Joanne Bernard reflects on a landmark year as Chair of the Halifax Chamber Board of Directors
Where has the year gone? And what a year it was. This is my last column serving as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. To say my year in this role was busy and one of learning would be an understatement. It was a year of firsts for the Halifax Chamber Board—past, current and vice chair are all women, and I was the first openly gay and the first leader from the non-profit sector to lead the Chamber. Having Ann and Donna by my side every step of the way was a huge gift to me, and I am grateful.
The Halifax Chamber hosted well received, engaging and relevant guest speakers in this time of geo-political and economic flux. Our signature events such Wonder Women and the Halifax Business Awards highlighted the diversity of thought, experience and success with well-deserved exposure and celebration of our nominees. Our Spring and Fall Dinners have always been events of learning and appreciation of the innovation and wealth of talent our region offers the world.
For me personally, I was proud to host my Chair’s Luncheon focused on women in politics and solo entrepreneurs and how each sector contributes to the business community while learning how the Halifax Chamber can meet the unique needs of our members. I was pleased to be able to donate my Business Voice space to small non-profits which otherwise might not be able to tell their important stories and share their work with the wider business community.
Without doubt, the largest task at hand during my tenure has been leading the search for President and CEO Patrick Sullivan’s replacement when Pat announced his retirement early in 2025. Through the expert guidance of Amy Reid and Royer Thompson, our search committee composed of Ann Divine, Donna Harding, Katherine Risley and Jon Legatto were a solid Dream Team over the months of refining, reviewing, and interviewing. We all wanted not for someone to fill Patrick’s shoes but to bring their own. With Don Bureaux chosen for that role, we know we have someone who will bring his own shoes or perhaps his motorcycle boots.
Working with Patrick over the past five years has been amazing for me personally. His generosity of thought and guidance made my time on the Chamber Board fulfilling and contributed to my own leadership development. Patrick’s journey over the past decade brought the Halifax Chamber to new milestones never seen in membership and financial growth while nurturing member satisfaction and a wonderful workplace culture all under the umbrella of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility.
Patrick’s leadership to the business, labour and charitable community through the pandemic was unparalleled with a combination of steady and reassuring virtual meetings with government for all of us and advocacy during the recovery time of re-opening.
So, as my tenure as Chair ends and my final year on the board as Past Chair begins, I leave this experience more grateful, a little wiser and eager for the next challenge in whatever it may be.
