board of directors, Governance & Committees
Our board of directors were elected at our Annual General Meeting on June 20, 2023. Have a suggestion? Want to get involved? You can reach us by email at novascotia@ipac.ca
chair - EMMA MILLER
Emma (she/her) is an Associate with Davis Pier Consulting, where she spends most of her time working on change management and engagement-focused projects in the social policy space. She holds a Masters of Public Administration from Dalhousie University, as well as an undergraduate degree in Political Science, with minors in French and Hispanic Studies, from Mount Allison University.
Past Chair - Cynthia Ryan
Cynthia Ryan is Project Executive at Government of Nova Scotia, Continuing Care Sector. Cynthia holds a MSc in Applied Mathematics from Western University and a BSc from St. Francis Xavier University. LinkedIn
Vice Chair - SEAN ELLIOTT
Sean is a Client Services Manager with the Government of Nova Scotia's Digital Service team. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alberta and an undergraduate degree in Commerce from MacEwan University. LinkedIn
Secretary -
Katrina Campbell
Katrina is a Senior Policy Analyst with the Nova Scotia department of Health and Wellness. She holds a Masters of Public Administration from Dalhousie University as well as a Masters of English Literature from Lancaster University. She has spent the last 7 years working in Healthcare and Education.
Treasurer - aBIGAIL RAE
Abigail is a Consultant with Deloitte's public sector Strategy and Operations practice. She is a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Commerce Co-op program at Dalhousie University with a major in Finance.
Programs Co-Chair - TALENT NDLOVU
Talent is a Policy Associate Manager at the Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists (NSCP). Before joining the NSCP, Talent previously worked in various roles for the Nova Scotia Government. Talent holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Dalhousie University (2020) and a Bachelor of Social Science, double major in International Studies and Criminology and Criminal Justice from Monash University (2014). LinkedIn
Programs co-Chair - Élisabeth Houle
Élisabeth is the Director of Engagement and Strategic Initiatives leading the Equity and Engagement Division with the Department of Health and Wellness. She is a graduate of the Master of Public Relations at the Mount Saint Vincent University and holds an undergraduate degree in Social Communications from the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. Élisabeth has led and supported significant work in the areas of transforming services and programs for people with disabilities in Nova Scotia as well as providing equitable access to health care services for all Nova Scotians.
Communications
ChaIR - John Woolaver
John Woolaver is the communications chair for IPAC Nova Scotia. John works with Shared Services Canada’s Strategic Policy portfolio, and is formerly of Parks Canada and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. John holds and MA and an MPA from Queen’s university. LinkedIn
Municipal MemBEr at Large -
dani coffey
Dani is Director, Policy and Government Relations with the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities. She previously spent 10 years at an Ontario municipality with roles in policy development and project management. Dani has an undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto and Master of Public Administration from Western University. LinkedIn
New Professionals Chair - Taylor Adams
Taylor is a Policy Analyst with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. He holds a Masters in Public Administration from Dalhousie University and a Bachelors in Math and Engineering from Queen's University. Prior to joining the public service, Taylor worked in financial markets in Canada and the UK
Socials Chair -
Sean Williams
Sean(he/him/his), is a dynamic and bilingual leader with a dedication to positive change in a modern and evolving Federal Public. Sean is an (acting) National Program Manager at Veterans Affairs Canada, currently on assignment with the Public Service Pride Network (PSPN) until March 2024. As a 2SLGBTQI+ advocate, Sean has demonstrated his commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive public service, including coordinating events, influencing policy changes, and promoting interdepartmental collaboration. With a background in education, Sean combines his leadership skills and pedagogical expertise to amplify his impact. Sean is excited to bring his passion for positive change, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and his leadership to IPAC NS. LinkedIn
Awards & Recognition Chair - Christopher McCreery
Christopher McCreery is the author of fourteen books on Canadian history and the honours system. A fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, he is currently private secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia and executive director of Government House Halifax.
Chris holds a doctorate in Canadian history from Queen's University.
Dalhousie School of public admin Rep - dr. Isabelle Caron
Isabelle Caron is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University and the Director of the Master of Public Administration programs. She holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration from the University of Ottawa. Her research focuses on human resource management, employee motivation and retention, news ways of working, performance, integrity and accountability in the public sector. From 1999 to 2012, she worked at the Privy Council Office, the Treasury Board Secretariat of Canada, Health Canada and Canadian Heritage as a senior policy analyst.
Federal
Member at Large - Robert Armstrong
Robert is the Regional Manager, HR Programs, for Public Services and Procurement Canada. He is an experienced manager and public service leader with a demonstrated history of working with client organizations and individuals. Skilled in training delivery, policy analysis, organizational development, adult education and performance management, Robert inspires colleagues to strive for better outcomes on behalf of those they serve. At ease with any level of the hierarchy in either official language, Robert’s advice is sought by colleagues inside his organization and beyond.
Health Sector Member at Large -
Stacy Burgess
Stacy Burgess is currently the Acting Vice President of Clinical Care at IWK Health. She has spent her entire career at IWK Health and has a wealth of clinical, administration, and leadership experience and knowledge. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, a Master's in Health Administration and is a Certified Health Executive.
Marketing Chair -
Tracy Barron
Tracy is project manager of employee engagement with the Equity and Engagement division at the Department of Health and Wellness. She was previously a long-time media relations and communications advisor with Communications Nova Scotia. She is in her 20th year in the public service between the Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador governments. Prior to government, she studied journalism and spent 15 years in the media, including CBC, The Telegram in St. John's and the Halifax Herald. She is also a writer with her first book to be published in spring 2024.
MeMbership Chair -
Glenn Horne
Glenn Horne has been a public servant for 15 years. After graduating from StFX and Carleton Universities, Glenn began his public service career in Health Canada’s Strategic Policy Branch. In 2013, Glenn left the federal public service for municipal government, becoming the Municipal Clerk Treasurer of the Municipality of the County of Antigonish, where he is now the Chief Administrative Officer. As CAO, he has a particular interest in innovative and collaborative approaches to providing community-centred municipal services.
Glenn is a former President of the StFX University Alumni Association and member of the Board of Governors. He is board member of Antigonish Affordable Housing Society and MS Canada volunteer. Glenn resides in St. Joseph’s, Antigonish County, with his children, Aiden & Emily and wife Sarah.
Dalhousie school of Public Admin Student Rep -
Twinkle Dev
Twinkle Dev is a Sustainability Policy Analyst with ESG Partners. She has deep research capabilities and expertise in climate change and sustainability, and experience liaising with multilateral, philanthropic and international organisations.
Twinkle holds a BSc in Earth Sciences and an MSc in Environmental Studies and Resource Management, and is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at Dalhousie University. Her public service experience includes equitable hiring policy development, and inter-jurisdictional scans for business development and regional economic networks in Canada.
PROVINCIAL MEMBER AT LARGE - VACANT
VACANT
Committees
Awards & Recognition Committee
Chair: Christopher McCreery
Members:
Program Committee
Co-Chairs: Élisabeth Houle & Talent Ndlovu
Members:
Governance and Nominating Committee
Chair: Emma Miller
Members:
Membership subcommittee
Chair: Glenn Horne
Members:
Past Chairs, IPAC Nova Scotia Regional Group
Matt Campbell
Darryl Eisan
Stephen MacKenzie
Bill Greenlaw
Norma Macisaac
Tracey Williams
Jeannine Lagasse
Jane Fraser