Title: Chief Administrative Officer
Company: Steward McKelvey
Location: Halifax, NS Canada

Although Deanna Severeyns began her career as an accountant for a law firm, she eventually began exploring other departments and options, and landed in administrative finance. She now uses the experience she gained in her role as the chief administration officer at Steward McKelvey, one of the 20 largest law firms in Canada. There, Ms. Severeyns’ responsibilities include responding to regulatory changes, removing barriers to processes, and ensuring that software works properly. She considers this role to be her greatest accomplishment, as it is the culmination of her climb up the corporate ladder.

To prepare for her career, Ms. Severeyns earned a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and became a CPA. The biggest challenge she faced was thriving as a woman in a male-dominated field, but with the help of her greatest strength, humor, she was able to overcome that obstacle. Ms. Severeyns is proud of her ability to get the job done as a team, and hopes to be remembered as a hard worker who inspired all of the people she came in contact with.

When Ms. Severeyns isn’t working, she enjoys hockey, as both her son and daughter play. She is also the chair of the Home Bridge Youth Society, and is an honored member of The International Women’s Leadership Association.

Contact Deanna Severeyns: