Ryan Gillcash – Chair
Ryan (he/him) is currently working at the Bank of Montreal as the Managing Director, Commercial Banking for the Atlantic provinces. Day-to-day Ryan specializes in developing unique and creative lending solutions to help clients meet their financial objectives and achieve successful outcomes. Ryan’s career began in accounting while pursuing a CMA designation by industry and later turned to banking and started a career with BMO in 2012 in a relationship management capacity. His experience at BMO includes progressive roles in relationship management.
Ryan holds an MBA from Saint Mary’s University, a Finance degree from St. Francis Xavier University, and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.
Outside of work Ryan enjoys playing hockey and golf and doing family activities with his wife Helen and their two children.
MIKE LAWRENCE – VICE CHAIR OPERATIONS
Mike (he/him) is an RBC Community Manager for the Elmsdale and surrounding area. Mike is originally from Ontario and a sports fanatic. He enjoys, hockey and skiing in the winter months and golf and tennis in the summer. Mike moved to NS for school and never left the East Coast. He has over 10 years’ experience in personal banking with RBC, focusing on developing his teams to be change-leaders delivering trusted advice to help clients thrive and communities prosper.
CORY PORTEOUS – VICE CHAIR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Cory Porteous is the Director of Marketing and Workspace Planning at Office Interiors. He is actively involved in his community, serving on several boards in addition to Big Brothers Big Sisters, including the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia, Atlantic Flamenco Productions, and the Greater Burnside Business Association. Most importantly, though, he volunteers as the Big Brother to a Little Brother who is already almost taller than he is. With a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and a passion for supporting organizations that improve communities, Cory strives to make a positive impact on the people and community around him.
Morgan Wiper – TREASURER
Morgan (she/her) grew up in Halifax, and attended SMU, graduating in 2016.
She is a CPA who has worked with Deloitte as an Audit Manager, in the industrial commercial real estate sector, and now back at Deloitte as Senior Manager Audit & Assurance – National ADM.
Growing up and always working with youth at summer camps, Morgan became passionate about supporting youth in reaching their highest potential and living their best lives. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the St. Margaret’s Bay Centre, where she worked growing up
As a Big Sister to Little Brother (Chris) for the last 7 years, BBBS is a cause near and dear to Morgan’s heart. She is very passionate about the organization and advocates whenever she can to people around her, encouraging others to get involved!
Grant Walker – Secretary
Grant Walker (He/Him) Works with the Bank of Montreal as a Senior Client Services Advisor for the Atlantic provinces. Grant is born and raised in Nova Scotia. Originally from Lake Echo, he moved to Halifax to complete his Commerce Degree, Majoring in Finance, at Dalhousie University.
Growing up working with a canoe club, Grant worked closely with youth to grow their confidence in canoeing and kayaking and instill time management, teamwork, and leadership in the athletes.
Outside work Grant enjoys, kayaking, swimming, paddleboarding, going for long walks and playing the piano!
Safia Rahemtulla – Past Chair
Safia Rahemtulla (she/her), CPA, CA, CIA is a Partner in the Consulting practice of Ernst & Young LLP and holds a CPA,CA designation and a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation. She is in pursuit of her Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Third Party Risk Management Professional (C3PRMP) designation. Safia has a background in external audit, primarily serving large Atlantic Canada, US, Toronto and New York based real estate and power and utility clients. She has experience in supporting, leading and building teams to deliver on compliance engagements, including but not limited to SOX404 and NI-52019.
Safia’s personal purpose is “everything I do is to give time and knowledge to positively impact my community so that individuals are empowered to enhance the lives of those around them.” In alignment with her purpose, she is passionate about coaching and mentoring to enhance the lives of those around her to build resilient leaders. It is for this reason that she has served on the Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Halifax for the past 7 years.
Wafaa Abousamak – Director
Bio Coming Soon.
Jacqueline Ferguson – Director
Jacqueline (she/her) currently serves as the Director of Human Resources at Southwest Properties. As a collaborator, educator, and coach with a passion for engagement, Jacqueline has experience in Business Operations, Retail, Real Estate, Communications, and Human Resources. Her career has been dedicated to developing the talents and abilities of others.
Jacqueline’s sentimental connection to the mission, vision and values of Big Brothers Big Sisters started when she worked with them in the role of Mentoring Coordinator from 2009-2012. It was that experience that helped her understand the joy and opportunity BBBS creates in our communities. Jacqueline began serving on the Board of Directors in 2023.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Education, and a Chartered Professional in Human Resources designation. Jacqueline is currently attending Saint Mary’s University, as a student in their Executive MBA Program. She is a wife, and proud mother of two.
JAMES GOODE – DIRECTOR
James Goode (he/him), CPA, REALTOR® is the Managing Director and Salesperson with The Agency Real Estate Brokerage and holds a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. James began his career at Ernst & Young under the Technology Risk practice supporting internal and external audits. He spent two years at Nova Scotia Health leading revenue optimization projects including provincial parking optimization, and improving out-of-country patient revenue capture. Most recently James has been building his career in Real Estate and in 2024 helped launch The Agency Real Estate Brokerage in Halifax, a boutique brokerage focused on white glove service. James leverages his CPA and financial acumen with his passion for photography, video and social media to service his clients and lead his brokerage.
Outside of work James enjoys photography, travel, and spending time with his Partner and dog, an energetic double-doodle named Arthur.
Colin Marinelli – Director
Bio Coming Soon.
Erin Mitchell – Director
Erin Mitchell (she/her) was born and raised in Halifax and, despite being lukewarm on both seafood and bagpipe music, loves her hometown far too much to leave. Erin spends the better part of her time practicing labour and employment law, health law (including medical negligence), Regulated Professions, and human rights with Cox & Palmer. Erin’s passion for advocacy extends to youth. As a law student, Erin spent three years with the Dalhousie Youth Legal Education Society, providing workshops and “Know Your Rights” presentations to junior high and high school students. More importantly, she is a proud Big Sister to Little Eadyn.
Once an avid traveler (and still, when time permits), Erin now enjoys eating good food, reading thriller novels, and petting other people’s dogs.
BRENDA SAUNDERS/TODD – DIRECTOR
Brenda (she/her) currently serves as CEO of Dress for Success Halifax, she is a founding board member of Dress for Success Canada Foundation and the only Canadian chosen to serve on the International board of directors for Dress for Success Worldwide. Brenda is the founder and CEO of The Social Boutique (a non-profit social enterprise that financially supports Dress for Success Halifax) and continues to move women forward through clothing and community engagement.
Committed to CONNECTION, COMMUNITY and COMPASSION, Brenda is known for her energy, positivity and ability to move projects forward with ease. As a successful founder, owner, and operator of various businesses and non-profits for 44 years, she has learned that her true passion lies in contributing to the transformation of others. Brenda is a strong leader and natural motivator with the ability to quarterback teams to deliver on mandates they never thought they could. She is an active community member having served on various boards, business groups and non-profit agencies over the years.
Brenda received the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Platinum honor in 2022, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025. She graduated with distinction from the Canadian Women’s Foundation Leadership Institute at St. Francis Xavier University and is an International Award-Winning Speaker. She is known for her energy, charisma and high-impact ideas. With a clear preference for positivity–she is soft on the people–hard on the issues. Brenda forges forward with missions, always keeping the best interest of the organization front of mind. She is happily married to her soul-mate, who supports her in all aspects of life, including their 9 children and 17 grandchildren.
Ellen Snook – Director
Ellen Snook (She/Her) is the Manager of Talent Enablement at Eastlink, responsible for talent management, learning and development, and employee engagement. With a passion for the east coast and her hometown of Halifax, Ellen is dedicated to giving back to the community that has given her so much.
As a teenager, Ellen spent summers working with youth in recreation and aquatics. She continued mentoring into university and in her career by participating in youth and early career mentorship programming. A dedicated people connector, Ellen loves to create and strengthen relationships between people and help them maximize their potential.
Ellen holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Acadia University and an MBA from the University of Aberdeen. Outside of work, Ellen enjoys spending time with her family, yoga, and is dedicated to finding the best burger in the city of Halifax. (Always taking recommendations)