About

Lydia Sayeau, Chair of the Membership and Engagement Committee for the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce, is a skilled entrepreneur with a diverse background in Photography and Graphic Design. She has held roles in marketing, non-profits, and tech firms in Toronto and Halifax. Lydia is Co-founder and CEO of BRAEVR Media and New Brooklyn Media Inc., where she efficiently manages day-to-day operations. Her leadership shapes strategic direction, emphasizing personal connections, and fostering a reputation for quality and innovation. Lydia’s commitment to the community and passion for business branding has inspired others and driven her professional growth while upholding values of excellence and authenticity.

David Hutchings brings over 30 years of experience in the banking industry and currently serves as a Group Consultant with the Royal Bank of Canada through the RBC Group Advantage program. In this role, he specializes in group retirement and benefit solutions for medium- to large-sized businesses across Nova Scotia.
Throughout his career, David has held leadership roles in both personal and small business banking, helping clients navigate the complexities of the financial world.

Outside of his professional work, David and his wife Tracy are commercial farmers in Merigomish, where they own and operate Go West Homestead Ltd., a farm that grows and distributes microgreens across Nova Scotia. David and Tracy moved to Merigomish in 2001 from Southern Ontario, where they raised their three children and are now proud grandparents to five grandchildren.

David MacDonald is the Financial Controller at Michelin, bringing more than 19 years of experience in finance, manufacturing, and operational leadership. His career includes extensive work in large scale industrial environments, with previous roles at Trenton Works Ltd. and General Motors, giving him a deep understanding of advanced manufacturing, workforce development, and organizational performance.
David holds an MBA from Saint Mary’s University and a Mechanical Engineering degree from the Technical University of Nova Scotia. His combined technical and financial expertise positions him as a thoughtful advocate for sustainable industry growth and innovation in Pictou County.
A lifelong resident of the region, David grew up in Stellarton and has been an active community volunteer, serving on the boards of the YMCA, PCRAS, and New Glasgow Minor Hockey. He is committed to supporting youth, strengthening local organizations, and contributing to a vibrant, resilient community.

Ann MacGregor is the Employer Engagement Specialist at Nova Scotia Works Career Connections in New Glasgow. With a strong background in communications and over 20 years of experience in local radio, Ann brings a deep understanding of community engagement and professional networking. In her role, Ann works one-on-one with Pictou County employers, assisting with job postings, providing information on wage subsidy programs, and recruitment strategies to help businesses attract and retain talent. Passionate about building connections and supporting economic growth, Ann is committed to helping local employers succeed in an evolving job market.

Breton MacDonnell is a young professional dedicated to strengthening local business and fostering sustainable long term economic growth in Pictou County. He is currently a Financial Analyst at Sobeys and serves on the Finance and Governance Committees of the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce.
With experience in corporate finance, entrepreneurship, and community leadership, Breton brings strong strategic, analytical, and communication skills to the Board.

Liz LaPier is the Fund Development Officer at Summer Street Industries, where she leads fundraising and development initiatives that support participant driven programming and social enterprise growth. With a background in community based economic development and the non profit sector, she works closely with businesses, funders, and partners to advance initiatives that strengthen workforce participation and meaningful inclusion.
Liz serves as a Director on the Board of the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce and is a member of its Events Committee.

Laura Rodgers is the Director of Human Resources at Eastcut in Trenton. She is motivated by developing innovative solutions that drive organizational growth and strengthen overall business performance. Laura brings extensive experience in leading local and international recruitment initiatives, securing government funding, and delivering key business objectives.
She provides strategic leadership across talent management, workforce planning, and organizational development, ensuring alignment between people strategies and business goals. Laura is recognized for her empowering leadership style and her commitment to fostering employee engagement, supporting leadership development, and cultivating positive, high performing workplace cultures.

Maxine Mann is an education and workforce development executive with more than 35 years of leadership experience across post secondary, health, and social systems. She most recently served as Principal of NSCC’s Pictou Campus, where she led campus operations, advanced mental health and accessibility initiatives, and supported regional workforce development.
Her previous roles include Manager of Mental Health (Northern Region) with Nova Scotia Health and senior academic leadership positions at Fleming College, where she strengthened student success systems and modernized programs.
Through her consulting practice, Maxine supports organizations in equity strategy, workforce inclusion, and system transformation. She is recognized for building learner centred environments and strengthening regional talent pathways through collaborative, data informed leadership.

Bonnie O’Toole serves as a member of the Membership and Engagement Committee. She is an educator in the Business Administration Program at NSCC Pictou Campus. Prior to her academic role, she held a senior managerial position at Bell Aliant for fourteen years until 2010. Following this, she embarked on a thirteen-year entrepreneurial journey, specializing in providing government-funded business skills training to industry and business association members across Nova Scotia. Bonnie holds an MBA from the Sobey School of Business, Saint Mary’s University.