The DHBC team is a small and mighty group that works on behalf of its members and the Board of Directors.
Our Team
DHBC Staff
Paul MacKinnon
Chief Executive Officer
Paul (or @Downtownpaul as he’s known on Twitter) is the voice for all things Downtown Halifax. He is a passionate advocate for the need to make the right decisions and investments in Downtown, so that it can continue in its role as the economic, cultural, artistic, historic, and entertainment hub of the city and province. He leads the talented and dynamic team at DHBC.
Paul’s favourite thing about Downtown:
The historic British colonial street pattern, established in 1749, means that I am never more than a short block or two from the nearest donair.
Phone:
(902) 423-3841
Kimberly Dossett
Director of Operations
As the financial controller and Director of Operations, Kimberly is the glue that holds all the pieces together. Kimberly's extensive experience with project management, accounting, and not-for-profit management helps keep everything DHBC does on time and on budget. Kimberly manages DHBC's yearly budgets and the office, organizes Downtown beautification and logistics projects, and oversees the DHBC Downtown Halifax Crew.
Kimberly’s favourite thing about Downtown:
Sipping iced tea on the various patios around Downtown.
Phone:
(902) 423-3848
Ivy Ho
Director of Communications
Ivy is in charge of communications – internal and external, across all DHBC departments, including: members, stakeholders, the public, and media. Her focus is on advocacy, getting the members’ voices heard, as well as research, from pedestrian counts to industry stats. Her goal is to use her experience and expertise to meet the communication needs of the businesses Downtown and to advocate on their behalf.
Ivy’s favourite thing about Downtown:
City Hall, an education-oriented sex shop, a fine art retailer, an oyster bar, and a circus school all on the same street. You can’t find that in any other part of the city!
Phone:
(902) 428-5433
Allana MacDonald Mills
Director of Marketing
It’s Allana’s job to develop and deliver all the marketing and promotional materials for DHBC. A native Haligonian, she has over 10 years of marketing experience on the agency side having worked in Toronto and Halifax on a variety of clients. Her goal is to develop and execute marketing campaigns and programs that get more "feet on the street" in Downtown Halifax.
Allana’s favourite thing about Downtown:
How family-friendly it is. Halifax Dance, the Discovery Centre, the Submarine playground, the Halifax Seaport Farmer’s Market – you can keep kids busy all year round!
Phone:
(902) 407-5411
Eric Jonsson
Program Coordinator, Navigator Street Outreach
Specializing in connecting the street-involved population with community support and services, Eric can be found walking and driving all over the city. Previous to the Navigator program, he had the privilege to work with street-involved populations in shelters and as a housing support worker. Eric has a background in social work and geography while focusing on advocacy and community development. Eric is passionate about ending poverty and working to help different communities be heard. The Navigator Street Outreach program is a partnership between DHBC and Spring Garden Area Business Association. Visit the Navigator website for more details on the program.
Eric’s favourite thing about Downtown:
The variety and quality of amazing food that can be found within a five-minute walk from our offices.
Phone:
(902) 209-6517
Lauren Andrews
Communications & Marketing Coordinator
Lauren is a co-operative education student from Mount Saint Vincent University. She just finished her second year in the Public Relations program. She was born and raised in Halifax and is excited to get to work for her community. She is eager to gain experience in marketing, communications, and social media. She is also excited to expand her knowledge and experiences with DHBC.
Lauren's favorite thing about Downtown Halifax:
Walking around and enjoying the many amazing restaurants, art work, architecture, and shops!
Phone:
(902) 423-2179
Board Members
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Christian Rankin, Chair
Obladee Wine Bar & Wonderlust Media
Marilisa Benigno, Vice Chair
Benigno Group of Companies
Issmat Al‐Akhali, Secretary/Treasurer
Granville Hall
Erin Esiyok-Prime, Member at Large
Events East Group
Jeff Ransome, Member at Large
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
Gordon Whittaker, Past Chair
Side Door
Melissa Carey
RCR Hospitality Group
Ashwin Kutty
WeUsThem Inc.
Kristin O'Toole
Develop Nova Scotia
Nathalie Morin
Rousseau Chocolatier
Matthew Martel
Black Business Initiative
Blaise Morrison
The Armour Group Limited
Sanjeev Pushkarna
Nova Scotia Power
Jake Whalen
Halifax Regional Municipality
Advocacy Action Team
Advocacy Action Team
Kristin O'Toole
Develop Nova Scotia
Sanjeev Pushkarna
Nova Scotia Power
Christian Rankin
Obladee Wine Bar
Gordon Whittaker
Side Door
Jeff Ransome
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
Ismaat Al-Akhali
Blacksheep Projects
Marketing Action Team
Marketing Action Team
Krista Lingley
Parks Canada
Melissa Carey
RCR Hospitality Group
Jessica Muzzerall
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
Laura Oakley
Legendary Hospitality
Emily Richards
Neptune Theatre
Emily MacNeill-Liot
Events East Group
Andrea Saint-Pierre
Craft Nova Scotia
Katie Conklin
Discover Halifax
Jenna Rideout
Develop Nova Scotia
Leah Veinot
Discovery Centre
Ankur Gupta
Scanway Catering
Membership Engagement Action Team
Membership Engagement Action Team
Tyler Beers
Marsh Canada Limited
Dan Bourque
Crombie REIT
Kevin Burgess
Ambassatours Gray Line/Murphy's on the Water
Erin Esiyok-Prime
Events East Group
Marilisa Benigno
Benigno Group of Companies
Beautification Action team
Beautification Action team
Mike Burt
Mural Grant Jury Member
Adriana Afford
Argyle Fine Art
Lindsay Ann Cory
Nocturne
James Janssen
Mural Grant Jury Member
T. J. Maguire
Develop Nova Scotia
Annie Rankmore
Discover Halifax
Nathalie Morin
Rousseau Chocolatier
Jeremy Smith
Freak Lunchbox
Amber Solberg
Mural Grant Jury Member
Matthew Martel
Black Business Inititiative
Elora Wilkinson
Mural Grant Jury Member
Rose Zack
Mural Grant Jury member
Grant Ruffinengo
ONSIDE
Jake Whalen
Halifax Regional Municipality