Board of Governors Members

Clayton Bartlett, Chair

Clayton Bartlett is Director of Special Projects, Cape Breton & Newfoundland, of Roclan Construction, a Division of Dora Construction; a general contracting and project management firm operating in Sydney. He Graduated from the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Architectoral Division, in 1976 and has been involved in the construction industry in Nova Scotia since 1967. Clayton has held positions with Cambrian Construction Ltd. and Cromarty Construction Ltd. In 1985, he formed a partnership and incorporated Roclan Industries Limited, and in July, 2010, merged with Dora Construction of Dartmouth. He has been involved with the Construction Association of Nova Scotia since 1980, holding the position of Chair in 2005/06. Clayton has also been Chair of the Cape Breton Island Builders Exchange and Director of the Nova Scotia Construction Labour Relations Association since 1988. He is a trustee for both local 1588 of the Carpenters Benefit and Pension Plan Trust Fund and the Cape Breton Island Building & Trades Council Stabilization Fund.

Clayton has volunteered in his community with Scouts Canada, Speed Skate Nova Scotia and Speed Skate Canada. In 1995, he received the Sport Nova Scotia Outstanding Volunteer Award, and he received the Cape Breton Sports Heritage Award in 1998 and 2001. He is Clerk of Session for the Mira Pastoral Charge, and Secretary for the Managers & Trustees of Union Presbyterian Church.

Rob Bennett

Rob was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Emera in January 2013. He previously served as President and CEO of Nova Scotia Power Inc. since June 2008, after holding the position of Executive Vice President of Revenue and Sustainability. Rob began his career with Nova Scotia Power in 1988. Before rejoining Nova Scotia Power in September 2007, Rob served for two years as President and Chief Operating Officer of Bangor Hydro Electric Company in Maine.

Rob also serves on the Board of Governors of St. Francis Xavier University, and is a Director of the Energy Council of Canada, Canadian Centre for Ethics in Public Affairs, and of the Children's Wish Foundation.

Mike Brien

Michael (Mike) Brien graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Degree in 1975 where he also played varsity basketball. Immediately following university, he entered the banking industry earning his Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers (FICB) designation. He has since also received his Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) certification. In addition, Mike has completed many executive management courses through various organizations, including Harvard University.

Throughout his career, Mike has been very involved in transformation management leading a number of companies as an owner, employee and consultant, mainly in the financial services industry.

Mike is the President & Chief Executive Officer of Macdonald Chisholm Incorporated, operating as Macdonald Chisholm Trask Insurance, a 60+ year old general insurance brokerage operating 18 offices in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and serving clients throughout Atlantic Canada. Macdonald Chisholm Trask Insurance is recognized as an industry leader. Mike purchased the company in 2001 and immediately began a transformation which saw the company turn into one of the region's leading insurance brokerages. In addition, through Mike's leadership, the firm has been awarded the Training and Education Award from the Insurance Brokers Association of Nova Scotia for its commitment to staff professional development, and it has also been recognized for three years (2007, 2008 & 2010) as one of Atlantic Canada's Top 20 Best Places to Work by Progress Magazine. In addition Mike has also been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2008 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the Business Service sector.

Mike has been involved in the general insurance industry for the past 15 years and has served as the President of the Insurance Brokers Association of Nova Scotia and on the advisory boards of The Insurance Brokers Association of Canada and a number of international insurance companies. He is currently on a number of private Canadian boards and is a Past Director - Junior Achievement of Mainland Nova Scotia and a past member of the Young Presidents Organization where he served on its Canadian Board of Directors and has acted as an international resource to that organization. He is currently a member of the Board of Governor's of Mount Saint Vincent University where he chairs their Finance Committee plus is a member of Board of Directors the World Presidents Organization – Atlantic Canadian Chapter.

Active in his community Mike is Co- Founder of Bedford Minor Basketball Association; Immediate Past President of Basketball Nova Scotia; and Past Parish Council Member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Bedford, NS. He has been an avid basketball coach (Male & Female) with various age groups (Mini to High School inclusive) for over 30 years and has been part of a number of regional and provincial championships. He has also contributed to committees for charitable causes such as Alzheimer's, Heart and Stroke, Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia and Sports at all levels.

Mike enjoys sports, reading, business and spending time at his cottage with his wife Beth and when possible their six children and two grandchildren.

Ian Cavanagh

Ian is Chief Executive Officer of Ambir, an independent, Atlantic Canadian, IT & Management Consulting Services company, twice recognized as "The #1 Best Place to Work in Atlantic Canada" by Progress Magazine, and ranked nationally as one of Canada's Top 25 Up and Comers in the Branham Group Surveys of ICT Companies. Ambir maintains offices in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Saint John and Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Experienced in both private and public high growth technology companies, Ian was previously Canadian President of a global outsourcing company where he gained a comprehensive insight into the opportunities in the Global IT services sector. Previously, Ian founded Daruma Consulting Inc. where he focused on investing in, and providing strategic guidance to, start-ups both in Canada and the United States. Prior to founding Daruma, Ian held senior executive roles in business development with Kana Communications, Redwood City, California and Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories Inc., Daly City, California, which was later acquired by Alcatel Communications. Ian began his career as a transmission design engineer with the New Brunswick Telephone Company.

Ian holds a Certificate of Applied Science and a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering Degree from Acadia University & Dalhousie University (formerly TUNS) and is a Registered Professional Engineer. Ian is an Advisory Board Member of CompreCultures, LeadSift and Cabot Solutions (India).

Don Bureaux

President – Don Bureaux, President of Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), is an experienced leader dedicated to the education of adult learners throughout Nova Scotia. His background includes teaching, program development and administration, and collaborating with educational institutions around the globe to create successful learning opportunities for students.

Prior to joining NSCC, Don was the Assistant Director of the Acadia Centre for Social and Business Entrepreneurship (ACSBE) at Acadia University as well as a Lecturer in the F.C. Manning School of Business. Don first joined NSCC in July 2004 as the Manager of Administrative Services for the Halifax Campuses. In May, 2005, Don became Principal of the Kingstec Campus; Vice President, People & Planning in August 2008; Vice President, Academic in August 2009, Acting President in June 2010 and, most recently, President in April 2011.

Don has been working with adult learners for over 20 years within colleges and universities as well as with national and international professional designation granting bodies. He has collaborated with educational institutions in North America, Europe and Asia in the researching and implementation of entrepreneurial cultures as a foundation for learning-centered environments and student success. He has presented at numerous national and international conferences and has worked with a number of foreign educational institutions and governmental bodies in the development of success-based models for both students and staff within post-secondary institutions.

Don has worked with the boards and staff of numerous not-for-profit organizations in Nova Scotia in the areas of board governance, policy development and strategic planning.

Don holds a certificate in Adult Education and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Acadia University. He earned his Masters in Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University. Don is a Certified General Accountant and holds an international designation as a Certified Business Counsellor through the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

Peter Conlon

Peter Conlon is President and Chief Executive Officer of Nautel Limited. Peter joined Nautel in February of 2006. He brings 30 years of experience in private sector businesses in Canada, United States, Europe and Latin America to Nautel.

His experience includes:

• Six years leading Nautel to a position of global leadership in its markets, including selection as Exporter of the Year at the 2009 Nova Scotia Export Achievement Awards
• Two years as Chief Executive Officer of an SME with multinational joint venture ownership
• A role as Chief Financial Officer of a corporation listed on public exchanges both in Canada and the United States
• 6 years of successful business strategy management consulting experience involving complex cross-border and inter-divisional issues

He has significant experience in large corporations, small businesses, independent entities, and subsidiary operations, including direct line management of marketing, sales, finance, operations, product management and strategic planning. Peter was recently selected as Business Person of the Year at the 2010 Halifax Business Awards, as well as being named one of Atlantic Canada's Top 50 CEOs in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Natalie Fancy

Natalie Fancy graduated from NSCC's Lunenburg Campus in 1989. After more than 12 years in private industry and government, she returned to the College in 2001 as an employee. Since that time, she has held a variety of administrative positions and is currently a Curriculum Support Specialist in Central Office's Academic Services located at the Institute of Technology Campus.

During Natalie's 11 years at NSCC, she has pursued a variety of learning and professional development opportunities including:

• Past member of the Support Staff Learning Conference (SSLC) Planning Committee, participated in 12 conferences and delivered keynote address at the 2007 conference.
• Member of the committee to develop the self-directed diploma "Leadership Exploration and Awareness Program (LEAP)" for operational support employees. Member of the LEAP Advisory Committee providing support to peers in a mentoring and advising capacity and also enrolled in LEAP.
• Twice co-presented at the National Council for Staff, Program and Organizational Development (NCSPOD).
• Co-host of "S.H.A.R.E. With Nat & Jo" lunch & learns at the Institute of Technology Campus.

Natalie enjoys a variety of service learning opportunities and has volunteered for the past 15 years with The Terry Fox Foundation.

Janet Knox

Janet Knox is the President and CEO of Annapolis Valley District Health Authority.

Throughout her career, Janet has held clinical, leadership and education roles in health care.

Janet has held various positions at the IWK Health Centre including Director of Nursing for Children's Services and Program Director of Children's Acute and Continuing Care. Before coming to the Annapolis Valley District Health Authority in 2004, Janet spent a year as the Executive Director of Acute and Tertiary Care Branch at the Nova Scotia Department of Health.

She holds a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of New Brunswick, a Master of Nursing from Dalhousie University, a Master of Business Administration from Saint Mary's University and is a Certified Health Executive (CHE).

Janet has served on numerous boards and committees and is a member of the Canadian College of Health Services Executives and a member of the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia. She is an adjunct faculty member of Dalhousie University where she is a member of the Professional Advisory Committee for the Master of Health Services. She is currently a member of the Board of Governors of the Nova Scotia Community College and a member of the Board of Directors for 211 Nova Scotia. She is past Board Member of the Brigadoon Children's Camp Society.

Liza Macdonald

Liza Macdonald is currently a Regional Vice President for RBC Royal Bank. Liza has been with RBC for 17 years and has held positions of increasing responsibility in various divisions including retail banking, operations, human resources, sales support and financial planning. In her current role, Liza is responsible for ensuring RBC's personal and business clients, across 16 branches, in South West Nova Scotia receive outstanding service and advice.

Liza obtained her Executive MBA from Saint Mary's in 2009. She is also very proud of being a NSCC grad herself, Liza is a two time alumni of NSCC - Lunenburg Campus. In 1991 she completed the two year Accounting program and in 1995 graduated from the Business Administration program. In fact her banking career with RBC began as a result of her work placement. She is originally from Lunenburg and currently resides in Cole Harbour. Liza is extremely passionate about the college, its vision and values, and truly understands the positive impact the college and its students have on our local communities.

Katrina MacDonald

Berwick native Katrina MacDonald is a second year student at NSCC's Kingstec Campus in Kentville. Having a Campus close to home allows her to focus on her Business Administration studies and find some time to spend with her family and in the garden or doing other outdoor activities.

While her primary goal is to complete her diploma this spring, focusing on the Financial Services Concentration, her long-term educational ambition is to achieve the Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) accreditation.

Katrina is currently on the right path, working towards receiving her Level 1 General Insurance: CAIB, and a Certificate in Supervisory Management from the Canadian Institute of Management (CIM).

She left high school and went straight to NSCC because she felt the values and mission statement of the college matched her goals post-secondary education. She is finding time to invest back in her Campus and currently serves as the student representative of her Financial Services Class of 2013.

Katrina says, "As a student governor, I not only have a voice at the table, I know I will gain experience and knowledge that I will put to use in all of my future initiatives."

Rod MacGregor

A graduate of Dalhousie University (B Comm) and the University of Western Ontario (MBA) and a Chartered Accountant, Rod is currently Vice President, Corporate Development & Strategy at Bell Aliant. His responsibilities include: corporate strategy, mergers & acquisitions and the Wholesale business unit. Before joining Bell Aliant he was Vice President, Corporate Planning at Maritime Life and previously a management consultant with AT Kearney's North American Strategy practice.

Ferne MacLennan

Ferne MacLennan has been a member of the NSCC faculty since 1997. Initially with the Strait Area Campus, she is currently at the Kingstec Campus in the School of Business. An alumna of St. Francis Xavier and Carleton Universities, she has degrees in Political Science and Business. She has also studied corporate governance through Guelph University and has a diploma in community college education from NSCC. Prior to joining NSCC, she spent nine years as an economic analyst and planner and has also worked in the hospitality, construction, and finance industries as well as in the media. Ferne has been active in the community throughout her life, serving on the boards or executives of groups as diverse as a women's business network, a wood producers co-operative, Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation and the Community College Local of the NSTU.

Joey McKinnon

Although a native Newfoundlander, Joey has spent the majority of his life in Dartmouth. He moved to Nova Scotia at just two years of age, settled in the community with his family and has now found a post-secondary education choice which allows him to continue to remain in his own backyard.

The first-year Business Administration Program student is enjoying his studies at the Nova Scotia Community College's (NSCC) Waterfront Campus. He is planning to graduate with a Concentration in either Marketing or Accounting. Even though he has just begun his journey towards a college education, he is already charting his course to a university degree through one of the College's articulation agreements.

He sought election to the Board of Governors in his first few months in College and says he was proud to be chosen the Student representative for NSCC Metro Campuses by his peers.

Joey has a history of fast-tracking his education and career plans. He graduated early from Dartmouth High School in January of 2012 and kept a job at the same time, working in the retail and food industries. Now, not only is he busy with his studies at NSCC and his volunteer Board duties, he is working in his spare time as a cook at East Side Mario's.

Alex Paul

Alex Paul, Director for the Unama'ki Economic Benefits Office affectionately calls Cape Breton home after moving his family here from Ontario 9 years ago.

Not only has Alex found his way back to his ancestral home he has found his way back to his true passion building capacity within the aboriginal communities in terms of education, training, and employment.

Alex has worked in labour market development, commercial and business banking, and developmental lending for aboriginal businesses and entrepreneurs.

He is a former Board Member of the UNIA in Glace Bay, currently sits on the board of directors for the Cape Breton Partnership, and is a member of the UEBO Executive. Alex has had the good fortune of being named as one of Cape Breton's next generation of leaders by CBC radio.

Outside of work most of his time is spent with his three boys and their activities such as football, baseball, and basketball. All three boys are great student athletes and exceptional young men. Alex coaches the Brookland Elementary Boys basketball team.

Ashley Power

Ashley Power is a four time graduate of NSCC. Originally from Gander Newfoundland, Ashley came to the College straight from high school. Drawn to the concept of portfolio learning, she spent five years among three campuses to complete what she considered her customized learning path. Ashley has a certificate in Applied Communication Arts, Diplomas in Graphic Design and Radio & Television Arts, and an Advanced Diploma in Public Relations. Ashley began her career in non-profit with Skills Canada~NS, an organization that promotes careers in skilled trades and technologies to Nova Scotia youth. Hired to manage logistics for the 2006 Annual Canadian Skills Competition in Halifax, she then stayed on to lead several Provincial level competitions across Nova Scotia. As an alumnus of NSCC, Ashley remained an active mentor, advocate and volunteer for the institution. She was selected as alumni representative on the 2006 NSCC Strategic Planning Committee and participated in Swim for the College with her husband Jonathan. Together they raised $12,000 and swam 28 km in Greece to support student awards & bursaries at NSCC. In 2007, Ashley was hired to build the NSCC's first alumni relations model. Now Manager, Alumni Relations, Ashley says returning to the College as an employee has been a full circle experience, "I have a connection to our history, I've lived the impact of our work, and becoming a member of the NSCC Board of Governors means a chance to contribute to our future as a College".

David P. Saxton, FCA

Dave Saxton is a retired Grant Thornton LLP partner and resides in Yarmouth. He is a graduate of St. Mary's University and obtained his chartered accountant designation in 1971. Mr. Saxton has experience in advising local businesses, not-for-profit organizations and local governments. He has been involved in the training of Chartered Accountants throughout his career. He is a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Yarmouth and past president of the Yarmouth Family YMCA and has been a Trustee of the Nova Scotia Health Employees' Pension Plan.

Anna Stuart

Anna is a Partner and Vice President with Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette. Anna leads the firm's public sector executive search and leadership solutions practices. Throughout her career, Anna has provided recruitment, strategic and operational advisory services to a range of organizations and government departments and agencies in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, along with a range of family-owned businesses and private sector organizations. Anna is also an accomplished author, speaker and facilitator. Prior to joining Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette, Anna was a consulting partner and principal with two large public accounting firms, and held senior leadership roles within the Nova Scotia public sector. Anna is a Fellow of the Certified Management Accountants of Canada and Certified Management Consultant, and has a Master's Degree in Health Administration.

Anna's passion for public and community service is demonstrated through her active involvement with many community and professional groups. Anna is the Chair for Brigadoon Children's Camp, Vice Chair with the Sacred Heart School of Halifax Board of Governors and a member of the Nominating Committee for the Canadian Cancer Society (NS).

Jamie Surrette

James Surrette is President of Surrette Battery Company Limited, a privately held manufacturer of storage batteries, located in Springhill, Nova Scotia since 1959. Surrette specializes in Renewable Energy storage applications, and locomotive starting / energy management with distribution in four continents.

James is a graduate of University of King's College and University College Dublin and splits his work schedule between Halifax, Cumberland County and a seat on Air Canada. James lives in Halifax with his wife Lee and young family, daughter Béa and son Noah.

Paul L. Walter, Vice Chair

Paul L. Walter, Q.C., is the CEO Waterbury Newton, a full service law firm with offices in Kentville and Berwick, Nova Scotia. He practices in the area of Civil Litigation. Originally from Antigua, Paul graduated with a BA (Honours) in Political Science from Saint Mary's University, and obtained his LLB from Dalhousie University.

Previously, Paul has been the past President of the Kings County Barristers' Society, past member of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society Bar Council, and has served on a number of committees, including Administration of Justice, Discipline, Judicial Appointments, and Bar Admission Course Screening.

Paul has also been a past Board Member of the Black Education Committee of Kings County, past President of the Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia (Annapolis Valley Chapter), and past Board Member of the Black Business Initiative Society. He is currently the Chair of Black Business Consulting and current Board Member of the Black Business Community Investment Fund.

Sara Young

Sarah Young is a partner in NATIONAL Public Relations Ltd., the largest Canadian public relations firm with offices in St. John's, Halifax, Saint John, Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Victoria, New York and London UK. Sarah's expertise spans strategic planning, marketing communications, brand building, reputation management, and community and stakeholder engagement. Her diverse client and campaign portfolio includes Ships Start Here, Sobeys, and the QEII Health Sciences Centre.

Sarah was the recipient of Canada's Top 40 Under 40, an annual award to honour 40 Canadians in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors under the age of 40.

Her previous roles include vice president with the Toronto office of Fleishman-Hillard, an international communications company, one of the largest PR agencies in the world. Sarah currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Greater Halifax Partnership, and is an active member of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC); a past board member with NovaKnowledge and former chair of the NovaKnowledge Luncheon Series; past board member of the YMCA Board of Directors for Greater Halifax/Dartmouth; and previous Public Relations Chair for the Blue Nose International Marathon, which received national and regional awards for media relations and crisis communications.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts honours degree from Mount Allison University, a Master of Arts degree in Media Studies from Concordia University, and is certified by the Institute for Crisis Management.