunities.

Zachary Spicer Videos

Zac Spicer - The "A" Word: Unnecessary or Unavoidable?

Zachary Spicer Interviews & Podcasts

Brain Drain

Organizing Canada's Local Governments: Zac Spicer

Episode 2.2: Dr. Zac Spicer

Smartcity Governance with Dr. Zac Spicer

ZACHARY SPICER BIOGRAPHY

Zachary Spicer is a speaker and Associate Professor in the School of Public Policy and Administration at York University in Toronto, Canada. He focuses his research on building better governments, stronger public policy and more efficient services for citizens. He specializes in distilling complex, timely subjects, such as digitization, technological disruption and the changing nature of work, into focused and strategic speeches and workshops. As a result, he is routinely called upon to advise governments and professional associations and speak to public servants in both Canada and internationally

Zachary Spicer is a versatile speaker who covers a wide range of themes in his talks. These include building an innovative culture in public sector organizations, designing digital governments that effectively cater to the needs of the public, exploring innovative leadership and management practices, envisioning and creating smart and smarter cities, shaping better cities and communities for the future, adapting to the evolving landscape of work in both the public and private sectors, providing guidance on fostering cooperative relationships with other governments and the private sector, effectively managing technological disruption, and addressing the challenges of skilling and hiring in an ever-changing, increasingly digital, public sector environment. His expertise spans various critical areas, making his presentations valuable and insightful for diverse audiences.

Zachary Spicer is the author of five books and dozens of articles and book chapters focused on supporting public organizations to run better, be more efficient and deliver more successfully for the public. His latest book, Delivery by Design (University of Toronto Press), presents a road map for public servants to share and contract services to increase efficiency and facilitate innovation in government. Zachary Spicer has written broadly in the past on innovation policy, public sector management, local government, public opinion and policy design, shared services and inter-governmental relationships, elections and digital government initiatives. As an accomplished author, his research supports efficient government operations.

At York University, Zachary Spicer also serves as the Head of New College, as a fellow at McLaughlin College and a Faculty Affiliate with both the CITY Institute and the Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies. He also teaches through the executive education program at York’s Schulich School of Business. Beyond York, he is a member of the Digital Mobilities Lab, an Associate at the University of Toronto’s Innovation Policy Lab, a member of the Laboratory on Local Elections, a member of the study team for the Electronic Elections Project and an affiliate member of the Laurier Institute for the Study of Public Opinion and Policy at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Zachary Spicer previously served as the Director of Research and Outreach with the Institute of Public Administration of Canada and as a Senior Policy Advisor to the Province of Ontario. He began his career as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Brock University and completed post-doctoral fellowships at the Laurier Institute for the Study of Public Opinion and Policy at Wilfrid Laurier University and the Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs. Zachary Spicer received his Ph.D. from the Department of Political Science at The University of Western Ontario.

Zachary Spicer Topic Presentations

Zachary Spicer Toronto, Ontario, Canada delivers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats, moderated Q&A, and other presentation formats on a wide variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, customized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.

The Future of Work in the Public Sector

Forecasting the Future: Proactive Policy Responses for Government Leaders

The Gen Z Public Servant: Recruitment, Retention and the Future of Government

Working Across Borders and Cooperating for Success

Building a World-class Smart City

Designing Government for a Digital Age

Building an Innovative Culture in Your Organization

Zachary Spicer Books & Articles

Delivery by Design: Intermunicipal Contracting, Shared Services, and Canadian Local Government
Delivery by Design: Intermunicipal Contracting,

Municipalities in Canada have an array of servicing options available to them when producing or delivering local services, such as water,...

The Platform Economy and the Smart City: Technology and the Transformation of Urban Policy
The Platform Economy and the Smart City:

Over the past decade, cities have come into closer contact and conflict with new technologies. From reactive policymaking in response to...

The Boundary Bargain: Growth, Development, and the Future of City-county Separation
The Boundary Bargain: Growth, Development, and

City-county separation is a form of governance in which rural and urban areas are formally separated. Although these areas were once...

Olivia Chow is Toronto's New Mayor. What Does Her Transition Say About Her Priorities?
Olivia Chow is Toronto's New Mayor. What Does Her

York University public policy professor Zac Spicer said given that timeline, people on Chow's team have likely been preparing for the...

What's Involved with Separating Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon from the Region of Peel?
What's Involved with Separating Mississauga,

During an announcement at Queen’s Park on Thursday, Ontario Municipal Affairs and Housing (MAH) Minister Steve Clark confirmed the...

Government 'sunshine List' Will Drive Wages Up, Productivity down Says University Prof
Government 'sunshine List' Will Drive Wages Up,

A political scientist says history shows that releasing the names and salaries of top government employees is an ineffective tool for...

Change Can Come in Many Forms': Chow Plans to Listen Ahead of Taking Office
Change Can Come in Many Forms': Chow Plans to

Chow will want to quickly translate her byelection momentum into early policy wins as mayor, said Zac Spicer, an associate professor of...

Zachary Spicer Speaking Testimonials

Coming Soon!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zachary Spicer known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Zachary Spicer is known for defined subject matter expertise based on professional experience and industry background. As a keynote speaker in Canada for conferences and conventions, their presentations align with organizational objectives and audience outcomes. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada are selected based on credibility, relevance, and practical application. Expertise alignment supports informed booking decisions. Read More

What topics does Zachary Spicer speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Zachary Spicer delivers keynote presentations on defined topic areas confirmed during booking. Canadian business speakers for corporate meetings in Canada align topic selection with event objectives and audience priorities. Conference speakers in Canada adapt messaging for conventions, trade shows, and summits. Topics are finalized prior to written confirmation. Read More

How do I know if Zachary Spicer is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Zachary Spicer is evaluated based on audience alignment, event objectives, and subject matter relevance. Event planners booking keynote speakers in Canada for corporate conferences review experience, delivery style, and industry context. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings must align with program goals and audience expectations. Fit is clarified during the pre decision call. Read More

Where is Zachary Spicer from and where do they speak across Canada?

Zachary Spicer is from Toronto, Ontario and is available for events across Canada. Conference speakers in Canada frequently travel nationally with defined travel terms. Corporate keynote speakers coordinate scheduling through structured agreements. Availability is confirmed through formal inquiry. Read More

Is Zachary Spicer available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Zachary Spicer is available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, corporate webinars, and hybrid events in Canada. Virtual keynote speakers in Canada deliver structured presentations adapted for remote audiences. Format, platform coordination, and timing are confirmed during booking. Virtual availability is documented through written agreement in Canada. Read More

Does Zachary Spicer deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Zachary Spicer may deliver keynote presentations as well as workshops and breakout sessions. Canadian business speakers for corporate training in Canada define session length and format during booking. Conference speakers may also participate in fireside chats or panel discussions depending on program design. Session formats are confirmed in writing. Read More

How do I contact Zachary Spicer to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Zachary Spicer is contacted through Speakers Bureau of Canada to confirm availability and event details. Event planners and meeting planners typically schedule a pre decision call to clarify format, objectives, and scope. Booking begins once event requirements are defined. Written confirmation follows agreement execution. Read More

How do I book Zachary Spicer for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Zachary Spicer is booked through a structured agreement process confirming availability, fee structure, and logistics. Booking keynote speakers in Canada for conventions and trade shows includes written contracts and defined payment terms. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings require scope confirmation before date holds convert to confirmed status. Booking is finalized upon agreement execution. Read More

How much does it cost to book Zachary Spicer as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Zachary Spicer keynote speaker fees depend on event type, audience size, format, and location. The cost to book a keynote speaker in Canada varies based on preparation scope and delivery structure. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada confirm fees through a booking agent and written agreement. Final pricing reflects defined scope and contract terms. Read More

Are there additional costs to hire Zachary Spicer for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Zachary Spicer may include travel expenses, extended sessions, workshops, meet and greets, emcee duties, or event host roles. Keynote speakers in Canada for business conventions often separate honorarium from travel and related logistics. Canadian business speakers confirm these components in writing before agreement execution. All additional costs are outlined contractually. Read More

How far in advance should I book Zachary Spicer for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Zachary Spicer should be booked once event dates, location, and format are confirmed. Conference speakers in Canada often secure dates several months in advance. Corporate keynote speakers for annual general meetings may have limited availability during peak seasons. Early inquiry improves confirmation certainty. Read More

Is Zachary Spicer represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Zachary Spicer is represented by Speakers Bureau of Canada for booking coordination and agreement management. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through an agency to formalize contracts and payment handling. Agent representation ensures structured communication between organizers and the speaker. Representation clarifies agreement terms before confirmation. Read More