Staff

Executive Director

Brendan Roberts (he/him) — As incoming Executive Director of StudentsNS, Brendan is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization in accordance with the strategic vision set out by the Board of Directors. Most notably, this takes the form of being the organizations primary spokesperson, lobbyist, researcher, and manager.

Brendan recently graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with a BA Honours in Public Policy and Governance with a Subsidiary in Political Science. Brendan’s thesis examined the historical evolution of funding frameworks and governance mechanisms employed by the government of Nova Scotia on the postsecondary education sector.

Prior to this role, Brendan has served as the Vice President of Finance & Operations, President & CEO, and most recently, the two-term Chair of the Board for the StFX Students’ Union. Through these experiences, he has learned a lot about the complex higher education sector in Nova Scotia, and across Canada. He has also had the opportunity to serve on the Students Nova Scotia Board of Directors for nearly two years, and has served as the Policy & Research intern.

Brendan is excited to be working with student leaders to further the advocacy, policy, stakeholder and government relations on behalf of all students. He recognizes the value and importance of creating space for students in decision making spaces, to amplify the student voice and needs. In his free time, Brendan enjoys hiking, skiing, and has a newfound appreciation for matcha lattes.

director@studentsns.ca

Policy & Research Officer

Ava Graham (she/her) — As Policy and Research Officer for Students Nova Scotia, Ava is responsible for assisting the Executive Director and Board of Directors in completing research related to post-secondary education in Nova Scotia. This includes developing policy briefs and research papers to support Students Nova Scotia’s strategic goals.

Ava graduated from Cape Breton University with a Bachelor of Science Honours in Chemistry and Mathematics. She recently began the Juris Doctor and Master of Health Administration dual degree program at Dalhousie University, with hopes of exploring the intersection of healthcare and law.

Before beginning her term with Students Nova Scotia, Ava served in several roles with the Cape Breton University Students’ Union. These included Fundraising Organizer, Outreach Manager, and Executive Vice President, and gave her the opportunity to work directly with students and expand her knowledge of the post-secondary education sector. She’s also spent time working in chemistry research labs and has planned a research conference, helping her to develop a love of research. Most recently, she completed a summer term with the CBU Registrar’s Office as a Policy Research Assistant.

Ava is thrilled to continue working with students through Students Nova Scotia, and is excited to be able to advance policy development, amplify student voices, and contribute initiatives benefiting post-secondary students across the province. In her free time, Ava enjoys cooking, spending time with friends and family, and trying various kinds of hot sauce.

Office Manager

office@studentsns.ca

Former Staff

• G Saleski, 2023-2025

• Lydia Houck, 2021-2023

• Clancy McDaniel, 2019-2021

• Tristan Bray, 2017-2019

• Sophie Helpard, 2016-2017

• Nick Head-Peterson, 2015-2016

• Jonathan Williams, 2012-2015

• Mark Coffin, 2009-2012

• Kelly Wilson, 2008-2009

• Paris Meilleur, 2007-2008

• Spencer Keys, 2006-2007

• Alex Abboud, 2005-2006

• Joanna Laskey, 2004-2005

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