Staff & Board of Directors

Chamber Staff

  • Shannon Merrifield
    Chief Executive Officer
  • Carole Cunningham
    Director of Events & Administration
  • Deb Tremblay
    Manager of Marketing & Operations
  • Lisa Pattman
    Director of Membership & Development
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Shannon Merrifield

Chief Executive Officer

506-271-4744
smerrifield@thechambersj.com
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Carole Cunningham

Director of Events & Administration

506.634.8111
ccunningham@TheChamberSJ.com
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Deb Tremblay

Manager of Marketing & Operations

506-650-2013
dtremblay@thechambersj.com
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Lisa Pattman

Director of Membership & Development

506-651-1887
lpattman@thechambersj.com

Board of Directors

  • Sunny Khosla
    Chairperson
  • Greg Hierlihy
    Vice Chair
  • J. Michael Gauthier
    Treasurer
  • Doug Jenkins
    Secretary & Director - Representative for Saint John
  • TBD
    Director & Representative for Grand Bay/Westfield
  • Serene Allen
    Past Chair
  • Andy Carson
    Director & Representative for KV
  • Glen Fillmore
    Director & Representative for West Saint John
  • Mara Mallory
    Director
  • Neil Jacobsen
    Director
  • Kevin Perry
    Director
  • Brianna Barry
    Director
  • Colum Connolly
    Director
  • Bernadette Fernandes
    Director
  • David Smith
    Director
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Sunny Khosla

Chairperson

Sunny Khosla - Founder NAAS Immigration Services

Sunny Khosla is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and founder of NAAS Immigration Services. He is a Certified Public Account, New Brunswick, and New Hampshire. He has more than 18 years of experience in the professional industry, with 15 plus years in the leadership roles, with companies like, Royal Bank of Canada, American Express, EXL services. He worked with the Royal Bank of Canada for 3 plus years in different capacity (Commercial Account Manager and Branch Manager).

He is in Saint John from last 5 years. He has made Saint John his permanent home and likes helping the community. He sits on the board of New Brunswick Social Pediatrics and as a Treasurer for EDA.

He served the board for the Three Sisters Condominium corporation as a Treasurer. He was awarded as an emerging leader award in the year 2021 from the CPA New Brunswick.

He brings his diversified experience in the finance world and Immigration. He is bringing lot of people in New Brunswick and helping the existing newcomers in settling down and getting their Permanent residency. He loves what he is doing now and is passionate about helping the community. He also started the Atlantic India Free Kitchen Service for all, to serve food at Outflow, which was replaced by donation model in pandemics.

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Greg Hierlihy

Vice Chair

Vice President of Finance and Operations - Saint John Airport

Greg Hierlihy has over 30 years of work experience in finance and accounting. Greg is currently the Vice President  of Finance and Operations  at Saint John Airport Inc.. In March 2021, he took on an additional role as the Interim President and CEO of the company, which lasted until December 2021.

Prior to his  current role, Greg worked at J.D. Irving, Limited from 2003 to 2017. During his time there, he held various roles including Director of Finance, Corporate Services; Director, Accounting and Reporting; Director Financial Planning and Analysis; Director of Finance, JDI Financial Services; Director of Finance, Irving Equipment Division; and Director, Business Development.

 

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J. Michael Gauthier

Treasurer

Senior Director of Corporate Finance NB & PEI

Michael is a Senior Director of Corporate Finance at BMO Commercial Bank, with over 18 years of experience in progressively senior roles within the Bank.  Based in Saint John, where he was born and continues to live, Michael leads tailored financial solutions for mid to large commercial clients, specializing in capital structuring, debt financing and strategic advisory and is known for building strong client relationships and delivering practical growth-oriented solutions.

Deeply committed to community, he volunteers on several Task Force committees with the Chamber and serves on several community boards, supporting economic and civic initiatives in the Saint John region.

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Doug Jenkins

Secretary & Director - Representative for Saint John

Founder & President - Ispire Technologies

Doug is the founder and President of iSpire – Inspired Technologies Inc. In January 2015, Doug co-founded ConnexionWorks, a collaborative co-working space in uptown Saint John where iSpire resides. Doug graduated from UNB with an Electrical Engineering degree and is an avid motorcyclist, working part-time as a certified motorcycle instructor. He is driven by helping individuals and companies reach their goals.

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TBD

Director & Representative for Grand Bay/Westfield

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Serene Allen

Past Chair

Vice President, Strategy & Performance - Port of Saint John

Serene Allen is a dynamic leader with over a decade of experience in leadership, human resources, corporate services, and project management. Serene has been a member of the Port Saint John team since 2015, assuming progressively responsible positions within the organization. She is currently the Vice President of Strategy & Performance, leading various areas, including finance, accounting, procurement, IT, and organizational strategy.

Serene holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of New Brunswick. Through her dedication to professional and leadership development, Serene has achieved designations as a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and Project Management Professional (PMP). Serene’s commitment to continuous improvement and delivering results makes her a focused leader for strong organizational performance while developing individuals and teams.

Serene believes in giving back to the community and sits on the Boards of the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce and the Saint John Seafarers Mission.

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Andy Carson

Director & Representative for KV

Vice President Government Relations - J.D. Irving Ltd

Based in Saint John, NB, Andy focuses on public policy, stakeholder relations, and working with JDI businesses on helping to unlock new opportunities.

Since 2008, he has also held roles in legal affairs, corporate
communications, and business development in the energy and natural resources sectors.


Andy received his Bachelor of Arts from Mount Allison University before studying law at Dalhousie University. He has an Executive MBA from a joint program between Northwestern University and York University.


Andy was born and raised in Saint John, NB, and currently lives in
Rothesay, NB, with his family.

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Glen Fillmore

Director & Representative for West Saint John

Executive Director of Strategic Growth and Transformation - Saint John Energy

Glen Fillmore is the Executive Director of Strategic Growth and Transformation, and leads Saint John Energy's evolution towards a cleaner, more resilient future. With extensive experience in energy sector transformation, Glen implements innovative solutions that not only reduce emissions and modernize our grid but also strategically advance our local economy and business community. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to community engagement and sustainable energy ecosystems, fostering partnerships and initiatives that support local businesses and stimulate economic growth. Spanning energy, telecommunications, and information technology, Glen's diverse background uniquely positions Saint John Energy for sustained innovation and strategic growth in the evolving energy landscape.

Beyond his professional achievements, Glen's dedication to service is evident through decades of volunteerism with the Saint John Police Force as an Auxiliary Police Constable and as a board member and chair of the Boys and Girls Club of Saint John. Glen's multifaceted contributions to our board enrich our vision for a brighter, more sustainable future, grounded in economic prosperity and community resilience.

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Mara Mallory

Director

Lawyer -Lawson Creamer

Mara Mallory graduated from the University of New Brunswick's law school in 2002, completing her articles and practicing law with a large regional law firm until 2005.  She left private law practice for the business world in 2005, joining an information technology company with global operations.

Her private and public sector experience includes positions in healthcare policy and advocacy, economic policy, and as co-principal of a communications and advocacy consulting firm for six years.

In 2022, Mara returned to private law practice with Lawson Creamer and was re-admitted to the New Brunswick Bar in 2023.  She practices in the areas of litigation, and administrative law.

Mara and her husband have four children and are active in local sports and arts organizations

 

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Neil Jacobsen

Director

Founder Roxham Advisory

Neil has spent decades driving economic growth and diversification in the Saint John and Fundy regions through leadership roles at the Saint John YMCA-YWCA Enterprise Centre, Business Development Bank of Canada, Saint John Waterfront Development Partnership, and Enterprise Saint John.

He most recently served as Deputy City Manager and Acting City Manager for the City of Saint John, leading strategic initiatives and launching the City’s internal continuous improvement and sustainability programs.

Previously, Neil was Assistant Deputy Minister with the New Brunswick Department of Energy and Mines, overseeing energy policy and regulatory affairs. He now serves as Senior Policy Consultant with the Atlantica Centre for Energy.

A lifelong entrepreneur, Neil has owned and operated three small businesses, and holds a Bachelor of Engineering from McGill and an MBA from Western University. He teaches in the MBA program at UNB and was appointed a Teaching Associate in the School of Graduate Studies in 2019.

Neil has long supported the Chamber movement, serving as Chair of Small Business Week (Fundy Region), co-chair of the Saint John Board of Trade’s Business and Community Development Committee, and was honoured in 2015 as one of Canada’s Resource Champions by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Saint John Energy and as a Trustee of its pension plan.

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Kevin Perry

Director

Realtor - Exit Realty

Kevin is a lifelong member of the Saint John Region with over 40 years of experience in business, including leadership roles in various sectors. His creativity and passion fuel his current mission as a professional realtor, property manager and residential/commercial designer. Kevin's involvement in the Chamber dates back over 25 years, serving on many committees and the Board of Directors. Kevin is passionate about member retention and support, and is currently serving as the chair of the Membership Committee.

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Brianna Barry

Director

Director of Total Rewards and HR Governance - Irving Oil

Brianna completed her Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Ottawa and her Juris Doctor degree at the University of New Brunswick.

She began her legal career in private practice with a regional firm in Saint John before joining Irving Oil as Associate General Counsel. Brianna currently holds the position of Director of Total Rewards and HR Governance at Irving Oil.

Brianna enjoys being involved in the community and currently volunteers on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity New Brunswick.

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Colum Connolly

Director

Co-founder & Co-CEO - Bloom Fundy

Dr. Colúm Connolly is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Bloom Funding, a Saint John-based consulting firm that helps ambitious organizations access funding, measure impact, and grow sustainably. Since founding Bloom Funding with his wife and business partner, Elizabeth, Colúm has helped organizations across Atlantic Canada and beyond to secure millions of dollars in funding to support innovation, business growth, community development, and social impact.


With a background in genetics, research, and science communication, Colúm brings a unique perspective to business and economic development. His work sits at the intersection of innovation, funding strategy, sustainability, and community-building, supporting companies, nonprofits, and municipalities as they navigate complex opportunities and turn ideas into action.


Colúm is passionate about the role of business in building stronger communities. He currently serves as Chair of the Government Relations Committee for the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Saint John, where he has helped support renewed advocacy efforts, regional policy priorities, and stronger engagement between the business community and all levels of government.

Originally from Ireland, Colúm moved to Canada in 2009 and now calls Saint John home with his wife, their two sons, and dog. He is a member of the Wallace McCain Institute’s Entrepreneurial Leaders Program and is committed to lifelong learning, practical problem-solving, and helping Greater Saint John realize its full potential as one of New Brunswick’s key economic engines.
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Bernadette Fernandes

Director

Founder & CEO, The Varanda Network

Bernadette Fernandes is the Founder & CEO of The Varanda Network, an economic development and international trade agency focused on advancing collaboration, investment, and innovation across sectors and borders.
 
With more than 40 years of experience spanning telecommunications, entrepreneurship, economic development, governance, and community leadership, Bernadette has built a career connecting people, ideas, and opportunities locally and globally. Her work bridges government, industry, academia, and community through a collaborative “Quadruple Helix” approach to innovation and growth.
 
Bernadette serves as Principal of ThriveNB - Saint John, supporting workforce development initiatives focused on helping nursing homes retain internationally educated nurses and healthcare professionals. She is also Co-Chair of the New Brunswick Chapter of the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce, and Co-Founder of FDI Live.
 
A passionate community leader, Bernadette currently serves as Chair of Heart & Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick and as a Director with L'Arche Saint John. She has been recognized as one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business and as one of Atlantic Canada’s Most Inspiring Immigrants.
 
In 2024, Bernadette received the Distinguished Alumni Award from St. Thomas University in recognition of her leadership and contributions to community and economic development.
 
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David Smith

Director

Co-founder First Nations Storytellers

Dave Smith is a Mi'kmaq storyteller and Co-Founder of First Nations Storytellers, a New Brunswick company that shares Indigenous culture, history, and perspectives through immersive storytelling experiences.

Growing up outside his community, Metepenagiag, as a result of the Sixties Scoop gave Dave a different vantage point, known as two-eyed seeing, an ability to understand both the Indigenous and non-Indigenous experiences. This perspective, combined with 20+ years in customer service, shapes how he connects with people and builds bridges between communities.

Dave has shared stories with thousands of students, teachers, companies, and visitors across the region; thoughtful, often humorous, and always told from the heart. He reminds his guests that the history of this land goes back thousands of years, and that its wisdom still has lessons for all of us today.

Thank you, Deb, Gail