Board Members

Our structure is founded on collaboration and expertise, ensuring effective decision-making and strategic direction.

Our Board of Directors are business and community leaders from diverse sectors, expertise, and experiences who come together to guide the Pictou County Partnership and to respond to opportunities for the region.

CHAIR: Ryan Fraser

Ryan Fraser, a Pictou County native, was born and raised in Little Harbour. Upon graduating from Dalhousie University with a Finance degree, Ryan returned home to work for Empire Company. While working at Empire Co. Ryan obtained his PMP designation, then went on to worked for the local organization Stark International. In 2017, Ryan went out on his own by starting a Project Management consulting firm, Kings Head Consulting Group. In 2018, Ryan acquired a safety training company, Safety Made Easy, from New Brunswick and moved the home base of the operation to Pictou County. In 2021, Ryan acquired another company specializing in Pilot cars for oversize transportation. This has grown to offer traffic control services across the province. Ryan lives in New Glasgow with his wife and two children. 

Aaron Millen  

Aaron Millen is a dedicated advocate for Pictou County, where he has lived and worked his entire life. Residing in the Green Hill area with his wife and two amazing daughters, Aaron is deeply rooted in the community. He is the owner of a local real estate company and a real estate development and management firm. As a business owner, he emphasizes the importance of staying informed about local programs and services and is committed to giving back to the community as much as possible. As a Board member of the Pictou County Partnership, Aaron is passionate about contributing to the region's growth and success, and he values the opportunity to influence local programs and witness the community's achievements firsthand. 

Chris Stewart  

Chris Stewart is a lifelong resident of Pictou County and lives in in New Glasgow. He is a graduate of Dalhousie University’s Engineering program with a specialization in Mechanical Engineering. He is the owner of multiple businesses in Pictou County: I.Matheson & Co. Ltd. - a steel fabrication business in New Glasgow, operating since 1867; Scotian Seamless Gutters, IMCO Custom Designing Building Solutions - specializing in commercial and residential building design and engineering; and Maritime Driveline Solutions.  Chris has a strong passion for hockey and has served Executive Member of Pictou County Minor Hockey, President of the Scotians Junior B Hockey Team and coach of the NNEC Gryphons Boys Hockey Team. Chris’ daughter is studying at St Francis Xavier University and his son will be starting at Nova Scotia Community College.  Chris joined the Partnership’s board in June 2024 to contribute to creating a sustainable and thriving Pictou County. 

Cindy Brown  

Cindy grew up in an entrepreneurial family here in Pictou County. For over 35 years, she and her husband have been business owners ranging from tourism to commercial fishing, while raising their ten children in her 7th generation family homestead. Cindy lives in Little Harbour with her husband Bart in their almost empty nest. 

She has worked in the marine industry all her life in various capacities.  In 2021 she retired as Academic Chair of the NSCC Nautical Institute but continues to operate her fishing business and work part time as a manager for NSCC in marine training.  Cindy holds a Master of Maritime Management, Bachelor of Maritime Studies, Diplomas in Nautical Science and Adult Education as well as Transport Canada Marine Certifications.  She volunteers in several organizations with her church and community and sits as secretary on the national board of the professional organization Master Mariners of Canada. 

Cindy is excited to join the board of the Pictou County Partnership to help encourage, support, expand and innovate developments particularly in the blue economy and oceans sector. 

Darrah DeYoung  

Darrah DeYoung started Baked and Boujee Cheesecakes at the beginning of 2023 out of necessity, never having made a cheesecake before. Her business has gained significant traction in a short time, causing her to sell out nearly every week before she even makes it to Saturday at the New Glasgow Farmers Market. Darrah engages her customers through her social media, having them vote on which flavours she creates each week, which has been hugely successful in growing a loyal following. 

Darren Stroud  

Darren Stroud has a diverse background in finance and leadership roles.  He began his professional career in 1999 with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP where he earned his Chartered Accountant designation.  Since public practice, Darren has gained valuable experience working across both government and private sectors.  Darren is currently VP Finance & Administration at J.J. MacKay Canada Limited, parent company of U.S. subsidiary MacKay Meters, Inc., where he oversees all financial and administration activities including contract negotiation.  Darren is a dedicated volunteer to his professional and local communities.   

Deanna Mohamed  

Deanna has worked in the field of education for 20 years, starting out as an African Nova Scotian Student Support Worker in New Glasgow schools. Deanna has been with NSCC for 15 years, as the Student Services Advisor and African Canadian Support at the Pictou Campus. In 2021, Deanna was seconded for a term with NSCC's Human Rights and Equity Services as an Equity Advisor. As a renowned facilitator and trainer, Deanna has shared her expertise in presenting on EDI topics like Africentric Approaches, Perspectives and Practice, Building an Equity and Inclusion Mindset for Organizational and Social Change, Islam 101, Leading and Lifting as you Climb, and African NS History and Heritage, to thousands of audience members. Deanna is also the co-founder and co-chair of the Black and African Canadian Student Services Professionals division with the Atlantic Association of Colleges and Universities (AACUSS), and volunteers on multiple boards locally and provincially.  

Nick MacGregor  

Nick is the General Manager and 3rd generation of family leadership at MacGregors Industrial Group; an industrial manufacturing, service and supply operation headquartered in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. As GM Nick oversees the daily operations of a business with operations across Atlantic Canada and into export markets with a staff exceeding 120 employees. 

As a life-long resident of Pictou County and with family ties to the area spanning back several generations, Nick is very passionate about his community and doing his part to help make Pictou County a better place to live, work and play. His past community experience include various leadership roles with the Kinsmen Club of New Glasgow, Pictou County Chamber of Commerce, and Junior Achievement of Nova Scotia. Currently, Nick sits on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Pictou County as well as the Pictou County Partnership. 

Nick resides in MacLellan’s Brook, Pictou County, with his wife Erin and son Owen. His hobbies include ATV’ing and anything outdoors related. 

Ian MacLean 

Ian MacLean retired from his Pictou-based real estate law practice in 2021. Throughout his career, he practiced real estate law across the province and was actively involved in developing and presenting continuing education and best practices initiatives. Since his retirement, Ian has been engaged in forestry and wind energy development. His motivation for joining the Board stems from a strong desire to see the area thrive economically, creating opportunities for young people and attracting newcomers. He is committed to reversing the trend of population decline and fostering economic growth in the community. 

Jarrod Thorne  

Jarrod Thorne is a seasoned finance professional currently serving as the Director of Finance at Sobeys, a prominent Canadian grocery retailer. With a strong educational background, Jarrod holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of New Brunswick (UNB) and a Master's in Business Administration from Saint Mary's University. He is also a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA), bringing a solid foundation in financial management and strategic planning to his role. 

Residing in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Jarrod enjoys a fulfilling family life with his wife and two sons. Beyond his professional commitments, he is actively engaged in community leadership. Since 2022, Jarrod has been a valued member of the Pictou County Partnership Board of Directors, where he assumed the role of Treasurer in 2024. This involvement underscores his dedication to contributing to the local community and leveraging his financial expertise for the greater good. 

Jarrod is passionate about driving financial excellence and fostering growth within his organization, leveraging his diverse skill set and experience to navigate complex financial landscapes effectively.