Mary-Ann Petersen
Consultant, Total Rewards
CCP®, GRP®

With more than 20 years of experience in Human Resources (HR), Mary-Ann has developed a deep expertise in compensation, along with experience in employee health and wellness, and recruitment across midsize and large organizations in both the public and private sectors. Mary-Ann is a self‑employed project consultant who supports organizations through complex rewards initiatives, from program design to implementation. Previously, she served as Manager, Total Rewards, where she led a team in developing and administering compensation programs across base pay, incentive plans, long‑term rewards, and pay structures for diverse employee groups. She brings a strategic, people‑centered approach to compensation work, helping companies align rewards with business goals and talent needs.

Now as a consultant, Mary-Ann partners with organizations to design, refine, and implement Total Rewards programs, providing expertise in market analysis, pay structure development, and communication strategies that enhance clarity and transparency. In her prior corporate roles, she ensured competitive market positioning, internal equity, and regulatory compliance, while supporting executive and board‑level compensation through her deep subject‑matter knowledge. She is known as a collaborative partner to Finance, Legal, and HR teams, aligning rewards strategies with business objectives and advising senior leadership. Her work also encompassed leading the performance cycle, succession planning, HR analytics and reporting, and driving employee engagement initiatives through surveys, policy development, and targeted communication efforts.

Her HR journey has been defined by a passion for solving complex challenges within the total rewards landscape and fostering innovation and continuous professional growth. As an active member of WorldatWork®, the Calgary Total Rewards Network, and the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources Alberta (CPHR), she has built a strong network of Total Rewards professionals. She also contributes to the profession through her volunteer work on the Total Rewards Advisory Board for Signal49 (formerly the Conference Board of Canada), where she collaborates with leaders and peers to advance thought leadership in the rewards space. This collaborative spirit has been instrumental in developing creative, people‑centered solutions that help organizations thrive.

Outside of work, Mary-Ann is committed to mentoring emerging HR talent through local networks, sharing insights and guidance. An avid outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys travel, camping, hiking, and exploring a wide range of literary genres.

Professional Designation Professional Designations/ Accreditations:
  • Certified Compensation Professional (CCP®)
  • Global Remuneration Professional (GRP®)
Education Education

With more than 20 years of experience in Human Resources (HR), Mary-Ann has developed a deep expertise in compensation, along with experience in employee health and wellness, and recruitment across midsize and large organizations in both the public and private sectors. Mary-Ann is a self‑employed project consultant who supports organizations through complex rewards initiatives, from program design to implementation. Previously, she served as Manager, Total Rewards, where she led a team in developing and administering compensation programs across base pay, incentive plans, long‑term rewards, and pay structures for diverse employee groups. She brings a strategic, people‑centered approach to compensation work, helping companies align rewards with business goals and talent needs.

Now as a consultant, Mary-Ann partners with organizations to design, refine, and implement Total Rewards programs, providing expertise in market analysis, pay structure development, and communication strategies that enhance clarity and transparency. In her prior corporate roles, she ensured competitive market positioning, internal equity, and regulatory compliance, while supporting executive and board‑level compensation through her deep subject‑matter knowledge. She is known as a collaborative partner to Finance, Legal, and HR teams, aligning rewards strategies with business objectives and advising senior leadership. Her work also encompassed leading the performance cycle, succession planning, HR analytics and reporting, and driving employee engagement initiatives through surveys, policy development, and targeted communication efforts.

Her HR journey has been defined by a passion for solving complex challenges within the total rewards landscape and fostering innovation and continuous professional growth. As an active member of WorldatWork®, the Calgary Total Rewards Network, and the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources Alberta (CPHR), she has built a strong network of Total Rewards professionals. She also contributes to the profession through her volunteer work on the Total Rewards Advisory Board for Signal49 (formerly the Conference Board of Canada), where she collaborates with leaders and peers to advance thought leadership in the rewards space. This collaborative spirit has been instrumental in developing creative, people‑centered solutions that help organizations thrive.

Outside of work, Mary-Ann is committed to mentoring emerging HR talent through local networks, sharing insights and guidance. An avid outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys travel, camping, hiking, and exploring a wide range of literary genres.