Meet the Team

Genaya Cameron, CMM

Senior Director, Event Operations

Our Director of Event Operations, Genaya Cameron, says that the event industry chose her. She was instantly drawn to the vibrant, exciting, and challenging nature of the business and, together with her team, strives to deliver unforgettable events for our Halifax Convention Centre guests.

Genaya understands that what we do every day impacts the success of our clients. She works with her team to streamline communications throughout the event planning and execution phases, so that we can better anticipate and respond to our guests’ needs. This means that every little detail is taken into consideration!

In between helping to build memorable event experiences for clients, Genaya loves to enjoy all that our walkable city has to offer – friendly Maritimers, access to the ocean, unique shopping, and amazing restaurants all an easy stroll from our doorstep. While she’s travelled many parts of the globe, she’s yet to find a city that inspires her the way Halifax does. This is a place where our guests can connect with the people of our community, and walk away having had an experience different than they’ll find anywhere else.

Jeff Totten, CMP

Director, Event Operations

A wealth of new and exciting ideas – that’s what our Director, Event Operations, Jeff Totten, believes keeps Halifax surprisingly cosmopolitan for a relatively small, East Coast city. Best of all, this goes hand-in-hand with the conferences and events we host and the connections we help build.

Jeff loves his job and industry because the work he does helps make a difference to people near and far. While our new Halifax Convention Centre opens our city to an even bigger world stage than ever before, the most exciting part of Jeff’s every day is the new visitors to our region and the impact for our local economy. For him, it’s rewarding to know that his work improves the community he lives in.

If you couldn’t tell, Jeff’s a big supporter of our famous Nova Scotia culture. He’s also a huge comic fan! On any given day, you can find him at Halifax’s infamous Strange Adventures Comic Shop. Did you know that in 1996, Strange Adventures appeared in two Superman comics, Adventures of Superman #547 and Superman: The Man of Steel #74? That’s just one of the many fun facts Jeff looks forward to sharing with you when he helps you execute your next event in our new Centre!

Jenn Cotterill

Senior Manager, Event Operations

Our Senior Manager, Event Operations, Jenn Cotterill, found her passion for the event industry through the hustle and bustle of live theatre as a stage manager. Whether it was her drive for clear communication or love of meticulous planning, Jenn has remained active as an event planner and stage manager throughout her career.

With two bachelor degrees and a masters in communication, Jenn appreciates the learning process and has an ever-present curiosity to know everything about everything – it’s likely what inspired her to teach event planning, public relations and communication at the college and university level prior to stepping into her role at Halifax Convention Centre.

Originally from Cape Breton, Jenn made the move to Halifax because she liked the combination of the big city and small city feel. Don’t hesitate to ask Jenn for her recommendations of what to see and do if you’re looking to explore that region of Nova Scotia during your next event in our Centre!

Donald Berkman, CFM

Director of Food & Beverage

Our Food and Beverage Manager Donnie Berkman was on his way to becoming an accountant before his culinary calling led him to join our team. He was drawn to the unique and diverse nature of the business, with every event bringing new and exciting opportunities to collaborate with event planners to develop a menu that meets their needs.

Since stepping into the hospitality industry, Donnie has held many roles, including stewarding, front-desk agent, sales, marketing and catering. He credits his team’s culinary success to their collaborative approach of working toward a common goal – that every event is exceptional. As a certified food and beverage manager for TIANS, Donnie strives to provide each guest with a memorable experience during their time in Nova Scotia.

Local flavours inspire our culinary creations, and this is something that Donnie and his team pride themselves on. You can find a lot of this Nova Scotia influence in our new Halifax Convention Centre menu! Dig in here.

Ken May

Senior Manager of Event Technology

Say hello to Ken, our Senior Manager of Event Technology. With more than 20 years of experience, Ken is a true expert when it comes to overseeing event execution and leading our Technical Services team. He's a pro at bringing a client-focused approached while being an expert in a diverse range of technologies, and works directly with our clients to make sure their event technology is executed to perfection. He's truly an essential member of our team here at the Halifax Convention Centre!

When he's not busy being a technology superhero, Ken loves spending time with his family and teaching Kyushu Ryu Jujitsu and Shotokai Karate. Always bringing the funk as a bass player and embracing the thrill of his motorcycle, Ken embodies the fusion of technology, martial arts, music, and more!

Stacey McLaughlin

Event Manager

Meet Stacey - Event Manager extraordinaire. Her wealth of experience in the hospitality industry has been a huge asset to our team. She is passionate about creating unforgettable events and has been doing an incredible job since joining the Centre in 2016. Her dedication and hard work have played a vital role in the success of many key events.

But Stacey is not only amazing at her job, she's also all about maintaining a healthy work-life balance. She loves to keep active and practices mindfulness through yoga. Stacey also enjoys hiking with her pups Cinder and Hendrix, discovering new trails and hidden gems around Halifax.

Stacey's love for the outdoors is contagious, and she's always excited to share her local knowledge with visitors. If you're looking for some great recommendations on fun things to do in the area, she's your go-to person. Her warm and welcoming personality is a perfect reflection of the amazing hospitality that Halifax is known for.

Kathleen King

Event Manager

Originally from Fredericton, NB, Kathleen is a proud Maritimer who was drawn to the ‘small town, big city’ feeling of Halifax. While she is quite the globe-trotter, she loves the feeling of coming home to the East Coast.

Meeting clients and delegates from across Canada and around the world has been a highlight for Kathleen in her role at the Halifax Convention Centre, as she loves meeting new people and inspiring them to love local as much as she does.

When she’s not impressing clients with her drive and passion, Kathleen can be found shopping at a local farmer’s market, craft show or getting a taste of new vegan options at local restaurants. If you’re looking for places to explore while you’re here, Kathleen would be happy to provide a recommendation, as she strongly believes Nova Scotia has something for everyone to fall in love with.

Colleen Bates

Associate Event Manager

Meet Colleen - the hospitality guru at the Halifax Convention Centre. Colleen's wealth of knowledge about the province allows her to plan events that showcase the best of what Nova Scotia has to offer. Whether it's sourcing local food and drink or arranging activities that highlight the region's natural beauty, Colleen knows how to create an unforgettable experience for her clients.

Colleen is a problem-solving pro who can think on her feet and come up with creative solutions to any challenge that comes her way. She's always prepared for the unexpected and can handle any situation with ease. Colleen also believes that communication is key when it comes to event planning, and she is a great communicator. She makes sure everyone involved in the event is on the same page and keeps clients informed every step of the way.

Colleen's positive attitude is infectious. She approaches every challenge with a can-do attitude and is always willing to go above and beyond to exceed expectations. Plus, she's just so darn passionate about her work - it's contagious!

Dihan Struwig

Associate Event Manager

Meet our new Associate Event Manager, Dihan Struwig, who joins our team from the vibrant heart of South Africa. With a wide-ranging background and a passion for diverse experiences, Dihan is a strong addition to our team.

Dihan has embraced a spirit of service, volunteering extensively in Mozambique and Malawi. A scholar with insatiable curiosity, he holds a PhD in Theology and is a qualified teacher. His thirst for knowledge has led him through a variety of courses including journalism, psychology, sport psychology, life coaching and data analytics.

In his free time, Dihan's zest for life shines through many different activities. A cycling enthusiast, climbing wall instructor, and kickboxing national competitor, he even has a passion for skydiving. His creativity knows no bounds, from sketching in quiet moments to gracing stage productions, art festivals and music videos. As a multi-talented artist, Dihan has three self-published books and directed a stage production.

With his diverse skills, passion for creativity, and background working with people to achieve their goals, Dihan is ready to help deliver unforgettable experiences for your event!

Max Turner

Associate Event Manager

Meet Max– a powerhouse who’s always on the go. With a Bachelor of Management, and Bachelor of Science (Recreation), Max is a master of both work and play. He spends his free time with loved ones, hitting the ice, pumping iron at the gym, and even coaching a peewee AAA team in Bedford – now that's dedication.

Max is an event planning pro who works with our Event Management team to ensure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. He loves the fast-paced nature of his job and thrives in the dynamic events world. The positive vibes created by his team make him feel grateful to work with such an incredible and supportive group of people.

Hailing from Upper Tantallon, Nova Scotia, Max love to relax at home soaking up the summer vibes on the lake and shredding the ice during winter. We are thrilled to have Max on our team, and our clients will love working with him!

Natania Blair

Event Coordinator

Natania is a remarkable individual from May Pen, Jamaica, home to the famous Milk River Mineral Spa. Her drive and determination are truly inspiring, and her focus on education brought her all the way to Canada.

She earned a Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology from Saint Mary's University, graduating as the Valedictorian of her graduating class and making the Dean's List of Academic Excellence. Natania was an active member of the student community at Saint Mary's, serving as a Senior Resident Assistant and Public Relations Officer for the Caribbean Society. She also contributed to SAGA for International Students as both a mentor and mentee.

In addition to her academic endeavors, Natania is passionate about event planning and coordination. She currently serves as our Event Coordinator, where she works diligently to ensure that our events run seamlessly, and our clients’ needs are met.

Natania also enjoys exploring Halifax and loves discovering new food experiences, especially the seafood. She loves taking strolls along the waterfront and appreciating the beauty of fall, a season that is new to her. We are so lucky to have Natania on the team and clients will love her incredible energy!

Paul Crandlemire

Administrative Event Coordinator

Meet Paul – our dynamic Meeting Coordinator. With three rescued cats, Daphne, Teddy, and Oliver, his home is never short of excitement. An avid Lego enthusiast, Paul believes in its limitless possibilities, which fuels his innovative approach to event planning.

In his free time, Paul enjoys creative writing and is working on a novel. He is also a passionate gamer, indulging in both computer and board games.

Professionally, Paul has progressed from supervising a university computer lab at Dalhousie to working in various roles at our Centre, now excelling as a Meeting Coordinator in Event Management. Paul brings creativity, dedication, and a love for the dynamic events world to his team!

Dawn Baldwin

Director of Sales

Our Director of Sales, Dawn Baldwin, emits the Halifax Convention Centre philosophy into her work each and every day – bold, simple, fun. Dawn is a part of a likeminded team; each member has a passion for customer service and making it their personal mission to deliver unforgettable event experiences for every client.

Speaking of unforgettable – from the natural light gleaming through elegant glass windows, to the breathtaking panoramic views of the downtown core: these are just a few of the many things that Dawn looks forward to showing guests in our new facility. With Dawn’s leadership, our facility welcomes thousands of new national and international visitors to our province each year.

When she steps away from her day-to-day sales role, Dawn can be found venturing around town – anywhere from the downtown core to Point Pleasant Park; a few of her favourite places just minutes from our doorstep. Dawn is a self-professed Halifax foodie guru. The next time you’re in town, don’t hesitate to ask Dawn about her favourite places to eat in our city!

Susanne MacLeod

Senior Sales Manager, National Market

They say you can take the person out of the East coast, but you can’t take the East coast out of the person – a statement that rings true for Susanne MacLeod, who moved back to her home province of Nova Scotia 20 years ago after spending the previous 20 in Toronto.

Susanne got her start in the hospitality industry in Toronto, working in restaurants to put herself through school. From there she was inspired to dig deeper into the industry, opening her own pub for a decade before making the move back east to focus on sales in the hotel industry.

When she isn’t connecting with clients and forming invaluable relationships with them, you can find her near the ocean, gardening or cooking. She believes her success lies in being passionate about what she loves and putting service first.

The next time you’re in Halifax for an event, Susanne suggests chatting up the locals for the best suggestions on what to do/where to eat; chances are you may end up at their place for dinner!

Lori Forward

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Lori Forward has spent over 43 years making waves in the hospitality industry, with a rich background in hotels across Canada. Now at the Halifax Convention Centre, she’s on a mission to put Halifax and Nova Scotia on the global map.

A proud Newfoundlander, Lori’s passion for showcasing her home region’s charm is unmatched. When she’s not promoting Halifax, she’s diving into her favorite hobbies—wine, cooking, and entertaining. Lori’s dedication to hospitality and her love for East Coast living make her approach to both work and life as vibrant and engaging as the region she represents.

Mayya Tolkacheva

Sales Specialist

Meet Mayya, a Russian-born international development professional turned sales superstar! After studying abroad in Austria (and meeting her future husband from Halifax), Mayya pursued her master’s degree while working for the United Nations and International Atomic Energy Agency.

In 2020, she made the move to Canada and joined the Halifax Convention Centre Sales team, where her focus is our local and regional account management and supporting our Centre’s service excellence vision.

When she's not working, Mayya loves exploring Nova Scotia's beautiful beaches and waterfront, trying new restaurants, and making connections in Halifax. With Maritime hospitality winning her heart, Halifax has become her second home, and she's excited to see it continue to grow and develop.

Arzoo Rahimi

Conference Attraction Coordinator

Arzoo is a recent graduate from MSVU with a Bachelor of Business Administration, concentrating in Tourism and Hospitality Management. Languages are second nature to her, being fluent in English, Hindi, Farsi and French!

With a knack for customer service, Arzoo started building her resume when she was just 15 and has held roles from airline agent to barista. Now, as a conference attraction coordinator, Arzoo is passionate about destination development and promotion, showcasing our beautiful city to visitors worldwide while wearing a smile on her face!

Outside of work, you can catch Arzoo exploring all Nova Scotia has to offer on sunny summer day trips, savouring fresh fish and chips, and hanging out with her Maltese puppy, Fiji.

Reshma Rampersad

Sales Associate

Originally from the vibrant twin-island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, Reshma is passionate about her homeland especially the multicultural vibe, the beaches and delicious Caribbean cuisine.

Starting as an Event Management Co-Op Student at the Halifax Convention Centre while studying at NSCC, Reshma is now Sales Associate. She’s the go-to for team support and takes care of booking meetings and events for up to 150 guests.

With a knack for throwing unforgettable parties, she thrives on making clients happy and building lasting connections. Her highlight so far? The incredible 2024 Juno Awards!

When she’s not busy making events happen, you can find her soaking up downtown Halifax’s nightlife and enjoying the friendly East Coast atmosphere. With the ocean just a stone's throw away, Reshma is living her best life—beach days and delicious seafood included!

Christophe Luzeux, CCC

Executive Chef

Our Executive Chef, Christophe Luzeux – or Chef, as he’s known as around here – is a world-renowned, award-winning culinary artist, having received many regional, national and international accolades for his work.

Originally from France, Chef touched down in Halifax nearly three decades ago; the personable, lively city that now continually makes him proud to call home. As a veteran member of the Halifax Convention Centre team, Chef often says that his culinary team responds to today’s client needs with the same passion and professionalism they did over 25 years ago. For Chef, his team is a key part of his daily inspiration.

When he’s not preparing delicious cuisine, Chef enjoys home renovation projects and searching for antiques. His ideal day in Nova Scotia includes taking in the scenery on the South Shore, exploring Lunenburg and Mahone Bay. Or, venturing to the Annapolis Valley to experience the finest that wine country has to offer.

Kevin Leggat

Executive Sous Chef

Kevin has worked for more than 20 years in kitchens around the world, initially learning techniques in Toronto and while traveling through Southeast Asia and Indochina. He returned to Canada to work at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise in Alberta before moving to Vancouver to work at the Opus Hotel during the 2010 Winter Olympics. Ever the adventurer, Kevin found himself back in Paris and then the French Alps working alongside prestigious chefs in a gastronomic kitchen.

As the Executive Sous Chef here at the Halifax Convention Centre, Kevin plans and designs customized event menus as a culinary point of contact with our guests and clients. He administers, coordinates, and helps execute culinary requirements during events, and finds fulfillment in coaching, and mentoring members of our culinary teams.

When Kevin’s not in the kitchen, you can find him out hiking, fishing, going to concerts, or practicing archery. He also has a passion for scuba diving, and he looks forward to diving off our coastal shores.

Charmaine Roma, CCC

Sous Chef

Charmaine’s team prepares nearly all of our delicious selections from scratch, providing our clients and their delegates with a flexible menu that can accommodate dietary restrictions, custom creations and more. Our team is always looking for ways to infuse local flavours and ingredients into our dishes to give delegates a taste of Nova Scotia.

Our Sous Chef, Charmaine, is an outstanding food industry professional and she has the hardware to back it up! Charmaine has her Red Seal certification and won the 2017 Culinarian of the Year award from the Nova Scotia Association of Chefs and Cooks. Outside our kitchen, Charmaine volunteers at the Dartmouth North Community Centre teaching cooking skills to youth. Charmaine loves working with her diverse, award-winning team and looks forward to helping you create the very best event and culinary experience for your guests.

Gary Chin, CCC

Sous Chef

When it comes to mentorship and teamwork, we couldn’t find a better leader for our culinary team than Gary. A Red Seal Chef with over 27 years of experience in the culinary industry, Gary has worked with culinary teams from across Canada. Before joining our team, Gary worked as a faculty member at the Nova Scotia Community College in the Culinary Management program. He is also certified in Adult Education and is involved in many industry and community organizations.

Gary began his career at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, where he obtained his Journeyman Certificate. Since then, he has worked in upscale hospitality and mentorship roles in Alberta, Ontario, and Nova Scotia before joining our team as Sous Chef. He is happiest when helping to refine the skills and successes of our award-winning culinary team and helping to support the next generation of culinary experts.