The DHBC team is a small and mighty bunch, who work on behalf of our members and Board of Directors.
Our Team
DHBC Staff
Paul MacKinnon
Executive Director
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 Enviro Team.
Kimberly’s favourite thing about Downtown:
Sipping iced tea on the various patios around Downtown.
Phone:
(902) 423 3841
Ivy Ho
Director of Communications
As her title suggests, Ivy is in charge of communications – internal and external, across all DHBC departments, including: members, stakeholders, the public, and media. Her focus is also on advocacy, getting the members’ voices heard for the overall good of Downtown, 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:
I love our eclectic 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
Kuda Ndadzungira
Membership Engagement Manager
If you’re a DHBC member, you will most likely meet Kuda at some point soon – if you haven’t already. Just joining our team in 2016, Kuda has a varied background in recreation, management, and public outreach. At DHBC, her focus is on developing and maintaining relationships with existing and new DHBC members. She is also spearheading the DHBC storefront, including: member content, displays, and animation. If you’re a member, Kuda’s your go-to for anything DHBC and anything Downtown. Feel free to drop by the DHBC storefront and have a chat with her.
Kuda’s favourite thing about Downtown:
I love the peacefulness and beauty of the Waterfront. And, you can’t talk about Downtown without mentioning the fantastic restaurants.
Phone:
(902) 444-1510
Helen Wright
Operations and Events Manager
DHBC loves to put on a good event, for members and the public alike, so we have Helen to make them run smoothly and successfully. She has a background in music education and the arts, but also has plenty of experience in event management, having produced events for a provincial youth orchestra, a local pipe band, and volunteered for events while living in Carrollton, Georgia, for several years. In addition to events, Helen currently manages the DHBC Enviro Team (the cheerful, helpful group that wears red shirts and sweeps our sidewalks), assists with operations and oversees beautification initiatives. She is a jack-of-all-trades and a master of logistics.
Helen’s favourite thing about Downtown:
I love the diversity of music you can enjoy in Downtown. Within a couple of blocks you can find venues with anything from rock to bagpipes, or from classical to dance.
Phone:
(902) 423-5668
Sacha Curran
Program Coordinator, Navigator Street Outreach
Specializing in connecting the street-involved population with community support and services, Sacha can be found walking about the Downtown area. Previous to the Navigator program, she had the opportunity to work with First Nations communities on mainland Nova Scotia as part of a multi-disciplinary team member. Sacha has a background in social work and criminology with a diverse work experience in various communities in the province. Sacha has worked with various client populations that have experienced the complex cycle of poverty. 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.
Sacha’s favourite thing about Downtown:
I love the Seaport Farmers’ Market and all the local products it offers.
Phone:
(902) 209-6517
Angelina DellaValle
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
Angelina is currently in her final year at Mount Saint Vincent University working on completing her Public Relations degree. With a previous degree in Communications, she loves communicating with not only the public, but engaging with DHBC’s social media followers. Angelina plans on finishing up her co-op placement at DHBC and making Halifax her “forever” home.
Angelina’s favorite thing about Downtown:
The atmosphere – plain and simple. No matter where you go or who you speak to, you always feel welcome and at home!
Phone:
(902) 423-2179
Board Members
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Jennifer Angel, Past Chair
Waterfront development
Gordon Whittaker, Chair
Oakport Limited
Adriana Afford, Vice-Chair
Argyle Fine Art
Dan Bourque
Crombie REIT
Matthew Jarsky
Jarsky Studios Ltd.
Jennie King
Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo
Jake Whalen
Halifax Regional Municipality
Dr. Euan McGinty
Ocean Optometry
Pino Pagnottella, Secretary/Treasurer
Sterling Properties
Eric Burchill
Southwest Properties Limited
Scott McGaw
Meridia Recruitment
Christian Rankin
Obladee Wine Bar
Sarah Flynn
Colour
Renée Fournier
Sacred Heart School of Halifax
Mark Peyton
Sailor Bup's Barbershop
Joe McGuinness
Durty Nelly's and The Stubborn Goat
Advocacy Action Team
Advocacy Action Team
Scott McGaw
Meridia Recruitment
Pino Pagnottella
Sterling Properties
Matthew Jarsky
Jarsky Studios Ltd.
Eric Burchill
Southwest Properties
Marketing Action Team
Marketing Action Team
Jennie King
Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo
Barbara Broome
The Prince George Hotel
Krista Lingley
Parks Canada
Ashley Cluett
Bistro Le Coq
Laura Oakley
Argyle Entertainment District
Kelly Rose
Waterfront Development
Renée Fournier
Sacred Heart School of Halifax
Sarah Flynn
Colour
Haley Clarke
The Barrington Steakhouse & Oyster Bar
Jessica Pettigrew
Halifax Developments Limited
Pino Pagnottella
Sterling Properties
Erin Esiyok-Prime
Events East Group
Membership Engagement Action Team
Membership Engagement Action Team
Dan Bourque
Crombie REIT
Dr. Euan McGinty
Ocean Optometry
Laura MacLeod
The Old Apothecary
Shannon Matheson
Verb Interactive
Emmanuel Itiveh
Black Business Initiative
Beautification Action team
Beautification Action team
Adriana Afford
Argyle Fine Art
Peter Wünsch
Breakhouse
T. J. Maguire
Waterfront Development
Richard Fewell
Stillwell
Dan Bourque
CROMBIE REIT