CHAIR

Erica is a passionate Senior Consultant in executive recruitment at Royer Thompson, working with a diverse range of clients across Atlantic Canada. She feels privileged to place leaders in organizations that drive change. Before this role, Erica gained valuable experience in higher education, working in student services at Saint Mary’s University and NSCC. Originally from Ontario, she holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University, as well as a Master of Education from Memorial University. Erica’s commitment to community service shines through her roles on the Halifax Regional Municipality Design Review Committee and as a Board Member of the Halifax & Region Military Family Resource Centre. In her downtime, she enjoys quality time with her husband and two daughters. As a board member of WAY, Erica is dedicated to raising awareness of the inequalities seniors face, drawing inspiration from her close relationship with her grandparents.

PAST CHAIR

Walter Robinson is a bilingual public affairs executive with over 25 years of experience influencing public policy at all government levels. With two decades in life sciences, he has significantly advanced healthcare and public policy. As Chief of Staff to Ottawa’s Mayor, he helped shape the city’s strategic direction. Recognized as an Ottawa Business Journal Top Forty Under 40 and a United Way Community Builder, Walter is also a dedicated cancer research advocate. A five-time undefeated White-Collar Boxer, he serves as producer and MC of the Fight for the Cure fundraiser for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation, showcasing his commitment to positive community impact. Walter remains a respected leader, advocate, and inspiration to many.

DIRECTOR

For seven years, Bryan has applied his expertise to Halifax-based nonprofits Pier Labs and Davis Pier Consulting. A neuroscientist focused on brain communication and adaptation, he uses his skills to address critical health and wellbeing challenges. His collaborative work spans Canadian sectors, tackling issues in Primary Health Care, Continuing Care, Disability Supports, injury recovery, and Employment Supports. Bryan’s journey is diverse: he’s a father, sports coach, musician, data analyst, and even selling running shoes. With a BSc from Saint Mary’s, an MSc and PhD from Dalhousie, and a Postdoctoral Fellowship at McGill, Bryan supports organizations in enhancing their societal impact. Believing that improving his relationship with himself and others is vital, Bryan strives to inspire those around him to do the same, knowing it’s key to personal and communal growth.

DIRECTOR

An experienced Pharmaceutical Executive with over 25 years of experience across Sales, Marketing, Market Access, and Government Affairs.  Troy is the founder of the Ellig Consulting Group. The firm’s mission is to assist organizations in driving strategy and empowering leadership to retain top talent. Deeply committed to the senior sector, Troy, during his career has led the development of programs that improved education for healthcare professionals and enhanced safety for seniors residing in Long-term care and retirement communities. WAY gives Troy a great opportunity to continue to honor Seniors and ensure they are always respected and connected to society.

DIRECTOR

Betty Hutchings is a transformational leader with proven success in leading organizations through significant change. She is owner of Atlantic Canada based Bonavista Business Solutions, a company specializing in facilitating people and organizational change, business process improvement and technology optimization to deliver measurable results; improved customer and employee experience, efficient operations and increased profitability. Betty has held executive positions with telecommunications and energy industries throughout Canada.  She has led consulting assignments across a broad spectrum of publicly traded, private and not-for profit organizations.

Leading a balanced, healthy, environmentally conscious, supportive and inclusive lifestyle is a cornerstone of Betty’s personal brand. Her diverse community and board service is complemented by an active lifestyle as an outdoor enthusiast; a long-distance runner, cyclist, downhill skier, and wilderness hiker. Her volunteer mentorship of young leaders and professionals is her way of giving back to the business environment and community where she has been so richly supported.

DIRECTOR

Mark is a portfolio management assistant RBC Phillips, Hager & North Investment Counsel Inc. Prior to joining the firm, he held a position as a managerial accountant. He earned his Bachelor of Commerce in Finance at Saint Mary’s University, and his MBA at Toronto Metropolitan University. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. He currently works closely with Ronald McDonald House and Ocean Wise on charitable initiatives. In the past, he’s been an active volunteer with Saint John Ambulance (SJA) and the Canadian Red Cross (CRC). 

Mark is eager to give back and be involved in his community. Being exceptionally close with and inspired by his grandmother, he’s very passionate about helping seniors. His goal is to serve We Are Young (WAY) alongside their mission, and apply his skill set from the field of finance.

DIRECTOR

Kate Sullivan is a seasoned governance and operations leader with over 20 years of experience supporting executives, boards, and mission-driven organizations across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. A Certified PMP, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Director of Operations and Strategic Mapping Consultant, she has built a career transforming complex systems into clarity, structure, and meaningful impact.

Kate currently leads governance and Secretariat functions for national collaboratives focused on sustainability and responsible investment, and she brings deep expertise in strategic planning, committee management, and organizational development. As the founder of Virtually Connected Solutions, she has supported CEOs, entrepreneurs, and leadership teams in strengthening operations, aligning teams, and scaling with intention.

A dedicated community volunteer, Kate has served on several corporate and nonprofit boards and has been recognized as Volunteer of the Year by both the municipal and provincial governments. Having been deeply and positively shaped by the quiet wisdom and steady encouragement of her paternal grandfather, she carries a profound appreciation for the role seniors play in our communities. His influence instilled in her a lifelong belief that every senior deserves to feel valued, heard, and celebrated - a perspective she brings with pride to her work with We Are Young.