Speaker Biographies

More Speakers' Bios Coming Soon

Panel Discussion: 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

Emerging Professionals Committee

More details coming soon.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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 James Benoit - President and CEO, Build Nova Scotia

Session: Building a Stronger Nova Scotia

More details coming soon.

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

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.

Fireside Chat: 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM

Pal, Mann, P.Eng. - CEO & Registrar at Engineers Nova Scotia

More details coming soon.