Join DHBC's Board of Directors!

Downtown Halifax Business Commission’s (DHBC) Board of Directors is a governance board, meant to oversee the organization at a strategic level, outlining and monitoring objectives, and providing financial oversight. DHBC’s Board oversees a $2 million budget and the CEO, and is comprised of 13 -15 members of the Downtown Halifax business community, as well as one Municipal representative. More information below. 

2023-2024 Board of Directors

Ashwin Kutty, Chair

President & CEO, WeUsThem Inc.

Marilisa Benigno, Vice Chair

President, Benigno Group of Companies

Erin Esiyok-Prime, Secretary Treasurer

Director of Marketing & Communications, Events East Group

Issmat Al‐Akhali, Member at Large

Owner/Operator, Granville Hall Student Residence & Cameo Hotel

Sanjeev Pushkarna, Member at Large

Director, Business Development, Nova Scotia Power

Christian Rankin, Past Chair

Co-Owner, Obladee Wine Bar

Trish Calder

Associate Partner, Barrington Consulting Group

Melissa Carey

Director of Restaurant Operations & Private Events, RCR Hospitality Group

Sally Christie

Chief of Staff, Halifax Regional Municipality

Kristan Hines

Senior VP of Corporate & Public Affairs, National PR

Raeesa Lalani

Artistic Director, Prismatic Arts Festival

Joyce Liu

Founder & CEO, Lumi Studios Media & Production

Joe McGuinness

Co-Owner, Legendary Hospitality Group

Blaise Morrison

Manager of Development & Planning, The Armour Group Limited

Jeff Ransome

General Manager, Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel

Help shape the future of Downtown Halifax!

This is a very exciting time for Downtown Halifax Business Commission as we are about to launch the Downtown Halifax Vision 2030, a report that will serve as a guide for current and new government officials and policymakers, assuring a bright future for Atlantic Canada’s capital city. We are also entering the second year of a three-year Strategic Plan.

DHBC’s Board currently has four vacant positions (commencing June 2024). 

Candidates are assessed by the DHBC Board and the Board Nominations Committee. If selected, you are encouraged to attend DHBC’s Annual General Meeting (late June 2024) to be voted in.

Although spots are limited, know that we keep a list of interested people for future years.

Time commitment:

  • A two-year commitment, which can be extended for an additional two years.
  • Regular board meetings are typically held five times/year on Wednesdays, usually around lunch, and can be hybrid, with some members logging in virtually from time-to-time. 
  • Board Members are required to sit on a committee (Advocacy, Executive, Finance, HR & Governance, IDEA, Marketing, Placemaking).
  • The overall time commitment, barring unforeseen circumstances, is 25-35 hours per year. 

To assure a strong mix of skill sets and diversity, the more we know about you, the better.

To express your interest in joining DHBC's Board of Directors, please complete the questionnaire below.

You will be contacted once your questionnaire is received to confirm eligibility and next steps.