Jo Ann Fewer, Executive Director, Phone: (902) 893-0140

Jo Ann joined the Colchester Regional Development Agency as Executive Director in 2001. She has worked with community leaders and municipalities to create a strong, integrated economic development organization that aims to set the standard for economic growth in Atlantic Canada. The new mission for the agency, “to drive sustainable economic growth, creating healthy communities, prosperous business, and opportunity for our citizens”, is the criteria by which all growth opportunities are measured and all customers are served.

Prior to joining CoRDA, Jo Ann had over a decade of experience in community economic development in the Halifax Regional Municipality and Southern Newfoundland. Her strength is in her ability to bring people together, create a vision and develop and implement strategies to realize that vision. There are no obstacles, only opportunities that have not yet been realized.

Jo Ann also manages the Debert Business Park, a former military base that is rapidly converting to a growing business park.

A mother of two very active boys, she spends most of her spare time with her husband at the rink or soccer field as a dedicated fan!

Greg Brown, Director of Industrial Development, Phone: (902) 890-9139

Greg came to CoRDA in January of 2004 and is responsible for marketing Colchester for investment and the development of the Region’s Business Parks. A former Executive Director of the Eastern Shore Development Commission and the founding general manager of the Halifax Regional Development Agency, Greg has been involved in economic development in Nova Scotia since 1989. Greg holds a Commerce degree from Dalhousie University. His professional background includes development consulting, business counseling, export development, industrial park development, investment promotion, regional planning and marketing.

Charles Brennan - Grounds Maintenance Supervisor, Phone: (902) 890-6725

Charles Brennan was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia as well as Toronto, Ontario. During his school days he was active in many school sporting activities which later carried over to his young adult days.

He moved to Colchester County with his wife and son in 1992, where he took up residence in Economy, Nova Scotia. While residing in Economy, he worked for the Central Nova Tourist Association which earned him a Super Host Award.

In the summer of 1997 he became employed with the Colchester Park Development Society as the Lead Hand. At the end of the summer he moved into the former Camp Debert and took up residence in one of the vacant houses with his family.

He is still employed at Colchester Park and has very much enjoyed seeing and participating in the day to day operation of running the park. He has also enjoyed taking part in the transitional period of rental properties to property owners, both as an employee of CoRDA and as a new home owner himself.

Terry Hearn, Business Development Coordinator, Phone: (902) 893-1304

Terry has been assisting individuals who are interested in starting or have started small businesses throughout Colchester County since 1995. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration from St. Francis Xavier University and has continued her professional development since earning her degree. Terry is currently enrolled in the APEC-IBIZ Training and Certification Program for Small Business Counsellors.

Terry delivers Service Canada’s Self-Employment Benefit Program, for Colchester County, working closely with referrals from CareerWorksNova in Truro and Open Doors in Tatamagouche. As a member of CoRDA’s business team, Terry also works with other business development agencies and community partners including Colchester's Community Business Development Corporation - Northern Opportunities for Business (NOBL), Truro and District Chamber of Commerce, The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) including their Women In Business Initiative and Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI). Terry is a member of the marketing committee for the Central Nova Tourism Association.

Cathy Parker, Operations Manager, Phone: (902) 893-0140

Cathy Parker has just joined the team at CoRDA as full time Operations Manager. Through her recent position at Grant Thornton LLP, Cathy has been involved with CoRDA for three years before starting her position with CoRDA in February 2002. She strongly believes in CoRDA’s mandate to encourage and support economic development in the Colchester area. She looks forward to being on their winning team as she works to create a smoother process for in-house operations.

Cathy is very well educated in the accounting field and has brought with her fifteen years experience working in this field, which is a strong attribute for CoRDA. Cathy is now enrolled in St. Mary’s University where she has completed a course in Human Resource Management, A Strategic Approach, and is now working towards achieving a certificate in Human Resource Management. Although Cathy’s spare time is limited, a priority in Cathy’s life is spending time with her family.

CoRDA is pleased to welcome Cathy aboard, and is confident that she can help in a big way to keep their ‘house’ in order!

Kim Frizzell - Administrative Assistant, Phone: (902) 893-0140

Kim Frizzell came to Colchester Regional Development Agency in mid September 2004. She brings with her training in Office Information Technology and the Human Services and over ten years experience in the voluntary, not-for-profit sector.

Susan Cameron - Finance Administrator, Phone: (902) 895-7641

Susan obtained the position of Finance Administrator in April 2006 when the transfer went through between CPDS (Colchester Park Development Society) and CoRDA (Colchester Regional Development Agency).  She brings with her 12 years experience in accounting along with administrative duties. Susan received her Accounting Diploma through Success Business College and has also taken year one of the Economic Developers Association of Canada course offered through the University of Waterloo. As a life long resident of Upper Stewiacke, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Anna Parks - Director of Community Economic Development - Phone: (902) 893-6906

Anna Parks provides community economic development support to local communities throughout the Colchester region. Currently, Anna is CoRDA’s resource person working with the Tatamagouche Creamery Square Project, Upper Stewiacke Community Development Strategy and Action Plan, North Shore Community Development Association, Bass River Heritage Museum, Wild Blueberry Harvest Festival Co-op and Colchester Adult Learning Association.

Anna is also responsible for facilitating, in collaboration with building developers, rental managers, service providers and local interest groups the creation and implementation of an affordable housing plan for Colchester region.

Email Margot

Margot Bégin-Gillis, Director of Communications and People Development Phone: (902) 897-1029

Margot Bégin-Gillis joined CoRDA in March 2003 as the Youth Employment and Retention Project Coordinator. As Director of Communications and People Development her role has expanded to include the development of a number of other ‘people development’ initiatives related to the attraction and retention of newcomers to the region. She is also involved in Workforce Development initiatives that seek to meet the needs of our growing business community while ensuring that all citizens of Colchester have the necessary skills and opportunities to connect with meaningful employment.

Margot has a background in Economics from Acadia University, a Certificate in Arts Management from Seneca College and since beginning with CoRDA, has attained a Certificate in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo and looks forward to further study and professional development in this field.

Kelly Nauss - Make Way for Youth Migration Officer, Phone: (902) 895-0578

Kelly joined the Colchester Regional Development Agency in summer 2004 under a youth internship program as the CAP and IT Coordinator. In April 2006 she began her new position as Make Way for Youth Migration Officer. Kelly’s main responsibilities are to enhance awareness of employment, entrepreneurial, educational and recreational opportunities in the Colchester Region among youth.

Kelly has been a life long resident of Colchester County leaving briefly when she attended Dalhousie University receiving a Bachelor of Science major in mathematics. She is a Junior Chamber International member and participates in the Economics of Staying in School (ESIS) Junior Achievement program.

Lisa Redmond - Administrative Assistant, Phone: (902) 657-3811

Lisa joined Colchester Regional Development Agency July 2004. She works part time as an Administrative Assistant in their Tatamagouche Office. Under the CoRDA umbrella she also provides administrative services for North Shore Community Development Association & the C@P Committee.

Lisa was born and raised in Colchester County, and now resides in River John with her husband and 2 girls. She became a board member for Open Doors Career Resource Centre in June 2004, she enjoys working with non profit organizations in her community.

Lisa is in the process of implementing a Business Resource Centre along with providing clients the information that they need to start a small business, then setting up appointments with the appropriate people at CoRDA, so they can continue their dream.  

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