Board

Darla Johnston is the CEO of ALRAD Holdings, and former OWNER and CEO of SLICLASER Inc., where she led the company's growth in the laser technology sector. With a strong background in innovation and leadership, she successfully spearheaded key projects that expanded SLICLASER's market presence and enhanced product development. Johnston is known for her strategic vision and dedication to driving operational excellence. Her leadership helped position SLICLASER as a significant player in the industry before she transitioned to new opportunities.

Henry LOO CHIN MOY is an international multiple award architect, real estate investor and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience. He was awarded in Dubai, Paris, London and Rome. He has successfully managed multiple businesses, including construction, property development and architectural practices. Henry has extensive expertise in real estate investment and leadership  training, having delivered seminars in over 20 countries. He is also passionate about community involvement and fostering growth and entrepreneurship in rural areas​. 

Mike Hayes was employed with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), where he played a pivotal role in supporting economic growth. With extensive experience in community economic development, Mike helped foster innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the region. He collaborated with stakeholders to strengthen local economies, focusing on job creation and enhancing competitiveness. His leadership underscored his commitment to empowering communities and driving sustainable economic success. Mike retired in 2011 and has served on the Board of CBDC Blue Water since 2019.

Philip Jones is a seasoned CFO with over 25 years of experience in finance, corporate governance, and business development. His career spans diverse industries, including telecommunications, technology, and marketing, where he has excelled in capital raising, M&A activities, and IPO preparations. As a CPA and corporate finance expert, he has successfully led financial operations in both public and private companies, raising over $130 million in funding. Jones is known for his strategic leadership, team-building skills, and ability to drive growth in complex organizations.

Leslie is a sociologist with extensive experience in teaching, administration, and research, focusing on community economic development, governance, and strategic planning. Her work spans Canadian and international contexts, promoting inclusive and sustainable communities. She currently serves on the boards of the Canadian Worker Co-operative Federation, and Flourish Community Development Co-operative, and is a past board member of East Coast Credit Union and  FarmWorks Investment Co-operative. Leslie is dedicated to fostering community resilience through her roles with CBDC-BW and beyond.

Greg Brown is an Economic Development Specialist with over 35 years of experience in community and business development. He has led strategic projects, such as the Bridgewater Inclusive Economic Growth Plan and the expansion of Bridgewater Business Park. Greg has worked with various regional agencies and private companies, contributing to investment attraction and business growth. His entrepreneurial background and expertise in strategic planning, project management, and business feasibility make him a valuable leader in economic development​.

A seasoned information technology professional and currently an Integrated Solutions Lead with over 18 years of experience in implementing learning systems for projects across Canada, the UK, Brunei, and the UAE. Known for his analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and dedication to leveraging future technologies to enhance training solutions. In his personal life, he’s deeply passionate about all things real estate—whether it’s exploring market trends, uncovering hidden gems, or imagining the potential of unique properties.

Megan Pollock is a Senior Relationship Manager at the Bank of Montreal, specializing in business banking. She has extensive experience in managing commercial client relationships, business development, and credit analysis. Megan holds an MBA from Saint Mary’s University and a bachelor’s in psychology. Her work focuses on supporting business owners by facilitating growth through strategic lending and risk assessment. Megan is actively involved in community events and passionate about helping businesses in rural areas thrive.

Marshall Smith is an award-winning REALTOR® with RE/MAX Nova, renowned for his dedication to serving clients across Nova Scotia. With a 13-year military background, Marshall has honed the discipline, work ethic, and resilience that have propelled his success in real estate. Marshall is deeply engaged in his community. He serves on multiple boards, contributing his expertise and passion to local initiatives, and is an active participant in community politics, advocating for meaningful change where it matters most.

With extensive experience in the sales industry, Kimberley’s career is marked by a commitment to delivering high impact results, be that with her own businesses or others’. She has worked across 3 continents from large corporations to mom & pop shops, all allowing her to foster those client relationships while giving her the opportunity to showcase her analytical and problem-solving expertise. 

She now happily calls Nova Scotia her home. 

Sarah Mullins, CPHR, is a seasoned business leader with 25 years of experience in human resources and people leadership. As CEO of uptreeHR, she and her team provide fractional HR support to small businesses in areas of recruitment, policy development, performance management, workplace investigations and general employee relations. She is actively involved in community organizations and works with growing businesses throughout Atlantic Canada. Sarah lives with her husband, two boys and dog in Middle Sackville.

Dr. Marc Baker is a dedicated chiropractor, clinic owner, community leader with a passion for patient care and business excellence. With a keen focus on empathy, attention to detail, collaboration, he has built a loyal patient base and successfully managed healthcare businesses. He has a specialized interest in managing spinal disc issues with a conservative, safe and patient centered approach. In his spare time, he enjoy SCUBA dive, coaching lacrosse, (GO BREAKERS!), swimming or playing outside with the family dog Milo.