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Panel Discussion: 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Emerging Professionals Committee
Session: Creating Culture Through Mentorship
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Mentoring relationships can significantly impact your career and workplace culture. Join our panel discussion as we delve deeper into the value of mentoring and how it strengthens work environments where individuals can thrive. Our panellists, who have experience mentoring and being mentored, will share their personal stories, insights, and advice to help you take advantage of this career-changing tool. Whether you’re looking for a mentor or aim to support others, this discussion will provide the inspiration you need to start shaping meaningful connections to change the trajectory of your career.
Professional Breakout: 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Ann-Marie Flinn - President, Champion Change Agency
Session: The Champion Mindset — How Engineers Open Doors to Possibility, Progress, and Purpose
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Ann-Marie Flinn brings over 35 years of experience in corporate leadership and high-performance athletics to her work in leadership development and resilience coaching. As President of Champion Change Agency, she empowers professionals to lead with confidence, navigate uncertainty, and build stronger, more adaptive teams. In this inspiring session, Ann-Marie will explore how engineers can overcome internal barriers like self-doubt, perfectionism, and impostor syndrome to unlock greater innovation and influence. Participants will leave with practical tools to build resilience, take purposeful action, and lead with clarity—even in the face of change.
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Technical Breakout: 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Maureen Matthew - Senior Engineering Geologist & Geohazard Specialist, Stantec Consulting Ltd.
Session: We Built This City on Rock
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Maureen Matthew has 17 years of experience in applied geoscience for civil and resource development projects and is completing a PhD on coastal geohazards in northeastern Canada. She combines technical expertise with a passion for clear, engaging communication. In this session, Maureen will show how local geology is essential to safe, sustainable development. Using examples from Halifax, she will explore how bedrock affects foundation design, excavation, slope stability, and construction materials. Attendees will learn how integrating geological knowledge early in projects supports resilient engineering solutions.
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Keynote Lunch Presentation: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Melissa Fortunato - Managing Director, Negotiations Collective | Retired FBI Special Agent & Crisis Negotiator
Session: The Blueprint for Influence: An FBI Negotiator’s Guide to Human Behaviour
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Melissa Fortunato is a retired FBI Special Agent with over 20 years of experience in high-pressure negotiations and undercover operations. As former leader of the FBI-Cleveland Crisis Negotiation Team, she played a pivotal role in resolving complex situations. Drawing from real-world cases, Melissa will reveal the core principles of human connection and influence, and explore respect, perception, and skilled listening as essential to strategic influence. Attendees will learn to apply the FBI’s Behavioural Change Stairway Model to build rapport, enhance influence, and lead effectively in any circumstance.
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Professional Breakout: 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM
David Benoit, P.Eng. - President and CEO, Build Nova Scotia
Session: Building a Stronger Nova Scotia​
David Benoit brings over 30 years of leadership in military engineering, healthcare infrastructure, and public service to his role as President and CEO of Build Nova Scotia. His team delivers projects that grow the economy, support workforce development, and strengthen communities. In this session, David will highlight key initiatives including the Halifax Infirmary Expansion, the Cape Breton Healthcare Infrastructure Portfolio, and the Cellular for Nova Scotians Project—showing how the organization is building a stronger Nova Scotia through inclusive, impactful infrastructure.
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​Andrew Feener, P.Eng. - Senior Director Project Delivery & Chief Project Officer, Build Nova Scotia Healthcare Infrastructure Division​
Andrew Feener is Senior Director, Project Delivery & Chief Project Officer at Build Nova Scotia’s Healthcare Infrastructure Division, where he leads the Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project—one of the province’s largest and most complex healthcare initiatives. With a background in engineering and extensive experience delivering major capital and modernization projects, Andrew focuses on performance-driven, sustainable solutions that improve infrastructure outcomes and support better patient care. He will co-present the session with David on Building a Stronger Nova Scotia.
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Regulatory Breakout: 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM
Kris Dove, FEC, P.Eng. - COO and Treasurer at Engineers Nova Scotia
Session: Complaints and Discipline 411
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Kris Dove is the Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer at Engineers Nova Scotia, where he leads the organization’s professional conduct, complaints, and discipline processes. With extensive experience in regulatory operations within the engineering profession, Kris brings a deep understanding of how regulatory systems work. In his session, Kris will outline the Complaints and Discipline process, including what registrants can expect if a complaint is made, how investigations are handled, and the potential outcomes. He’ll also share insights from recent cases in Nova Scotia and across Canada, and provide an opportunity for attendees to ask questions.
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Fireside Chat: 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM
Pal Mann, CD, FEC, P.Eng. - CEO & Registrar at Engineers Nova Scotia
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Pal Mann, CD, FEC, P.Eng., is the CEO and Registrar of Engineers Nova Scotia, where he leads the organization in fulfilling its mandate to regulate and advance the engineering profession in the public interest across Nova Scotia. Pal previously spent five years with APEGA and completed over 32 years of distinguished service with the Royal Canadian Engineers, including key leadership roles in military engineering education and international deployments. With a strong background and deep expertise in professional regulation, organizational leadership, and decades of military service, Pal brings strategic vision and insightful guidance to the engineering profession in Nova Scotia and beyond. ​​​
In this fireside chat, Pal will be joined by Denise Pothier, FEC, P.Eng., the Engineers Canada Director from Nova Scotia, for a candid and thought-provoking conversation about the role of Engineers Canada. Together, they’ll explore the federation’s evolution, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and how Atlantic perspectives are helping shape the future of engineering regulation, professional development, and professional sustainment across Canada. The session will include an open Q&A, offering attendees the opportunity to engage directly with Pal and Denise on the issues that matter most to engineers at every stage of their careers.​
Denise has a background in Chemical Engineering and over 30 years of industry experience in risk management, operational management systems, and operational effectiveness. A believer in giving back, she serves on the Boards of Efficiency One, IWK Health, and Engineers Canada. An alumna of the 2022 Governor General’s Leadership Conference, Denise was recently named a Fellow by Engineers Canada. She has been recognized for her community work and efforts to promote engineering to historically excluded and marginalized groups.​
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