Board of Governors – Members
Chair
Jackie Poirier retired from the Government of Canada in 2022 after 33 years of service. During her career she held various senior management positions such as Director of the Nova Scotia Tax Services Office at the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), Regional Director, Human Resources at the CRA; and Regional Director, Human Resources and Regional Director, Finance and Administration at Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC).
Jackie holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).
She has been very involved in leadership roles within the accounting profession. Jackie served as Chairperson of the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants, Chair of the Certified General Accountants (CGA) of Canada's Board of Directors and as Chair of CPA Nova Scotia, CGA Nova Scotia and the CPA Atlantic School of Business. In recognition of her services to the profession and the community, she was awarded a fellowship designation and a life membership in the CPA and CGA Association.
Jackie has also volunteered as a leader with Girl Guides and served on the Finance Committee of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. She is also a former member of the Advisory Board for the Centre for Women in Business at MSVU. Jackie currently serves on the Board of the Halifax International Airport Authority and as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.
Jackie lives in Hammonds Plains with her husband and two children. In her spare time, Jackie enjoys travelling and exploring Nova Scotia and spending time with family.
Vice-Chair
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.
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.
Donna Bonner brings 37 years of experience as the first African Canadian female Red Seal journeyed carpenter in Canada, with extensive knowledge in building construction and affordable housing.
She has served as the Maintenance Supervisor/Project Leader at the Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency (NSPHA) for 12 years. She also co-chairs the NSPHA Occupational Health and Safety Committee and has led projects in snow removal, lawn maintenance, radon and water quality, life and safety and energy efficiency for 46 properties.
From 2008 to 2010, Donna was a Shop Assistant for the Military Carpentry program. She owned Ms Retrofit Renovations from 1997 to 2008 and served 7 years as a Carpenter’s Lead Supervisor for Coalition Supportive Services. Additionally, Donna has been a Maintenance Technical Advisor for over 50 years at OVO Housing Co-op, overseeing maintenance for 16 units.
Donna has served 9 years on the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Board and 4 years as the Provincial Representative for the Women in Trades and Technology Association. She has volunteered as a Crew Leader for Habitat for Humanity for 4 years and created the "Home Maintenance for Women, Teens and Housing Co-op" courses. She was a mentor for Techsploration from 2003 to 2020 and a Women Unlimited Facilitator from 2003 to 2006.
Donna is a proud mother to her daughter, Tanyka, an NSCC Marketing graduate and grandmother to her two grandchildren, Tray an Apprentice Automotive Technician in Edmonton and Aaliah. In her free time, she enjoys quilting, sustainable gardening and reading.
In 1996, Jason Crowell founded the company Aerotec Engines, where he continues to serve as President. Initially located in Aerotech Park at the Halifax International Airport, Aerotec Engines specialized in servicing engines for the local Halifax flying community. Today, operating from its shop in Beaverbank, NS, Aerotec Engines ships engines all over the world, with regular customers in several countries.
Jason graduated from NSCC Kingstec Campus in Kentville in 1989 from the Heavy Equipment Repair program. He currently holds Red Seal Heavy Equipment Repair and Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licenses.
Since 1993, Jason has been a dedicated member of the Atlantic Aircraft Maintenance Association, where he serves as Director. In this role, he works to promote and protect the aircraft maintenance engineer profession, enhance representation and consultation with regulatory bodies, represent the association's membership and advance the knowledge, skills and proficiency of aircraft maintenance engineers through education, publication and research. Jason previously held the positions of Vice President and President of the Fall River and Area Business Association (FRABA).
Jason's contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee, 2024 CCSO Family of the Year, 2022 CF-18 Demo Team Appreciation, NFLD & Government Air Service Memorial, 2021 FRABA Volunteer of the Year, 2015 WFRBB PC Association Volunteer of the Year, 2014 SANS Snowmobile Family of the Year and the 2009 Earl Blakney Availl Canada Award.
Lisa is a Project Manager at Dora Construction, where she manages a range of construction projects, including new builds, renovations and fit-ups. Throughout her career, Lisa has played key roles in several impactful projects in Cape Breton, including the Tar Ponds cleanup, Maritime Link Project, Second Cruise Ship Berth and development of NSCC’s Sydney Waterfront Campus. Her time working on large-scale projects in Fort McMurray, Alberta, further enhanced her project management skills and broadened her industry expertise.
Lisa takes pride in her strong relationship-building skills and her commitment to ensuring client satisfaction. When she’s not working, Lisa enjoys spending time with her daughter on their hobby farm in Mira Gut, exploring beaches and taking in Cape Breton’s beauty.
Dr. Lee Erickson holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from Dalhousie University. He graduated in 1984 from the University of Western Ontario with his Master of Clinical Dentistry and moved back to the Maritimes, where he set up practices in Dartmouth and Bedford. He is currently an assistant professor at Dalhousie University where he has been teaching dental students for more than 25 years.
Dr. Erickson is keenly involved in organized dentistry. He served as the past president of the Nova Scotia Dental Specialists Society, and with the Atlantic Society of Orthodontics, the Northeastern Society of Orthodontists, and the Canadian Association of Orthodontists. He has also served on the Provincial Dental Board of Nova Scotia, the American Association of Orthodontists, the Dalhousie University Dental Alumni Relations Committee, and the NSCC Dental Assistant Program Advisory Committee.
An avid sports enthusiast, Dr. Erickson lives in Bedford with his wife Debbie and enjoys spending time with his three grown daughters and four grandchildren.
Andrea Glenen brings over 23 years of experience in Human Resources, specializing in pay and benefits. She joined NSCC in 2010 after a successful career in industry, working with engineering and media companies.
Andrea is a member of the Canadian Payroll Association and has a long history of community involvement. She has served as Vice President of the Pictou County Gymnastics Club, was a member and served on the executive committee of the Institute of Professional Management and was President of her local elementary School Advisory Council. Additionally, she has volunteered with the Kinette Club of New Glasgow and supported municipal political campaigns.
Passionate about giving back to her community, Andrea is especially dedicated to supporting NSCC students who are single parents — a cause close to her heart.
Andrea lives in Stellarton with her husband, where they are adjusting to life as empty nesters after raising a large, blended family. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, taking daily walks in the woods with her dogs, Harlow and Maudie and visiting Melmerby Beach, year-round.
Arthur is an NSCC alumni and is currently a Learning Commons Assistant / Test Centre Administrator at NSCC’s Ivany Campus. Arthur graduated with a diploma in Library and Information Technology. During his program, he served as a student appointee to NSCC’s Board of Governors. In addition to his NSCC diploma, he has a BSc from Dalhousie University in Earth Sciences and previously had a career as an exploration geologist in Canada's north exploring for diamonds and gold alongside his wife, Alana and his twin brother, Joe.
Arthur's skills include technology, accessibility, and being both outgoing and approachable on campus. He’s also an advocate for local food and is a volunteer and member of the Common Roots Woodside Urban Farm. Look for Arthur every Saturday morning at the Halifax Brewery Market with his wife and young son, Gus.
Arthur loves living in Dartmouth and his favourite pastimes include road trips, cooking, boogie boarding, exploring the beautiful outdoors, and spending time with family.
Andy Knowles is an accomplished professional engineer and construction expert with over 20 years of industry experience. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Bachelor of Civil Engineering, having started his career in the heavy civil sector, where he gained a comprehensive understanding of construction processes.
Currently serving as the Regional Vice President of mainland Nova Scotia for Lindsay Construction, Andy has steadily advanced through critical roles within the industry. His career path—from Estimator, Project Coordinator, Project Manager, Project Director, to Regional Director—has provided him with deep insights into the challenges and dynamics of project management at every level.
In his leadership role, Andy oversees a team of construction directors, bringing together his extensive experience to offer strategic leadership and guidance. His adeptness at navigating industry complexities, coupled with lessons learned throughout his career, ensures the successful execution of projects while upholding the highest standards of quality and efficiency.
Andy is a member of the Design and Construction Institute (DCI) of Nova Scotia, where he has served on the Board of Directors. He is also a LEED® Accredited Professional and holds a certificate in Lean Construction Management from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), reflecting his commitment to sustainable and efficient construction practices.
Angélique LeBlanc is the CEO of the Western Regional Enterprise Network, a role she has held since 2014. Angélique is recognized for her ability to lead teams, forge strategic partnerships and drive regional economic development. Her extensive experience in economic and business development has given her a deep understanding of the challenges faced by local businesses and a strong network of regional and provincial contacts. She has worked collaboratively with all levels of government to support growth and innovation across Nova Scotia.
Angélique is bilingual and spent six years teaching abroad, where she honed her adaptability and problem-solving skills in dynamic environments. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Université de Moncton and is a graduate of the MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program.
Diane MacConnell Cameron is a designated Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), a passionate advocate of continuous learning and believes in leaning in on one’s strengths to foster innovation and collaboration.
Hailing from Pictou County, Diane recently retired from Empire Company Limited where she worked for 20 years, most recently working as Director of Risk Management. In her early years, Diane articled with Grant Thornton LLP, attaining her Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in 1990. Then onto a law firm as General Manager before joining Empire. Once at Empire, together with a like-minded colleague, Diane established Sobeys Inc. as Nova Scotia’s first CA training office in industry – helping to open up a new stream of CA training opportunities for students in the province and beyond.
Contributing to community is important to Diane. She dedicates her time and expertise serving as a member of various community boards and associations, and has served on the Boards of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nova Scotia, CPA Nova Scotia, as well as several local not-for-profit boards including Chair of Pictou County Recreation & Athletics Society and Chair Pictou County Wellness Centre Audit Committee.
Diane is a graduate of Mount Allison University and, in 2019, achieved her Canadian Risk Management designation with Dalhousie University and the Global Risk Management Institute. Most recently, Diane and her husband, proud parents to grown children Katelyn (Kyle), Sam (Molly) and new grandson Emmett, have been brushing up on their biking skills along some of Nova Scotia’s beautiful trails.
Kevin McCann is the Managing Partner for NATIONAL Public Relations in Atlantic Canada, where he leads teams dedicated to solving complex and dynamic challenges in business, marketing, and public affairs. His mandate includes overseeing the Atlantic Canada operations and collaborating on strategic initiatives across the AVENIR Global network of companies in the U.S. and U.K.
With 25 years of experience, Kevin serves as senior counsel for organizations across a diverse range of sectors. He specializes in strategy, facilitation, advocacy, and change communications. Kevin's expertise spans various industries, including post-secondary education, health, technology, financial services, and natural resources.
Before joining NATIONAL and relocating to Halifax, Kevin held significant roles at Grassroots Enterprise, a digital advocacy firm in Washington, D.C., and at Edelman Public Relations as Senior Vice President, Grassroots. His work has encompassed national and international brands, non-profits, associations, and political campaigns, blending strategy, technology, and movement-building. Kevin is originally from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Michael Peters currently serves as the CEO at Glooscap Ventures, Glooscap First Nation’s economic development corporation. He has been with the organization since 2015. Michael started out as an Economic Development Officer with Glooscap First Nation in 2015 and eventually moved into other management roles and then to the CEO position.
In 2023 Michael graduated with his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax. Michael also attended Dalhousie University where he studied renewable energy technologies and graduated with the Sustainable Energy Technologies Professional Certification (SEPT). Before both Saint Mary’s and Dalhousie, Michael had attended the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) where he studied International Business. Before post-secondary and Glooscap Ventures, Michael was an entrepreneur with investments in the food and beverage industry.
Michael’s background is in business development where he contributed to the creation of Glooscap Landing, Glooscap Corner, Glooscap Energy, Indigenous Gaming Partners (IGP) and the Glooscap Seafood companies. Today these companies employ many community members and generate own source revenue for the community of Glooscap First Nation.
Michael is the current Co-Chair for the Mi’kmaq-Canada-Nova Scotia Triparted Economic Development Committee, Chair of the Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of the National Indigenous Connectivity Initiative, and Board Member of Wskijinu’k Mtmo’taqnow Agency (WMA) a corporate partnership owned by all 13 Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq communities. Michael also serves as the Chair of Indigenous Gaming Partners (IGP) Board of Directors, the third largest casino company in Canada. He is also an active member of the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO), Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), and Project Management Institute (PMI).
Michael is a proud member of the Mi’kmaw community of Glooscap First Nation. He lives in the small town of Hantsport with his wife Audrey, daughter Faye and pug Darwin.
Spencer Peters is a first-year Business Administration student at Sydney Waterfront Campus (SWC), where he currently serves as Vice President, Finance for the SWC Student Association. He is also an active member of the campus Enactus Club and a proud graduate of NSCC’s Adult Learning Program – an experience that shaped his appreciation for the College’s impact on students and communities.
Spencer brings a diverse background in leadership and management, with work experience in the Army Reserves, warehouse operations and retail. These roles have strengthened his ability to collaborate, lead teams and find practical solutions. His work with Enactus includes serving as a lead team member for the Mobile Opportunity Closet, a community-focused project based in Sydney.
A proud Nova Scotian, Spencer is passionate about creating opportunities for students and supporting growth within the province. He is committed to representing student perspectives and championing innovation, community engagement and student success as a member of NSCC’s Board of Governors.
Gerry graduated from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute in 1975 with a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Urban Planning and began his professional career as the youngest municipal Director of Planning in Canada with the Town of Ajax. He made his way east in 1976, when he became the Director of Planning for Windsor-West Hants in Nova Scotia.
Gerry has worked for the Council of Maritime Premiers as a land use and geomatics advisor and became involved in international development in Latin America through the University of New Brunswick. He spearheaded an expert panel that helped to revolutionize Ontario’s land registry system through a public-private partnership.
In 1990, Gerry became the CEO of Eastcan Geomatics and won the Nova Scotia Export Development award. He also worked as a Senior Manager at KPMG on projects to modernize land records management in Jamaica and the public sector in Qatar, as well as the Bangladesh Environmental Management Project, the Jordan National GIS Strategy, and the City of Amman Master Plan. The master plan project was recognized with the World Leadership Award in Town Planning and Urban Governance. He also partnered with the Mayor of Amman to create the Amman Institute for Urban Development, a think-tank that advised many organizations and governments in the Middle East and was recognized by the World Bank in its global urban development strategy.
Gerry was an advisor to the Prime Minister of Grenada in 2013, working to reform the country’s land and environmental planning records system when he fell ill, which resulted in him becoming paralyzed from the waist down. Since then, Gerry has worked extensively with the accessibility movement. He won a Nova Scotia Human Rights Award in 2017 for his work as the spokesperson for the Bill 59 Community Alliance which advocated for and assisted with drafting the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act.
Gerry came out of retirement in 2017 to become the inaugural Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Accessibility Directorate. Here he established a partnership between NSCC, the Rick Hansen Foundation and the Province of Nova Scotia to introduce the Rick Hansen Association Accessibility Certification Program to our province. Gerry is currently retired while remaining active as a volunteer and advocate for accessibility and community planning.
Brian Santarpia (retired Rear-Admiral) is a decorated Canadian naval officer and former Commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic, where he was responsible for the training, equipping and organizing of military personnel and units for half of the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) capacity, specifically the Maritime Combat Capabilities in Halifax. He began his military career in 1986, holding operational and training positions in both of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Fleets until his retirement in 2023.
During his career, Brian has held increasing responsibilities in support of the Vice Chief of Defence Staff, naval personnel and joint operations. He graduated from the National Security Programme at the Canadian Forces College and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Royal Roads University and a Master of Defence Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada. Most recently, he became a Certified Associate in Project Management and is in the process of completing a Master of Arts in International Affairs.
His professional expertise spans tactical ship handling, navigation, operational planning, weapons systems management and strategic institutional leadership. Following his retirement, Brian continued contributing to the Navy as a mentor for junior officers in Victoria and currently serves as the Exercise Coordinator for the RCN’s Distributed Mission Operations Center in Halifax.
An active community leader, Brian has served on many local boards and currently sits on the Board of the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE), strengthening ties across Nova Scotia’s defence, innovation and business sectors.
Blake Smith brings a full-circle perspective to the Nova Scotia Community College Board of Governors, shaped by his experience as a former student, student leader, staff member, faculty member and previous student member on the Board. Hailing from Amherst, Nova Scotia, Blake has worked in both rural Nova Scotia and the Halifax area and has seen first-hand how NSCC changes lives, strengthens communities and supports economic growth across the province.
With over 15 years of experience across business, education and community development, Blake has led teams, stewarded organizational priorities, and driven strategy across a range of diverse sectors. His career spans healthcare innovation, energy, technology, entrepreneurship and community-focused organizations, where he has guided change, strengthened operations and supported sustainable growth through thoughtful leadership and collaboration. Alongside this professional experience, he completed his Executive Master of Business Administration at Saint Mary’s University.
As a faculty member in the School of Business and Creative Industries, Blake is deeply committed to authentic communication, service-oriented leadership and preparing learners to thrive both professionally and personally. With experience in student leadership and governance, he understands the powerful role education and institutional stewardship play in shaping student success and long-term outcomes.
A proud graduate of Cumberland and Pictou Campuses and devoted girl dad, with a passion for music and sport, he is committed to helping NSCC continue to lead with purpose — fostering inclusive learning environments and reimagining what’s possible for learners and communities across Nova Scotia.
Anne Marie Woodgate is a second-year Business Administration student at NSCC Ivany Campus, bringing professional experience, leadership, and community involvement to her role as an NSCC student Board of Governor.
After more than a decade as a pastry chef across Nova Scotia and in Michelin-starred restaurants in the United Kingdom, Anne Marie returned to college to study business, seeking broader career opportunities and new ways to apply her leadership skills. Growing up in a military family, she lived across Canada, the United States, and Syria. These experiences helped shape her adaptability, resilience, and global perspective, which she brings to both her studies and professional work.
She has volunteered with the Dartmouth Seniors Centre, Old Mission Brewery, Couch of H.O.P.E., and Enactus Ivany Campus, supporting initiatives in food security, mental health, and social entrepreneurship. Anne Marie lives in Dartmouth and has a strong interest in Human Resources, focusing on fostering positive workplace cultures, supporting employee growth, and improving organizational processes. In her free time, she enjoys running, hiking, and being outdoors with family and friends.
Born and raised in Sydney, Cape Breton, Kathleen Yurchesyn is a passionate and engaged advocate for the region’s future growth and prosperity. Following her graduation from the Public Relations Degree program at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, she initiated her career at a marketing and communications agency in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Kathleen eventually moved back home to Nova Scotia and is serving as Vice President, Operations and Corporate Development with Novaporte. This is a transformational development involving the creation of the most strategic transportation and logistics hub on North America’s East Coast. She is excited to be a lead on a project that, once realized, will be a tremendous economic opportunity for Cape Breton.
Over the past four years, Kathleen also led the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce as CEO – a position she took on at 27 years of age. During her time at the Chamber, she has implemented strategies to help grow the organization and region. She has also contributed to the local business community through her advocacy work – encouraging collaboration and cultivating positivity.
Kathleen’s skills include strategic development and implementation and corporate communications, along with organizational leadership and project management. She has demonstrated her ability throughout her career as a collaborative, self-directed and disciplined leader of projects and initiatives across many disciplines. She committed to and passionate about the growth and revitalization of Cape Breton.
In her spare time, Kathleen is an avid ‘spinner’ and spin instructor at the YMCA. She loves to cook and enjoys food, wine, music, and travel. She is a fervent reader and considers herself a lifelong learner. While her travels have taken her around the world to over a dozen countries, her favourite destination is being by the water in Beaver Cove, Nova Scotia.