On June 1, 2025, the NSCN Board will welcome our new Board Chair, Alana Baxter and Vice-Chair, David Davidson. They will serve for a two-year term in these roles. To learn more, read a summary of the election process and Alana and David’s biographies below.
NSCN would also like to acknowledge our outgoing Board Chair, Parteek (Gunny) Brar, and Vice-Chair, Krista Smith, whose terms will end on May 31, 2025. On behalf of the NSCN Board and staff, we want to extend our sincerest appreciation for their leadership and commitment and for the difference they have made in the lives of Nova Scotians.
Chair and Vice-Chair Election Process
The NSCN Nominating Committee reached out to eligible Board members in December 2024 seeking interest in serving as Chair or Vice-Chair of the Board beginning on June 1, 2025. Interested Board members were given the opportunity to apply and in January 2025, the Nominating Committee reviewed the applications and prepared recommendations for the NSCN Board. In February 2025, the NSCN Board voted on the proposed slate and approved the recommendation for Alana and David to serve as the next Chair and Vice-Chair, respectively.
Alana Baxter, Incoming Chair
Alana Baxter is a public representative and brings her diverse career and expertise as a civil servant to the NSCN Board. Alana has significant experience working with legislative, regulatory and policy frameworks, as well as experience working with diverse populations. During her career, Alana worked closely with nurses during her employment as a Settlement Program Officer for the NS Office of Immigration and as the Funding Agreement Manager for the Pathway to Success for Internationally Educated Nurses. As the Labour Mobility Coordinator with the NS Department of Labour and Advanced Education, she worked with domestic and international regulated professionals and regulatory bodies to support fair registration practices, including the development of pathways to licensure for international applicants in several professions. Alana also has significant Board experience, currently volunteering as a public representative of the NS College of Counselling Therapists Board of Directors and past vice-chair and member at large on the HRM Grants Committee.
David Davidson, Incoming Vice-Chair
David Davidson is a public representative brings his extensive Board experience and strategic leadership expertise to the NSCN Board. Early in his career, Dave worked in hospital administration for 18 years and most recently retired from a 15-year career as CEO of Interuniversity Services Inc. (ISI). He currently works as a part-time consultant with the Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO). Dave has significant Board experience, previously serving on Boards for Alice House, Acadia Alumni Association, Duke of Edinburgh Award (NS Chapter), and Swimming Canada, and he currently sits as a Director and Treasurer with L'Arche Halifax. Dave brings to the Board a special skill set of change-management and governance-level training in not-for-profit and strategic planning, as well as a passion for supporting the growth and success of our healthcare system on behalf of the public.
Learn more about the NSCN Board here.
