Brad Smith, ICD.D
Executive Director
Mainland Nova Scotia Building Trades

Brad joined the Mainland Nova Scotia Building Trades Council as Executive Director in June 2012. A champion for economic development, Brad brings extensive experience in both the private and not-for-profit sectors as well as familiarity in working with all levels of government to forge relationships that bring about positive change.

Recognized for building productive relationships across all sectors of our economy, Brad is passionate about facilitating dialogue to realize the full potential of the opportunities available in Nova Scotia.

Previous roles include Vice President of the Greater Halifax Partnership, and senior roles with Sandler Training. Mr. Smith holds various volunteer positions with community organizations. He is Past-Chair of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council, Chair of the Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council, and sits on the Board of Directors for Construction Safety Nova Scotia and Build Right Nova Scotia. Brad is a holder of the Institute of Corporate Directors designation.

 

Matthew Martel

A Certified Project Manager who believes in a ‘people-first’ approach to business, Matthew James Martel is the Chief Operating Officer at the Black Business Initiative (BBI). He was born in Cape Breton, moving to Halifax to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Management from Dalhousie University, followed by a Master’s degree in Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation from the Sobey School of Business. A serial entrepreneur, Matthew also has an extensive background in leadership, Human Resources, change management, and strategic planning. Prior to welcoming the opportunity at BBI, he previously held roles at the Halifax Regional Municipality, Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette, and also served on the Fusion Halifax Board as the Director of Entrepreneurship.

With an aptitude for strategic thinking and solving complex problems, Matthew enjoys working with groups to troubleshoot challenging issues; he leverages these skills to support his team and organization. Matthew’s ability to observe and to understand the contributions of different facets of a company allows him to effectively work with individuals and teams to innovate organizational processes.

Matthew is passionate about Canadian entrepreneurship, especially in working to foster and grow minority-led enterprises. He resonates with the saying that, “One moment can change a day, one day can change a life, and one life can change the world.” Matthew is proud that in his current profession, he can use his expertise to have a positive social and economic impact on the African Nova Scotian entrepreneurial experience and the Black business community. 

Matthew considers pursuing a Doctorate degree and further certifications, such as the Institute of Corporate Directors Designation, in the future. When he is not in the office, Matthew is an avid camper who enjoys being outdoors and surrounded by nature, which gives him the opportunity to practice mindfulness and gratitude.
 

David Upton

David is a committed social entrepreneur who is passionate about social change and using business as a tool to strengthen communities by helping to build capacity within the social innovation and community-based enterprise ecosystem on a regional, national and international basis.

Recent Affiliations 
* C.E.O. of Common Good Solutions, a Community Interest Company in Nova Scotia
* C.E.O. of Social Enterprise Institute, an online learning platform delivering S.E. training globally
* Founding Vice-president of the Social Enterprise Network of Nova Scotia
* Past member Canadian Government Social Innovation and Social Finance Co-collaboration Steering Group
* Member Nova Scotia Community College Department of Business Advisory Committee
* Nova Scotia Department of Education Business Council Board Member