As the Communications Officer, Alana is responsible for the Foundation’s communication activities, including media and stakeholder relations, and corporate communications, including maintaining the Foundation’s web presence.

Alana brings a range of communications and public policy experience to her role with the NSHRF. She recently worked in London, England, as an account manager at a communications agency. Also, in London, she provided strategic communications advice, media relations and internal communications for several tiers of government. Alana also worked for Health Canada in Ottawa developing environmental health policy.

Alana has a Bachelor of Public Relations and Certificate in Marketing from Mount Saint Vincent University.

Meredith Campbell
Director of Programs

As the Director of Programs, Meredith oversees the NSHRF’s programs and special projects. She works collaboratively with program managers to enhance operations and to actively engage health researchers in the development of a vibrant health research enterprise for Nova Scotia.

Meredith has worked in the health field for close to twenty years with her experience spanning research, program administration, and policy development. She possesses a Master of Arts in International Development Studies from Saint Mary's University and has gained significant international experience managing projects while working in Vietnam and West Africa. She has worked for key health-related organizations, including the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, Heart Health Nova Scotia, and the Lung Association of Nova Scotia. While at the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, she planned, directed, implemented and evaluated a province-wide program providing health leadership training and development to family resource centres and clients. This project, known as Leaders Among Us, was recognized by both the Ontario Heart Health Research Centre and Health Canada as a best-practice model for hearth health promotion.

Nancy Carter
Director, Evaluation Services

As Director, Evaluation Services, Nancy works provides guidance and advice to catalyze evaluation initiatives for Nova Scotia’s health system. Her role is to facilitate the collection and use of information and knowledge for assessment and decision making purposes within the health system.

Nancy holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Behaviour and Human Resource Management from the University of Torontos Rotman School of Management, as well as a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters of Applied Social Psychology from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Nancys doctoral dissertation work investigated workers experience of performing necessary evils in the workplace. Other broad research interests include ethical issues in organizations, organizational evaluation processes, evidence-based/informed decision making, organizational culture, and knowledge use and dissemination in organizations.

Prior to pursuing doctoral studies she worked as an evaluation and research consultant in Atlantic Canada. Her theoretical knowledge gained through formal education combined with practical experience as a consultant, has given Nancy considerable expertise in applied social science research methods as well as evaluation-specific processes and tools. She has had her work published in a peer-reviewed journal, presented at national and international conferences, and has lectured in the areas of research methods, organizational strategy and theory, human resource management, and negotiations at University of Toronto.

Rob Chatwin
Manager, Performance Accountability and Evaluation

As the Manager, Performance Accountability and Evaluation, Rob oversees the Foundation’s efforts to assess, document and communicate its performance to stakeholders. In addition, he is responsible to facilitate the evaluation of programs and services provided by the NSHRF.

Rob joins to the Foundation with over 30 years of experience in health and human service organizations at the community, regional, provincial and national levels in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario. Prior to joining the Foundation, Rob worked for the Public Health Agency of Canada – Community Acquired Infections where his work focused on evaluation, performance measurement, monitoring and planning. During his time in Alberta, as Director of Accountability and Planning, Rob led a team developing an information system for performance measurement, planning and evaluation of community mental health services.

Rob has a Master’s Degree in Social Work and is currently enrolled to become a Credentialed Evaluator with the Canadian Evaluation Society. He is a member of the Nova Scotia Association of Social Workers, The Canadian College of Health Leads and Canadian and American Evaluation Societies.

Colleen Clattenburg
Corporate Assistant

As the Corporate Assistant, Colleen is the Assistant to the CEO and provides administrative support to the Board of Directors and the Research Advisory Committee. She was instrumental in the development of application information for the very first call for funding.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Colleen held administrative support positions in other organizations including: the Institute of Public Affairs at Dalhousie University; the Research Development and Continuing Education Department and the Nursing Research Department at the QEII Health Sciences Centre. Colleen is an inaugural member to the NSHRF’s Decade Club.

Krista Connell
Chief Executive Officer

As the Chief Executive Officer for the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation (NSHRF), Krista is responsible for providing the leadership and professional guidance necessary for the NSHRF to attain its mandate of improving the health of Nova Scotians through health research.

Krista works collaboratively with the NSHRF Board of Directors and its many stakeholders to support increased research activity and capacity in Nova Scotia. She acts as a knowledge broker in facilitating the use of health research results in health-system decision making and is the NSHRF key spokesperson with many audiences including the media. She leads, and is responsible for, outreach to the research community and users of health research in the broadest sense.

In addition to working within Nova Scotia, Krista also champions health research initiatives nationally and internationally. Krista regularly serves on external review committees for other health research-related organizations and is a member of various boards and working groups including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) President’s Advisory Board for Patient-Orientated Research and Trials, CIHR’s Institute of Health Services and Policy Research’s Institute Advisory Board, and the Canadian Cochrane Network Centre Advisory Board. Krista is also a founding member of NAPHRO (National Alliance of Provincial Health Research Organizations) and served as a co-chair from 2004 to 2006 and from 2008 to 2009.

Due to her extensive experience working in the many facets of health, Krista is regularly called upon to speak at national and international events regarding the role of health research in supporting evidence-informed decision making and the many benefits of health research.

Before progressing to her current role as CEO, Krista held various positions in the health sector evolving from a practicing physiotherapist in a clinical setting in Alberta and Nova Scotia to a program manager responsible for administering health care benefits at the Workers’ Compensation Board in Nova Scotia. Krista has also taught at the university level and currently enjoys an Adjunct Appointment in the Faculty of Health Professions at Dalhousie University.

Krista Connell holds a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy from Dalhousie University and a Master of Health Services Administration from the University of Alberta. She has also completed the Province of Nova Scotia’s Executive Leadership Development Program.

In her spare time, Krista enjoys spending time with her family, working with her hands as a potter, and supporting Bide Awhile Animal Shelter.

George Collier
Manager, Knowledge Programs

As the Manager, Knowledge Programs, George oversees the Foundation’s Knowledge Program initiatives which include developing programs that increase knowledge transfer and exchange activities throughout the health system in Nova Scotia. He also works with a broad group of stakeholders including the research community, government, health practitioners and community organizations to support the transfer, exchange and application of knowledge and in the generation of new research ideas.

George comes to NSHRF from the Public Health Agency of Canada where he served as a senior communications advisor during the H1N1 pandemic. George also brings to NSHRF several years experience in the areas of corporate communications, government relations and strategic planning with organizations such as Export Development Canada, the Secretary of State for Science, Research and Development and Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Capital District Health Authority and Saint Mary’s University.

George has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Saint Mary’s University.

Marie Deveau
Office Administrator

As the Office Administrator, Marie reports to the Chief Financial Officer. She is responsible for the smooth day-to-day running of the organization. Marie provides administrative support to the Program Managers, CFO, and Directors. For many, Marie is the first introduction to the NSHRF.

Marie has worked for a number of organizations in the province including Nortel Networks, Baxter Dairy and Maritime Life Assurance Company. With Nortel Networks she served as a Customer Service Representative/Order Account Manager, a position she held for 19 years.

Vanessa Fitzgerald
Data Analyst

As the Foundation's Data Analyst, Vanessa is responsible for the running of existing, standardized queries and reports, development of new queries and reports - which involves finding new sources of data and information, electronically mining/extracting the information, and creating new/ad hoc multi-dimensional reports. Vanessa also works with the Database and Systems Coordinator (SC) to help maintain data quality and sharing of information.

Vanessa has completed internships at Dalhousie University and Pictou County Health Authority. She holds a Bachelor of Informatics, major in Health Informatics, from Dalhousie University

Julie Horne
Financial Administrator

As Financial Administrator, Julie reports to the Chief Financial Officer. She is responsible for the day to day financial and administrative functions of the Foundation.

Prior to joining NSHRF, Julie worked at Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette as a Senior Accountant and at the IWK Health Centre as a Senior Accounting Clerk. She is also a certified customs specialist for her family run business in New Brunswick, A.E. Horne & Son Ltd.

Julie has a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a Major in Accounting from Saint Mary’s University and looks to continue her education with an Accounting Designation.

Deborah Langille
Director of Performance Accountability

As the Director of Performance Accountability, Deborah is responsible for assessing, documenting, and communicating the performance of the NSHRF. This includes overseeing the evaluation and monitoring of all programs and related activities and the development and monitoring of performance indicators. She is also involved in conducting environmental scans and developing strategic plans for the organization. Deborah is responsible for documenting the impact and value of health research in the province and communicating this to NSHRF constituents and the general public.

She is working with provincial and national organizations and ad hoc initiatives to develop a common health research impact framework, to measure the value of the investment in health research, and to promote the use of research. She recently completed her role of Secretariat for the National Alliance of Provincial Health Research Organization (NAPHRO) and is a member of the NAPHRO Impact Analysis Group.

Prior to joining NSHRF, Deborah was the Acting Director of the Health Services and the Manager, Health Care Quality with the Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia. In these roles, she developed, implemented, and evaluated strategies to ensure quality health care was provided to injured workers and she helped to develop the Health Services Department’s strategic plan.

Deborah has a Bachelor of Science (Biology), a Bachelor of Education in Science and a Masters in Adult Education, from Dalhousie University. She completed the Executive Leadership Development Course (Public Service Commission) in 2009 and in 2004 completed the Strategic Management and What the Non-Financial Manager Needs to Know About Financial and Managerial Accounting Executive/Professional Development Courses from York University/Saint Mary’s University.

Jennifer McNutt
Manager, Research Programs

As the Manager, Research Programs, Jennifer oversees the annual research competition including Establishment Grants, Development/Innovative Grants and funding to support research trainees as well as partnership opportunities related to knowledge creation. She is also responsible for the peer review process of the research competition and administration of grant funds.

Before joining the Foundation, Jennifer worked for River Valley Health in Fredericton, New Brunswick. As a Physiotherapist she contributed to making both the external and internal communities within River Valley Health healthier places to live, learn, work and play - sharing her time among the Physiotherapy Department at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital; the Community Health Program, as a team member in the Community Health Centers in Minto and Doaktown; and with River Valley Health's Healthy Workplace Initiative, as its Special Projects Coordinator.

She also has worked with various community groups and associations such as the Atlantic Cardiac Rehab Network, Arthritis Society of Canada, Parkinson Society of Canada, Osteoporosis Canada and Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

Jennifer has a Master of Applied Science in Biomedical Engineering from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy) from Dalhousie University.

Leslie Power
Manager, Research Enterprise Development Initiatives (REDI)

As the Manager, REDI, Leslie oversees the Competitive Capacity Grants, Research Capacity Awards and the offering for support to the health research community through workshops and other initiatives. Leslie is also responsible for the development of new programs and initiatives that will increase research capacity in Nova Scotia.

Before joining the NSHRF Leslie was the Atlantic Regional Manager for Ovarian Cancer Canada. There she spearheaded stakeholder collaborations, managed multiple programs within the region and was actively involved in national program development. Leslie also brings international health experience from her time working in Lesotho, Africa, where she managed health education and gender equity initiatives. She has also worked locally with organizations such as the YMCA, Phoenix Youth Programs, and Canadian Forces.

Leslie holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion from Dalhousie University, Certificate in Business Administration from Memorial University, Diploma in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University and is currently completing her Master of Public Health at the University of Waterloo.

Marian Ritcey
Corporate Assistant

As the Corporate Assistant, Marian is the assistant to the CEO and provides administrative support to the Board of Directors and the Research Advisory Committee.

Prior to joining the NSHRF, Marian was employed by Gambling Awareness Nova Scotia (GANS) for five years as the Administration Coordinator. Before joining GANS, Marian’s honed her administrative skills in roles at the former T. Eaton Company Ltd, Northwood Homecare and with the Girl Guides of Canada, Nova Scotia Council. She brings over 19 years experience in Human Resource and Office and Retail Management from those positions.

Marian has a Bachelor of Arts from Acadia University.

Eric Rushton
Chief Financial Officer

As the Foundation’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Eric reports to the Chief Executive Officer. He is responsible for enhancing the financial management and accountability within the NSHRF; ensuring the timely preparation and management of all budget and financial related activities, as well as assuming responsibility for ongoing administrative policies and procedures to ensure smooth operations of the NSHRF.

Prior to joining the Foundation Eric owned his own accounting/consulting, firm Eric Rushton and Associates. His client base ranged from small to medium sized businesses, not-for-profit and charity based organizations.

Eric also has experience in health care delivery. Early in his career, he was a licensed denturist and owned his own denture clinic on the South Shore of Nova Scotia as well as managing a denture clinic in Dartmouth.

He is a Certified Management Account and a current member of CMA Nova Scotia, Past Secretary-Treasurer of the Nova Scotia chapter of the Business Networking International (BNI) and Past Vice-President of the N.S. Denturist Society. Eric is also a fifth degree Martial Arts black belt and been inducted into two Martial Arts Halls Fame.

Shawn Ward
Database & Systems Coordinator

As the Database & Systems Coordinator, Shawn reports to the Director, Performance Accountability. He is responsible for maintaining the Foundations Database and all web-based applications including the Electronic Grants Management System. He will be a leader in the implementation of the Canada Common CV initiative, development of a Provincial Researcher Directory and an Electronic Grants Management System for the Foundation.

Previous to working at NSHRF, Shawn worked as a Technical Analyst for the Nova Scotia Barristers Society and a Business Analyst for Medavie Blue Cross. Shawn has a Graduate Diploma in Applied Information Technology from ITI.

Linda Waterhouse
Program Assistant

As the Program Assistant, Linda is responsible for providing ongoing support for workshops as well as Capacity and Knowledge Transfer program initiatives involving the Nova Scotia health research community. In this role, Linda liaises with national, provincial and local health organizations to seek out opportunities to partner on workshop delivery and other projects.

In addition, Linda has extensive experience in event planning. She is a current member of the Operations Committee for the annual IWK Telethon where she is in charge of coordinating telethon volunteers. She also worked for years as an Event Planner for Zedevents where she was responsible for the complete logistical planning of various conferences and events

About NSHRF

Staff