The Board

Flora Riyahi

Position,Chair

Flora has worked with Sunlife Financial as a Financial Advisor for the past 17 years.

She arrived in Canada more than 20 years ago, and lived in four Canadian provinces, until a job opportunity brought her family to Truro. Flora says the Colchester community made her feel at home.

“When I look back at my life, I feel that I am a very lucky person because I have the privilege of living in one of the best countries in the world, and in a community in which I feel that I am first a member and second an immigrant,”

“I am convinced that the policies of organizations such as CoRDA have been very effective in creating such an environment. I think creation of sustainable economic growth not only requires business development, but it requires community development as well,”

“Helping new immigrants, youth attraction, retention of educated people and employment programs are all components of sound economic growth. During the past 15 years, I have seen tremendous social changes in Truro, and have seen first-hand CoRDA’s commitment to building a healthy community.”

Laurie Jennings

Position : Past – Chair

Laurie spent some time away from the Colchester Region (in the big cities) but soon realized that Colchester was too good to miss out on, so he returned after university and some travel time overseas.

He and his wife Lisa have three young and active boys, and a lovely home that is only 2 minutes away from Masstown Market Ltd, where Laurie, as co-owner, and vice president spends most of his days.

Chairman, and corporate director for Atlantic Provinces Chamber of Commerce (APCC). Vice chair of Colchester Regional Development Agency. Board member of Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and Nova Scotia Exhibition Commission. Committee member of Ministers Advisory committee for select Nova Scotia.

Past president of: Colchester Credit Union, and Truro and District Chamber of Commerce, and Nova Scotia Chamber of Commerce.

“I think the Colchester region has tremendous potential and the political will to be very successful.”

“The efforts of CoRDA to bring our economic development efforts under one organization are really paying off. I am excited to be part of the effort and excited to live in such a great region.”

Laurie Sandeson

Laurie is Director of Dalhousie University’s Perennia Research park. The Park’s focus is to assist in the growth and development of innovative bio-economy products, services and technologies. CoRDA has identified this sector as an exciting area for growth in the region.
Living on a small family farm with her husband, Michael, and four boys, Laurie recognizes the urgent need for the agricultural industry to diversify and add value to its primary products.

The agri-food industry needs to aggressively pursue novel and under-exploited bioresource opportunities in agri-health, agri-energy and agri-bioproducts.

Laurie’s vision for Colchester:

” To be a vibrant, diverse and progressive community where citizens have opportunities for meaningful work and have a quality of life second to none.”

Mark Wood

Position : Secretary / Treasurer

Mark grew up and studied in Fredericton, New Brunswick. After a decade living and traveling in Europe, the Far East and USA, he and his wife, Desiree, decided to make Great Village home. They have 3 children: Nicolas, Maria & Byron.

Mark is an electrical engineer who works with sensors. He started out in the field of medical electronics, but switched to marine technology because it’s simply more fun. .

Since starting his engineering company, Instrument Concepts Inc, his main interest has been in the offshore energy industry. Sensors developed by his company are used in nearly every ocean in the world, for surveying, energy production and safety.

He realizes that the world’s energy industry is beginning to see huge changes, and hopes to see Nova Scotia industry play a big part in shaping the future of offshore energy.

“I would like to help promote a balanced range of industries in this region. To see more knowledge-based and technology companies succeed here. I see CoRDA as a vital conduit for growing Colchester County into a great place to live.”

Mark’s vision for Colchester:

” A prosperous, well-educated community with a broad balance of resource, manufacturing, tourism and knowledge-based industry. A place where the quality of life competes easily with any community or city in Canada, and where young people can choose to live here and have satisfying work lives.”

Congratulations Mark on your honoured achievement of “Exporter of the Year” with Instrument Concepts of Great Village, NS

Peter Henderson

Peter is the President of Kerr Controls Limited, a Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration distribution company currently with operations throughout Atlantic Canada and a new state of the art distribution center in Truro.

Peter is a professional engineer, receiving his education at Dalhousie University and is also a proud graduate of the NSCC.

Peter believes that this region offers a unique combination of loyal, high quality workforce and a lifestyle second to none. CoRDA has the mandate and opportunity to market this region to the world and is very proud to be a member of the board to not only help direct this effort, but to put it into practice.

With two daughters in new schools, a major hospital under construction, a civic center on the radar, a bio-tech park beginning to blossom and consistent new business openings are just a few of the examples of the commitment made to this region by various levels of public and private investment and indicator of the potential for significant growth going forward.

Ann Marie Beals

Ann Marie has lived in Salmon River for over 18 years. She has 3 daughters at various stages of their education and life – one in middle school, one in high school and one in university.

Over the years Ann Marie has had many careers. She has been a banker, an entrepreneur and now an educator at a local elementary school..

She thoroughly enjoys the interaction with the children, our next leaders. Because of her own family and the students that she sees each day, she has made a firm commitment to try to ensure that our future generations are able to enjoy the quality of life from which we now benefit.

Ann Marie states,

“Economic development, with sustainability, community diversity and green initiatives, is needed to ensure a stable and consitent quality of life for all residents of Colchester County. CoRDA, with its myriad of sustainable and forward-thinking plans and projects, is an excellent example of how to consider all aspects in the building and maintaining of a prosperous and equitable community, and I am proud to be a member of this auspicious Board.”

Danny Joseph

As a lifelong resident of Truro, Danny Joseph was first elected to Truro Town Council in 2012. But his interest in his hometown’s public affairs started much earlier. Danny had served on the town’s Parks and Recreation Committee a decade earlier, and says he has “ a love affair with the Truro area.” While leading a busy life as a father and grandfather, and now a CoRDA Board member, Danny has also been volunteering as chairman of the Truro Sport Heritage Society.

Doug MacInnes

Doug MacInnes is an active community member and represents the County of Colchester on the CoRDA Board of Directors. He has been a long-time senior manager with Wilson Fuels in Truro and is known for doing his homework before attending CoRDA’s board meetings and Colchester County Council meetings. Doug and his wife Wanda live in the Onslow area of Colchester County and are known for their positive energy when it comes to business and community development.

Lloyd Johnson

Lloyd Johnson sits on the CoRDA Board as a representative of the Millbrook First Nation. Lloyd resides in Millbrook and is the father of three children, A graduate of St. Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Commerce.

Lloyd took an instrumental role in the development of the Millbrook Housing Authority and continues to participate on that body, and on CoRDA’s board of directors

Lloyd was instrumental in the establishment of Treaty Gas Enterprises. which led to the development of the Truro Power Centre along highway 102. As Chairman of the Glooscap Heritage Society, Lloyd assumed a leadership role in planning the construction of a forty-foot statue of Glooscap, the ancient Mi’kmaq hero and the creation of the accompanying Interpretive Center.

The Interpretive Center took the collaboration of all levels of Government, the Band Council and the community. A member of the Economic Development Committee since 1977, Lloyd has been active in the development of many of the initiatives that Millbrook has undertaken. He joined the CoRDA board in 2007.

Darlene Stevenson

Darlene has been with ACOA for the past 7 years. In the fall of 2005 she accepted an assignment as the Area Account Manager for Colchester and Cumberland Counties and enjoys developing a close working relationship with the community.

Darlene brings over 17 years of experience in the public sector working in a variety of fields.

Darlene’s vision for the Colchester Region:

“To be a vibrant and welcoming region, one where ideas for growth and prosperity are encouraged, supported and celebrated.”

Ron Meech

Ron Meech has become a respected business leader in Truro. Having both gone to high school here, Ron and his wife Janet know the Truro-Colchester area well.

Through their company, Meech Holdings, they have worked together to develop key residential properties in the area. Their latest ventures have them turning former education properties into well-designed apartments and business locations.

Ron is a member of the Truro Industrial Park Society and also sits on the board at CoRDA.

John K. MacDonald, CD, B.A., LL.B, DPA

John K. received his undergraduate degree from Mount Allison University, and his law degree from Dalhousie University. Prior to his retirement, John K was the Regional Director, Trust Services for BMO Harris Private Banking; practiced law with a mid-sized firm in Halifax, and had a career in the RCAF /CAF.
He is a member of The Nova Scotia Barristers Society; is Past President of the Halifax Estate Planning Council and Past Chairman of the Trust & Estates section of the Canadian Bar Society (Nova Scotia Branch).

Since his retirement he has become involved in his community and has served as the Board President of the North Shore Recreation Centre; Chairman of Volunteers for the Canada Games Hub Bid and Board member of the North Colchester River Restoration Association. He has also served as the Vice-President of Volunteer and Special Events for the Canadian Curling Olympic Trials in Halifax.

He currently serves as the Board Chairman of the Colchester East Hants Health Authority, Past President of the North Shore Recreation Centre and Chairman of The Tatamagouche Annual Curling Bonspiel.He is married, lives in Brule with his wife Toni and they have one son.

Quinn McCarthy

When he’s not volunteering at the CoRDA Boardroom table, Quinn McCarthy works full time as Business Manager at Pye Chevrolet Buick Ltd in Truro. Quinn is the Founding Chair of Colchester NEXT, has served as Vice-President of the Bible Hill Kinsmen, as a leader with Second Bible Hill Beavers and a member of the Support Local Committee at the Truro-Colchester Chamber of Commerce. Quinn and his wife have two children, and make their home in Bible Hill.

Duane Rath

Duane is Former President of the Truro and District Chamber of Commerce, 2nd Vice President Nova Scotia Auto Dealers Association and President of Blaikies Dodge-Chrysler in Truro. He has volunteered for many community causes, including the Canada Games Bid Committee and many other events and fundraisers. Duane is also a trustee for the CADA 360 National Group Insurance Program and, as you can see, is an active member of CoRDA’s Board of Directors. In his down time, Duane enjoys running and cycling.

David Copus

As a former banker in the private sector, followed up by a respected career with Nova Scotia Business Inc, David has years of experience with economic development across Central and Northern Nova Scotia. He now represents Nova Scotia’s Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism on the CoRDA Board of Directors. We look forward to productive discussions involving David that will continue to produce the best results for new jobs and growth in the Truro-Colchester Region.