WESTERNREN - Key Persons
Educated at Universities in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Benjamin articled with the Halifax law firm of Blois, Nickerson & Bryson. Benjamin, who is originally from the Truro area, has moved with his family to the Barrington area and is practicing in both the firm's Barrington and Liverpool offices. Being a rural practitioner, Benjamin runs a general practice with the notable exception of criminal law. He has a special interest in the fields of property, business, and estates. Benjamin is a member of many professional and legal associations regionally and nationally. He also serves as a board member within the local community whenever he can. The Chair of the Western REN's 2022-23 Board of Directors, Benjamin's third term expires in June 2026.
Brenda Francis lives in Conway, Digby County and has extensive training in leadership and community development through multiple NSCC campuses. For 20 years now, she has had a career as a Regional Educator for the Black Educators Association of Nova Scotia. She also owns Ed's Take Out, a family owned business in Conway. She has been a strong advocate and activist for the African Nova Scotian community since the early 80's and currently is on the boards of two cultural organizations in the region. A Director on the Western REN's 2020-21 Board, Brenda's second term expires June 2025.
Charles Surette studied biology and aquaculture at Université Sainte-Anne, Dalhousie, and the Hunstman Marine Laboratory. He is semi-retired from a 32-year career in fish and food inspection programs across Canada and currently delivers training at NSCC and Food Processing Skills Canada. An inventor and holder of two patents, Charles is also passionate about community development in both sports and Acadian culture. A Director on the Western REN's 2020-21 Board, Charles' second term expires June 2025.
Dan White is an accomplished Author, Business Consultant, and Professional Speaker with a wealth of experience in business and taxation. He is the President of Tax Audit Solutions Inc (TAS), a prominent Canadian Tax Representation firm. Additionally, Dan serves as the CEO of the West Nova Chamber of Commerce, where he is deeply involved in advocacy efforts.
Throughout his career, Dan has held numerous advisory positions, including a longstanding role on the small business advisory committee at Seneca College in North York, spanning over 12 years. In his leisure time, Dan enjoys pursuing hobbies such as Landscaping and Carpentry. He also boasts decades of membership and leadership in a virtual Toastmasters Club.
Dan and his wife Julie reside in Gilberts Cove, where they share a deep appreciation for the beauty and charm of Nova Scotia. His first term expires in June 2026.
Board Coordinator since February 2022. She brings her several years of expertise in Event Management and Customer Service. She has worked with cultural non profits and has experience organizing large scale community engagement events in Toronto. Originally from India, she moved to the town of Yarmouth in 2020.
Job Titles:
- Accounting and Finance Coordinator / Accounting and Finance
Born and raised in Pubnico, Hélène is deeply proud of her Acadian heritage and is bilingual in French and English. Her roots not only enrich her cultural identity but also imbue her with a strong sense of community and dedication to her work.
With a solid professional background and years of practical experience, Hélène is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of finance and administration, ensuring smooth operations and contributing to the success of the Western REN."
Job Titles:
- Communications Coordinator
- Communications Coordinator / Communications
Coordinator since 2023 - Jakob is a University of King's College graduate. He graduated with an honours degree in Journalism in 2020 with a minor in Film Studies. Originally from Cape Breton, Jakob moved to Yarmouth in late 2020 to start his career in journalism before transitioning to communications to work with the Western REN. Jakob brings his writing and social media skills, extensive contacts and passion for communicating to the Western REN team.
Jamie grew up in Barrington and recently returned to Nova Scotia from Boston, MA. Jamie obtained his undergrad in Information Systems degree from St. Francis Xavier University in 2001 and his Master's (IT) from Harvard University in 2015. In the US, he worked as a Senior Systems Analyst with the Boston Police, worked for nearly a decade at Massachusetts General Hospital's Laboratory of Computer Science, then onto an EHR start-up at Amazing Charts as a Senior Software Engineer. He is now working remotely for Bermuda based, Technology Consultant for Fireminds Technology Solutions Inc. He continues to work remotely as a consultant for the Boston Regional Intelligence Center and has had part-time teaching engagements with NSCC Burridge and Acadia University's Jodrey School of Computer Science. A Director on the Western REN 2020-21 Board, Jamie's third term expires in June 2026.
Job Titles:
- Local Immigration Partnership Coordinator / Local Immigration Partnership
Coordinator since 2023 - Jessica graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University and the University of Regina with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Social Work.
She started her career in Social Work and brings over 10 years of experience in the non-profit sector, most recently being the Executive Director of a Community Learning Organization before transitioning to the Western REN team.
Originally from Clare, she and her family moved back from Massachusetts in 2021. With a first-generation immigrant spouse and second-generation immigrant infant, she is passionate about Canadian Immigration and creating a diverse and welcoming space for newcomers in the Western Region.
Recently retired as President of Falc USA, a division International Fashion firm based in Italy. JoAnn worked for 17 years overseeing marketing, planning, forecasting, sales & product development for the North American market. Previously, JoAnn spent 18 years with a fashion footwear company based in France, running their North American operations. These positions required extensive travel in North America, Europe & Far East; coordinating with operations and factories to maximize North American business.
Joann came to Yarmouth 17 years ago and loved the community, people and seaside. She purchased a home in the area & split time between NYC & Yarmouth. JoAnn is now living in Yarmouth full-time. Her first term expires in June 2026.
Jocelin d'Entremont grew up experiencing many aspects of the fishing industry and now practices law with a focus on Fisheries and Corporate Laws; and has a Marine Law specialization certificate. An Argyle resident, Jocelin received his bachelor's degree in commerce and a Juris Doctor in Law both from Nova Scotian universities. A Director on the Western REN's 2020-21 Board, Jocelin's second term expires in June 2026.
Julie MacLean has over 30 years' experience in non-profit management, most recently retired from 15 years as the Digby-Clare CBDC Executive Director. Julie uses her education and experience in management and economics to offer part-time consulting to social enterprise and non-profit organizations. A Digby resident, Julie is an active volunteer and grandparent. A Director on the Western REN's 2020-21 Board, Julie's second term expires in June 2026.
Job Titles:
- Business Retention & Expansion Coordinator
Keval joined the team in 2018 as the Accounting and Finance Coordinator. In 2023, she pivoted to the role of Business Retention & Expansion Coordinator, bringing a unique blend of financial and industry experience to support local business development.
After obtaining a Business Administration Diploma from NSCC, Keval began her career in the seafood industry, briefly leaving to complete a Bachelor of Commerce Degree at Saint Mary's University. Now, with ten years of experience in various accounting roles, Keval is excited to embrace a new opportunity. She looks forward to forging strong connections within the business community and promoting growth through the renewed Business Retention & Expansion program.
Mary Thompson has a Masters in Educational Administration and an undergraduate degree in Business Management. She is currently the Principal for Nova Scotia Community College's Burridge, Shelburne, and Digby campuses. She believes in modelling leadership and is passionate about community development, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Chair of the Western REN's 2022-23 HR & Governance committee, Mary's second term expires June 2024.
Job Titles:
- Connector Program Manager
Connector Program Manager since April 2021 - Miranda's passion for supporting the community and previous experience in community outreach, program development and management will continue to grow the connector program while continuing to help clients build their networks and connect talent with local employers. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honours in Sociology from Acadia University. Her past career roles have included: Residential Supervisor at the Conway Workshop, Outreach Worker for the Tri-County Women's Centre and SHYFT Youth Services and Aquatics and Youth Manager for the Fundy YMCA. Miranda has also been involved in the community in various volunteer roles, including currently being the Advisor to the Worker's Advisory Committee at Inclusion Clare, currently a board member of the Digby Housing Coalition, past co-chair of the Digby and Area Community Health Board, and past member of the Digby and Area Welcoming Committee.
Nick d'Eon is a chartered accountant, graduate of Saint Mary's University. He has experience in financial accounting and is currently the Chief Financial Officer of O'Neil Fisheries Ltd and Scotia Harvest Inc out of Digby. Nick is involved in the commercial fishery and aquaculture industries of Nova Scotia and was a past director of the Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia. Chair of the Western REN's 2020-21 Finance and Audit Committees, Nick's second term expires June 2024.