Board of Directors

DR. MARY BLUECHARDT

Chairperson

Past President and Vice-Chancellor, Mount Saint Vincent University

Dr. Bluechardt has a long and entrenched history with Special Olympics going back to her role as a volunteer coach and professional researcher in Saskatchewan, leader for the development of our National Coach Certification Program Course, the VP Sport for Special Olympics Canada and so many key roles along the way for over 30 years.

GRAHAME COLEMAN

Vice Chairperson

Senior Account Executive, Eastlink

Grahame joined the Special Olympics Nova Scotia team in 2010 and brings a positive energy, business background and can do attitude to the initiatives we undertake. A key and consistent member of the SO Inspired Gala committee, our signature event, Grahame enjoys our SO athletes and is committed to making sure they have quality programs across Nova Scotia.

MICHAEL McCARTHER

Past Chairperson

President & CEO, Verge Technologies

Michael is a leader at all levels with roles as Region Coordinator, Provincial Games Organizing Committee and significant contributor on the 2018 National Summer Games organizing team. IT support for our new office, Motionball and the SO Inspired Gala are just some others. Michael has represented Canada as a Mission Staff at the 2015 SO World Summer Games in LA.

NATALIE WOODBURY

Secretary

Partner, BoyneClarke

Natalie has been a dedicated and passionate supporter of Special Olympics for many years, including serving as Board Chair. Natalie uses her professional acumen to assist in many aspects of SONS policy and organizational development and her sport background to ensure our focus remains on providing quality sport programs for athletes across the province. Natalie loves interacting directly with athletes and enjoys volunteering at our Provincial Games and various fundraising initiatives.

DAVID BOYD

Treasurer

Senior Vice President, Corporate Advisory & Restructuring, PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc.

David joined the Special Olympics NS Board in 2012 and is a supporter of our many events and fundraising activities. David enjoys volunteering at the Provincial Summer Games and brings his family for the entire weekend to volunteer and support our athletes.

DONNA HOAR

Director & PLC Rep

Vice President | Senior Project Manager, Grey Cardinal Management Inc.

Donna is the Chair for our โ€œPLCโ€ Provincial Leadership Council, representing Regional leaders across NS. She is Regional Coordinator for Special Olympics Dartmouth, an experienced coach, Mission Staff and Chef de Mission. Donna is a successful business
owner/operator and still managed to find time to represent NS at the past 2 Special Olympics National Games.

ERIN MAGEE

Director โ€“ Athlete Rep

Erin is a Special Olympic athlete 

TARA MILLER, K.C.

Director

Partner, MDW Law

Tara Miller has served two terms as Board Chair with over 20 years of volunteer service to the movement. Tara uses her passion and leadership in contributing to SONS governance, events and fundraising. Tara loves the weekends at Summer Games where she can connect with athletes and volunteers directly!

LORNA FLEMMING

Director

Manager, Business Analytics Department of National Defence

Lorna is a long serving Board member and Treasurer, utilizing her passion in many events including the SO Inspired Gala Auction for which she received the National Volunteer Award! A volunteer leader with Truck Convoy and Provincial Games, Lorna somehow also finds time to be a successful sailing competitor

TERRY RICHARDSON

Director

Branch Manager, Graybar Canada

Terry is a leader at all levels and recently presented the prestigious "Harry Red Foster" Award from Special Olympics Canada, showing his impact nationally. A vital leader of the 2018 GOC, SO Inspired Gala Committee, Summer Games teams and more. Terry does it all and has been dedicated to SONS since 1986.

ANA ALMEIDA

Director

Co-Host on CTV Morning Live, Bell Media

Ana is a true ambassador for Special Olympics and happy to use her TV celebrity to promote and celebrate our athletes and events. Ana is a regular on SONS Motionball team, a host at the Truck Convoy, medal presenter at Summer Games and our feature host for the SO Inspired Gala.

DAN LOMAS

Director

Financial Advisor, Desjardins Financial Security

Dan is past President of the Canadian Progress Club - Halifax, and always a strong advocate for Special Olympics as part of his busy volunteer life. Dan connects with athletes and has delivered remarks at the Provincial Games opening ceremonies and several occasions, as well as Chair of the Golf Tournament. 

HANNAH STIENBURG

Director

Hannah recently joined the Provincial Board in 2019, but had already demonstrated her leadership, enthusiasm and commitment to Special Olympics as the first Nova Scotia Event Director for MotionballU. The inaugural event at Saint Mary's University was very successful and a catalyst to other universities now hosting their own. Hannah connects regularly with our athletes and a great promoter of SONS on social media channels.

JAMIE MACDOUGALL

Director

Owner, Solucore Elevator Consulting Limited

Jamie is one of the longest serving board members and twice Board Chair. Jamie uses his business acumen and tenacity to promote the organization and steps up to support athletes at every opportunity. Jamie was the Chair for Bocce at the 2018 National Games and now known affectionately as "The Bocce King".

KATE BROWN

Director

Canadian Recruitment Manager, Michelin

Kate has been an important leader in the very beginning of delivering SONS youth programs and a regional coach for swimming and track. Kate's first-hand knowledge working with SO athletes, her enthusiasm for the organization and connection to Michelin are a valuable combination and offers an important perspective to board discussions.

MARY ANN CROWLEY

Director

Real Estate Broker/Owner, Real Time Realty

Mary Ann is a trail blazer both provincially and nationally in the sport of Figure Skating as the first coach from Canada to take Figure Skating to the World Games. Her coaching career is legendary with her athletes reaching World Games and top of the podium virtually every time. A former Regional Coordinator and board member since 2001, Mary Ann never loses focus on our athletes.


PHIL DIOCHON

Director

COO, Verge Technologies

Phil continues to show his value in stepping up to delivery quality programs for our athletes. A board member since 2015 he has served as sport chair at Provincial Games in several sports and a key member of the Sport Committee for the 2018 National Summer Games. A team captain for Motionball, a trained leader in developing our "ALP" Athlete Leadership Program and the current Jenga King.


DARRYL JOHNSON

Director

Community Outreach Worker and Stakeholders Relations Officer, PC Caucus

A graduate of Dalhousie University, Darryl is an avid supporter of community events, youth and sports. He has coached high school basketball for over 25 years, and has worked with youth in HRM for more than 30 years in areas of mental health, law and education. Darryl has run numerous social programs for the youth and seniors in marginalized communities, and we are thrilled to have his talents on the Special Olympics board.

ANDREW GRAHAM

Director

Senior Account Executive, Milk Moovement

Andrew first started as a Special Olympics track and field volunteer working with his brother, Patrick. He has worked with our team as a summer student and continues to leverage his large network to promote Special Olympics events and fundraising. Andrew enjoys recruiting his friends to volunteer at the Summer Games and unwinding at the victory dance. An athlete himself, Andrew understands the power of sport and brings his energy and enthusiasm to the Special Olympics board.

SCOTT FLEWELLING

Director

Vice President, COPC

Scott joined the SONS Board in 2016 and has two sons who are proud Special Olympics athletes in a variety of sports. Scott is a dedicated and talented volunteer coach with the SO Halifax Golf program and loves the opportunity to connect with athletes at sporting events, social and fundraising activities.

CRYSTAL ARCHIBALD

Director


TOM ANDERSON

Director

Executive Consultant, BrokerLink

Tom is the former CEO of ABC Insurance and recently began his retirement. Recruited to the SONS Board in 2008 he has Co-Chaired our SO Inspired Gala and volunteers at many events. Tom and his wife Connie are integral leaders at our Provincial Summer Games as they team up to organize and announce the prestigious medals for our athletes.

MICHAEL GREEK

Agent

CEO, Special Olympics Nova Scotia

Michael’s involvement began in 1990 as a volunteer coach, taking his team to the 1994 National and 1995 World Games before being hired as Program Director in 1999 and CEO since 2005. Playing and refereeing hockey, golf and boating are some pastimes enjoyed. Mike values his relationships with amazing volunteers/colleagues across NS and Canada.  Special Olympics has truly become a second family. Selected as Chef de Mission for Team Canada at the 2019 World Games in Aub Dhabi, he still finds ways to stay close with athletes.