WMA Board of Directors
Our board members are the pillars of WMA, bringing diverse expertise and deep commitment to our mission. Each member plays a crucial role in guiding our strategies, leading projects and ensuring alignment with our core values of sustainability, economic growth, community benefit, and cultural respect.
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
CEO, Eskasoni Corporate Division; WMA Director
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.
Contact
We are always eager to hear from you. Whether you have questions, suggestions, or want to learn more about our projects, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Crystal Nicholas at gm@wmalimited.com or 902-631-2446 and we will get back to you promptly.