Catherine is a respected C-Suite level business advisor with deep experience in human resources, public relations across private, public and non-profit sectors.
A graduate of Mount Saint Vincent University, Catherine began her career at IWK Children's Hospital holding progressive roles including Vice President, Allied Health and Public Relations. She later served as Director, Corporate and Public Affairs and then Vice President, Human Resources at Maritime Life Assurance Company. Catherine was President and CEO, Halifax United Way before assuming the role of Deputy Minister, Department of Business, Nova Scotia. A Senior Associate with KBRS Catherine helps teams and individuals realize leadership potential.
Catherine has rich governance and community leadership experience having served 12 boards including as Chair, Mount Saint Vincent University, Chair, Immigrant Settlement Association and Chair, 2b Theatre.
Catherine and daughter Maura are co-founders of Joan's Table - an initiative to feed formerly homeless in partnership with Shelter Nova Scotia.
Dr. Alexa Bagnell is the Chief of Psychiatry at IWK Health and Professor & Head, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Dalhousie University. She completed medical training at Dalhousie University and post graduate training at Harvard University, returning home to start her career at IWK in 2003. She is co-founder of the treatment of anxiety group (TAG) program at IWK Health in 2005, and in 2013, established the first obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) clinic in Eestern Canada at the IWK to provide evidence-based treatment and consultation services for Halifax and Maritime youth with OCD. Her leadership focus is on child and youth mental health system continuous improvement initiatives to improve access, inclusivity, and quality of care for children and youth with mental health and addictions disorders in our region. Alexa is a strong advocate for mental health education and resources and frequently presents in schools, community and in the media to increase knowledge about mental health and to promote help seeking in young people.
Tracey Cutcliffe is a lawyer and senior public affairs and communications professional. Representing Prince Edward Island on the IWK board, Tracey works for L'nuey, the PEI Mi'kmaq Rights Initiative, as lead negotiator. She was key in the implementation of the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI, a tribal organization serving the two PEI Mi'kmaq First Nations. Tracey served as executive director of the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI and senior advisor to the PEI Mi'kmaq First Nations. Following that she was a Deputy Minister for the Province of PEI, for the Department of Communities, Culture and Labour and then for the Department of Health and Wellness. While Deputy Minister, she oversaw the implementation of Health PEI, the single PEI Health Authority. She also worked as vice president of Stakeholder Relations and Communications for the Atlantic Lottery Corporation before returning to PEI in her current role.
Tracey served as vice chair of the board of the University of Prince Edward Island. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Cape Breton University and her Bachelor of Laws Degree from Dalhousie University.
Dr. Teresa Fortuna
Chris Fowles is a partner at Torys LLP who moved to Halifax from Toronto in January 2015 to open, manage and grow the Torys Legal Services Centre, the first of its kind in Canada. The LSC was established to provide Torys' clients with essential corporate legal services on a cost-effective basis with a mandate to use technological and process innovation to deliver such services more efficiently and effectively. Chris joined Torys in 1994 and was called to the Ontario bar in 1996. Early in his career, he completed a two-year secondment at an international law firm in London, England and qualified as a solicitor with The Law Society of England & Wales. Chris is also a member of the Nova Scotia bar and has taught a mergers and acquisitions course at Dalhousi's Schulich School of Law.
Before working at Torys, Chris completed a mathematics degree in actuarial science at the University of Waterloo and worked at a Toronto-based insurance company. He subsequently obtained an MBA from the University of Western Ontario's Ivey School of Business and a law degree from the University of Toronto. Chris has served as a director or volunteer with several not-for-profit organizations.
Sonya Fraser is the managing partner at Ernst and Young Halifax and the assurance leader for Atlantic Canada. Sonya has over 25 years of professional experience having lead and coordinated audits of numerous public and private companies located in Atlantic Canada and operating globally. She has deep experience in financial reporting and resolving complex accounting presentation and disclosure issues.
She is a member of the Board of Directors and Audit Committee Chair for the Halifax YMCA and a member of CPA Nova Scotia.
Justin Ghosn is an entrepreneur of Lebanese descent with strong work ethic. He is currently the CEO of GCORP Investments and Yellow Cab. Justin's job experience has allowed him the privilege of working alongside dozens of immigrants who have migrated into Nova Scotia. Justin has balanced this part of his life while also growing an active portfolio in Halifax's real estate community.
Justin was born in Halifax and is a graduate from Dalhousie University. He has twice been recognized by Atlantic Business Magazine as one of Atlantic Canadas Top 50 CEOs.
Raised overseas, Lindsay Hawker moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia 25 years ago to attend university and fell in love with the region. Lindsay is a corporate lawyer having worked across a number of industries with a focus on construction, real estate and financing. Currently, she is corporate secretary and general legal counsel for The Shaw Group Limited. Previously, Lindsay has worked for Clayton Developments Limited, and started her legal career in private practice working for twelve years at McInnes Cooper.
Lindsay graduated from Dalhousie University's law program after received a Bachelor Arts with a double advanced major in psychology and history. She is a former director of Neptune Theatre's board and has done volunteer work with organizations including Feed Nova Scotia, Junior Achievers and Habitat for Humanity.
Originally from Miramichi, New Brunswick, Julia Inglis has spent her career helping organizations navigate business and IT transformations. Currently, she is a senior management consultant with Mara Consulting in Halifax. Her specialties include organizational change, training, communications and project management. Previously, Julia worked as a management consultant at Sierra Systems and was an instructor with the Nova Scotia Community College.
Julia holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo, a Masters of Business Administration from Saint Mary's University and is a certified professional in Human Resources and Organizational Change Management. For nearly a decade, Julia has been an active volunteer, including serving as co-chair, on the IWK's Family Leadership Council, a volunteer advisory committee that works to encourage the practice of person-centred care across the health centre and the Maritimes.
Dr. Krista Jangaard is the IWK Health Centre's president & CEO. Krista first joined the IWK in 1996 in the division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. In 2008, she assumed the role of Medical Director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and in 2010 became the Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Division Head. In 2016 Krista became the VP Medicine and Academic Affairs at the IWK and in 2018 assumed the permanent role of president & CEO. In addition, Krista is an associate professor at Dalhousie University in the department of pediatrics and the department of obstetrics and gynecology.
Krista completed her medical training at Dalhousie University where she also later earned a Masters of Health Administration and was awarded the Glenn Moore Memorial Award and the Nova Scotia Association of Health Organizations Award for Academic Excellence.
Ashwin Kutty is the co-founder, principal, and CEO of WeUsThem Inc. He has over 15 years of experience in effective branding, marketing and account management for local, national, and international projects and clients. Before zeroing in on the advertising world, Ashwin oversaw and managed strategic projects in law enforcement and health care for over 10 years. Entering the advertising world with a development background gave Ashwin a unique view into projects that clients bring forward to WeUsThem. Upon receiving a Bachelor's in Computer Science from Dalhousie University, Ashwin proceeded to complete three Masters degrees. An MBA from Purdue University, International Masters in Management from ESCP Europe, and a Masters in Executive Management for the Central European University. Ashwin has led marketing and communication strategies, bringing his knowledge of the business realm to a variety of government initiatives, Fortune 500s—not least of which are in education, health care, and hospitality and tourism—with the Nova Scotia Health Authority and internationally with clients such as The Kempinski Group, Al Ahram Group of Companies, The Government of Canada, and the Government of Egypt. Ashwin's tireless work has not gone unnoticed. He has been identified as a Thinker50, a Business Person of the Year, a Top 50 CEO, Next Generation Leader, and a Champions for Consumers, to name a few. If he's not at the office (which is rare) you can find Ashwin cruising the Maritimes with a camera around his neck. An avid photographer, he is constantly chasing that next sunrise, urban cityscape, or that perfect dish at one of his many favourite restaurants in the area.
David Lavigne
Dave Lavigne is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), employed as the Director of Finance and Regulatory, with Liberty Utilities Gas New Brunswick. Dave has worked in the utility industry for the past 22 years, prior to Liberty, working for Enbridge Gas and NB Power, holding senior positions in Finance, Regulatory and Operations.
Dave has a Masters in Business Administration, from The University of New Brunswick and a Bachelor of Commerce, from Mount Allison University, and is a Certified Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma.
Dave has been an active volunteer with several charities including Laubach Literacy, Junior Achievement, and the Arthritis Society. He is currently a member of the Board of Director's and Chair of the Audit Committee of the Alzheimer's Society of New Brunswick, a delivery driver with Meals on Wheels Fredericton and a member of CPA New Brunswick.
From New Brunswick, Aldéa Landry is a lawyer and businesswoman who has been a civil servant, legal practitioner in a law firm that she co-founded, a Cabinet Minister and Deputy Premier of New Brunswick. Aldéa is currently president and owner of Landal Inc., offering integrated services in organizational and business development and vice-president of Diversis Inc., specializing in immigration and diversity.
Aldéa attended the Université de Moncton, earning a Bachelor of Arts, and University of New Brunswick where she studied law. In addition to many continuing professional development courses completed over many years, Aldéa completed the Institute of Corporate Directors and Rotman's School of Business's certification program in governance as well as Governance Essentials for Directors of Non-Profit Organizations and Financial Literacy Program for Directors and Executives.
Aldéa has alwas been an active volunteer, serving on boards across the country including New Brunswick Healthcare Association, The Bank of Canada and the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council. Among other awards, Aldéa was bestowed the Order of Canada in 2006.
Mike Morris has over 25 years of senior management experience in the Telecom, IT Services and Electrical/Electronics Manufacturing sectors. Mike is the CEO of Resson Aerospace where he is responsible for all aspects of business strategy and execution as the company works towards commercializing its technology. Previously, Mike was chief operating officer at Nautel where he oversaw the company's broadcasting equipment and navigation-aid businesses, playing a key role in the development and execution of strategies to grow the business into new sectors. Previously Mike has held leadership roles at Seaforth Energy, Cobham Tracking & Locating, Aliant, and Andersen Consulting.
Over the years, Mike has been involved in a number of not-for-profit and charitable organizations including Board of Directors membership at Mermaid Theatre, The Maritimes Energy Association, and Sail Nova Scotia. Mike holds an Master of Business Administration from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from the Technical University of Nova Scotia.
Lois Scott has significant clinical and business development leadership experience in public and private health care organizations with a solid understanding of public policy and government relations. Throughout her career, Lois has been recognized as a transformative leader as well as a global pioneer of telehealth services. She has served as a founding member of many national and international nursing and telehealth organizations with responsibility for clinical services, quality and professional standards as well as networking.
Lois has many years of governance experience on not-for-profit boards, agencies and crown corporations, including Economic Development, Post-Secondary Education, Premier's Innovation Advisory Council and the National Research Council. She has been a recipient of several awards for leadership within the nursing community, including the Canadian Nursing Association's Centennial Award, Nursing Association of New Brunswick's Nursing Leadership Award, and Dalhousie' University's Faculty of Nursing's “Inspiring Minds” Award. In 2018, Lois was awarded the NBCC Alumni Recognition Award for her achievements and contribution to post-secondary education. In honor of her achievements and contribution to the social, cultural and economic well-being of the province and its residents, the Province of New Brunswick invested Lois to the Order of New Brunswick in 2019.
Ron Smith of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia is a professional corporate director with a background in finance, human resources and management consulting in a number of industries. Between 1987 and 2005, he served as Chief Financial Officer of MTT for twelve years and subsequently as Chief Financial Officer of Emera.
Subsequent to his retirement in 2005, Ron has served on numerous private, public and volunteer sector boards, including current appointments to the boards of Alamos Gold Inc., PRO Real Estate Investment Trust, Covalon Technologies Ltd. and as Chair of the Public Service Superannuation Plan trustee board. He has previously served on the CPP Investment Board, served as Chair of the Acadia University Board of Governors and as national Chair of The Arthritis Society. Ron holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Acadia and an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. He has been recognized as a Fellow of Chartered Professional Accountants.
Thane Stevens's career includes extensive experience in both construction and construction supply industries with special emphasis on all facets of construction that pertain to concrete. Thane is a professional engineer and along with his brother, currently owns and operates the Stevens Group of Companies whose head office is located in Dartmouth, NS. The Stevens group is also involved in the long-term health care sector, commercial real estate and the development of a new and innovative Nova Scotia company that is bringing sustainable salmon to market using technology leading land based total recirculation facilities.
Thane graduated from Acadia as a University Scholar and from the Technical University of Nova Scotia as a Sexton Scholar.
Cheryl Stewart-Walsh is an experienced executive with a background in building and delivering strategic initiatives, partner engagement and capacity building. She is currently the Director responsible for Atlantic Canada for Innovative Medicines Canada. Previously she worked as the Associate Vice President of University Advancement at Mount Saint Vincent University. She has also served at the federal, provincial and municipal government levels in roles such as Director of Policy at Nova Scotia Business Inc, Principal Advisor, Office of the Mayor, Director of Parliamentary Affairs, Minister of State for Public Health and Senior Policy Advisor, Cabinet and Legislative Affairs in the Office of the Prime Minister.
Cheryl serves on the Nova Scotia Council on the Status of Women and has served as Director for the United Way, Neptune Theatre and Halifax's Mayor's Economic Council and was named by 21 Inc. as one of the Top 50 Atlantic Canadian Emerging Leaders under 35. She holds a Master Degree in Public Policy and Administration.
John R. is L'nu from the Millbrook Mi'kmaw Community in Nova Scotia. John works in social and cultural development, policy, research and community development in Atlantic Indigenous communities, especially for Two-Spirits and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+. He is a consultant and researcher in areas that impact Indigenous youth and their well-being integrating Etuaptmumk or Two-Eyed Seeing in curriculum development, research and cultural studies. John is a co-founder of the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance (W2SA) and doing his doctoral studies at McGill University. John's research is on gender, sexuality and sex, using L'nuwey perspectives to explore cultural strategies to address mental health for Two-spirit youth.
Darrell White is a leading hematologist and educator with research and clinical focuses on transplant and non-transplant treatment of multiple myeloma. In addition, he is also the senior associate dean, Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University and a professor of medicine, roles he represents as a director for the IWK. Darrell is a hematologist at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre (QEII) after joining the organization in 1998.
Darrell is an examiner for the Canadian Royal College International for Hematology a past chair of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Specialty Committee for Hematology. He is a graduate of Dalhousie University Medical School. He trained in internal medicine at the University of Western Ontario and in hematology at Dalhousie University. Darrell completed a fellowship at the Myeloma and Transplantation Research Center at the University of Arkansas and completed graduate studies in community health and epidemiology at Dalhousie University.
Sheila Woodcock is the founder of the QSE Consulting Inc, filling a niche market relating to quality, standards and education, and helping health care organizations improve the quality of their services. The client list includes provincial Ministries of Health, hospitals, private laboratory companies, Public Health Departments and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. She is widely recognized as a quality management specialist, based on her many years' experience in health care, education, professional regulation, and consulting. Before coming to Nova Scotia in 2000, Sheila was the Registrar and CEO of the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario. In addition to her advanced certification in laboratory sciences, Sheila has an MBA from the University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management, Executive Program.
She currently serves as the Convenor (Chair) of ISO/TC212 WG1 Quality and competence in the medical laboratory, and Project Leader for the current revision of the global accreditation standard ISO15189 Medical Laboratories - Requirements for quality and competence. Sheila's passion for quality extends into all aspects of her life and she firmly believes that for an organization to deliver service excellence, leadership begins at the governance level.
Projects and speaking engagements have taken her across Canada, to the Middle East, Japan, Malaysia, Korea, China and a number of African countries. At home in Lunenburg, Sheila is a keen community volunteer for many local organizations and was a member of the Board of Directors, of the former South Shore Health District Health Authority.
Gina is an Assurance Partner at EY in Halifax with over 25 years' experience providing audit and advisory services to a wide range of public, private, pension and public sector companies in numerous industries. Internally at EY, Gina is also co-Director of the Atlantic EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Award program. Gina holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree (Coop) from Dalhousie University; is a CPA, CA; and is a licensed member of the CPA Institutes of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Ontario. She is a former board member with the Canadian Mental Health Association (Halifax/Dartmouth), Bryony House, the YWCA, and the Waegwoltic Club; was a Council Member for the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nova Scotia; and was a Mentor with InnovaCorp's MentorFirst Program for Entrepreneurs. She is currently the Chairperson for the Public Accountants Licensing Committee of CPA NS, is a director on the CN Community Board, and is a Member of a Halifax WPO Chapter.
Monica Foster
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