Staff & Board
John Cooke
Executive Director
John joined the Corporation in 1999 after ten years as an entrepreneur. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree with a major in accounting; as well, he is a past graduate of the Small Business Counseling Program through APEC-ibiz at Acadia University. He left the Corporation in 2006, as Senior Development Officer, for a two year period to work in Special Loans at Nova Scotia Business Inc. He returned to Blue Water in September of 2008 as Executive Director and provides a wealth of experience in many different entrepreneurial capacities. His background includes loan administration, financial counseling, and investments. John holds several certificates in Counselling, Negotiation, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution.
john.cooke@cbdc.ca
Mark Tilley
Senior Business Development Officer
A Bachelor of Commerce Co-op. graduate from the Memorial University of Newfoundland, Mark brings a background of marketing, sales, and small business development. Mark joined the staff of CBDC Blue Water in March of 2006 as a Development Officer, and was promoted to Senior Development Officer in November of 2008. Since joining Blue Water, Mark has completed additional training in client counseling, commercial lending and evaluation, and has earned a certificate in Staff/Leadership Development. In his spare time, Mark volunteers much of his effort to coaching minor hockey.
mark.tilley@cbdc.ca
Jennifer O’Quinn
Business Development Officer
Jennifer O’Quinn has 25 years experience in the areas of Business/Community Economic Development. Jennifer is a past graduate of the Small Business Counselling Program through APEC-ibiz at Acadia University, and holds a diploma in Community Development. She has held several business development positions with various organizations and looks forward to using her practical and theory experience in her every day work with clients. Jennifer and her husband Michael are the proud parents of two wonderful boys.
jennifer.oquinn@cbdc.ca
Alayne Jean
Financial & Portfolio Administrator
Alayne Jean joined Blue Water in October of 2008, accepting the position of Office Administrator. Alayne possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in General Business Studies from Saint Mary’s University, as well as extensive knowledge of and experience in small business financial management and operation. As a former small business owner, Alayne knows first-hand, the unique challenges and opportunities that are associated with operating small business in rural communities. She has been actively involved in community development on the Eastern Shore for many years, having worked and volunteered for numerous agencies providing support and education to families and individuals.
alayne.jean@cbdc.ca
Michael Redden
Self-Employment Benefits Coordinator
Michael holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from St. Francis Xavier University. After graduation he joined the CBDC family as an Economic Development Officer Intern with CBDC Hants-Kings. Through the Youth Internship Program, he was able to gain experience in loan administration and small business counselling. In January, 2012 Mike accepted the opportunity to join CBDC Blue Water as the Self-Employment Benefits Coordinator. Michael is excited to have the opportunity to share his small business knowledge with the entrepreneurs of the Eastern Shore.
michael.redden@cbdc.ca
Joanne Loughery
Office Administrator
Joanne joined CBDC Blue Water in August of 2011. She has a certificate in Bookkeeping and Office Administration from the Nova Scotia Community College. Her solid bookkeeping background and strong organizational skills offer valuable support to the Blue Water team allowing them to fully focus on growing our rural communities through business education and development.
joanne.loughery@cbdc.ca
