Meet Our Team

Wendy Luther, MBA, CITP

President & CEO

Joining the Halifax Partnership as President & CEO in June 2019, Wendy leads the organization toward achieving the Halifax Economic Growth Plan’s ambitious goals of growing our population to 550,000 and GDP to $30 billion by 2031. She is a champion for Halifax, bringing public-private sector leadership experience in representing Halifax and Nova Scotia nationally and internationally. Wendy is passionate about building deep, collaborative relationships with the business community, our investors, and other stakeholders to support what the Partnership does best – playing a leading role in positioning Halifax as a city of the future, where businesses and people thrive.

What excites Wendy most about Halifax is that it is a magnet for young people and a catalyst for vibrant businesses.

Tanya Walters

Corporate Liaison

As Corporate Liaison, Tanya's role is two-fold: Executive Assistant to the President & CEO and Corporate Secretary to a 19 member Board of Directors. Tanya has been with Halifax Partnership since 2005 and has over 13 years of governance and senior administrative experience.

What excites Tanya most about Halifax is the cool city vibe coupled with Maritimes hospitality - including a variety of beaches a mere 30 minutes away from the downtown core.

Karen Reinhardt, CPA, CA

Director, Corporate Services

With over 30 years experience as a Chartered Professional Accountant in public, for-profit and not-for-profit sectors, Karen is the Director of Corporate Services with Halifax Partnership. She oversees the financial and risk management, human resource strategy and implementation, and information technology processes.

What excites Karen most about Halifax is the energy - it transfers to optimism and action, which benefits-all ages, cultures and abilities.

Angela Cochrane

Accounting Coordinator

As the Accounting Coordinator, Angela works closely with the Director of Corporate Services to manage accounting and finances. She has a comprehensive background in customer service and has worked in various accounting departments over the past 20 years.

What excites Angela most about Halifax is the growing economy and diverse, ever-changing population. She believes it’s a beautiful city that is perfect for both professional and personal living.

Nancy Phillips

Vice President, Investment & International Partnerships

Nancy brings considerable insight and leadership to the Halifax Partnership strategic business attraction and local business support team. She has worked with companies from every sector of the economy and shares her insights about Halifax with companies around the globe. Nancy provides strategic management to Halifax's international relationships including the World Energy Cities Partnership an organization comprised of 19 of the world's leading energy capitals who are committed to fostering the transition to a more sustainable energy future. As well, Nancy is a current board member of the Consider Canada Cities Alliance (CCCA) a national organization comprised of 14 of Canada’s largest regions who are focused on positioning Canada as the preferred location for foreign investment and trade. Nancy is a graduate of both Dalhousie and Mount Saint Vincent University and is an Alum of the US Government’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).

What excites Nancy most about Halifax is that it's a great time to be selling and promoting Halifax, it feels like the city has unlimited potential.

Jason Guidry

Director, Trade & International Partnerships

Jason works one-on-one with businesses to help connect them to the resources and partners they need to succeed and prosper. He uses his public and private sector experience in business retention and expansion, investment attraction, and sector development to make Halifax a welcoming place for businesses, and assists with their integration into the Halifax business community. Jason’s Acadian roots give him the ability to serve businesses in both French and English.

What excites Jason most about Halifax is that it offers him and his family the opportunity to live a rural lifestyle at the very edge of suburbia, and yet be so close to everything the city has to offer.

Minder Singh

Senior Account Executive, Commercialization, SmartBusiness Program

With over 20 years of international business and consultancy experience, Minder works to connect the local business community with partners and resources that can help them overcome obstacles and seize opportunities for business success in Halifax. He specializes in research and development commercialization. Minder is fluent in English, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Malay/Bahasa, and Tamil.

What excites Minder most about Halifax is its bright future.

Al Tek

Business Attraction Executive

Al is a seasoned business professional bringing 14+ years of business growth, innovation, and technology transformation experience working with Halifax-based businesses. He attracts global businesses to Halifax with its value proposition of Talent, Location, Cost + Innovation (TLC+I) and collaborates with the public/private sector and education institutes to maximize business connectivity, relationships, and growth. He is a current member of the Consider Canada Cities Alliance (CCCA) and holds an MBA from Université Laval and a BCS from Dalhousie University.

What excites Al most about Halifax is its’ future in the sustainable blue and green economy.

Lindsay Morley

Rural Account Executive, SmartBusiness Program

With over two decades of experience in business development and recruiting, Lindsay comes with a strong understanding of the resources and opportunities available to support rural businesses. Lindsay has worked at small start-ups to large corporations where she helped grow businesses through strategic partnerships, talent acquisition, and networking.

Living in rural HRM, Lindsay appreciates the importance of collaboration and virtual communication across geographic boundaries. What continuously excites Lindsay about life in rural HRM is the strong sense of belonging fostered within rural communities.

Amy Stewart

Director, Investor Relations & Service

With significant expertise in marketing, business development and strategic relations across public and private sectors, Amy oversees key business and investor relationships for the Halifax Partnership. Formerly, head of sales for The National Film Board of Canada, Amy has extensive capability navigating relationships across public and private spaces. She is skilled in facilitating conversations among and between diverse audiences to achieve shared desired outcomes.

What excites Amy most about Halifax is witnessing unprecedented collaborative energies among Halifax leaders as we forge ahead toward our shared vision of the vibrant, confident global city Halifax is becoming.

Carolann Wright

Director, Capacity Building & Strategic Initiatives, African Nova Scotian Communities

Carolann is a trained facilitator and mediator with over 30 years’ experience in the economic development sectors in Halifax, Toronto, South Africa and now Ghana. She works with the African Nova Scotian Community in the areas of strategic, community and business planning and labour market development.

What excites Carolann most about Halifax is that it is the home of the oldest population in Canada of Africans in the diaspora.

Terry Dixon

Terry is the Coordinator of the African Nova Scotian Connector Program. He connects African Nova Scotian graduates in Halifax to a wide network of business leaders in order to increase their representation in the workforce.

With a depth of experience in community development and leadership, Terry has worked as the Director of the Community YMCA and, most recently, as a Job Developer for YMCA and Nova Scotia Works. Additionally, he is an avid community volunteer, acting as the founding member of the North End Business Association and serving as a past board member of Big Brothers, Big Sisters and the Black Business Initiative.

What excites Terry the most about Halifax is the city’s continued growth in the diversification of its population.

Jenée Jarvis

Governance & Capacity Building Liaison, Capacity Building and Strategic Initiatives

Jenée has a background in office administration, but her heart and passion is in community work. As program coordinator she supports the work of the African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity and all of the committees completing this work. She is responsible for the management of special projects, event logistics, meetings, and everyday office tasks.

Jenée worked in government for over 10 years which giving her an understanding of policies and practices used by each level of government. Her work with and on behalf of her community contributes to the strength of her work with the Halifax Partnership and the African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity.

What excites Jenée most about Halifax is the rich African Nova Scotian history.

Dena Williams

Event Coordinator,

Dena Williams is a multi-faceted leader with a passion for community advancement in the areas of creative arts and entrepreneurship. After four years of broad exploration in the events industry, Dena is excited to bring her experience and skillset to the African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity team. She is the overseer of events of all sizes that contribute to the work being done to fulfill the strategic goals set for African Nova Scotian community impact by managing all events-related logistics.

What excites Dena about Halifax is the endless possibilities that can bring change for the betterment of underrepresented communities across all industries.

Trayvone Clayton

Community Engagement Specialist, African Nova Scotian Communities

I graduated from Saint University with a major in Criminology and a minor in Social Justice, I am also a founding member of GameChangers902, which made a positive impact on youth in the African Nova Scotian community. My advocacy has been recognized with the Peace Medal from the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth, Dr. Burnley Allan "Rocky" Jones Award. In May, I was the recipient of the first Edna and Velma Thomas Kane Writers Award, one of the most substantial student awards in the history of Saint Mary's University.

In the future, I look forward to law school and becoming a lawyer to show our youth that it is possible and that they can do it too.

Alison Gillan, APR

Vice President, Marketing, PR & Communications

Alison is a senior marketing, communications and public relations strategist who has spent more than 25 years working with companies in Halifax and across Atlantic Canada. She specializes in stakeholder engagement that deepens the Partnership’s relationships with partners, investors and business leaders. She leads the marketing and communications team as they promote Halifax and the Partnership's successful programs locally and around the world.

What excites Alison most about Halifax is that she's meeting new people with great new ideas everywhere across this city.

Krista Juurlink

Director, Marketing Communications & Strategic Initiatives

Krista is responsible for the development and implementation of strategic marketing and communications activities and initiatives, including corporate communications, stakeholder relations, media relations, events and special projects. Her specialized training and experience in economic development, investment attraction marketing and international development influences the strategies and programs she delivers. She is the winner of an International Association of Business Communicators Gold Quill Award of Excellence for her Partnership communications work.

What excites Krista most about Halifax is the energy on the streets and how we’re welcoming more young people and newcomers every day who see Halifax as a place of opportunity where they can live their best life.

Kelly MacDonald, MBA

Communications Manager

Kelly has over 15 years’ global experience in communications, public relations, marketing, event management, and project management. Working in the public and private sectors, Kelly’s career has taken her from the East Coast to the Far East and back. At Halifax Partnership, Kelly is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating integrated marketing, communications, and engagement strategies and initiatives for corporate communications, investor relations, and programs. She has a Master of Business Administration from Dalhousie University and Bachelor of Public Relations and Certificate in Marketing from Mount Saint Vincent University.

What excites Kelly most about Halifax is the east coast lifestyle! Halifax has something for everyone, and there are endless opportunities for residents and businesses to grow and prosper.

Sarah Boutzis

Social Media & Communications Coordinator

Sarah is responsible for all things social media. She loves to report on Halifax and the Partnership’s many activities and stay connected with what’s going on in the HRM. She is a recent graduate from Wilfrid Laurier University's Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing. Her past experiences working in start-ups allows her to recognize the opportunities smaller businesses have available to them in the city.

What excites Sarah the most about Halifax is the continual growth. It’s exciting to see new people and business begin to call Halifax home and recognize it as a great place to be!

Pavneesh Chawla

Digital Marketing Strategist

With over 4 years of experience and a diverse skill set in Copywriting, Product Growth Marketing, and Social Media, Pavneesh is committed to delivering measurable results and enhancing online presence for businesses. She is responsible for developing comprehensive digital marketing strategies that drive business growth. She has keen eye for emerging trends and a passion for innovation, that helps her stay ahead of the curve, ensuring the business maintains a competitive edge in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

What excites Pavneesh most about Halifax is the perfect blend of warmth and charm in the city. Halifax is full of friendly locals, picturesque beauty and plethora of growth opportunities!

Brooke Schidowka

Business Development Marketing & Communications Intern

Brooke supports projects on both the MarComm and Business Development teams. She is a recent graduate from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor with Honours in Law, Justice, and Society. Brooke has a passion for creating a positive impact and a drive to build her career in business. She is excited to kickstart her career with the support and guidance from the knowledgeable team at Halifax Partnership. Her past experiences co-founding a society and as the assistant manager of a non-profit marketing team have prepped her with the skills to take on multiple tasks in a fast-paced work environment all while telling a compelling story through her work. She is excited for what her future in business brings as she gains new insights and experiences every day!

An Ontarian now turned East Coaster, what excites Brooke the most about Halifax is the wealth of opportunity and space to grow in her career, all while being able to maintain a close network.

Ian Munro

Chief Economist

As Chief Economist, Ian manages the Partnership’s research strategy to provide timely economic intelligence and analysis on the Halifax economy. He leads our team of economic researchers and policy analysts and draws from more than 25 years as a professional economist in both the public and private sectors.

What excites Ian most about Halifax is that the prevailing mood is now one of optimism.

Paul Jacob

Economist & Policy Analyst

For over a decade, Paul has worked as an Economist and Policy Analyst with the Partnership, cultivating an in-depth knowledge of Halifax and its business climate. He works to ensure a rigorous standard of factual accuracy and acts as an advisor on special projects with other Partnership teams. Paul specializes in taking complex data and communicating it in a way that is easy to understand.

What excites Paul most about Halifax is seeing the tide of educated newcomers and young people find jobs in Halifax. He is also an avid fan of Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop role-playing games.

Jigme Choerab

Economist & Business Attraction Researcher

Jigme’s role as Economist & Business Attraction Researcher supports both the economic research and the outward facing business attraction teams with information gathering, economic analysis, and data reporting. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the City University of New York, and a Master’s in Applied Economics from SMU.

What excites Jigme most about Halifax is the plethora of opportunities that the city provides to newcomers. He has never felt more at home anywhere else on earth.

Patrick Farrar

Director, Strategic Initiatives

As a startup consultant and mentor for several businesses across Canada, Patrick has helped launch and foster several growth startups, supporting efforts in raising millions in financing. Attending Jonkoping International Business School in Sweden, the top school in the world for research on Entrepreneurship and Family Business, Patrick developed research on growing long-standing, thriving businesses.

What excites Patrick about Halifax is how it has continued to evolve and grow into one of the most sought-after Canadian cities to live in.

Robyn Webb

Director, Labour Market Development & Executive Director, National Connector Program

Robyn leads the Partnership's talent attraction and retention initiatives and teams, including the award-winning Connector Program and the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. With a strong business acumen and considerable sales and recruitment experience, Robyn has advanced communication skills that allow her to actively engage all levels of decision makers and build productive relationships with a diverse client base. As the Executive Director of the National Connector Program Robyn partners with and supports Canadian communities and industry associations interested in launching the Connector Program.

What excites Robyn most about Halifax is the vibrancy created by the 35,000 students attending our universities and colleges.

Nathan Laird

Program Manager, Connector Program

Nathan manages the day to day operations of the Partnership's award-winning Connector Program. Now in its 10th year, the program helps recent grads and newcomers to the city build their professional networks by connecting them to business leaders across many sectors. With almost 15 years working with Fortune 500 firms in business development and management roles, matched with his experience managing a recruiting company and being involved in hundreds of interviews, Nathan is able to provide real world tips to the program's Connectees to improve their job search efforts.

What excites Nathan most about Halifax is the city's unmistakable energy and working to help to secure Halifax's long term future.

Alida Campbell

Manager, National Connector Program

With a background in Community Development and International Higher Education, Alida has a decade of experience helping communities and individuals develop their resiliency. As the National Connector Program Manager, she supports connector communities across Canada, and Internationally, ensuring they benefit from the program. Her focus is always on helping people access tools and supports so they can thrive wherever they choose to call home. A proud Rotarian and Youth Exchange Alumni, Alida knows the power of a network, and how beneficial it can be throughout one’s life.

What excites Alida most about Halifax is its robust culture. Whatever you want to eat, see, visit, learn about, or explore, Halifax will have just what you are looking for.

Celia Deer

Account Executive, Atlantic Immigration Program

As a Program Coordinator for the Partnership's Connector Program, Celia connects recent and local graduates, immigrants, and newcomers (Connectees) with businesses and community leaders (Connectors) in their industry of interest. She brings with her 19 years of customer service experience with the Bank of Nova Scotia, enhancing her capacity to connect with people and form meaningful relationships. Her personal mantra is “to be the best part of somebody’s day”, as she is passionate about helping and being of service to others.

What excites Celia most about Halifax is the melting pot of cultures and the potential it has to grow from the diverse experiences these cultures have to offer.

Jude Ikeme

Connector Program Coordinator

Jude is a Program Coordinator for the Partnership's award-winning Connector Program. He has a Master of Laws degree and over 30 years of experience as a lawyer/legal practitioner and a university lecturer. Jude brings this wealth of experience to bear in handling matters affecting Connectees and how best they can benefit from the Connector Program.

Jude is a recent immigrant and admits to being blown away by how welcoming Nova Scotians are. He is excited at the prospect of helping others adopt Halifax as their destination of choice and home! He is passionate about promoting Halifax and is in love with its small town feel and all the amenities it has to offer.

Teo Kim

Connector Program Coordinator & Employer Engagement Specialist

Teo serves as the Program Coordinator for the Connector Program. He holds a bachelor's degree in Marketing and Broadcast and also possesses a degree in Graphic Design. With a decade of professional experience in marketing within the automobile and film industries, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the Connector Program.

Motivated by his own positive experiences since relocating to Halifax, Teo is dedicated to assisting the international community in the area. He is passionate about sharing the vibrant diversity and positive energy that he has found in Halifax with fellow newcomers.

Shivani Adhana

Connector Program Coordinator

With dual Master's degrees in English Literature and Education Leadership and her passion for forging meaningful connections and facilitating professional growth, Shivani serves as the Connector Program Coordinator at Halifax Partnership. She plays a pivotal role in strategically linking local talent with exciting opportunities in the vibrant Halifax Business community. Her commitment to fostering collaboration and her knack for identifying mutually beneficial partnerships have made her an integral part of the team.

What truly intrigues Shivani about Halifax is its unparalleled blend of opportunity and community. She is captivated by the city's thriving entrepreneurial spirit, the genuine warmth of its people, and the welcoming atmosphere which makes it an ideal place to live, work, and prosper.