Board of Directors

Jamie Symonds – Chair

Jamie grew up in Barrington, Nova Scotia and recently returned from Boston, Massachusetts. He earned his undergraduate degree in Information Systems from St. Francis Xavier University in 2001 and completed his Master’s in Information Technology at Harvard University in 2015.

In the United States, Jamie held significant roles including Senior Systems Analyst with the Boston Police Department, nearly a decade at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Laboratory of Computer Science, and as a Senior Software Engineer at the EHR start-up Amazing Charts. Currently, Jamie is employed full-time as an IT Faculty member at NSCC Burridge, where he brings extensive industry experience to his teaching. Jamie also has teaching experience at Acadia University in Wolfville, NS.

In addition to his academic role, Jamie manages his own company, Topsail Software Inc., providing innovative software solutions. He also continues to consult remotely for the Boston Regional Intelligence Center. Jamie is on the Board of Directors and is actively involved in food security with Villagedale Community Association, and is also on the board of directors for Bay Side Home, in Barrington. Jamie has served as a Director on the Western REN Board since 2020, with his third term concluding in June 2026.

Julie MacLean – Finance and Audit Committee Chair

Julie MacLean has over 30 years’ experience in non-profit management, most recently retired from 15 years as the Digby-Clare CBDC Executive Director. Julie uses her education and experience in management and economics to offer part-time consulting to social enterprise and non-profit organizations. A Digby resident, Julie is an active volunteer and grandparent. A Director on the Western REN’s 2020-21 Board, Julie’s second term expires in June 2026.

Benjamin Shearer

Educated at Universities in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Benjamin articled with the Halifax law firm of Blois, Nickerson & Bryson. Benjamin, who is originally from the Truro area, has moved with his family to the Barrington area and is practicing in both the firm’s Barrington and Liverpool offices. Being a rural practitioner, Benjamin runs a general practice with the notable exception of criminal law. He has a special interest in the fields of property, business, and estates. Benjamin is a member of many professional and legal associations regionally and nationally. He also serves as a board member within the local community whenever he can. The Chair of the Western REN's 2022-24 Board of Directors, Benjamin’s third term expires in June 2026.

Nick d’Eon

Nick d’Eon is a chartered accountant, graduate of Saint Mary’s University. He has experience in financial accounting and is currently the Chief Financial Officer of O’Neil Fisheries Ltd and Scotia Harvest Inc out of Digby. Nick is involved in the commercial fishery and aquaculture industries of Nova Scotia and was a past director of the Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia. Chair of the Western REN's 2020-23 Finance and Audit Committees, Nick's second term expires June 2027.

Brenda Francis – Vice Chair

Brenda Francis lives in Conway, Digby County and has extensive training in leadership and community development through multiple NSCC campuses. For 20 years now, she has had a career as a Regional Educator for the Black Educators Association of Nova Scotia. She also owns Ed’s Take Out, a family owned business in Conway. She has been a strong advocate and activist for the African Nova Scotian community since the early 80’s and currently is on the boards of two cultural organizations in the region. A Director on the Western REN's 2020-21 Board, Brenda’s second term expires June 2025.

Mary Thompson – HRG Committee Chair

Mary Thompson has a Masters in Educational Administration and an undergraduate degree in Business Management. She is currently the Principal for Nova Scotia Community College’s Burridge, Shelburne, and Digby campuses. She believes in modelling leadership and is passionate about community development, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Chair of the Western REN’s 2022-23 HR & Governance committee and Chair of the Western REN’s 2023-24 Finance and Audit committee, Mary's second term expires June 2027.

Charles Surette

Charles Surette studied biology and aquaculture at Université Sainte-Anne, Dalhousie, and the Hunstman Marine Laboratory. He is semi-retired from a 32-year career in fish and food inspection programs across Canada and currently delivers training at NSCC and Food Processing Skills Canada. An inventor and holder of two patents, Charles is also passionate about community development in both sports and Acadian culture. A Director on the Western REN's 2020-21 Board, Charles' second term expires June 2025.

Jocelin d’Entremont

Jocelin d’Entremont grew up experiencing many aspects of the fishing industry and now practices law with a focus on Fisheries and Corporate Laws; and has a Marine Law specialization certificate. An Argyle resident, Jocelin received his bachelor’s degree in commerce and a Juris Doctor in Law both from Nova Scotian universities. A Director on the Western REN’s 2020-21 Board, Jocelin’s second term expires in June 2026.

JoAnn Ranson

Recently retired as President of Falc USA, a division International Fashion firm based in Italy.  JoAnn worked for 17 years overseeing marketing, planning, forecasting, sales  & product development for the North American market. Previously, JoAnn spent 18 years with a fashion footwear company based in France, running their North American operations. These positions required extensive travel in North America, Europe &  Far East;  coordinating with operations and factories to maximize North American business.  

Joann came to Yarmouth 17 years ago and loved the community,  people and seaside. She purchased a home in the area & split time between NYC & Yarmouth. JoAnn is now living in Yarmouth full-time. Her first term expires in June 2026.