Meet The Connector Team

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Born and raised in Sackville, NB, Lacey is a business owner, community member, and full-time mom. She and her husband, Jacob, own Timberwood Farms Ltd. and RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd. in Cumberland County, NS.

With a background in business management and corporate finance, Lacey brings a strategic and client-focused approach to her work. She is committed to professionalism, integrity, and delivering strong results through effective business and marketing practices.

Lacey is actively involved in her community through volunteer work and board service. A lifelong learner, she values continuous growth and is known for her leadership, energy, and openness to new ideas.

Matthew is a Partner in Cormier Weatherbee Chartered Professional Accountants located in Amherst, NS. Matt joined the business in 2018 after working for Boudreau Albert Savoie and Associates. Prior to this, Matt worked as a Controller at Dayle’s Maritimes Ltd.

Some of Matt’s other interests include serving as Treasurer of the Rotary Club in Amherst. He has also been heavily involved in youth sports in the local area.

Michael brings over 20 years of experience in insurance, senior management, and leadership across both the insurer and brokerage sides of the industry. He is a graduate of Dalhousie University and a Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB).

A former partner and CEO of Archway Insurance, Michael helped grow the company into one of the region’s largest brokerages. He is currently VP of Acquisitions with BrokerLink Insurance, a national brokerage firm.

Michael is deeply involved in his community, having served with the United Way of Cumberland County, the Cumberland Healthcare Foundation, and as a founding member and board leader of the Cumberland Business Connector.

He lives in Amherst with his family and enjoys golf, travel, and time at the cottage along the Amherst Shore.

Jonathan is a graduate of the Automotive Business School of Canada and Northwood University in Michigan. After returning to Amherst in 2006, he built a successful career in the auto industry, leading teams and driving growth.

He is actively involved in the community, with past and current roles supporting organizations such as Cumberland Habitat for Humanity, the After the School Bell Food Program, and Trinity St. Stephens United Church. He joined the Cumberland Business Connector in 2023.

Jonathan also works closely with regional auto dealers and the Nova Scotia Automobile Dealers Association, supporting a sector that plays a key role in employment and economic activity across Cumberland County.

Cheryl is an entrepreneur raised in a business household. Having travelled the world and living in different parts of it, Cheryl decided to come back to her roots in Atlantic Canada and acquired not one but two NAPA Auto Parts Associate Stores. Just a few years after the acquisition of these two NAPA Stores, she acquired a third and fourth location, one in Amherst and another in Parrsboro.

Cheryl is a dynamic professional who is not afraid to dive in and be part of the team with her staff. She sees the potential in her staff and in the communities she serves. 

Fully bilingual in both French and English, Cheryl is dynamic, passionate, recognized for her compassion, versatility, work ethic, management abilities, and team-oriented attitude.

Some of Cheryl`s hobbies include golfing, biking, travelling, and being part of Women`s Association Programs.

Jim's experience in Commercial Lending, Risk Management and Sales is a strong asset to the board of the Connector. Jim believes in giving back to the community and is Past President of the Rotary Club of Amherst, Vice President of the Amherst Curling Club, and former “Crew 6” team member as well as Secretary-Treasurer of the Oakville ON Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (TOWARF).

Jim and his wife Darla returned to her hometown of Amherst in 2019, after working in Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver, and St. John’s. Jim and Darla have two grown children Brett and Ken, and two delightful daughters-in-law Lauren and Cassie. Jim retired from RBC in 2023 and enjoys time during the summer at the family cottage at Mattatal Lake or on his motorcycle, as well as snowboarding and curling during the winter. Jim is originally from Bridgewater NS and graduated from St. Mary’s University with a B. Comm in Finance and from Dalhousie University with an MBA in Marketing / Logistics.

Mary brings a diverse background in community development, non-profit governance, logistics, human resources, and natural resource sectors including agriculture, forestry, and marine environments. She has over 25 years of experience working and volunteering with community organizations, municipalities, and non-profits, with a strong focus on rural revitalization.

A natural organizer and experienced facilitator, Mary is passionate about connecting people, improving processes, and supporting sustainable communities. She balances her time between consulting, volunteer work, and hands-on work in forestry and food production.

Mary has been a member of the Cumberland Business Connector Board since 2020 and is active on the Communications and Human Resources Committees. She is committed to connecting businesses along the Parrsboro to Advocate shore with opportunities for growth and support.

Thomas L. MacLaren was born and educated in Halifax, Nova Scotia, having spent the summer holidays of his youth in Parrsboro. He attended Acadia University, graduating in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He received his LL.B from Cardiff University in Wales, UK after which he attained a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada. He was called to the Bar in Nova Scotia on April 12, 2013. Tom accepted an articling position with Hicks LeMoine Law in 2012 and became a partner in 2017.

Tom’s preferred areas of practice include Real Estate Law, Wills, Estates and Probate, and Family Law. Tom is appointed as a per diem Crown Attorney working in Amherst, Truro, Antigonish, and Shubenacadie on behalf of the Public Prosecution Service.

Tom is a member of the Nova Scotia Barrister’s Society and the Canadian Bar Association. Tom has served on the executive of the Cumberland Barrister’s Association, the Parrsboro and District Board of Trade, and the Parrsboro Creative.

Cody owns and operates ALM Energy Services Inc. Located in Wallace, Nova Scotia. Cody worked as an Electrician with ALM Energy Services for several years before buying the business in 2024. ALM Energy Services provides electrical, plumbing, and HVAC services to businesses and residential customers across the Maritime Provinces from their base on the North Shore of Nova Scotia. 

Cody is involved in his community including being on a committee of the Northumberland Community Curling Club in Pugwash and also the Wallace Recreation Committee.