BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Gregor is the Atlantic Business Development Manager at Colliers Project Leaders, and the former Executive Director of the Atlantic Film Festival. A creative problem solver with a passion for design thinking and purpose driven innovation, he is a results oriented executive with extensive leadership, corporate/business development, non-profit, governance and project management experience. 

Lawrence is the Director of the Lawyers’ Insurance Association of Nova Scotia. Originally from Moncton New Brunswick, he attended Dalhousie University and then law school at U.N.B. Upon graduating in 1989 he moved to Ontario where he served as in house counsel to various insurers. In 2017 he returned to Halifax to take up his current position. In addition to his current roles he also Chairs the insurance law section of the Canadian Bar Association N.S. Branch. Growing up, music played held prominent role (he learned piano, percussion and a bit of trumpet for a change in tempo), attended summer camps at Mount Allison and attendance at the Atlantic Symphony when it rolled into town and at events at the Playhouse in Fredericton and Mount Allison were common. To this day, Oscar Peterson at the Playhouse in the 1970s still stands out.

Originally from Kingston Ontario, Alex moved to Halifax to pursue his post secondary education at Dal, majoring in accounting. Presently, Alex works at Grant Thornton LLP as a designated CPA in Assurance Services and is excited to use his knowledge to further the impact and connections that SBTS has in our Halifax Community.

Sarita is a dedicated educator and advocate for the arts. Sarita's journey in the world of theatre and music began in her childhood, where she discovered a profound connection to the stage. During her time at Saint Mary's University, she actively contributed to the artistic community as a member of the SMU Drama Society, further cultivating her artistic spirit. Currently serving as a Junior High Teacher, Sarita brings her enthusiasm for the performing arts into the classroom. Her role extends beyond conventional teaching, as she plays a pivotal role in facilitating the school's musical productions. With a unique blend of educational expertise and a lifelong dedication to the arts, her vision is rooted in the belief that the arts play a crucial role in fostering personal growth, building community, and enriching the educational experience.

Becky is a Communications Associate at Nova Scotia Community College, with her primary focus on the One Nova Scotia goals as a One NS Steering Committee member. Having moved to Nova Scotia shortly after completing her Bachelor of Music at UPEI, Becky understands the importance of the creative arts and the impact it has on community. As a theatre lover, she is excited to contribute to the success and growth of Shakespeare By The Sea.

Sandi is the AVP Residential and Retail Credit Risk Management with Manulife.  She is a passionate people leader finding success in building teams who work together towards common goals.  She drives change through collaboration and communication and finds creative ways to get to a solution. This need to drive change is evident in Sandi’s volunteer work as well.  She is the chair of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee at Manulife as well as the executive sponsor for the LGBTQ+ employee resource group.  The arts have been a constant influence for Sandi as she completed her Bachelor of Arts at Acadia University majoring in Music before completing her graduate degree at the University of Calgary.  She is thrilled to be able to support SBTS and the arts community in Halifax.

Michele is a Professor at SMU. That she was the first person to write their dissertation on Buffy the Vampire Slayer is among her claims to fame.

You can often find her dropping off and picking up kids from the Park Place Theatre, hanging with Carl & Bob the chocolate labs, and baking chocolate chip cookies.

Rusty Edwards recocated to Halifax from the southern U.S. to serve as Senior Minister of First Baptist Church Halifax, a progressive and inclusive community of faith. Rusty has been an international leader for LGBTQ+ inclusion within Baptist communities and values ecumenical and interfaith community-building. Rusty received his graduate theological training at Duke University and Baylor University and has a special interest in interpreting ancient narratives for modern times. He and his family became instant fans of SBTS when they moved to Halifax, and his daughter has been part of the Studio of SBTS since 2019.