Board of Directors 2023-2024

 

Robert Howlett - Canadian Cancer Society
President

Robert attended Memorial University of Newfoundland graduating from the Bachelor of Recreation program with a minor in Sociology. He moved to Nova Scotia in 2013 and has been a leader in a variety of community oriented and health care roles that has built his passion for inclusion and community development. He has supported volunteers and non profit management teams throughout his career with a focus on impacting community health. He currently works as the Innovation & Implementation Manager with the Canadian Cancer Society and also sits as the Co-Chair for the Landrace Community Garden Society.

 

Mark McIntosh - Nova Scotia Health
Vice President

Working in the for-impact sector since 1995, Mark has held various positions including management, operations, marketing and communications, fund development, and volunteer and community engagement.  In his current role as Community Engagement Manager with Phoenix Youth Programs he oversees volunteer and student engagement and experience . He holds a Certificate in Volunteer Management Leadership from Humber College and a Certificate in HR Standards for Non-Profit Organizations. Mark is a founding member of VMPNS and served as the Association’s inaugural President and remained on the Board of Directors until June 2020.

 

Kelsey Robson - Autism NS
Secretary

Kelsey attended Bishop’s University in Quebec and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology. The strong sense of community in Nova Scotia is what drew her back to her home province in June 2021 where she is eager to continue to build these relations. Kelsey has a background in providing programming for all ages which continues to drive her passion for helping people get involved and develop their sense of leadership. Kelsey works as the Labor Market Facilitator & Employment Works Program Facilitator. Kelsey currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Truro Saints Rugby Club. Outside of these activities, Kelsey can usually be found exploring the outdoors with her Boston Terrier.

 

Jeff Drover, CPA - Halifax Regional Municipality
Treasurer

Jeff is a CPA designated accountant who also holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Memorial University. He serves as the voluntary Treasurer on the board of a local not-for-profit daycare centre. Although he originally hails from Labrador, he now loves spending his free time exploring the beauty of Nova Scotia, especially strolling along beaches with his wife, toddler daughter, and French Bulldogs.

 
 

Emily Masse - Red Cross
Director-at-Large

Emily works for the Canadian Red Cross in the role of Senior Manager for Volunteer Experience and Engagement. There, she works closely with program coordinators and managers to support volunteer experience. Her whole career has been spent in the non-profit field working with volunteers; she has worked for 4-H PEI, 4-H Canada and the IWK and derives a lot of joy working with volunteers and colleagues on achieving shared objectives. Emily graduated from the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton. Her current volunteer activities include being a member of the Transition Team for Woodlawn United Church and an active member of a provincial political riding association. She lives in Dartmouth with her husband, toddler twins and dog, Wall-e.

 

Alyssa Melynk - Make a Wish Canada
Director-at-Large

Alyssa was born and raised in Tantallon, NS, and was active in sports and recreation throughout her whole childhood. She attended the University of New Brunswick and completed a Bachelor of Recreation Sports Studies and then went on to the University of Lethbridge to complete a Therapeutic Recreation Degree. She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. She has worked in settings such as Play Coaching, Tim Hortons Camp Foundation, The YMCA Center for Immigrant Programs, and St. John Ambulance. Her current position with Make a Wish Canada where she coordinates volunteers and supports various special projects. Her passion to positively impact people drives her work and lifestyle.

Daisy Cobden- Ronald McDonald House
Director-at-Large

Daisy is a Volunteer Manager at the Ronald McDonald House. She grows up in China in an orphanage for 11 years and understands the need for support and giving back to the community. Outside of work life, she is very passionate about sailing and dancing. 

 

Soroush Moghaddam- Nova Scotia Health
Director-at-Large

Soroush Moghaddam has five years of experience as a Volunteer Resources Consultant in the Eastern Zone of Nova Scotia Health. He has demonstrated robust leadership skills as the lead of the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Reconciliation, and Inclusion (EDIRA) working group in the Volunteer Services department and has played a pivotal role in successfully implementing Better Impact Volunteer Management Software within his department. With nearly two decades of experience in the world of Volunteers, and with thirteen years of experience in customer service, Soroush has exceptional communication skills, proving instrumental in fostering productive relationships and driving effective collaborations. Soroush is a pro-active listener and a conversationalist, always eager to gain insights and explore innovative ideas and suggestions.

Additionally, Soroush holds a master’s degree in philosophy and has a background in teaching Critical Thinking and Logic to 1st and 2nd year college students. Outside of work, Soroush enjoys reading, thought-provoking conversations, and exercising.  He enjoys a forward-thinking mindset and has an interest in leveraging technology to address common challenges. He places a strong emphasis on developing positive, welcoming, and safe environments for team members and volunteers.

Soroush is dedicated to bolstering the role of Volunteer Management within Nova Scotia, as well as modernizing processes and procedures. Soroush, with his unwavering commitment to excellence, aspires to drive forward transformative initiatives and fortify the current successes and achievements and the association.

 

Alex Cherry - North American Indigenous Games
Director-at-Large

Currently the Manager of Volunteer Services for the 2023 North American Indigenous Games, Alex strongly believes that art, sport, and cultural events can transform places, people and invite positive change and bring joy. You are likely to find her at various  community events and enjoying the outdoors. 

Past Presidents

We gratefully acknowledge and thank our past presidents for their hard work and leadership in advancing the mission of VMPNS.