Board of Governors – Members
Chair
Karen L. Churchill has been a resident of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia since she was a child. Over the years, she has chosen to remain in the area and dedicate her time – both professionally and personally – toward nurturing its prosperity and building community.
She has a long connection with the College, graduating from the Cosmetology Diploma program at Burridge Campus in her early years. While her career path has evolved since then, Karen firmly believes her time at NSCC provided her with a strong foundation from which to grow.
Karen is Human Resources Manager for A.F. Theriault & Sons Ltd. in Meteghan River. For 15 years, Karen worked as a business executive, leading strategic and tactical operations initiatives. She previously worked as Senior Director of Operations, BPO division of NTT Data Services.
Over her career, Karen has helped lead large-scale business transformations, exceeding company objectives. Her skills as a collaborative, equity-minded leader and team builder naturally lend themselves to her new role as NSCC’s Board of Governors Chair.
Karen has enjoyed volunteering throughout her life, including with local organizations and community events such as the Rotary Club of Yarmouth and the Yarmouth Cup Yacht Races. For three years, she served as President of the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce and currently chairs the NSCC Yarmouth and Digby Make Way campaigns and is a member of the Technology Advantage Program (TAP).
Karen happily lives in Yarmouth County with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She is so pleased that two of her children graduated from the College and are now proud fellow NSCC alumni.
Vice-Chair
Jackie Poirier has served as Director of the Nova Scotia Tax Services Office at the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) since 2010. In this role, she is responsible for delivering various tax programs and services to Canadians. She has held senior management positions in the federal government since 1997. These have included 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). She began her career in management at the Royal Bank of Canada and joined the Federal Government in 1990 as an Auditor with Consulting and Audit Canada.
Jackie holds a degree in Bachelor of Business Administration 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 – an organization whose membership represents over two million accountants in the Asia Pacific Region. She also served as Chair of Certified General Accounting (CGA) Canada's Board of Directors and as President of CGA Nova Scotia. 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. She currently serves on the Boards of CPA Nova Scotia and the CPA Atlantic School of Business.
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 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.
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.
Nduka G. Ahilaka is a second year Social Services student and the Student Association President at Pictou Campus. Nduka, an international student from Nigeria, also served as Enactus Co-President and the Student Association VP, Services at Pictou Campus. Nduka holds a Bachelor of Education in Educational Management/Economics from Niger Delta University in Nigeria.
In Nigeria, Nduka taught Economics/Commerce and Business Studies at the Federal Government Girls College in Bayelsa state. He later became a deputy head teacher at the Supreme International Schools in Imo State. He volunteered at Nigeria of My Dream initiative, an ethical, civic and patriotism rebirth initiative for young Nigerians of primary and secondary school age. Nduka was appointed as the Administrative Officer at the Palace of His Majesty, Eze Prof. Vincent C. Ike, where he supervised and managed the skills acquisition center at Ndikelionwu Community in Anambra State, established by British American Tobacco of Nigeria.
Before moving to Canada for his studies at NSCC, Nduka worked and lived in South Africa and Swaziland where he founded the charitable organization, Leave No One Behind which assists in filling the gaps in programs and activities for underprivileged elderly and youth located in the most rural and remote areas of Swaziland, South Africa, Mozambique and Tanzania. His most recent international learning experience with NSCC took him to Tanzania where his nonprofit organization awarded a full scholarship to three students at the VETA Hotel and Tourism Training Institute in Arusha, Tanzania.
Nduka is a civic educator and a community leader. He is passionate about making a difference in the lives of people in various communities around the globe. He volunteered for NSCC’s Mental Wellness Strategy Steering Committee and currently sits as a volunteer on the Pictou East and Central Community Health Board. Nduka is passionate about education being an excellent instrument for social and economic growth. Additionally, he believes the development and training of young girls and children as well as the empowerment of women and youth are the only way to build a nation where peace and justice reign.
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.
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.
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. He sits on the Cooperative Board for the Halifax Brewery Farmers Market. Look for Arthur every Saturday morning at the Market, especially if you have any questions about growing garlic.
Arthur loves living in Dartmouth and his favourite pastimes include road trips with his wife, cooking, boogie boarding, exploring the beautiful outdoors, and spending time with family.
After an extensive career at sea, including command of the destroyer, HMCS HURON, and the Fifth Canadian Destroyer Squadron, he served in senior staff positions in Canadian Headquarters in Halifax and Ottawa and at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.
He represented Canada on the Canada-US Permanent Joint Board of Defence, and has acted as a senior military advisor to three Chiefs of the Defence Staff and four Ministers of National Defence on key issues involving NATO, the UN, Peacekeeping, NORAD, Ballistic Missile Defence and Canada-US security relations.
Admiral King is the President of CFN Consultants (Atlantic) Inc. specializing in assisting companies with Canadian Government procurement opportunities in the defence, aerospace and ocean technology domains, Industrial Technological Benefits (ITB), and global supply chain participation.
He is President of the Athenaeum Society of Nova Scotia, and Chair of the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE).
He is a graduate of McGill University with a BA in International Relations and a graduate member of the Royal College of Defence Studies in London.
Admiral King is an avid outdoorsman, sailor and motorcyclist; he and his wife, Barbara, share interests in travel, reading and film. Their son, David, lives in Vancouver.
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.
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 has been employed with Empire Company Limited for over 16 years, currently working as Director of Risk Management. In her early years, Diane articled with Grant Thornton LLP, attaining her Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in 1990. 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 the Board of the Pictou County Wellness Centre, as Chair of the Audit Committee 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.
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 and Sam, have been brushing up on their biking skills along some of Nova Scotia’s beautiful trails.
A dedicated volunteer, Sara has always been connected to youth organizations within the Halifax region and most recently as a volunteer and supporter of HomeBridge Youth Society. She has also served on the National Brand Task Force for Children’s Hospital Foundations of Canada, the Board of the Sobey Executive MBA Alumni Association, and as a LORAN Scholar mentor and selection committee member.
In addition to these commitments, Sara is presently a Board member of 211 Nova Scotia and Engage Nova Scotia. In the past few years, Sara has received the Halifax Progress Women of Excellence Award, an Innovation of the Year Award from the League for Innovation in the International Community College Network, and an Alumni Impact Excellence Award from the Sobey School of Business. Sara holds a Master’s Degree in Business from the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s University, a Bachelor of Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University, and a Community Economic Development Certificate from NSCC. While studying at Saint Mary’s University, Sara’s research project focused on values-based leadership including the manifestation of kindness, authenticity and forgiveness within corporate settings.
Sara’s most recent, rewarding volunteer work is serving as a mentor to younger, passionate professionals, dedicated to doing all they can to make our community the best it can be.
Michael Peters is the CEO at Glooscap Ventures, Glooscap First Nation’s Economic Development Corporation and has been with the organization since 2015, where he started out as an Economic Development Officer and eventually moved into other management roles before his current role.
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 (SETP). Michael also graduated from 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 and is expanding the Glooscap Fisheries companies. Today these companies employ over 100 people and generate own source revenue for the community of Glooscap First Nation.
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.
Nicole Robinson has served as an instructor with NSCC’s tourism programming for two decades. She is one of Canada’s first certified female distillers and one of the region’s certified Prud’homme Beer Sommeliers.
In addition to teaching at the College, Nicole has found numerous enterprises to help foster her creative spirit. These include owning and operating a business, consulting, and working as a travel host, sommelier and travel writer. Her numerous professional pursuits have allowed her to share her passion for global education, community partnerships and the craft beverage industry.
Nicole began her tourism training in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, after which she moved on to further her education at both Thames Valley University, England and Vancouver Island University, BC. She also takes great pride in having graduated with her NSCC Adult Education diploma.
Nicole’s passion lies in her love of travelling the globe and learning about best practices in tourism and the importance of culture in relation to self-growth. However far she travels afield, Nova Scotia is her home. It’s her love of the diverse and culturally rich communities in the province that makes this corner of the world so special to her.
She resides in Kentville with her family – which includes several beloved pets. Committed to enhancing her community, Nicole is an avid volunteer – supporting the Rotary Club of New Minas, coaching youth basketball teams and assisting with numerous community events. In any spare time she finds, Nicole can be found relaxing on one of the many beautiful beaches around the province.
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.