SPEAKERS

annette VERSCHUREN

Chair & CEO, NRStor Inc.

Annette Verschuren is Chair and Chief Executive Officer of NRStor Inc., an energy storage development company. From 1996 to 2011, Ms. Verschuren was President of The Home Depot Canada where she oversaw the company's growth from 19 to 179 Canadian stores and led its entry into China. Prior to joining The Home Depot, Ms. Verschuren was President and co-owner of Michaels of Canada, a chain of arts and crafts stores. Previously, Ms. Verschuren was Vice President, Corporate Development of Imasco Ltd. and Executive Vice President of Canada Development Investment Corporation.

Ms. Verschuren is a director of Air Canada, Canadian Natural Resources Limited, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group and Saputo Inc., and is Chair of MaRS Discovery District and the Sustainable Development Technology Canada.

She serves as Chancellor of Cape Breton University and is a Board member of the CAMH Foundation. In 2011, Ms. Verschuren was made an Officer of the Order of Canada for her contribution to the retail industry and corporate social responsibility and is a member of the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. At the request of the Federal Government, Ms. Verschuren sits on the NAFTA Advisory Council Ms. Verschuren holds honorary doctorate degrees from nine universities including St. Francis Xavier University where she also earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

bRITTANY MASTROIANNI

Diversity & Outreach Specialist

A Nova Scotian by choice, Brittany began her career in the non-profit sector as a Project Manager in 2008 after completing an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario.

In 2011 Brittany transitioned to the co-op sector eventually holding the position of co-Managing Director at Just Us! Coffee Roasters Co-operative headquartered in Grand Pre, NS.

Most recently, Brittany has joined the team at the Municipality of the County of Kings as the Diversity & Outreach Specialist where she supports the organization and community in its mission of becoming a place where all people choose to be.

Because of a firm commitment to community and deep belief in the importance of giving back to a province which has given her so much, Brittany sits on a variety of boards where she shares her passion for good governance, social and economic justice, belonging and capacity building in both the private and public sector.

Both privately and professionally Brittany places great value on building healthy, sustainable organizations and communities welcoming of all people.

Brittany makes her home in beautiful Kings County, Nova Scotia where she lives with her family and golden retriever Mosby.

dARREN gALLOP

CEO, Securicy

Darren Gallop is a tech entrepreneur, information security expert, Techstars alumni, board member, and the CEO of Securicy. He co-founded Securicy and led the team to develop a SaaS product that guides businesses through creating, implementing, and managing their information security and privacy compliance program. Gallop previously co-founded Marcato and was CEO there for 10 years, until the successful event management software company was acquired by Patron Technology. He is fluent in English, French, and adept in Spanish. Gallop spends much of his non-work time playing music, fly fishing, canoeing, gardening and roasting coffee. He is from Nova Scotia, Canada.

DR. DAWN JUTLA

Founder & Co-CEO, Peer Ledger and Scotiabank Professor of TEI, Sobey School

Dr. Dawn Jutla is the polymath Founder and Co-CEO of Peer Ledger, a blockchain traceability company that produces sustainability proofs for products. She is an award-winning entrepreneur and researcher and is presently the Scotiabank Professor of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Sobey School of Business. She founded the Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MTEI) program at Saint Mary's University in 2012. She is co-author of a book entitled: e-Business Readiness: A Customer-Focused Framework and the author of dozens of peer-reviewed academic papers. In 2009 Dawn was a recipient of the World Technology Award in the software category for her work in online privacy. She has over 18 years of Board experience in US and Canadian not-for-profits.

ERIN BURY

Co-Founder & CEO, Willful

Erin is an entrepreneur, speaker, startup advisor, and former technology journalist. She is the co-founder and CEO at Willful, an online estate planning platform that makes it easy for Canadians to create a will in less than 20 minutes.

At Willful she’s responsible for driving the company’s mission to make it easier for Canadians to prepare for and deal with death in a digital age. She previously spent 6 years as Managing Director at Eighty-Eight, a Toronto-based creative communications agency that works with clients including Lyft, Telus, and Sony Pictures Television. She has also held senior roles at startup publication BetaKit and startup Sprouter, which was acquired by Postmedia in 2011.

Erin is a frequent speaker with Speakers’ Spotlight, and she has appeared in publications including The New York Times, Forbes, and CNN, and was named one of Marketing Magazine's top 30 Under 30 marketers. She is a board member at Save the Children Canada, and the co-chair of the #Tech4SickKids advisory council for SickKids. She is also an advisor to startups including Quill and Pawzy. Her claim to fame is being retweeted by Oprah - twice

ERIC FRY

President & Owner, Sandler Training

Eric Fry is President and Owner of Sandler Training Maritimes. Previously he worked for organizations including Xerox, Staples and ABM Integrated Solutions in a variety of Sales and Leadership roles throughout his career.

A native of Sydney, NS, Eric holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Saint Mary's University and has completed a variety of executive development programs involving Six Sigma quality management, problem solving, change management, high performance work teams, and IT applications.

Eric is a Board Member for Entrepreneurs Organization and has also held board roles for United Way, Junior Achievement, and Fall River Basketball.

FIONA KIRKPATRICK parsons

National Advisor, Deloitte Indigenous

Fiona is National Advisor / kā-nīkānīt* with Deloitte Indigenous, co-leading the firm’s Indigenous marketplace strategy and is a passionate champion of Deloitte Canada’s Reconciliation Action Plan, the first of its kind in corporate Canada.

She is a proud nehithaw-iskwew (Woodland Cree woman) and member of Lac La Ronge First Nation, Treaty 6, northern Saskatchewan, now based in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), on Mi’kmaq Territory, Nova Scotia. Prior to her current role, she led the marketing team for Deloitte’s Atlantic practice and spearheaded Deloitte Canada’s initial steps toward reconciliation, advocating for the establishment of the firm’s first of what would later become six Downie Wenjack Legacy Spaces. Fiona’s career spans four decades and two provinces, with leadership positions in the media, public, and private sectors. She has held roles as facilitator, manager, entrepreneur, writer, communications/marketing consultant, graphic designer, and mentor to entrepreneurs, as well as to Indigenous and international students.

She is the first female chair of the North American Indigenous Games, set to be the largest multi-sport and cultural event in Atlantic Canada’s history. A passionate community-builder and volunteer, she has also chaired the renowned Halifax Comedy Festival, was president, International Association of Business Communicators-Maritime Chapter, and has held director positions on several non-profit boards in both Halifax and Calgary. Atlantic Business Magazine named her as one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business (March/April 2021 issue).

*Translation: kā-nīkānīt means ‘the one in front’ in Cree

JEAN-PIERRE GIROUX

President, Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium

JP has extensive experience working with manufacturers across Canada and was the National Director of Skills and Talent Developments with EMC for six years, spending much of his time nurturing relationships with many EMC members and designing, developing, implementing & measuring their skills training programs.

JP has held positions of increasing responsibility with economic development, NGO, management consulting and manufacturing organizations throughout Canada. Beginning as an economic development officer in Canada’s Capital Region, JP has devoted the past 20+ years towards developing innovative workplace performance-based solutions for the Canadian manufacturing sector.

JP holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BAA) and a Master in Science (M.Sc.), specializing in Human Resources & Industrial Relations.

JAMES MCKENNA

President, Glenwood Kitchen Ltd.

James McKenna graduated with a business degree from Saint Francis Xavier University.

After working in the natural gas industry in Toronto James returned home to run the new family business Glenwood Kitchen Ltd. Glenwood manufactures custom cabinetry and has been in business for almost 50 years.

In 2005, James was finalist for Entrepreneur of the year award with Ernst & Young. In 2018 Glenwood won Chamber of commerce business of the year award.

James volunteers with numerous charities and was awarded the Paul Harris fellowship award. Recently, he was recognized by Junior Achievement Moncton as volunteer of the year and by NB literacy coalition for his corporate responsibility.

He is currently Chairmen of the YMCA foundation in Moncton.

karen campbell

Founder & Owner, Totally Raw Pet Food

Karen Campbell founded and owns Totally Raw Pet Food with her partner, Doug Malloy. Totally Raw was inspired by their German Shepperd Daisy, and for more than 20 years, Karen has been passionate about the benefits of raw, natural food for pets.

From its humble beginnings in 2003 at their farm in Brookfield, Karen and Doug have grown Totally Raw into a multi-million dollar business. Totally Raw has expanded to include 30 staff, two production facilities, and four retail locations in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Multiple national contracts see Totally Raw products on retail shelves across the country.

Totally Raw has been recognized with numerous awards, including Halifax Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year (2019); Nova Scotia Business Inc.’s Export Champion of the Year (2019); and the Canada Innovation & Entrepreneurship Awards of the Year (2020).

Karen holds an Honours Degree in Psychology from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax. She began her career with the Correctional Service of Canada, where she worked for thirteen years. Karen and Doug live in Halifax with their Cairn Terrier, MacGee.

LAUREL BROTEN

President & CEO, Nova Scotia Business Inc.

Laurel is the President and CEO of Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI), a crown corporation responsible for export development, business and film financing, and investment attraction for the Province of Nova Scotia. She is the first female to hold this position in the history of the organization. Since taking the helm in 2015, she has transformed it into an innovative client-centric model, attracting over 90 investments, increasing average export sales and the number of exporters, approving over 250 film funding commitments, and working with 160 businesses of diversity.

Having served in highly visible public leadership positions, Laurel’s background experiences include fiscal responsibility, economic inclusion, environmental sustainability, strong public services, and global connectivity. She is a seasoned executive, public policy expert, former senior Ontario Cabinet Minister, lawyer, legislator and advocate.

From 2013 to 2015, as President and CEO of Broten Public Policy International Inc., Laurel provided strategic advice on complex public policy challenges, change management and government transformation to clients in Canada and abroad, including conducting a comprehensive review of Nova Scotia’s taxes and regulations. Her recommendations, identified in Charting a Path for Growth, continue to have direct impact on the economic growth of Nova Scotia.
From 2003 until 2013, Laurel served in a number of senior roles in the Government of Ontario, including Minister of Education, Minister of Children and Youth Services, Minister of the Environment, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues, Vice-chair of Treasury Board/Management Board, and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier, to the Minister of Health and Long-term Care and to the Minister of Energy.

After graduating with distinction with her Juris Doctor from the University of Western Ontario, Laurel clerked at the Supreme Court of Canada for Madam Justice Claire L’Heureux-Dubé. Laurel then practiced as a commercial and civil litigation lawyer with three leading Canadian law firms until her election to government in 2003.

For more than 25 years, Laurel has driven positive change and real results in some of the most pressing and challenging areas facing our communities, notably: child poverty, children and youth mental health, the residential school legacy, bullying and homophobia in schools, domestic violence, sexual abuse, misogyny, climate change, environmental degradation, economic inclusion, and the sustainability of our public services.

Since moving to Nova Scotia, Laurel has engaged in communities across the region, as well as nationally, by serving as a director with several boards. She currently sits on the boards of the International Women’s Forum Canada – Atlantic, the Public Policy Forum of Canada, the Canada China Business Council, and the Prince’s Trust Canada.
Since 2019, Laurel has been a part-time lecturer with Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law, focused on law and public policy.

Laurel has been the recipient of several awards, including Atlantic Business Magazine’s Top 50 CEOs, Canada’s Most Powerful Women - CIBC Trailblazers and Trendsetters, the Women in Communication and Technology Gamechanger Award, and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Laurel, her husband, and twin teenaged sons live in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

lori kennedy

Co - Owner, Louisbourg Seafoods

Lori Kennedy has been the co-owner of Louisbourg Seafoods since the company’s inception in 1984. Her work with community, industry, tourism, academia and government has led to innovative corporate policies and procedures that govern how Louisbourg Seafoods operates within the Atlantic Canadian fishery.

As a former fisheries plant worker, Kennedy has a deep appreciation for the industry and she possesses skills that are a direct result of working in each facet of operations.

A graduate of Cape Breton University. Kennedy completed the Women’s Leadership Forum through Harvard Business School. She is a member of Women’s Presidents Organization – Atlantic Chapter, a non-profit 501 (c) (6) organization formed to improve business conditions for women entrepreneurs and to promote the acceptance and advancement of women entrepreneurs in all industry.

She participates on countless international trade missions to promote the understanding of the east coast fishery of Atlantic Canada and to secure long-term working relationships both at home and internationally as well as participating on various panels and speaking engagements. Kennedy is a respected community leader and philanthropist

marc babineau

LEAN Trainer, 6 sigma Black Belt, Advanced Manufacturing

Economic Development Officer for Advanced Manufacturing and Productivity (ACOA), Entrepreneur, Trainer and Life Coach; Marc lives his life in the service of others. Entrepreneur at the age of 13, it was clear that business was his field. He continued to explore the workplace gathering experiences in sales, management, and production. He has been in the field of economic development since 1992. This brought him to present day giving business counseling to entrepreneurs in New-Brunswick. Wishing to go further, he obtained a certification as trainer in productivity improvement, LEAN and Six sigma Black Belt, allowing him to contribute even more to the clients he supports.

Marc is a keynote speaker on setting and achieving goals and delivers public presentations on how to not take things personally which is the title of his upcoming book.

Marc is no stranger to volunteer work and continues to choose organizations in which he can be of service. He is in his 33rd year as an Auxiliary Constable with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and in this capacity has been highly decorated obtaining the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal as well as the Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal from the Governor General. He is also a certified therapy dog handler and forms a team with his dog Faith visiting people in need of interaction with animals.

For the last 25 years, Marc has focused his interest on aspects within individuals and companies which create the results they seek and how to access this full personal and business potential. Marc is married and father of three girls. He insists that they are his constant source of motivation and success model.

margaret schwartz

Outreach Coordinator, Youth Employment Programs Department, LAE

Margaret is a MSVU Public Relations graduate who helps employers and recent graduates access funding to create new jobs and meaningful career opportunities in Nova Scotia.

martin suter

Global Vice President, eB2B Marketplace

Currently the Global VP, eB2B Marketplace, based in New York. Previously the Head of China Digital eCommerce for AB InBev, based in Shanghai.

As a serial technology start-up guy, working for the world’s largest beverage company in this role is not intuitive at first glance. More used to raising venture capital, building high-growth businesses and sitting on the sell-side during M&A discussions, I have “start-up DNA”, but AB InBev offered the best of all worlds – the chance to work in a newly created group, ABI’s ZX Ventures organization, with the mandate to launch and build an eCommerce business in China with ABI as a single strategic investor. Treating the business as a high-growth start-up is a key part of the ZXV culture, with innovation, velocity and agility as key pillars.

Having started my career in Beijing in 1989, I have come full circle in this, my second tour of China. In between China stints, I have had front row seats at several technology inflection points, spending the mid-90's in Silicon Valley involved in the early Internet, SaaS and Cloud, the late-90's in Redmond, deeply embedded in Microsoft as it transitioned from a work group to enterprise player, laid the groundwork for “du”, a telecom company in Dubai, spent 10 years at the forefront of mobile broadband, rode the front edge of the enterprise social media wave, launched an eCommerce business in China, & am now building a global Marketplace business unit, helping to bring people together for a Better World.

matthew mackenzie

Owner & President, MacKenzie Atlantic Tool & Die

Matthew MacKenzie is an award winning entrepreneur who started his first business, MacKenzie Atlantic, 15 years ago – a company that has grown to become one of the most advanced precision CNC machining and advanced manufacturing companies in Atlantic Canada serving the marine, defense, aerospace, environmental and medical sectors. Employing more than 30 full-time employees in two facilities spanning 25,000 square feet, the company has recently brought on board two world-class automated robotic cells to increase its growth and export potential.

In 2016, Matthew launched MacKenzie Healthcare Technologies with his partner-in-crime – his writer, who’s also, arguably, his better half – to develop and bring to market the world’s first automated repositioning system for wheelchair users, Paraglide. Paraglide allows wheelchair users to reposition themselves safely at the touch of a button, without the need for caregiver assistance. Paraglide provides independence and dignity to users while eliminating the risk of repositioning-related injuries to their caregivers, benefits that will soon be felt in 21 long term care facilities across Nova Scotia through a pilot project. Paraglide has won pitch competitions and awards locally and internationally, most recently winning the Revolutionize conference competition in Boston against companies from Boston, New York, San Francisco and Tokyo. Impressing international judges, they were invited Japan to present Paraglide to the largest long term care facility in the country.

matthew martel

CEO, Black Business Initiative (BBI)

Mr. Martel is Chief Operating Officer at Black Business Initiative (BBI). Mr. Martel previously held roles at Halifax Regional Municipality and Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Management from Dalhousie University, followed by a Master’s degree in Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation from Saint Mary’s University Sobey School of Business, and is a Certified Project Management Professional. Mr. Martel serves on the Downtown Halifax Business Commission Board of Directors and is a Director of the Halifax Dance Board.

With an aptitude for strategic thinking and solving complex problems, Matthew enjoys working with groups to troubleshoot challenging issues; he leverages these skills to support his team and organization. Matthew’s ability to observe and to understand the contributions of different facets of a company allows him to effectively work with individuals and teams to innovate organizational processes.

Matthew is passionate about Canadian entrepreneurship, especially in working to foster and grow minority-led enterprises. He resonates with the saying that, “One moment can change a day, one day can change a life, and one life can change the world.” Matthew is proud that in his current profession, he can use his expertise to have a positive social and economic impact on the African Nova Scotian entrepreneurial experience and the Black business community.

Peter macaskill

Chief Operating Officer, Nova Scotia Business Inc.

Peter is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI), A lead business development agency for the Province of Nova Scotia. He is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and activities of the Corporation’s Regional Business Development, Export Development, Film & Television Financing and Digital Strategy.

Peter joined NSBI in 2002 after a decade of working with the TD Bank in Toronto. He brings over 25 years of bank operations and international business development experience to his leadership responsibilities.

Originally from Antigonish County and a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, he is remains dedicated to sharing his expertise and knowledge in the community. He currently volunteers with Symphony Nova Scotia, as Vice- Chair and member of the Executive Committee. He also mentors young professionals helping them to chart their path as they start their careers.

Peter is committed to continuous education, participating in leadership courses such as Rotman’s Executive Leadership Program and the Negotiation and Influencing Master Class at Dalhousie University.

Peter resides in Halifax, Nova Scotia with his wife, Nicole, and their four children: Noah, Liam, Erin and Emma.

ravi tangri, csp, cvp

CEO & Chief Rocket Scientist, Chrysalis Strategies Inc.

Ravi mastered complexity in his first career as a nuclear physicist. Most people over-complicate complex situations, but the secret is to find the simple pressure points where you apply only a little pressure and you change everything.

That’s the lens Ravi has used for over 30 years to help leaders innovate and lead their teams through turbulent times. Ravi helps you find the simple pressure points that enhance your leadership and your team’s effectiveness.

When Ravi says it’s not rocket science, you can believe him. He is a rocket scientist, after all.

saeed el-darahali, MBA, BSc, CHR

President & CEO, Simply Cast

Saeed El-Darahali, MBA, BSc, CHR, is the President and CEO of SimplyCast, a leading provider of, multi-channel, automated marketing services, which empower business of all sizes to create, manage, and track their own marketing campaigns.

Saeed is the driving force behind SimplyCast, which has grown to serve clients in over 175 countries. He has led SimplyCast to consistently strong year-over-year growth and many awards and accomplishments. Saeed has also led the team in the development of the one-of-a-kind emergency communication platform EmergHub.

Under his leadership, SimplyCast has been awarded the 2017 Consumer Choice Award for Digital Online Marketing, the Game Changer Award for Best Youth Employer (Medium Business) and two bronze 2016 Halifax Business Awards in the categories of Business of the Year, Innovative Business of the year, and Saeed himself was the 2016 bronze recipient of Business Person of the Year.

Saeed brings over 15 years of management experience, and a strong interest in strategic partnerships, corporate financing, strategic growth, operations, sales, and marketing management to his business and the IT industry. He holds a Masters of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, a Certificate of Human Resource Management and Minor in Economics, all from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Saeed’s involvement in the community includes SimplyCast’s many local sponsorships and his own personal volunteer work. Saeed is an advisor with the Federal Innovation Round Table through the Government of Canada, an alumni, coach, and supporter of Junior Achievement Nova Scotia, the
previous Chair of Youth Retention & Immigration for the OneNS Coalition, a member of the Advisory Committee for the Sobey School of Business and mentor for various organizations including The Canadian Youth Business Foundation and The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Network.

scott mccain

President, JSM Capital Corporation & Chairman, McCain Foods Limited

Scott McCain is a successful Canadian businessman with strong family and business roots in Atlantic Canada.

A native of Florenceville, New Brunswick, Scott is a highly regarded business leader who has held leadership roles across several industries.

From 1999 to 2014, Scott was President and Chief Operating Officer of the Agribusiness Group at Maple Leaf Foods Inc. From 1995 to 1999, he was Executive Vice President at Maple Leaf Foods. Prior to joining Maple Leaf Foods, Scott was Vice-President of Production at McCain Foods Limited. He first joined McCain Foods in 1978 and held progressively senior positions in manufacturing and operations.

Scott is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Saint John Major Junior Hockey Club Limited, a subsidiary of JSM Sports and owner of the 2011 Memorial Cup Champion Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

He is Chairman of McCain Foods, a director of SeaFort Capital Inc., a Canadian investment firm based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a director of the Margaret and Wallace McCain Family Foundation Inc.

Scott has been honorary Chair of both Bobby’s Hospice and the Canada +55 Games, winner of the 2018 National Sports Tourism Award. He has been actively involved with local charitable initiatives, including the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation and the Million Dollar Pledge. He is currently co-chair of the “More Room For Love” campaign for Ronald McDonald House Charities Atlantic. Scott has also been a supporter of Discover Saint John. Scott is also a proud alumnus of Mount Allison University from which he earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree.

SHAKIRA WEATHERDON

Director, Equity & Belonging, LAE

Shakira Weatherdon is a respected trainer with nearly a decade of experience in sexualized violence, equity and inclusion. She provides provide subject matter expertise and leads the implementation of equity-related programs and services with the Department of Labour and Advanced Education as the Director, Equity and Belonging.

Her passions include supporting organizations to create safer, more welcoming, and inclusive environments.

Shakira received her MA in Gender and Peacebuilding from the United Nations mandated University for Peace and her Honors Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Development Studies from the University of Toronto.

sheena russell

taste_of_ns_-_made_with_local_-_low_res_

Founder & CEO, Made with Local

Sheena Russell is founder and CEO of Made with Local, a Maritimes-based snack foods company that creates simple, nourishing foods with social impact, baked-in. Their Real Food Bars and Granola Bar Mixes are handmade at social enterprise production bakeries, using nourishing, real-food Canadian ingredients. Made with Local was started at a Halifax farmer's market in 2012 and now their Real Food Bars and Granola Bar Mixes can be found at over 1000 grocery stores across Canada!

sue siri

Founder & CEO, Iris Booth

Five years ago, I set out to disrupt the very industry that had been my livelihood for the past 30 years. I started my career as the first female press photographer to ever work in Nova Scotia and finished by owning a successful portrait studio in downtown Halifax. Throughout it all, I’ve always approached my career with an entrepreneurial independence.

I am the creator, founder and CEO of Iris Booth, the world’s first automated photography studio. Iris is so much more than a photo booth. We uses professional camera equipment, over 800 custom white balanced lights, helpful posing tips, and an intuitive user interface. Where once only executives could afford the cost of professional headshots, now anyone can have a career boosting profile photo.

Iris is now in its sixth year and gaining international attention. Our clients include the largest tech companies on the planet. We have locations in 7 countries, 3 continents and dozens of offices, schools and health care centers around the world. We’ve been booked with the World Economic Forum, Microsoft Inspire, Dell World Technologies, AdWeek and SXSW, to name just a few.

troy lenihan

Director of Continuous Improvement & Operations, Eden Valley Poultry

Troy Lenihan is the Director of Continuous Improvement & Operations at Eden Valley Poultry in Berwick, NS. Troy has been with Eden Valley since operations began in October 2012. He grew up in the Valley and now lives in Glenmont with his wife, Amanda, and their two boys.

Troy started his journey in the poultry business at the age of 21 with Eastern Protein Foods sanitation team and has been involved in the industry for the last 20 years. Along his journey Troy has taken on many new roles and challenges with Eastern Protein, ACA and now Eden Valley Poultry, all of which provided great learnings to Troy to support his current role. Troy has received his Lean Six Sigma black belt and is a graduate of the Queens Executive Program. He is passionate about putting his Lean Sigma learnings into practice to solve challenges both within the company and in everyday life.

Troy is also involved in the Nova Scotia soccer community both as a coach for the past 11 years and now as the current President of Valley United Soccer Club. He enjoys hiking waterfalls with his family as well as mountain biking.