Moderator: Impact of AI Panel

A proven leader in IT, Brad has over 25+ years of unique technical, consulting, business strategy and project management experiences. Brad has worked for organizations of all sizes in non-profits to national and international enterprises in both public and private sectors. He has led and delivered some of the largest multi sporting events ever brought to Atlantic Canada in addition to his vast experiences including leading hundreds of projects involving technical planning, support and strategies for end users, back end infrastructure, operations, security and architecture.

Brad is a senior consultant on data protection, privacy and compliance at his company Bulletproof where he is also one of the leaders for emerging AI technologies and how companies can use it to suit their needs. Bulletproof is a Microsoft award winning security partner and assists clients through proof of concepts, onboardings and rollouts of Microsoft’s AI product Copilot.

In addition to this Brad is an AI champion participating in multiple discussions, panels and contributed to articles and blogs on his deep knowledge of the industry. In addition to completing multiple certificates and challenges for various AI technologies through PMI, Microsoft he is actively pursuing more through Google, Amazon and other industry AI leaders with the consistent goal of continuously learning new advances in the area of AI and Machine Learning.

Fred Allen is the Program Manager at St. Francis Xavier University’s Online Learning
Department, where he leverages his extensive background in education, nursing, and
project management to drive innovative distance learning programs. With over 19 years
of experience, his expertise spans healthcare, professional development, and the
integration of digital solutions, particularly in the application of artificial intelligence (AI)
to enhance both learning and organizational processes.

In his current role, Fred Allen serves as the StFX Project Manager for the Practical AI
Utilization Microcredential program, a pioneering initiative developed in partnership with
Digital Nova Scotia (DNS). This program, funded by the Department of Labour, Skills &
Immigration’s Microcredentials Initiative Innovation Fund, equips professionals across
diverse industries - including project management, manufacturing, marketing, and IT -
with critical AI skills. His project management acumen has been key to ensuring the
successful development and launch of the program, aligning it with industry needs and
expanding its reach into new sectors.

Committed to fostering digital transformation, Fred Allen focuses on the seamless
integration of AI tools to enhance productivity, while addressing the ethical
considerations surrounding AI adoption. His collaborative efforts with industry partners
and academic departments are aimed at preparing Nova Scotia’s workforce for the
future, equipping professionals with practical, AI-driven skills that are directly applicable
in their fields.

With a strong foundation in project management, Fred Allen is dedicated to developing
programs that not only meet the evolving demands of today’s workforce but also drive
innovation and operational excellence across industries.

My name is Mbongeni Ndlovu, but most people call me Bo.

I hold a Master’s degree in Computer Science, with a focus on bridging Sports Science and Artificial Intelligence. This makes me one of the few computational sports scientists globally.

My goal is to grow this field by encouraging more researchers with similar skills, as most sports scientists lack a machine learning background. The potential for AI to enhance athletic performance is vast, but it's still underutilized in the industry. I aim to change that.

That's why I founded Olyup Technologies Inc., to push the limits of sports performance using computational methods, including AI.

Jude Abbey is the Manager of Health Infrastructure Project Redevelopment at the Government of Nova Scotia. With over a decade of experience in technical project management, Jude has led numerous large-scale projects, enhancing healthcare facilities across the province. His career includes roles at Build Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Power, Nova Scotia Health Authority, CGI, and CIBC. Jude is known for his expertise in project planning, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. He is a passionate advocate for effective communication and the integration of innovative technologies in project management. Jude is always looking for new technology to improve how projects are managed.

Cassie Guinan (PMP) has 10 years experience in project management ranging from magazine publishing, SaaS, and higher education. She currently works as a Project Manager & Business Analyst at Dalhousie University.

Courtney Bonner is a Project Manager & Business Analyst in ITS at Dalhousie University, with an educational background in Planning and Social Anthropology. She has a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and is a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner.

Jazmin is a seasoned professional with a global background in engineering and IT. With years of experience in the telecommunications and banking industries, she now serves in the Project Management Office for Information Technology Services at Dalhousie University. Jazmin is passionate about empowering young minds and provides them with the latest technology to help them achieve their aspirations.

Wendy Spears, PMP, is an independent Project Management and Change Management consultant with many years’ experience in managing complex projects and change initiatives in both private and public sector, across a variety of industries. Wendy is known for her engagement skills and fresh approach to project and change management.

Robert Newcombe is an Industrial Engineer and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, leading AI-driven transformations to organizations across Atlantic Canada. In 2023, he founded AI-First Consulting to support businesses increase their productivity with the power of AI.

A recognized expert in generative AI, Robert has delivered keynotes at industry events hosted by organizations like CME, EMC, and AISC. In October 2024, he partnered with Digital Nova Scotia and St. FX University to design and launch an AI Microcredential course, which trained 91 participants from Nova Scotian businesses—31 of them project managers—with practical AI skills. His industry experience spans federal, provincial, and municipal government, private sector, and industry sector councils.

From a Nigerian background and a 2-decade career trajectory, Yemi relocated to Canada in 2021 with his family as Permanent Residents. According to him, his relocation journey was a 3-year project that embedded project management principles (incl. Team, Leadership, Stakeholders, Value, Tailoring, Quality, Complexity, Risk, Adaptability and Resilience, Change).

Currently a Senior Business Advisor at CIBC Halifax, previously worked at RBC as Business Account Manager. Prior to his current banking adventure, he was a Project Manager at Ecobank Nigeria 2015 – 2018, Senior Business Analyst at Agusto & Co. Nigeria 2018 -2021 and had a brief stint at Nova Scotia Power as Business Analyst in 2022.

Yemi’s mantra is “projectize and simplify”- meaning things get done when taken a
project approach.

His project management experience cuts across CRM, HRIS, Credit Risks, Issue Ticketing System, Web, Customer Experience, Employee Engagement.

Education:
MBA, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland
BSc Sociology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

Hilary Carter is a seasoned change management professional and the Managing Director of Coral Consulting. With deep expertise in guiding organizations through complex transformations, she specializes in aligning change initiatives with strategic goals. Hilary is passionate about lifelong learning and leverages her extensive experience in instructional design and training program development to empower individuals and teams.

Currently pursuing a Master of Lifelong Learning, Hilary is committed to driving meaningful change through education and continuous improvement, ensuring that both individuals and organizations are equipped to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Dr Mousavi is entrepreneur and PMP in medtech and run innovative business of year in 2023 

Erika Robinson started her public service career the very day after White Juan decided to make Nova Scotia its personal snow globe (and she was not wearing boots). Over the last 20-plus years, she’s jumped feet first into the Departments of Health and Wellness, Justice, and the Public Service Commission – over half of that time has been at Community Services in service delivery, training and project leadership. She considers Community Services her ‘home’ and uses cross-departmental experience to ruthlessly transform systems while being unapologetically kind to people.

Known as a future-focused culture creator, environment shifter, and change agent Erika is the recipient of the 2020 OnePSC Minister’s Award for Innovation and Resourcefulness and the 2020 Minister’s Award for Engagement & Innovation, proving that even in a world of perceived bureaucracy, big ideas are possible. Erika’s academic journey is equally impressive: she holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Certificate of Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University, where she not only captured the George Anderson Award for Leadership but also received the Media X Award for her outstanding contributions to Student Media. Fueled by a fascination with crafting effective group learning experiences, Erika has pursued coursework at Royal Roads University to hone her skills.
In her most ambitious endeavor yet, Erika designed and facilitated Nova Scotia’s very first social change lab for the government—a true testament to her drive for transformation. Energized by compassion, curiosity, extrovert vibes, and a healthy dose of dissatisfaction with the status quo, she embraces ambiguity like her favorite jeans.

Erika enjoys a ‘quieter’ life in Colby Village with her high school sweetheart. Together, they are kept ready for anything by one four-legged and eight two-legged family members, who continuously challenge parenting how-to manuals with questions like “if heaven is above the clouds, is it in outer space?” In her downtime, Erika can be found sipping peppermint tea, painting watercolor rainbows, and daydreaming about rural Nova Scotia where she grew up and longs to return to someday

Donna Davis is a Project Manager for the Cogswell Redevelopment Project for Halifax Municipality- a position she has held since January 2017.

Donna has worked for the municipality for 36 years in a variety of professional and management positions in planning & development, information management, and information technology.

She holds a BA (Honours) degree in Geography from Saint Mary’s University and a Master of Science Degree in Urban Planning from the University of Toronto.