Rob Leone, PhD

Rob Leone brings a unique blend of practical and academic experience to his work. He is a trusted advisor to business, political and non-profit leaders in his role as Principal at Earnscliffe Strategy Group.

Rob served as Member of the Provincial Parliament for Cambridge, Ontario during the province’s 40th Parliament. Throughout his tenure as a legislator, he was a passionate advocate in matters of education and training, government finance, and energy policy. He served in the Official Opposition shadow cabinet in the Colleges and Universities and pre-K-12 Education portfolios. He was also the ranking member of the Estimates Committee and worked thoroughly on Ontario’s energy sector and power generation policy files.

Rob holds a PhD in public policy from McMaster University and has held faculty positions at Wilfrid Laurier University in the fields of Leadership and Journalism, and the University of Western Ontario in Political Science prior to joining Niagara University, where he is an Associate Professor for Leadership and Policy. Rob has published in national and international academic journals and has written, researched and taught matters of governance, ethics, cities, Aboriginal affairs, development and housing, intergovernmental relations, as well as environment and energy policy.

Rob is a lecturer and opinion leader on economic development, campaign strategy, political communications and the media, understanding public opinion, and research methods. A frequent media commentator on Canadian and US affairs, Rob enjoys sharing his thoughts and opinions through freelance writing and blogging, along with a broad range of multi-media appearances.

Rob also volunteers his time in minor sports and numerous charitable causes in southwestern Ontario.