Cheryl Engler Wadasinghe joined the Canada School of the Public Service as an executive faculty member in February 2026. She has over 28 years of experience with the federal public service.
Starting her career as an analyst gaining experience in data management, statistical analysis, applied research and social policy at Statistics Canada and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Cheryl became a manager at Social Development Canada and continued in this role at Public Safety Canada, focusing on medium-term planning, corporate planning, access to information and privacy policy, and Cabinet affairs. She also managed teams at Infrastructure Canada whose focus was delivering on major infrastructure projects as prescribed by contribution agreements with provinces, territories and municipalities.
Over the last nine years, Cheryl served at the RCMP in strategic policy, including working as the strategic advisor to the Deputy Commissioner of Specialized Policing Services for four years, which provided a rich and varied experience supporting programs of the National Police Services, including the Canadian Police College, the Canadian Police Information Centre, and the National DNA Data Bank. Prior to joining the School, Cheryl spent five years as the Director of Operations at the National Forensic Laboratory Services, providing forensic analysis to investigators advancing criminal investigations across Canada in DNA analysis, impaired driving, firearms and toolmark identification, and gun shot residue analysis.
Having recently completed a master’s degree in adult education with a focus on women in leadership, Cheryl joins the School excited to support the professional development of public service leaders.
Expertise
- Leadership
- People management
- Program operations
- Strategic policy
- Governance
Credentials
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Economics (1996), St. Francis Xavier University
- Master of Science in Development Studies (1997), The London School of Economics and Political Science
- Master of Adult Education with a Focus on Women in Leadership (2024), St. Francis Xavier University
- Competition Development Trained, Coaching Association of Canada
