Meet The Connector Team
Jonathan McClelland, CEO
Jonathan has been the CEO of the Cumberland Business Connector since 2017 and brings extensive experience in Business Management and Community Economic Development across rural Nova Scotia.
He is passionate about bringing people together, building partnerships, and collaborating to find solutions that support regional economic growth. With a B.Sc. in Agriculture (Economics major) from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, he enjoys working with entrepreneurs and established businesses across all sectors.
Sylvia Day, Communications & Special Projects Lead
Sylvia brings many years of experience in marketing, event planning, and youth programming, and plays a key role in coordinating the Cumberland Business Connector’s youth events.
She studied International Business with a concentration in Spanish at Saint Mary’s University and has proudly called Rockley home for the past 14 years. Sylvia enjoys spending time in nature, gardening, connecting with her large family, and watching her son play basketball. County 14 years ago, and it has been home for her ever since.
Some of Sylvia's favourite things to do include: spending time in nature, gardening, connecting with her large family, and watching her son play basketball.
Ron Furlong, Forestry and Special Projects
Ron Furlong was born and raised in Amherst and his schooling has included Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Ryerson Polytechnical College in Toronto, Holland College in Charlottetown, and St. FX in Antigonish.
Ron served as a business consultant for over 30 years in the fields of Human Resources, Performance Management, Quality Control, and Adult Education. Moving back to Cumberland County in 2010, Ron has spent the past seven years serving as Executive Director of the local Chamber of Commerce.
Ron joins the Cumberland Business Connector in a part time capacity as a project coordinator. When he’s not otherwise occupied, he can be found traveling around North America with camera in hand.
Denis Kushnir, Business Development Officer
Denis brings many years of management and business experience to this role, including his recent leadership position at Fox Harb’r Resort.
He also brings valuable entrepreneurial experience as a former business owner in Ukraine, where he successfully operated and grew his restaurant through strategic planning, marketing, budgeting, and team development.
Denis holds two graduate degrees—a Master of Science in Business & Managerial Economics and a Master of Science in International Relations & Affairs, he also has experience working in Municipal Government.
Our History
The Connector History
Our History In 2014 the report titled "Now or Never, An Urgent Call to Action for Nova Scotians" also known as "The Ivany Report" was released. This report challenged business people to step up and make a significant, lasting difference to their local economy for the benefit of all.
A small group of business people in Cumberland County started meeting and took up this challenge. With the encouragement of the municipalities within the Cumberland Region, public consultation sessions were held. Priorities were identified and narrowed down into three pillars.
The Cumberland Business Connector Society was formed and hired its first employee in 2017. Our Vision Through support to business, Cumberland County is the best and easiest county to do business in Atlantic Canada.
Board of Directors
Lacey Fisher, Chair
Michael Stack, Past Chair, Executive Committee
Matt Cormier, Vice Chair
Matt Cormier, Vice Chair
Michael Stack, Past Chair, Executive Committee
Matt Cormier, Vice Chair
Michael Stack, Past Chair, Executive Committee
Michael Stack, Past Chair, Executive Committee
Michael Stack, Past Chair, Executive Committee
Jonathan MacMaster, Secretary/Treasurer
Michael Stack, Past Chair, Executive Committee
Michael Stack, Past Chair, Executive Committee
Cheryl Richard, Director
Thomas MacLaren, Director
Cheryl Richard, Director
Jim Prince, Director
Thomas MacLaren, Director
Cheryl Richard, Director
Mary McPhee, Director
Thomas MacLaren, Director
Thomas MacLaren, Director
Thomas MacLaren, Director
Thomas MacLaren, Director
Thomas MacLaren, Director