Meet the team
Get in touch today to discuss how our expert consultants can provide tailored solutions to drive your business forward. Our dedicated team is ready to assist with any inquiries and ensure your consulting needs are met with precision.
Mary-Lou Emmett – Founder
Mary-Lou Emmett founded ProAct Consulting with a clear mission: to deliver exceptional employee benefits solutions with unmatched service. With decades of experience and deep expertise in large group accounting, she built ProAct into a trusted partner for organizations seeking cost-effective, tailored benefits plans.
Mary-Lou has guided countless clients through the design, implementation, and management of group benefits - including Life & Health, EAP, Critical Illness, Pension, and Disability coverage - all while maintaining strong relationships with leading insurance and financial service providers.
Beyond her professional achievements, Mary-Lou is deeply committed to giving back. She is a proud Past President of the Rotary Club of Dundas Valley Sunrise and continues to support initiatives that strengthen her community.
Jim Guest – Partner
Jim Guest brings a sharp analytical mindset and a genuine passion for helping people to his role as Partner at ProAct Consulting. After beginning his career with one of Canada’s top insurers, Jim joined the advisory side to work more closely with clients - combining his deep understanding of underwriting and service to deliver smarter, more cost-effective benefits solutions.
A Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Jim has guided hundreds of businesses and helped thousands of Canadians optimize their group benefits and retirement plans. Known for his practical, customized advice, he focuses on creating high-value strategies that meet each client’s unique needs - and exceed expectations.
Jim believes that the best outcomes come from real relationships, and he takes pride in building long-term partnerships rooted in trust, clarity, and care.
Nancy Wilkieson – Manager, Client Services
With over 20 years of experience in the group insurance industry, Nancy is the heartbeat of ProAct Consulting. As Manager of Client Services, she ensures that every client interaction -whether in person or remote - is handled with care, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Certified through the Canadian Investment Funds Course (IFIC), Nancy brings a well-rounded, knowledgeable approach to employee benefits. Her deep expertise, steady presence, and commitment to service make her an indispensable part of the ProAct experience.
Outside of work, Nancy is a dedicated community member. She’s actively involved with the Port Dover Kinsmen and volunteers regularly for events like Friday the 13th, Rotary Lobsterfest, and the annual Climb for Cancer - always ready to lend a hand where it’s needed most.
Blair Whatmore – Group Benefits Consultant
Small Business, Startup & Non-Profit Specialist
Blair Whatmore knows what it takes to support growing teams - because he’s been part of them. After a successful career in tech recruitment, Blair made the leap into group benefits with a clear mission: to help small businesses, startups, and non-profits build meaningful, affordable plans that truly support their people.
Drawing on his background in HR and his passion for people-first solutions, Blair brings a refreshingly collaborative approach to benefits consulting. He acts as an extension of his clients’ teams, offering strategic guidance, clear communication, and a genuine commitment to long-term partnership.
Blair’s clients value his responsiveness, insight, and ability to simplify complex decisions. Whether you’re implementing benefits for the first time or reevaluating your current plan, Blair is here to help you make confident, informed choices - and to support the people who make your business extraordinary.
Pat Ryan – Group Benefits Consultant
Small, Mid-Sized & Association Specialist
Pat Ryan helps small businesses, mid-sized companies, and associations build benefits plans that make sense - for their teams and their budgets. With a sharp focus on value and simplicity, he works closely with clients to understand their goals and deliver straightforward, effective solutions.
Pat is known for his genuine, down-to-earth approach. He takes the time to get to know each organization, building trusted relationships and offering practical advice that supports long-term success.
Whether you’re exploring benefits for the first time or looking for a fresh perspective, Pat is here to help you take care of your people - with clarity, care, and confidence.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!