Management Team

Michael Lee, P. Eng., MBA, CFA

Mike has undertaken over 100 SR&ED tax credit and technology funding projects for start-up to multinational technology firms. He has a strong background in both tax/finance and R&D. Prior to forming R&D Partners, he spent several years as Director of Corporate Finance and Development in the BCE group where he worked as the prime on several successful R&D intensive ground satellite and software investments, acquisitions, divestitures, and partnerships. Previously he was Manager, Strategy and Technology Services at KPMG Consulting, where he successfully led business development and consulting teams in the manufacturing and telecommunications sectors. Mike began his career as a project and R&D engineer and has worked with leading traditional, software, and other high tech technology firms.

Mike has a B.A.Sc. in Engineering from the University of Waterloo, an MBA from the University of British Columbia, and the CFA designation. He also serves on the board of directors of several profit and not-for-profit organizations. He is a member of the Order of Engineers of Quebec and the CFA Institute.

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Debbie Frail, P. Eng., MBA

For over 15 years, Debbie has successfully prepared SR&ED tax credit claims for companies ranging from entrepreneurs to multinational manufacturing corporations. Her engineering and management background enables her to effectively maximize eligible SR&ED tax credit returns for her technology-based clients. Prior to forming R&D Partners, she spent several years as an owner of a mid-size product design and manufacturing company for the transportation sector; where she held the position of VP Operations, overseeing product development, engineering and manufacturing. Debbie started her professional career with Shell Canada as a project engineer.

Debbie attended McGill University where she received a Mechanical Engineering degree and an MBA. She is currently a board member for two private companies and is an active volunteer in numerous non-profit organizations. She has been a Professional Engineer and member of the Order of Engineers of Quebec since 1990.

François Thibodeau, P.Eng., MBA

François has over 10 years of experience leading technology development and business planning projects. His strong technical and business experience enables him to efficiently lead research and development tax credit projects. He is a skilled entrepreneur who is familiar with R&D and financial business management. François has also held several positions within large multi-national firms including Bombardier Aeronautics and FedEx where he led numerous multi-million dollar construction, plant redesign, business process engineering, strategic planning, information technology, financial analysis and R&D.

François attended Université de Montréal where he received an MBA in finance from École des Hautes Études Commerciales, and a Mechanical Engineering degree from École Polytechnique. He is a member of the Order of Engineers of Quebec.

R&D Partners Team

The R&D Partners has a specialized team of engineers (ex. computer, materials, software, and manufacturing), scientists (ex. biology, chemistry, and food science), legal, and tax/finance professionals. We pride ourselves on offering more senior level and specialized professional so as to work efficiently and really understand the underlying technology development and complex tax/finance issues of our clients. Our team also has a strong background and understanding of CRA, NRC, and other government support organizations.