About Us
A skilled forestry workforce
Sustainable, diverse and growing
The Forestry Sector Council is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing a skilled and professional workforce for the forestry industry in Nova Scotia. We collaborate with our partners to identify and solve labour challenges, advance innovation in human resources, and build capacity in our sector.
We are 1 of 14 provincial sector councils and are members of the Association of Industry Sector Councils.
Our strategic priorities:
Talent attraction & retention
Skills development
Human resources planning
VISION
Cultivating a workforce like our forests – sustainable, diverse and growing.
MISSION
Through attraction and retention, training, and building on human resource capacity, we will create the workforce of the future for Nova Scotia’s forestry sector.
VALUES
Collaboration
Sustainability
Diversity
2022-23 Board of Directors
Andrew Fedora
CHAIR
Andrew Fedora
BOARD CHAIR
Andrew Fedora is currently employed with the Nova Scotia Community College’s Centre of Forest Innovation. Over the last 25 years, he has worked for private industry, non-profit and government organizations, all within the forestry sector. His experience includes serving on boards such as the Maritime College of Forest Technology, Forest Nova Scotia, the Canadian Federation of Woodlot Owners, and the East Coast Music Association.
Andrew has a unique combined expertise in leadership, outreach, education, communications & applied forestry. He lives in Judique with his wife, their two young boys, and a variety of animals on their 37-acre homestead.
“If I were to choose a superpower, I suppose it might be teleportation. It would reduce my carbon footprint and save me a fortune on tires and auto insurance. It would also let me go directly from bed to my coffee maker in the morning.”
Cassie Turple
VICE CHAIR
Cassie Turple
BOARD VICE CHAIR
Cassie Turple is a third-generation sawmiller from Enfield, Nova Scotia. She is an Executive Member and Past President of the Wood Product Manufacturers Association of Nova Scotia (WPMAS). Cassie is also a Past President of Forest Nova Scotia and a Board Member of the Canadian Woodlands Forum. Her family’s sawmill, Ledwidge Lumber, produces over 70 million fbm stud lumber annually, employing over 90 people and exporting half to the U.S., and the rest currently stay in Atlantic Canada.
Cassie is the Communications Coordinator for Ledwidge Lumber managing employees, community, and government relations with a Bachelor of Public Relations Degree from Mount Saint Vincent University. Cassie is happily married with two children and spends as much time as possible outdoors with her family.
“Superpower – definitely the ability to fly.”
Amanda Mombourquette
SECRETARY TREASURER
Amanda Mombourquette
BOARD SECRETARY TREASURER
From St. Peter’s in Richmond County, Amanda has a degree in Business Administration with a major in Information Systems from St. Francis Xavier University. With experience at both international and local levels, Amanda’s background includes strategic planning, business counseling and development, evaluation, workshop facilitation, contract negotiation, and financial and project management.
Amanda has a passion for the economic well-being of the region and has worked in various economic and business development roles for over 20 years. She works at the Nova Scotia Community College, based at the Strait Campus, helping businesses and organizations with their workforce development needs and training. Prior to her role at NSCC, she was the Executive Director of the Strait Area Chamber of Commerce, providing a leadership role on all matters related to business advocacy for over 350 businesses. She was elected to municipal council in Richmond County in 2020 and currently serves as both the Councillor for District 4 and Warden.
“My superpower … that’s a hard one. Let’s say open-mindedness. I can be quick to make a decision, but not afraid to change my mind based on more/better info. Not as good as leaping tall buildings or anything, but it works for me!”
Jocelyn Taylor Archibald
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER
Jocelyn Taylor Archibald
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER
Jocelyn has been employed with Taylor Lumber Company Limited for over 15 years in various roles (from a woods crew to management). Some of the unique values she brings to the board table are her in-depth knowledge of the forest industry, her integrity, and professionalism, as well as her ability to work as a team player. Highlights of her career are tenures on various boards, including the Maritime Lumber Bureau where she had the privilege of being the first female Director and Chair, Forest Nova Scotia, and now the Forestry Sector Council.
Jocelyn holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a Major in Finance from Dalhousie University, as well as various industry-related certifications, including training and licenses as a Scaler, a Watercourse Alteration and Bridge Installer, and workplace safety programs.
“If I could possess one superpower it would be super speed, so I could complete my tasks faster, allowing me to enjoy more time with my family.”
Heidi MacInnis
DIRECTOR
Heidi MacInnis
BOARD DIRECTOR
Heidi has been employed with Port Hawkesbury Paper in the capacity of Human Resources Manager since 2012. Prior to that (2010-2012) she worked in the NewPage HR team as Organization Development Leader. Before returning ‘home’ to Cape Breton in 2010, she spent 13 years in Halifax working in various management roles within the Brewing Industry.
After high school, she attended NS Agricultural College and completed a Chemical Laboratory Diploma. While working full-time, she returned to school at St. Mary’s University completing a Chemistry Degree. Heidi holds an HR designation and is an active member of the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of Nova Scotia (CPHRNS).
“I would like to possess the ability to heal others.”
Elizabeth Jessome
DIRECTOR
Elizabeth Jessome
BOARD DIRECTOR
Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and biology from Cape Breton University and is currently a graduate student at Dalhousie’s School for Resource and Environmental Studies, working in the space where sustainable community energy meets forestry. Building a deep understanding of the relationships between forest ecology and the human place within it has guided her career path and the various projects she volunteers on. Elizabeth spent years conducting field research in source watershed forests and streams with ACAP Cape Breton and CBRM Water Utility.
These days, she hands her professional hat at the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources as the Mi’kmaq Forestry Initiative Project Manager where she is learning about traditional ways of conservation and ecosystem protection. Elizabeth was one of the founding members of the Bras d’Or Lakes Biosphere Reserve Association’s Forest Watch pilot which connected local school children with forest ecosystems and concepts of interconnectivity and stewardship of the watershed.
“If she could possess one superpower, she would have the ability to photosynthesize like the trees and snack all day long.”
Jason Casey
DIRECTOR
Jason Casey
BOARD DIRECTOR
Living with his wife, son, and dog Sam in Elmsdale, Nova Scotia, Jason is a forestry professional, working in the industry for the past 20+ years. Passionate about all things relating to forest management, he specialized in silviculture systems early on working for Elmsdale Lumber Company Ltd., and administered programs for various organizations including private woodland owners.
Jason currently holds the title of Forest Resource Manager at Elmsdale Lumber Company Ltd. while continuing to explore and evolve harvesting and silviculture systems in an ever-changing industry. He also provides consulting support for different forestry initiatives in the province while continuing his work with private woodland owners. He currently sits on the executive committee for the Canadian Woodlands Forum, as well as the Nova Scotia Forest Technicians Association. Jason brings well-rounded industry experience to the table with an open-minded progressive approach to finding solutions. He has always been an advocate for forestry and the possibilities that can be achieved through proper woodlot management.
In his spare time, Jason enjoys outdoor activities including camping with his family.
“If I could choose a superpower, I am not sure I would want the attention, so I’d likely pick something discreet and simple, like the ability to never forget another password.”
Adam Scott
DIRECTOR
Adam Scott
BOARD DIRECTOR
Adam is currently a Project Manager with Scott and Stewart Forestry Consultants Ltd. Scott and Stewart are one of Atlantic Canada’s largest non-industrial management firms, representing 50+ full-time employees and up to 200 seasonal workers across the forest sector. He has 15 years of experience as a silviculture worker in planting, manual weeding, and pre-commercial thinning/spacing. and he has supervised silviculture, harvesting, and land crews for 7 years.
Adam acquired a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics and Heath Sciences from St. Francis Xavier University in 2010 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Radiation Sciences and an Advanced Diploma in Medical Radiation Therapy from the University of Toronto.
Unique values that Adam brings to the table are on-the-ground experience in forest management, labour in all forestry activities from seed acquisition to final felling for forest products, and many stops in between. He has valuable insight into the labour force for a variety of forest workers.
“My superpower would be the ability to slow or stop time. On those days that seem to disappear before you even get started, it would be nice to slow things down for a bit. Also, who would not like the feeling of a longer weekend.”
Marcus Zwicker
DIRECTOR
Marcus Zwicker
BOARD DIRECTOR
Marcus is a 4th generation forest worker who currently resides in Bridgewater, NS, with his wife Kate, sons Mason, Harrison, and daughter Lucille. He grew up in a small community in Lunenburg County called Walden. He began his career working in his family’s logging, Christmas tree, and blueberry business from an early age. He graduate from the University of New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and Economics in 2006 and acquired an MBA from the University of Western Ontario in 2012.
Marcus is currently the Chief Operating Officer for Freeman Lumber, after working for 5 1/2 years as General Manager for WestFor Management. He spent the previous 10 years working for JD Irving in various roles across Atlantic Canada as an operations supervisor, process improvement lead, superintendent, and sawmill manager. He is the current President of the Registered Professional Foresters Association and operates a 1200-acre Christmas tree farm and woodlot with his family.
The values Marcus brings to the FSC board are a strong work ethic a long-term vision and understanding of the forest sector and an uncompromising determination for successful rural economic development.
“The one superpower I would possess would be not to require sleep to function.”
Our Staff
Heather Boyd
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Heather Boyd
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
A dynamic, versatile, and proactive leader, Heather is dedicated to building and sustaining strong relationships to get things done.
As the Executive Director of the Forestry Sector Council, she is leading the organization through a phase of revitalization to meet industry needs for skilled labour. The organization was launched during the pandemic, presenting a challenge for industry engagement. That opportunity allowed time for the development of healthy board governance and the formation of a strong strategic plan. Heather’s attention is now fixed on spearheading the delivery of resources and supports that fortify a diverse workforce supplied to lucrative businesses, developing a green and inclusive economy.
Previously, Heather worked with the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture in its AgSector Program launch. Earlier, she grew through various roles with Dairy Farmers of Nova Scotia transitioning from communications and finance to logistics and data analysis. One of her proudest accomplishments while working with DFNS was the implementation of the province’s first bulk milk supply chain electronic data collection system.
Heather is a lifelong learner and has pursued professional development through St. Mary’s University. She was a Municipal Candidate for County Council and has served on various boards and committees. Currently Heather is Vice Chair on the Maritime College of Forest Technology Board of Governors, poised to be the first-ever female Chair.
Born and raised in Truro, Heather lived in rural western Colchester County for twenty-five years on a woodlot and hobby farm and now calls Truro Heights home. She is a devoted mother and an avid community volunteer who stays active. Heather enjoys dance, squash, kayaking, skiing, and music.
“If I had a superpower, I would have a magic wand to do lots of wonderful things!”
Makayla Carroll
COMMUNICATIONS & PROJECT COORDINATOR
Makayla Carroll
COMMUNICATIONS & PROJECT COORDINATOR
With a master’s degree in Public Relations, Makayla comes to us from Truro, Nova Scotia. Her professional background is diverse with experience in government, and non-profit organizations, as well as owning and operating her own small baking business!
Makayla’s favourite aspect of her work in communications is being able to incorporate her artistic abilities into her career. Whether creating an independent project or working as part of a bigger team, she pushes herself to bring any idea to life in a creative and innovative way.
“If I could possess one superpower it would be time travel!”
Henry
MANAGER OF TEAM MORALE
Henry
MANAGER OF EMPLOYEE MORALE
Born in Texas, Henry spent the first few months of his life on the streets using only his sweet face and a great charm to find scraps of food and attention to survive on. He was rescued and brought to Nova Scotia at nine months where he found a great family to support him.
The love and support that Henry has received throughout his life is ultimately what has led to his career as Manager of Employee Morale.
“If he could possess a superpower it would be to have opposable thumbs to open the cookie jar whenever he wanted!”
Land Acknowledgement
Land Acknowledgement
The Forestry Sector Council is in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This territory is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship which Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) People first signed with the British Crown in 1726.
The treaties did not deal with surrender of lands and resources but in fact recognized Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik title and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship between nations. We acknowledge them as the past, present, and future caretakers of this land.
Partners
This organization receives core funding through the Nova Scotia Department of Labour Skills and Immigration (LSI) Sector Council Program.
