Welcoming Two New Voices to the Western REN Board of Directors
The Western Regional Enterprise Network (Western REN) is proud to welcome two New Voices to the Western REN Board of Directors.
Since 2014, the Western REN has worked behind the scenes, and often alongside businesses directly, to help create a stronger, more connected, and more resilient economy across Western Nova Scotia. At its core, the Western REN exists to set the table for economic development. That means bringing together businesses, municipalities, post-secondary institutions, community partners, and the Province of Nova Scotia to focus on the conditions that help businesses start, grow, and succeed here.
As a partnership between the Province of Nova Scotia and seven municipal units, the Western REN balances hands-on, business-facing programs with region-wide initiatives that no single community could tackle alone. Accountability is crucial, and governance plays a key role.
The Western REN is guided by two governance bodies:
- A Liaison and Oversight Committee, made up of representatives from our funding partners, and
- A Board of Directors, composed of business leaders from across the region.
Our Board members are appointed based on the skills and experience they bring to the table. That includes finance, entrepreneurship, governance, strategic planning, and leadership. And they have an ability to think regionally.
The Board provides fiscal oversight and strategic direction for the organization. It also hires the CEO to manage day-to-day operations and lead the staff team. Board terms are 3 years long and they can renew a maximum of 2 additional terms if they wish.
For more information about our governance structure, click here.
This month, we’re pleased to welcome two new members to the Western REN Board of Directors: Paul Emile LeBlanc and Dustin Atkinson.
Paul Emile LeBlanc
Paul Emile LeBlanc is from the Clare area and lives in Meteghan Station. He brings decades of leadership and financial experience to the Western REN Board of Directors.
He recently retired as Operations Manager for the Congrès Mondial Acadien 2024. Prior to that he had a 35-year career in financial and co-operative banking. From 1994 to 2016, he served as CEO of Caisse populaire de Clare Ltée. He worked closely with businesses and communities across Clare, Digby, Weymouth, and throughout Nova Scotia.
Paul Emile is a former Board member of BALLE Nova Scotia, supporting locally owned businesses and sustainable, community-driven economies. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary’s University and earned his Associate of Credit Union Institute of Canada designation in 2006. A proud Acadian and Canadian, he received recognition from the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse in 2011 for his dedication to Acadian community development.
Dustin Atkinson
Dustin Atkinson is a proud Cape Sable Island native now living in West Pubnico. A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), he works with clients throughout Shelburne and Yarmouth Counties. He has a focus on tax advisory services supported by advanced CPA Canada training.
A Saint Mary’s University graduate (2013), Dustin has worked in public practice since then. During his move from Alberta back to Nova Scotia in 2019, he used the Western REN’s Connector Program. That inspired him to give back by serving on the Board.
Dustin is committed to supporting the long-term economic development of Yarmouth, Shelburne, and surrounding counties. He brings strong financial expertise and a regional perspective to the role.
For a look at our complete Board of Directors, click here.
We’re grateful to Dustin and Paul Emile for stepping into these roles and contributing their experience, insight, and regional perspective to the Western REN. Strong governance matters. Having committed leaders who care deeply about this region helps ensure we continue doing the right work, in the right way, for the communities and businesses we serve.