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»ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ Alumni Association Board

The »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ Alumni Association (DAA) Board is a group of dedicated alumni volunteers who represent Dal’s 160,000+ alumni. As ambassadors of »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥, the board advises on plans to engage alumni around the world and strengthen community connections.

Apply to join the DAA Board

The DAA is seeking applications from alumni interested in joining as new board members in September 2025.

The DAA Board is an approximately 17-person volunteer advisory board that advises on plans to drive active alumni engagement worldwide in support of »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥. Members assist by promoting Dal programs and events, public speaking, professional work, outreach to contact networks, and other means as applicable.

The board aims to broadly represent all of »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥â€™s faculties, as well as the geographic regions and graduation years of the alumni community. We welcome applications for board positions from across the community.

This year, we are particularly interested in applications from individuals with experience in:

  • Advisory Board Experience / Committee Experience
  • Customer Relations / Employee Engagement
  • Marketing / Communications / Events and Programming

Equally, we are particularly interested in applications from individuals with experience relating to the following faculties:

Architecture and Planning

  • Law
  • Computer Science
  • Dentistry

We welcome applications from »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ alumni around the world. To reflect the distribution of our current alumni community, we particularly encourage applications from individuals based in the following regions:

  • Western Canada
  • The Caribbean
  • South America
  • India
  • China

Further, alumni from any graduating year are eligible to apply for a board member position. To reflect the distribution of the current alumni community, the DAA Board is particularly hoping to improve the representation of recent graduates (i.e. those individuals that have graduated within the last five years) in its board membership.

Finally, in line with »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥'s commitment to diversity and inclusion, we encourage applicants from underrepresented groups, including but not limited to the Indigenous, African-Nova Scotian, and LGBTQ2SIA+ populations.

Please send your cover letter and CV to volunteer@dal.ca by midnight (AST) on March 7, 2025. Your application should set out your motivation for applying for a DAA Board position, your relevant skills and experience (including any past board-level experience), as well as your relevant background. Please include your name, address, Dal grad year(s) and degree(s).

All applications will be forwarded to the DAA nominating committee for follow-up once the application period closes. The appointment of new board members will be finalized at the DAA Board’s Annual General Meeting in May 2025.

Portrait of Alana Riley

President and Board of Governors representative

Alana Riley (MBA’17)

Read Alana's spotlight

Location: Calgary, Alberta

Alana Riley (MBA’17) is a success driven executive leader who delivers superior results by building and motivating top-performing diverse teams. With an expansive career in Financial Services, she has led teams of 1000+ employees in wealth management, mortgage and banking, insurance, estate and trust, and small and medium size business lines. As head of mortgage, insurance and banking, Alana is a member of the executive leadership team that leads the strategic direction and execution for the independent business lines and overall performance of products and distribution model, and partners to ensure risk and cash management solutions are embedded in the financial planning experience. She is responsible for strategic partnerships, capital allocations, financial risk management, digital transformation, and respective P&L.

Alana serves as president and CEO, IG Trust Co., as well as board Chair, IG Insurance Services Inc., subsidiaries of IGM.

Alana holds a Master of Business Administration degree from »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥, blended with Financial Services. In addition, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Windsor, and designations including Partners, Directors & Officers, LLQP, CSC, ACC, Certified Financial Services Coach and Board Dynamics, ICD, Rotman School of Management.

Alana is an active alumni ambassador currently serving as »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥â€™s Alumni Association president, Board of Governors member, volunteer, and mentor.

Alana is also active in the community serving an organization focused on caregivers for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia as vice chair for Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. Passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion, Alana launched a National Women of Wealth program and actively speaks on the topic. As a mother of three, one with special needs, Alana also strongly advocates for inclusion and has served organizations focused on DEI, including as a member of the Global Accessibility Advisory Group.

Portrait of Jo-Anne Galarneau

Vice-president and Board of Governors representative

Jo-Anne Galarneau (BA’03)

Read Jo-Anne's spotlight

Location: St. John’s, NL

Originally from Newfoundland, Jo-Anne Galarneau (BA’03) graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts (Economics). As a student, she was actively involved in the »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ community, serving on numerous university boards and on the »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ Student Union (DSU) executive committee. She received the Malcolm Honour Award at convocation for outstanding contribution to student leadership.

After graduation, Jo spent over a decade working globally for the Thomson Reuters Corporation across their Toronto, New York and London offices. After returning to Canada, she joined Ernst & Young’s (EY) Advisory Services practice for 11 years where she focused on delivering strategic advice to private and public organizations on operational risks, change management, financial analysis and process improvement. As of September 2023, Jo is the Executive Director and Board Secretary for the Public Utilities Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador.

She has received multiple designations including her Chartered Management Accountant (CMA) designation, Prosci Change Management certification, Project Management certification and is pursuing her ICD.D designation in corporate governance. Jo is active in her community and is a passionate volunteer for both local and international organizations.

Board members

Location: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Alisha Brown-Fagan (JD’12), hailing from East Preston, Nova Scotia, proudly identifies as a seventh-generation African Nova Scotian. Her heritage can be traced back to the Jamaican Maroons who established themselves as early settlers in the Province of Nova Scotia in 1796.

She earned her undergraduate degree in Criminology and Psychology from St. Thomas University in 2009. Later, Alisha completed the Indigenous Blacks and Mi’kmaq Initiative at »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥â€™s Schulich School of Law, graduating in the Class of 2012. During her time at »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥, she was an active member and, at one point, the Vice-President (Communications) of the »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ Black Law Students’ Association.

In 2013, after being called to the Nova Scotia bar, Alisha dedicated 8 ½ years to practicing family and child protection law with Nova Scotia Legal Aid. Her legal career took an impactful turn when she assumed the role of Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives with the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism Initiatives. During her two-year tenure, Alisha led the Land Titles Initiative, which aimed to help residents in five historic African Nova Scotian communities secure clear titles to land passed down by their ancestors. Additionally, she led various other initiatives aimed at dismantling systemic barriers and inequities within government policies, legislation, programs, and services. Recently, Alisha returned to Nova Scotia Legal Aid as a Legal Project Manager within the Executive Office.

Alisha’s commitment to advocacy extends beyond her legal career. She has served as the President of the Nova Scotia Chapter of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers. She is an active member of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, contributing her expertise to the Racial Equity Committee, Nominating Committee, and Ruck Report Implementation Task Force. Alisha also serves on »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥â€™s Senate Honorary Degrees Committee.

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Dr. Bobby Matheson (DipAg’80) grew up on a dairy farm in Prince Edward Island. Since leaving the Island for university, he has lived in various regions of Canada including Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Most of that time related to academic studies at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (now the »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ Faculty of Agriculture), the University of Guelph, McGill University and finally the University of Saskatchewan, where he obtained a PhD in economics with a focus on agriculture. Bobby spent most of his career in Ottawa, working in various federal government departments including Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada and Public Safety Canada. In 2018, he embarked on a new adventure as the vice president of Dairy Farmers of Canada. Bobby stepped down from that position in the spring of 2022 as part of a transition to full retirement, and currently works part time as a senior executive advisor.

Bobby is a seasoned senior executive with a broad range of expertise and knowledge, and many years of experience working in the areas of public policy, international trade, governance, public/private sector partnerships and initiatives, grants and contribution programs, finance, research, transformation and corporate management in government, and finally, not-for-profit. Strategy development and visioning, coaching and leadership development all continue to be key areas of interest for him.

Adept at establishing and maintaining networks and effective working relationships across federal departments and agencies, Indigenous peoples, non-profits, other governments and industry organizations, Bobby hopes to use these skills to assist the »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ Alumni Association in expanding the knowledge and awareness of »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ to prospective students and alumni right across Canada.

Location: Montreal, Quebec

Raphieal Newbold (BSc’18) was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas, but eagerly agreed to trade in flip flops for snow boots in 2014 when he moved to Halifax to study at Dal.

While there, he was widely involved in student life – from being a senior residence assistant to serving on the executive of the biology and science societies. He was humbled to receive the Aramark Leadership Award from Dal as well as departmental awards from the Department of Biology for his extracurricular pursuits during his time as a student.

After completing his BSc in biology with a minor in spanish at Dal in 2018, he moved to Montréal where he completed his MSc in experimental medicine at McGill. He now considers Montréal home, where he works as a medical writer, preparing clinical study reports and scholarly, academic material.

Volunteerism is one of his greatest passions. Raphieal loved his Dal experience so much that he wanted to remain connected to the university as an alum, which led to him joining the Dal Insight Circle and now, the DAA. He also serves as the Vice President of Public Policy for the Uplift Canada Foundation, a non-profit organization that upcycles donated clothing and relocates them to local shelters, and has previously volunteered as a tutor, supporting grade school students and adult learners in underserved communities.

Location: Canning, Nova Scotia

Susan Sipos (BAg’13) graduated in 2013 with a dual degree in International Food Business from »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥â€™s Faculty of Agriculture with a Bachelor of Agriculture and CAH Vilentum in the Netherlands with a Bachelor of Business Administration. This dual degree program offered

extensive international agriculture opportunities with a year studying abroad as well as two international internships, the first at a juice company in Den Haag, the Netherlands and the second in Ethiopia on a joint Post-Harvest Management project through »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥, McGill University and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

Her career in agriculture started in the heart of Canadian greenhouse production in Leamington, Ontario. Upon returning to Nova Scotia she worked in the growing wine and viticulture industry in the Annapolis Valley until joining the Sales and Marketing team at Nova Agri, one of the largest fruit and vegetable farms in Atlantic Canada. Her work experience has been focused on the sales and marketing of fresh produce to major retailers, developing an understanding of the supply chain from field to fork and the agricultural challenges farmers face to meet retail needs on the shelf. Driven for growth, she has taken part in educational programs through the Canadian Produce Marketing Association to cultivate relationships and understand agriculture initiatives and innovation across the country.

Location: Santa Clara, California

Upon graduating in 2015 with a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Jason Strandberg (BComm’15) began work in public practice with Big Four firms where he earned his CPA designation. Currently, Jason works at Arm in the revenue accounting department pursuing his passion for technology in Silicon Valley. Beyond his work, Jason is a big fan of activities that challenge him both mentally and physically. During his rare downtime, Jason likes to relax with his Xbox by gaming or visiting the local gym to work up a sweat or practice some MMA.

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Dr. Cathy J. Campbell (BPE’75, MSc’77) is a native of Halifax, N.S., who currently works at Cleveland Clinic Canada in Toronto, practicing both sport and family medicine. She completed a physical education degree and a Master of Science specializing in exercise physiology at »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ while competing in and coaching track and field for many years, specializing in sprints, hurdles, and relays. After working in Ottawa for 3 years with the Coaching Association of Canada, she went back to university, completing a medical degree in 1983 at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont. She subsequently completed a residency in family medicine at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

Dr. Campbell worked internationally from 1988 to 2002, practicing in Connecticut and Texas before returning to Canada and settling in Toronto. She is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto.

Dr. Campbell served as the team physician for the Canadian Women’s National Soccer teams from 2000 to 2012, travelling extensively and culminating in their winning the bronze medal in the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. Since 2008, she has served FIFA as a medical officer and a doping control officer. In these roles for Canada and for FIFA, she has attended 17 FIFA World Cups.

In recognition of her contributions to sport, in 2014 Dr. Campbell was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame as a builder. And in recognition of her contributions as a physician leader, in 2014 she was the recipient of the Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine (CASEM) Community Sport Medicine Physician of the Year. In 2021, Dr. Campbell was elected president of CASEM.

Dr. Campbell is thrilled to join the »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ Alumni Association and to have the opportunity to contribute to the splendid institution that gave her such an excellent beginning to her career.

Location: Brooklyn, N.Y.

Armaan Ahluwalia (BMgmt’13) was born and raised in Winnipeg, but has spent time across the continent with stops in Halifax, San Diego, Kansas City and now, Brooklyn.  

He is currently at the BSE Global (parent company of the Brooklyn Nets & New York Liberty) as the director of global partnerships business operations and insights where he oversees special projects, insights, and data for the global partnerships team. Prior to BSE Global, he worked with the Kansas City Chiefs for six seasons. During his time in Kansas City, he was part of the team that sold naming rights to the historic Arrowhead Stadium, now GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Armaan graduated from »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ with a degree in business management after majoring in entrepreneurship and innovation. He went on to complete his MBA with a focus in sports business at San Diego State University.

He lives with his wife and dog in Brooklyn, N.Y. He enjoys trying out new restaurants, travelling and visiting dog parks.

Location: St. John’s, N.L.

Dr. Angela Ridi (MD’03) was born and raised in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and after graduating from McGill, completed the Diplome international at Universite de Lyon- Lumiere as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar before returning to Nova Scotia to attend »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ Medical School. During residency, Angela studied at Universite d’Ottawa and obtained the Diplome de competances en langue seconde (francais), and maintains her bilingualism through ongoing course work and travel.

As an academic anesthesiologist in St. John’s, N.L., Angela is a clinical professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Memorial University and has been teaching at Memorial Medical School since 2009. She has a particular interest in advanced airway management, and enjoys incorporating some pediatric work into her practice. In addition, teaching is part of her daily work in the operating room, and includes medical students, medical residents, respiratory therapy students and advanced care paramedic students. Community work close to home includes volunteering for local Multicultural Day, Girl Guides of Canada, and the Canadian Federation of Medical Women, as well as serving on the Board of Directors of a local school.

Nationally, Angela is a long-standing Director on the Board of the Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society, an Executive Board member for the Atlantic Division of the Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society and Trustee of the Canadian Anesthesia Research Foundation.

Location: Toronto, Ont.

David Leonard (BA’22) is an arts and social purpose executive who is currently the Executive Director of the Writers’ Trust of Canada, an organization dedicated to celebrating and supporting writers at every stage of their careers. He has over two decades of experience at the heart of purpose-driven organizations, helping Canadian arts organizations and non-profits achieve success in strategy, public outreach, program development, and organizational growth. He has been a central part of significant initiatives globally, as well in every Canadian province and territory.

Prior to his current role, David worked as a consultant with clients including nation-building non-profits, leading universities, national policy organizations, boutique communications firms, and community-level charities. He also previously held a leadership role at the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, where he ran their flagship international inclusion initiative, 6 Degrees, executive producing numerous events in Canada, Germany, and Mexico, and overseeing the development of a content program featuring leading contributions from around the world. He was also head of events at The Walrus Foundation for nearly a decade, building a nationally respected program of events and fundraising—including The Walrus Talks—that featured established and emerging Canadian leaders on the most pressing issues facing the world. In these roles, David’s commitment to reflecting the full spectrum of Canadian ideas meant platforming credible voices from underrepresented communities alongside household names and ensuring that Canadians were both educated and entertained. He also did communications and campaign work for a number of national environmental charities, including as book campaign lead at Canopy, and before that spent almost a decade in charge of publicity campaigns for some of the most well-known authors and publishers in Canada and around the world.

David has devoted volunteer time to social causes for his entire adult life and is currently the President of the Board of Directors of Word on the Street Toronto. David was raised in Dartmouth and lives in Toronto.

Location: Bermuda

Tina James-Outerbridge (BA'96) is a 7th generation Canadian from East Preston, Nova Scotia, currently residing in Bermuda. She embarked on a career in education with the goal of becoming an agent of change. Tina began her teaching journey in Mississauga, Ontario, at a Montessori school, where she spent three years growing personally and professionally, learning from her students.

In 2000, she relocated to Bermuda with her husband and their six-month-old son, welcoming their second child in 2006. Tina dedicated 18 years to a local school before transitioning to a smaller school, focusing on adolescent children who are neurologically diverse.

Tina has Montessori Teacher Training for primary and elementary education, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, a Certificate in Whole School Management, and is a Montessori Teacher Trainer for Primary and Elementary 1.

As a passionate Montessori educator, Tina has attended numerous workshops on Peace Education, Educational Neuroscience, and Education for a New World. Her dedication to children is deeply rooted in her own schooling experiences, which did not favour children of colour. As a Change Agent, Tina has co-facilitated international workshops, presented at various professional development sessions, and participated in panel discussions on teacher training.

Tina has held several leadership positions, including past chair of the Bermuda Educators Council, started the Somersfield Teacher Association, Treasurer of the Canadian Association of Montessori Teachers, Head of the Primary Division, and Curriculum Coordinator at her school. Her unwavering commitment to the Montessori philosophy drives her to help children who struggle in school, ensuring they excel and find joy in their education, fulfilling her cosmic task.

Location: Halifax, N.S.

Andrew Feader (Bsc (Economics)'97, (Political Science)'98) was born and raised on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. It was during an elementary school trip to Dal’s planetarium and Dalplex that his initial interest in »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ grew. Many years later he attended as a student.

He works in Toronto and Halifax, but frequently spends time in the South Shore with his young family. He has over 20 years of progressive experience as a professional financial planner and investment/wealth advisor.

After graduating from »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ Andrew went on to earn his Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Financial Management Advisor (FMA) and Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) professional designations.

As an active alum of Dal, Andrew sat on the Faculty of Science Teaching of Excellence board and currently sits on the »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ Legacy Society and the University Children’s Centre boards.

When not renovating his Halifax home, he can be found spending time with his wife (Dal MBA'24), their 4-year-old son, 2-year-old twins (son and daughter), and their dog Wally. All 3 children attend University Children’s Centre on Dal’s Campus, so after graduating over 25 years ago, he can still be seen on Dal’s campus taking his kids to and from school.

Location: Calgary, Alberta

Andrea Power (BComm’88 & MPA’10) is an East Coast gal who lives in the West. After a career in post-secondary governance, the recently retired Andrea is excited to give back to her alma mater. Andrea was fortunate to have studied and worked at Dal for 15 years as the Associate Secretary, Senate and Manager, Secretariat Operations.  

Her career in university governance evolved through her work with three universities (»ÆÉ«Ö±²¥, University of Calgary, and Alberta University of the Arts) and has provided a solid understanding of university operations and governance.

Andrea has been a board member of the Lung Association of Nova Scotia (from 2012 -2018 as Board Chair) and is currently the secretary and past chair of the Canadian Lung Association (2018-present). While working with »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥, Andrea was active with the »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ Professional Managerial Group (DPMG), a volunteer group that promotes the interests of managers and professionals, and her final role was as President (2017-2018).  

As a lifelong learner, Andrea earned a Diploma in Business Foundation Computer Systems from the Nova Scotia Community College (1997), a Project Management certificate from Saint Mary’s University (2011), a Prosci Change Management certificate (2014), and numerous leadership certificates.  

Retirement has provided opportunities for travel and time to dedicate to family and friends, including frequent visits to the East Coast to see children and grandchildren. Retirement has also provided time to devote to health and wellness.

She also remains engaged with alumni in Calgary and is pleased to contribute as an active member of the »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ Alumni Association Board.