Our Volunteer Board

President, Dr. Leslie Oliver, Wolfville

Dr. Oliver joined the Board in 2007 following his retirement as Professor and Director of the Jodrey School of Computer Science at Acadia University. Dr. Oliver’s voluntary board experience includes terms as President of the Associated Alumni of Acadia University, the Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) National, CIPS Nova Scotia, and CIPS Bluenose.

Vice-President, Ms. Denise Allen, Halifax

Ms. Allen was elected to the board in 2007. She contributes to the Society using her experience from other voluntary organizations and from her employment.

Past-President, Mr. Brian Johnston, Truro

Pastor Brian Johnston has served the Society as its longest serving President from 1996 to 2007. He manages his dedication to the Society while maintaining his professional position as a Detective Constable with the HRM Police Force and his role as Pastor of the Zion United Baptist Church, Truro.

Corporate Secretary, Ms. Rita Jardine, Kingston

Ms Rita Jardine, Kingston, NS, is an active Board member of the Valley African Nova Scotian Development Association (VANSDA). Ms Jardine joined the Black Cultural Society Board as a Director from Hants/Kings Counties after being nominated by Mrs. Geraldine Browning at the AGM, September 2008. Ms. Jardine resides in Kingston with her husband and daughter. She is employed as an Administrative Assistant at 14 Wing Greenwood.

Treasurer, Mr. Gregory Adolphe–Nazaire, Halifax

Gregory is employed with the Black Business Initiative as Regional Business Manager for the Southern area of Nova Scotia. He joined this Board in September, 2009, bringing his extensive experience in management, problem solving, finance and investment in Canada, the U.S.A. and Haiti.  Gregory holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the National Institute of Management, Haiti, Master’s Degree in Finance from the University Of Bordeaux, France and Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Nantes, France. . He has volunteered with Centers for Development and Health in Haiti (his home country) and in 2004 he volunteered in Montreal during hurricane relief for Haiti.

Finance Chair, Ms Twila Grosse,
Cherry Brook

Miss Grosse is the Supervisor of Management Accounting for the Halifax International Airport Authority. As a long-time member of the Society’s board she combines her financial, accounting, analytical and administration background in her work at the Society. Miss Grosse has served on other boards including the Halifax Regional Development Agency (HRDA), the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children, the African United Baptist Association of Nova Scotia and a trustee for Junior High Schools in the Cole Harbour area.

Fundraising Chair, Ms Alma Johnston, Dartmouth

Miss Johnston is a long-service board member including terms as President and Treasurer. Her organizational and leadership experience from over 35 years of teaching school, managing choirs and officiating in community and church organizations provides a wealth of knowledge to the board.

Membership Chair, Ms Beatrice Douglas, Halifax

Personnel Chair, Ms. Anne Simmons,
North Preston

Anne Simmons joined the board in 1977 as youth representative, on invitation from the late W.P Oliver. She remained on the board holding positions as Vice President and President. She applies the skills and experience from her professional training in social work in directing the business of the Society.

Program Chair, Ms. Bernadette Hamilton-Reid, Lake Echo

Director, Ms Cheryl Byard, Dartmouth

Director, Mrs. Elizabeth Cromwell, Shelburne

Director, Mr. Victor Jones, Glace Bay

Director, Ms. Pat Skinner, Antigonish

Director, Ms. Carolyn Fowler, Dartmouth

Director, Ms. Sara Hayward, Sydney

Director, Ms. Bev Cox, Shelburne

Ms Beverly Cox, Shelburne NS,  is a founding member of the Shelburne County Cultural Awareness Society and Board member of the Black Loyalist Heritage Society. With the BLHS, she has managed the budget for the Birchtown Archaeological Dig project with the BLHS and employment activities of the SCCAS summer programs for students. She is very active in the preservation of cultural history and hopes to see more programming directed to the Black youth throughout Nova Scotia.  She Joined the Black Cultural Society Board in November, 2008.

Director, Ms. Lorraine Reddick, Antigonish

Ms. Reddick has been on the board since 1992. She continues to be very actively involved in her local community and church. Lorraine has a Diploma in Social Development from the Coady International Institute, St.FX University and The Nova Scotia Community College.

Director, Ms. Theresa Halfkenny

Ms Theresa Halfkenny, Amherst NS, has a lengthy history of achievement in the Community, having served on many National and Provincial Boards .  Following her career as Registered Nursing Assistant and 25 years with Service Canada she has worked with Autumn House, home for abused women and children and the New Directions men’s program. She is Regional Citizen’s Advisory Committee Chair, Atlantic Region, with Corrections Canada; Chair of the Ethno cultural Advisory Committee (Corrections); member of the  Amherst Black Education Committee; and  has served as Municipal Councillor for Amherst dealing with all levels of Government.  Her interest in black culture and heritage gives her a desire to enhance awareness the rich history and instil those values in our youth, our future leaders. She joined the BSCNS Board in November 2008.