When Rob allows himself to step away from running his business, he enjoys everything outdoors. Skiing, travelling, camping, boating are only some of his adventurous agendas. There is another side to Rob that you may only learn about when his cell phone rings.  When that Star Wars Cantina song rings out, it lights him up and clearly indicates his Sci-Fi geek side. Evidently if the Star Wars Convention comes to town, he will be the first in line to meet his iconic mates.

In addition to her service within the Canadian Progress Club, Paula is actively engaged in various philanthropic endeavors, such as her volunteering with Summer Street Industries, an organization that supports individuals with intellectual disabilities. Paula’s dedication to coordinating their “Annual Summer Street Scramble” fundraiser has yielded impressive results, with $303,000 raised in 2023. She is also a key member of the Pictou County Rib Fest committee, which was established in 2019 to support local charities through a three-day event that brings ribbers to Pictou County, complete with music and family activities. Paula’s passion for giving back to the community shines through her career as well, where she currently serves as the Director of Operations for “The Mentoring Plus Strategy.” Paula’s enduring commitment to the Canadian Progress Club and her impactful contributions to her community make her a true inspiration to all. In her spare time, she enjoys golfing, traveling, and boating with her marina family, and her genuine dedication to service has created lasting friendships and lifelong best friends.

Alexandra holds a Bachelor of Science Degree as well as a Diploma in Business Administration Accounting. She is currently employed by Cooke Inc and works as a Manager in their Global Tax Department.

In her spare time, Alexandra loves spending time with her friends, her family, and her playful Border Collie, Rory. Alexandra enjoys cooking, baking, and hosting meals and social gatherings for her friends and family. Alexandra’s time in Progress has pushed her to try many new roles, travel to new places, and meet many new, wonderful friends. She is so appreciative of all the amazing connections and friendships she’s built through Progress and is very much looking forward to the experiences she’ll have as CPCN’s Secretary-Treasurer.

Henrick has been a member since 2011 and resides in Bedford, Nova Scotia. He is an Active Obstacle Course racer, pop culture enthusiast, art lover, and mentors his two amazing kids, of which he proudly shares he has kept the family geekiness intact.

As a former busker, Henrick loves to try new things. In early 2020, he tried toilet-training his cat and documented the process. Henrick failed after several weeks but did consider it a valiant effort and we agree!

Since her installation into DRW Joan has been a valuable member of the club and has held several positions such as Events Chair, Regional Secretary and most recently the position of Vice President of the Club which she currently still holds.

Joan has also been given the title of “Gracious Groveler” for her many efforts on behalf of the DRW and the Region in seeking both sponsorships and donations towards many events and activities for the Club and Region – Joan always says “if you don’t ask…you won’t receive, and you are exactly where you started”.

People say if you want something done – give it to a busy person…Joan clearly is a busy person but always willing to help any way she can.

Rick’s commitment to service and community involvement shone brightly through his affiliation with the Canadian Progress Club of Calgary Bow River. His journey with the club began in the fall of 2016 when he started attending Progress meetings, which eventually led to his induction in February 2017. His dedication was evident as he volunteered for all club activities and fundraisers, embodying the Progress motto of “It’s Great to Be Canadian.” In May 2018, Rick’s peers recognized his exceptional qualities, electing him to the Board of Directors, where he assumed the role of Director of Community Service. His passion for community service continued as he took on the role of club secretary in May 2019. In May 2020, Rick’s leadership was again acknowledged as he was re-elected to the Board, as Vice President and Club Secretary.

Rick’s journey within the Progress Club reached its pinnacle in May 2021 when he was re-elected as Club President, a position he held with distinction for two consecutive terms. In May 2023, he transitioned into the role of Immediate Past President, continuing to provide guidance and support to the club. Beyond the club’s borders, Rick’s impact expanded when he was elected to the position of Western Region National Vice President in April 2023, with his induction into the national board on September 30th marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career of service and leadership. Throughout this incredible journey, Rick has enjoyed extensive travel with his life Partner Barb. Rick’s family, including his two sons and grandson, remains the core source of joy and fulfillment in his life, embodying the values and love that have fuelled his remarkable path.

Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Julie enjoys reading, getting tattoos, attending concerts, and riding a bike that goes nowhere (Spinco). She loves hosting friends for meals and laughs. Julie is the proud mother of three daughters—Piper, Sofia, and Melissa—and has a cutie pup named Hank, a cat named Luna, and a 14-year-old turtle named Flo. Julie loves experiencing new things and loves to have fun!

She has a degree in Business from Dalhousie University and believes in life-long learning taking on classes annually in areas such as communication, suicide prevention, Gender Based Analysis, and Mental Health Literacy.  She has developed both educational and entertainment programming for over 20 years.

Lori is an avid volunteer with the Canadian Progress Club helping to improve resiliency within the community.  She can be found planning home activities and travel plans at every opportunity and is most passionate about her 3 beautiful children – Katelyn, Alyssa and Jayden and her fur baby Merlin.

Recently recognized as an Outstanding New Member of the Canadian Progress Club, Aynslie is dedicated to her profession and community.  She is a wife, mother, teacher, committed volunteer and actively involved in causes like mental health advocacy. Truth and Reconciliation and her local CPC Greater Moncton Women Club, a hockey mom and small business owner, she strives to inspire those around her through her work and community engagement,.

Renate’s past experience in insurance and the travel industry have been an asset when negotiating the needs of the Progress office. This is a unique role that supports both the National and Foundation Boards, and Renate values the open and honest relationships, as transparency is essential to her success. Her experience and long-standing membership from 2000 in Brampton, Ontario, is an additional value she brings to her role, to understand and meet the needs of the Boards and the Clubs.

Renate is known as a “Maker” as she enjoys various art and craft projects in a variety of mediums; fibers, metals, jewelry, stained glass and mosaics. Nothing energizes her soul more than being in her home studio and working on any of the multiple projects she always has on the go. Such a great outlet for her to focus on and keeps others happy that she isn’t singing.

Currently sitting on the CPCHC Board of Directors as the Club’s Member at Large, she has held several other positions in the club since induction – including Treasurer, Vice President, and Club President from 2014-2016. In addition, during her tenure as a Progressian, Nicole has held the position of Regional Treasurer and National Vice President for the Eastern Region and was the first elected Board member for the Eastern Region on the revamped Canadian Progress Club Charitable Foundation in 2014, where she served for 3 years. She has been actively involved in many activities at a club level including the Progress Women of Excellence Awards and Girls Night Out and, is in her second term as the designated Progress Club Member on the club’s major benefactor – Phoenix Youth Programs in Halifax.

Nicole is a Principal at Grant Thornton LLP, and leads the Consulting Practice for Atlantic Canada, as well as being the National Leader for HR Consulting Services.  Her focus has been delivering a range of people, culture and change solutions, everything from recruitment, human resource strategy, total rewards, and outsourced HR support.  But she also has a depth of experience in governance and risk management. On any given day, this might see her helping with the implementation of a new performance incentive program, advising on optimal reporting structures or empowering organizations to rethink their service delivery model. Throughout, the aim is to help build a workforce, and an organization, that is engaged and capable of driving business growth.