2024 Conference & AGM

Shawna Larade

Shawna Larade is a Partner at Davis Pier with 15 years of experience working in the public sector. She co-leads the firm’s Healthcare Practice and is passionate about driving positive change in the public sector. Specializing in transformational management consulting, Shawna leans into her experience and knowledge in both project management and change management to support organizations in streamlining operations, enhancing efficiencies, and elevating service delivery approaches using tools like human-centered design. She leverages data-driven insights to design solutions that enhance efficiency and drive sustainable growth. In all her projects and engagements, Shawna is committed to fostering inclusivity, collaboration, and a culture of continuous improvement.

Shawna holds a Bachelor of Science from Bob Jones University, focused in Operations Management, and a Masters of Business Administration from Dalhousie University. She has her PMP designation and is PROSCI certified.

Evan Bunkis

Evan is an Associate at Davis Pier, who brings a strong analytical and collaborative skillset to his projects, which has been developed throughout his work with government, academia, and involvement in local NPOs. This includes direct skills in strategic planning, policy development, detailed procurement strategies, and project management. Throughout his work and studies, Evan has gained demonstrated experience in providing client-specific solutions within the Disability and Accessibility field. Being focused on person-first approaches, policy development and implementation, and team growth strategies, Evan’s primary objective throughout his work is to contribute to developing a more inclusive Nova Scotia.

Megan Macpherson

Megan Macpherson (she/her) is an Analyst at Davis Pier with a background in public administration, health policy, public sector procurement, emergency management, and engagement. Megan has experience coordinating Davis Pier’s end-to-end proposal process, employing skills in process analysis and improvement, interdisciplinary facilitation, business development, and client management. Her project experience spans public health, climate and energy, and community services. Her collaborative approach helps her to establish strong relationships, build momentum towards a goal, and deliver results.

Noella Martin

Noella is well-known to members of the Continuing Care Association of Nova Scotia. She has been working with CCANS (and Associated Homes for Special Care before that!), for about 30 years.

Noella practices primarily labour and employment law at Burchell Wickwire Bryson. Burchell Wickwire Bryson is a new firm created when three firms joined forces, including Wickwire Holm where Noella previously practiced. Noella has advised homes for special care on a variety of issues, including employment issues, resident care concerns, Board governance and more.

Noella received her law degree from Dalhousie Law School and has a Masters in Industrial Relations from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.

Benjie Nycum

MRAIC, NSAA, AANB, NLAA, AAPEI, PMP
CEO, Nycum & Associates
Adjunct Professor, Dalhousie University

Benjie is an architect who leads Nycum + Associates, an architecture, planning and project management firm in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with a focus on public institutions. Benjie teaches at Dalhousie School of Architecture, the Dalhousie School of Health Administration and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Syllabus Program. He has led many Strategic, Culture Change, and DEI initiatives in the Health and Not-for-Profit sectors. He is the author of The XY Survival Guide and co-produced JIM IN BOLD, a full-length documentary about youth suicide and resilience. He is an advisor to the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce 2SLGBTQI+ National Entrepreneurship Program. He serves on the Boards of The Nova Scotia Centre on Aging, The Canadian Museum for Human Rights and Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

Lori Anne Jones

Lori Anne Jones is the President/CEO for SHIFT Strategies – Change Consulting. She is a seasoned change strategist with over 20+ years of experience in organizational capacity building and strategic growth.  Over the last two decades, Lori Anne has successfully worked with clients and companies within private, public and non-profit sectors to solve complex problems, build leadership and team resilience, and translate transformation vision to operational reality.  

Lori Anne holds a BAhons from Mount Saint Vincent University, (triple major – Sociology, English and Political Science) and holds a master in public administration (MPA) from Dalhousie University.  She is Prosci certified as well as being a certified comprehensive coach practicing for the over 15 years.

Some of SHIFT’s clients include the Province of Nova Scotia (Health Transformation Office – Access and Flow), the Mass Casualty Commission(Project and Change Management), Nova Scotia Health (Change Readiness – Acute Care and LTC facilities), IWK (Indigenous Health Strategy), the Museum of Human Rights (Strategic Planning) , the Council on Admission and Transfer for Nova Scotia (CATNS) (Strategic Planning), and a number of community organizations such as, the United African Women’s Association (capacity building – governance, policy and operational modeling) Dartmouth Adult Services Centre (strategic planning),  Phoenix Youth(strategic planning), and Autism Nova Scotia (program development and evaluation).

Lori Anne’s also holds a deep passion for creating space for women to expand and realize their growth potential.  She has a developed a trademarked growth program for women called the Wisdom Well and holds local and international “Becoming” retreats to support women realizing their respective growth goals though powerful in person experiences.