WMA Board of Directors
Governance in Accountability
WMA is governed by a Board of Directors that provides oversight, strategic direction, and accountability as the organization advances major economic opportunities on behalf of Nova Scotia’s 13 Mi’kmaw communities.
The board brings together community-connected leadership and independent business expertise to support sound decision-making, long-term planning, and responsible growth. This structure allows WMA to move at the speed of business while remaining grounded in Mi’kmaw values, community benefit, and stewardship for future generations.
WMA’s governance model is designed to protect the interests of First Nations, maintain a clear distinction between business operations and political decision-making, and support timely, informed action in a dynamic business environment.
Protection for First Nations
WMA’s structure helps protect individual First Nations by ensuring they are not directly responsible for the organization’s day-to-day business operations or liabilities.
Separation of Business and Politics
WMA maintains a clear distinction between business operations and political leadership, supporting independent, informed, and accountable decision-making.
Agility in Business
WMA is designed to respond efficiently to major opportunities, allowing the organization to assess, negotiate, and act within the timelines required by business and project partners.
WMA’s board members bring diverse experience in community leadership, economic development, business strategy, operations, and governance. Together, they guide WMA’s work and help ensure that projects and partnerships remain aligned with the organization’s mandate, values, and long-term vision for shared prosperity.
Crystal Nicholas
President & Interim General Manager
Crystal Nicholas is an experienced leader in economic development and strategic management, currently serving as the President & Interim General Manager at Wskijinu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency Ltd. (WMA). She oversees the agency’s executive functions and drives its strategic initiatives, working closely with the 13 Chiefs of the Mi’kmaw First Nations to promote sustainable economic growth.
Crystal’s extensive career includes key roles in advancing Potlotek First Nation’s development, where she served as Acting Economic Development Manager, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Executive Officer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Cape Breton University and has completed advanced programs in Management Essentials and Negotiation Mastery at Harvard Business School. Crystal is also pursuing a JD at Dalhousie University. Crystal brings valuable skills in financial management, project leadership, and strategic planning to WMA. Crystal is a proud member of Potlotek First Nation.
Rhonda MacDougall
WMA Director; Corporate and Business development, Michelin, North America (Canada)
Rhonda MacDougall is a seasoned economic development professional. She serves as a Director on the Board of WMA, where her expertise in building strategic partnerships plays a crucial role in advancing economic opportunities for the Mi’kmaw First Nations.
With a background that spans roles such as Director of Investment Readiness and Manager of Stakeholder Relations at Invest Nova Scotia, Rhonda excels at connecting stakeholders and fostering collaboration. She is the provincial co-chair of the Tripartite Forum Economic Development Committee, where she focuses on strategic navigation and relationship-building to promote economic growth. Rhonda studied at St. Francis Xavier University and Algonquin College and resides in Tantallon, Nova Scotia, with her family.
Steve Parsons
WMA Director; CEO, Eskasoni Corporate Division
Steve Parsons is the CEO of the Eskasoni Corporate Division and a Director at Wskijinu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency Ltd. (WMA). With a strong foundation in education and economic development, Steve has dedicated over two decades to fostering growth within the Eskasoni First Nation community. He has managed significant projects, including the Kiknu Long Term Care facility and Eskasoni Communications Inc., and has been involved in numerous economic ventures such as Eskasoni Renewables Ltd. and Eskasoni Cold Logistics.
Steve holds degrees in Arts and Education from Memorial University and has served in various leadership roles, including as a councillor for the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and as a board member for Cape Breton University and other economic organizations. His strategic insight into both education and economic development makes him a valuable asset to WMA.
Michael Peters
WMA Director; CEO Glooscap Ventures
Michael Peters is the CEO of Glooscap Ventures, the economic development corporation of Glooscap First Nation, where he has served since 2015. Starting as an Economic Development Officer, Michael progressed through various management roles before becoming CEO. Under his leadership, Glooscap Ventures has expanded significantly, launching initiatives such as Glooscap Landing, Glooscap Corner, and Glooscap Energy, while also expanding the Glooscap Fisheries companies, which now employ over 100 people.
Michael holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Saint Mary’s University and a Sustainable Energy Technologies Professional Certification (SETP) from Dalhousie University. He is active in multiple organizations, including serving as the Mi’kmaq Co-Chair for the Mi’kmaq-Canada-Nova Scotia Tripartite Economic Development Committee and as a board member of WMA. Michael is a dedicated advocate for sustainable economic growth within the Mi’kmaq communities and is a proud member of Glooscap First Nation.
Rachel Stevenson
WMA Director; Director of Lands & Community Development of Wasoqopa’q First Nation
Rachel Stevenson is the Director of Lands & Community Development of Wasoqopa’q First Nation and Director of Wskijinu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency Ltd. (WMA). Rachel is a proud member of Wasoqopa’q First Nation, where she has served since 2008. With a keen focus on sustainable economic growth and a background in project management, Rachel has led many successful business developments, renewable energy and capital projects including Wasoqopa’q Tru By Hilton Hotel, Wasoqopa’q Community Solar projects and most recently overseeing the construction of Wasoqopa’q Weliankweyaimk Women’s Shelter.
Rachel studied Economics at Dalhousie University, received her Professional Aboriginal Economic Development (PAED) certification and holds a Master’s certificate in Project Management from Saint Mary’s University. She is active with many national and regional organizations including the Atlantic Region Aboriginal Lands Association and Council for the Advancement of Aboriginal Development Officers.