Hilary Fitzgerald

As Director of Operations at Breton Ability, James Forsey is a key member of the Senior Management Team, overseeing the LIVE Division’s day-to-day operations (ARC, RRC, and Community Living services). A visionary leader committed to human rights, inclusion, and service excellence, he partners with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to drive strategic goals, ensure effective administration, and champion continuous improvement.

James provides operational leadership by coordinating resources, evaluating performance, and optimizing processes, all while fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture. He collaborates closely with government partners, internal departments, and external stakeholders to enhance service delivery, uphold compliance standards, and advocate for individuals of diverse abilities. Through his strong financial acumen, strategic thinking, and unwavering dedication, James ensures Breton Ability maintains the highest level of care and support for the people and communities it serves.

As the Senior Director of Organizational Effectiveness, Judy is tasked with enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization’s operations. She leads strategic planning efforts, develops performance management framework, and optimizes processes to drive productivity and employee satisfaction. Judy also oversees change management initiatives, people development programs, and provides leadership coaching to foster a high-performance culture.

Additionally, she is responsible for promoting a positive and inclusive work environment aligned with the organization’s values, overseeing occupational health and safety initiatives. Judy utilizes data analytics to monitor key performance indicators and facilitate data-driven decision-making across the organization.

As the Director, Community Living, Mugsie oversees a diverse range of programs focused on providing essential community living support (housing), fostering social entrepreneurship, and facilitating lifelong learning and employment opportunities for individuals with varying abilities. Her responsibilities include providing strategic leadership for community support programs, building partnerships with stakeholders to address community needs, and leading the growth and development of Breton Ability Centre’s Social Enterprise initiatives to generate sustainable revenue while addressing social and environmental challenges.

Mugsie also spearheads the creation and implementation of innovative learning and employment services at the BAC Learning and Employment Centre, and fosters staff development to ensure a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Additionally, she evaluates program impact, advocates for community needs, and enhances public awareness of the organization’s initiatives through effective communication and public relations efforts. Mugsie leads the Independent Living Support program offered through Breton Ability Centre.

As a Strategic Advisor in Development and Growth, Steven collaborates closely with the Board, CEO, government, and municipal departments to identify growth opportunities and implement innovative strategies to advance the organization’s mission. His primary focus is on strategic planning for land and housing development initiatives, guiding site selection through thorough due diligence assessments, conceptualizing housing projects, and developing financing strategies.

Steven is responsible for cultivating strategic partnerships with various stakeholders to support housing initiatives and engage with the community to address concerns around land development and foster collaboration. Additionally, he is responsible for establishing impact assessment framework to evaluate the effectiveness of housing projects and drive continuous improvement.

As the CEO of Breton Ability Centre, Harman holds a pivotal leadership role with a diverse array of responsibilities aimed at steering the organization toward effective management, growth, and fulfillment of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Remedy recommendations. These responsibilities encompass strategic leadership, operational management, and financial oversight, including ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and best practices in Disability Supports and Services.

With the upcoming changes to the Disability Support Service delivery model (2023-2028), workforce planning, development initiatives, and fundraising are essential, necessitating the strengthening and cultivation of relationships with the Department of Community Services, funding partners and donors to support existing organizational programs and services, and growing the array of services provided in alignment with choice and human rights. Harman is enthusiastic about advocating for staff and individuals with varying abilities and believes in the power of collaboration with union leadership, community organizations and government agencies to achieve best outcomes for the workforce and the clients.

As the Director of Good Life and Social Support, David Farmer oversees the delivery of high-quality client supports and services aimed at ensuring the well-being and empowerment of residents/clients and their families. His key responsibilities include providing strategic leadership to the Professional HUB team, focusing on client-directed and client-centered services that promote independence, inclusion, and self-advocacy.

David supervises client assessment and planning processes, collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized development plans, and oversees ongoing case management services. He will recruit, train, supervise, and mentor social support coordinators to ensure the delivery of high-quality services.

David also cultivates collaborative relationships with community organizations and stakeholders, leads program development and evaluation efforts, and monitors compliance with regulations and quality assurance measures. Additionally, as a registered social worker, he advocates for the rights and needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families.

As the Executive Assistant, Melissa’s role is role is integral in enhancing and supporting the Board of Directors, the CEOs productivity, and effectiveness in leadership team responsibilities. Melissa is responsible for managing the CEO’s calendar, scheduling appointments, and organizing travel arrangements to optimize time management. She acts as a communication liaison, manages correspondence, manages calls to the CEO’s office from internal and external stakeholders.

Additionally, Melissa is responsible for coordinating Board meetings, preparing agendas, facilitating follow-up actions, and information management ensuring accessibility of relevant information. Melissa manages social media and website information and Charitable Events by conducting research and preparing reports, and relationship management with stakeholders facilitated through arranging meetings and events.