CEO, Blue House Energy, St. Margaret’s Bay, Nova Scotia
Shawna has been working in the field of energy efficiency and housing since 1992. She was an active R2000 evaluator and inspector until 2001 and was one of first licensed EnerGuide for Houses evaluators in Canada. She is a co-founder and CEO of Blue House Energy providing interactive and comprehensive online education for trades, renovators, home building contractors and energy efficiency professionals. Shawna has been a pioneer in Net Zero Energy Home research and design and is a leading consultant on Deep Energy Retrofits. Shawna serves as the Chair of the Professional Development Committee.
Illsley Contracting Limited, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Robyn grew up in a “construction” family, working part time in the business from an early age and from the ground up. She graduated from Saint Mary’s University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree with double majors in finance and marketing. For a few years after graduation Robyn worked with a marketing company, a plumbing and electrical supplier and a land developer, gaining a wealth of experience in all sectors of the building industry. Hands-on building seemed to be her calling and she joined the family business Illsley Contracting in 2007. Robyn understands the importance of being involved in organizations that support the building industry.
G&I Smith Home Improvements, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Aundrea is passionate about home renovation and fulfilling her clients dreams for their home renovation projects. For more than 25 years, G&I Smith Home Improvements has focused on exceptional workmanship and excellent customer service in interior and exterior home renovations, home additions and condominium remodeling.
Faculty Instructor, Nova Scotia Community College, Burridge Campus, Nova Scotia
Born and raised in Digby N.S. Philip Jeffrey’s journey in the carpentry trade started in 2003, when he began his education at NSCC. Philip Successfully completed his apprenticeship training and in 2011, he went on to acquire his Red Seal Carpenter Accreditation. Having experienced working in all sectors of construction, including Commercial and Industrial, Philip is currently focused on the Residential Construction sector. Philip prides himself on being an industry expert in all areas of Residential Construction and states; “Being a rural area (like Digby), you need to be good at every aspect (of Residential Construction)”. Eager to share his experience, and passionate about the growth of the Housing Construction Sector, Philip has now stepped into a teaching role as well, with Aspire Atlantic and NSCC.
Better Plans by Shayne, Centreville, N.S.
Shayne has been active in the construction community in Nova Scotia since 2000. Experience has been gained through owning a contracting company for more than 15 years, project managing for a custom home builder, selling building materials to contractors, and currently by designing and drafting residential house plans. Many different certifications have been acquired along the way, most recently he completed the residential construction site management level three course. He has become well rounded in dealing with the many different faculties involved with taking an idea and turning it into the physical structures we call ‘home’.
CEO and Operator of Beloved Construction Inc., Stellarton, N.S.
Steven Pointon is the CEO and Operator of Beloved Construction Inc., a general contracting company specializing in efficient residential construction. Which is transitioning to Beloved Homes and Rentals with a new focus of construction of efficient and cost effect new homes for all. Born in England, moved to Canada at 4 and raised in Stellarton, NS. He tried multiple careers in business, as a bailiff, even on the oil patch but always came back to construction when looking for his next direction. Then realizing that maybe he should just stay with the industry he always returned to, he went back to NSCC and graduated with his Carpentry diploma with honours, then Creating Beloved Construction right out of college and challenging for his Red Seal Certification. Steven has always been an advocate for Carpentry to become a compulsory trade using his favor sayings “We are the first on site and the last to leave” and “The plumbing and wiring doesn’t hold up the roof”. He has operated Beloved Construction Inc for 14 years before making the move to committing on help people get on the property ladder and to get a safe and efficient roof over their head with Beloved Homes and Rental, committed to continually growing his skills, his voice for the trade and the people he serves. He still lives in Pictou County with his wife, children and soon to be grandchildren.
Executive Director, Mi’kmaw Economic Benefits Office
Alex Paul serves as the Executive Director of the Mi’kmaw Economic Benefits Office (MEBO). His role involves engaging with industry, government bodies, and Indigenous communities to foster relationships that drive policy and practice changes. These changes aim to enhance Indigenous participation in the Nova Scotia workforce and provide greater access to contract opportunities for Indigenous businesses. MEBO’s approach to labour force and economic development has led to the creation of hundreds of jobs and contracts opportunities across Nova Scotia. Alex has worked in Commercial Banking with Royal Band of Canada (RBC) and Ulnooweg Development Group. He has worked over 25 years in labour force and economic development with Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training and now with the Mi’kmaw Economic Benefits Office. Alex has served on many Boards in Nova Scotia including the NSCC Board of Governors, Develop Nova Scotia, Digital Nova Scotia, and most recently serving as Chair for New Dawn Enterprises Board of Directors. Alex has been recognized by CBC’s Cape Breton Leadership: The Next Generation, and he was recently awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of his significant contribution to community, region, and province.
Project Manager/Designer, Rice Renovations & Construction Inc., Bear River, N.S.
With over four years of experience in the non-profit sector, Brittany brings a unique blend of operational expertise, administrative coordination, and a deep-rooted commitment to community development. The expertise from her current role as the Project Manager/Designer for Rice Renovations & Construction Incorporated brings a variety of skillsets to the Board. Throughout her career, she has built strong therapeutic rapport with individuals, collaborated across sectors, and upheld a commitment to inclusivity and adaptability. She is passionate about contributing to strategic, community-centered initiatives that make a tangible difference. Brittany is motivated to continue this impactful work and looks forward to opportunities where she can support and shape inclusive growth across the province.
Director of Construction, FH Dveleopment Group Ltd., Halifax, N.S.
Amr Al-Hammadi is the Director of Construction at FH Development Group Ltd., a family-owned residential development company established in 2005 and based in Nova Scotia. He holds a professional engineering designation and an engineering degree from Dalhousie University. Since joining the company, Amr has overseen a wide range of residential and multi-unit projects, managing construction timelines, subcontractor coordination, and quality assurance from initial planning to final completion. In addition to his professional work, Amr is actively engaged in local community efforts and volunteers his time in various capacities to support youth and newcomer communities in Halifax.
Director of Human Resources, Dora Construction Ltd., Halifax, N.S.
With over 15 years of experience in Human Resources, Betsy is a dynamic and inclusive HR leader dedicated to building strong, diverse workplaces. As the Director of Human Resources at DORA Construction Ltd., she has led the company’s growth through innovative recruitment and immigration strategies. As a CEIA Certified Inclusive Leadership Specialist, she brings extensive expertise in strategic workforce planning, training program development, and Human Resources policy design. With a career spanning multiple industries, she has consistently led initiatives that advance equity, enhance employee engagement, and promote sustainable organizational growth. Her leadership is grounded in a commitment to inclusive excellence and long-term strategic impact.