The GEO Nova Scotia Board of Directors is dedicated to Digital Inclusion for all Nova Scotians, achieved through partnership and cooperation across sectors and across the province.
Karn Nichols (Co-Chair)
As a former Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association of Nova Scotia, Karn Nichols has a deep compassion for those facing mental health and addiction issues, and over 25 years of leadership experience in both the ‘for profit’ and ‘for impact’ sectors. A committed professional, who combines a broad range of leadership expertise and experience in human resources and operations disciplines, Karn is also a deeply committed volunteer.
Karn is the proud mother of Saya (New Zealand) and Ming (Halifax) and lives with her husband George in Hubley. When she is not working, she is running, hiking and travelling the world.
Kelsey Rioux (Co-Chair)
Kelsey Rioux is a Senior Manager in Ernst & Young’s People Consulting practice, specializing in Government and Public Sector transformation. She helps organizations navigate the People complexities of digital transformation as they seek to improve internal operations or to provide new and enhanced digital services to those they serve. Kelsey applies her expertise in Change and Talent Management to fulfill her passion of building lasting capability.
Kelsey lives in Halifax where she enjoys indoor rock climbing and strolling along the waterfront.
Tim Sullivan (Treasurer/ Secretary)
Tim Sullivan is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a tax and business advisory Manager at MNP, specializing in tax compliance and planning for private businesses and personal clients.
Tim lives in Hubbards and also sits on the board of LakeCity Works and the Halifax Estate Planning Council.
Lynne McCarron
Lynne McCarron has been the Executive Director of United Way Cape Breton since 2011. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a background in the non-profit community, she brings extensive experience of working with vulnerable populations.
Lynne is a wife of a teacher and mother of four sons. She has volunteered extensively within her community and is a strong proponent of the saying “It takes a village to raise a child”.
Hamza Munawar
Hamza is a change management and communications professional bringing a decade of experience supporting organizations meet their communication and business objectives. Through strategic thinking and the ability to combine date-driven research with the psychology of behaviour, Hamza is proficient in translating insights into creative executions and solutions. Hamza has worked with clients from small, nimble start-ups to household names, within the private and public sectors, and his cross-disciplinary experience allows him to seamlessly integrate into any team with positive results. Hamza’s unique leadership style, strategic thinking capacity and persistency run through all facets of life – at work and otherwise, solving problems, building capabilities and creating better outcomes.
Rhonda Robicheau
Rhonda has been working with NSCC for almost 20 years in various capacities, from Career Practitioner, Student Services Advisor to Assistant Registrar. Currently, working as the Adult Learning Program Counsellor, where she feels fortunate to help people transform their lives through education, learning and personal growth.
In her private counselling practice, she promotes a client- centered approach to change and the philosophy of connection and belonging is key.
Robert Patzelt
Robert Patzelt, Q.C., ICD.D is an executive and former business lawyer with over 35 years of experience in organizational leadership, operations, mergers and acquisitions and business development. A consultant assisting businesses navigate through challenging transitions as well as assisting organizations with their governance, Robert is also a board director for multiple organizations and an award-winning business leader with degrees in business, economics and law.
