NSFA Staff

Carolyn Van Den Heuvel, Executive Director

Provides strategic leadership to advance the mission of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture. Works with the Council of Leaders, staff, and partners to guide programs, policy, and advocacy that support farmers. Ensures strong governance, accountability, and financial sustainability. Represents the Federation in key industry and government relationships.

John Rix, Director of Policy & Advocacy

Leads the development of policy proposals and supports members in addressing policy challenges facing Nova Scotia’s agriculture industry. Works closely with the Executive Director and Council to guide the Federation’s advocacy strategy and advance the interests of farmers. Brings experience from political offices, non-profits, consulting, and the public service across federal and provincial contexts to the team.

 

Shelly MacKenzie, Executive Assistant

Serves as the primary meeting organizer and point of contact for scheduling and logistics. Supports the governance activities of the NSFA, helps maintain smooth operations, and provides administrative support to leadership

 

Tracey Otterson, Finance Coordinator

Coordinates financial records, systems, and process for the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, Farm Safety Nova Scotia, and Nova Scotia Young Farmers.

 

Katie Hirtle, Emergency Management Coordinator

Leads efforts to support farmers in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies. Coordinates with stakeholders to improve preparedness across the sector. Supports communication, training, and resource development for all-hazard agricultural emergencies.

 

Clara Bullock, Policy & Stakeholder Relations Coordinator

Supports the development and communication of policy positions that reflect the needs of Nova Scotia’s farming community, leads stakeholder engagement initiatives, and collaborates with industry and government to advance agricultural sustainability and resilience.

 

Katherine Tuttle, Communications Manager

Leads NSFA’s communications and public relations efforts to elevate the profile of the agriculture sector. Manages media relations, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and the member benefits program. Oversees member communication, and all platforms (social media, website, newsletters).

 

 

Susan Corning, Communications Specialist

Supports the success of communication efforts across the organization, highlighting the value of agriculture and the work of the Federation in an accessible and engaging way. Provides editing and graphic design expertise, plus assistance with coordination and promotion of Federation initiatives.

 

 

April MacLean, Operations Manager

 

Cheryl Ritz, Environment & Climate Change Manager

Oversees Environment & Climate Change initiatives, including the Environmental Farm Plan Program and Living Lab – Nova Scotia. Works to provide farmers with the information and data they need to make informed choices about farm management and sustainability. 

 

Trevor Davison, Environmental Farm Plan Coordinator

Supports farm owners in identifying environmental risks associated with their farming practices and provide mitigation strategies and opportunities to improve or enhance their environmental stewardship practices.  

 

Jillian Saulnier, Environmental Farm Plan Coordinator

Supports farm owners in identifying environmental risks associated with their farming practices and provide mitigation strategies and opportunities to improve or enhance their environmental stewardship practices.  

Sarah Schaefer, Environmental Farm Plan Coordinator

Supports farm owners in identifying environmental risks associated with their farming practices and provide mitigation strategies and opportunities to improve or enhance their environmental stewardship practices.  

Alexandre Loureiro, Living Lab Coordinator

Coordinates all aspects of Living Lab – Nova Scotia, including: supply acquisition, fieldwork, data curation, and statistical analyses. Communicates with industry, government, and academic partners on matters related to Living Lab – Nova Scotia, particularly for the Land Swap activities.

 

Carolyn Marshall, Knowledge Transfer Specialist (Covering Parental Leave)

Coordinates all aspects of knowledge transfer for Living Lab – Nova Scotia, including events, resource development, and creating social media posts. Carolyn communicates with industry and academic partners on matters related to the Living Lab project.

 

Caitlyn Creelman , Farm & Workforce Development Manager

Leads the implementation of industry-focused strategies to attract, retain, and develop farmers and farm workers to meet the evolving needs of the agriculture sector. As well as Farm Safety Nova Scotia initiatives, working to ensure safe farms, safe families, and safe employees.

 

Margaret Ells, Training & Awareness Coordinator

Coordinates and delivers training opportunities in workplace safety, First Aid, youth safety, and personal and professional development.  Manages activities and initiatives related to promoting careers in agriculture. Supports Farm Safety NS and the NS Young Farmers organizations.

 

Adelaide Amuah, Farm Safety Coordinator

Supports Nova Scotia farms in fostering a culture of health and safety by providing tools, resources and guidance. Promotes awareness of best practices and safety-related initiatives.