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.
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.
Karen Blair
Karen is a former Executive Director of the Adult Learning Association of Cape Breton County, with decades of adult education experience. Over the years, Karen has worked with vulnerable populations in Nova Scotia, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. A Cape Bretoner by choice since 1999, Karen has carried her commitment to building stronger communities into volunteer service with several local, regional and provincial boards. Now retired, Karen enjoys spending time with her spouse on hiking trails and visiting their three adult daughters and grandchild.
Rany Ibrahim
Rany is a public servant, educator, and community leader with over 20 years of experience working across government, academia, and the nonprofit sector. He currently serves in a senior leadership role with the Government of Nova Scotia. He is also a part-time university professor at Dalhousie University, where he teaches graduate courses in business and public administration. Rany is passionate about digital equity, community development, and inclusive economic growth. He is excited to join GEO Nova Scotia’s Board of Directors to help advance digital inclusion for all Nova Scotians.
James Fraser
James is a seasoned technology professional with over 13 years of experience at Apple Canada, where he has worked in various roles focused on customer experience, technical support, team development, and business solutions. Known for his people-first approach and passion for innovation, James brings a strong foundation in technology and leadership to every role he takes on.
James lives in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia with his partner Justine and their two sons, Soloman and Auggie. He brings to GEO Nova Scotia a strong commitment to community engagement, digital literacy, and sustainable progress across the province
