Team

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...

Jarrod Thorne is a seasoned finance professional currently serving as the CFO for Nova Construction. 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...

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...

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...

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...

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 Camus. 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...

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...

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....