As Regional VP Business Development in Atlantic Canada, David leads the execution of our business growth and retention strategies. He brings an intuitive sense of the customer, gained throughout his 20 years of client relationship experience in group insurance and other client focussed industries. As a Chartered Professional Accountant with a keen sense of customer, David offers a unique perspective to the world of group benefits, service and sales.

Jessie Jollymore is the founder and executive director of Hope Blooms, a youth-run social enterprise in Halifax. A dietitian in inner city health for 15 years, Hope Blooms was borne out of the challenges Jessie saw in her work: food security, social exclusion, discrimination, and poverty. Hope Blooms operates a community garden and greenhouse that together produce 3,000 pounds of food each year, including herbs for salad dressings that raise funds for scholarships and community investment. The greenhouse was built with the support of Arlene Dickinson, of CBC’s Dragons Den, which named Hope Blooms one of its top 10 pitches of all time.

Dr. Farvolden directs the development and delivery of the BEACON digital cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) platform, aiming to provide more Canadians with access to effective mental health care. Dr. Farvolden has held research, clinical and administrative positions at multiple settings, including the University Health Network (UHN) and The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Dr. Farvolden is also the Clinical Director of the CBT Associates psychology clinic network.

Derek Weir currently leads a team of sales professionals dedicated to helping clients enhance their benefit plans with an expanding suite of optional products, available to members directly via Medavie’s integrated digital insurance platform. He is accountable for Medavie’s optional benefits line of business, working in partnership with consultants, advisors and clients across all markets. Derek is passionate about simplifying the process of securing valued insurance coverage for plan members and eliminating the work that plan sponsor’s typically face when offering optional benefits to plan members and their families. Previously, Derek led the product development team responsible for a large portfolio of Medavie’s group business products. He has been with Medavie Blue Cross for over 10 years and has worked in the areas of employee benefits and organizational health for 20 years. He is an advocate for total wellbeing and has been a data geek his entire life.

Greg brings over a decade of experience training health care professionals to his role as the National Director of Program Innovation at CMHA National. His time in competitive business environments, coupled with his clinical public health experience, gives him a unique combination of expertise and perspective which have informed his passion for peer and patient-centered recovery supports.

In his current role, Dave is active in ensuring delivery of the day-to-day business results as well as the long-term planning for Armour Transportation. This allows him to stay actively involved in the promotion of two of his favorite things: people and safety. Dave is the Chair of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association and has held previous executive roles with the Trucking Human Resources Sector Council Atlantic and the Nova Scotia Trucking Safety Association.

Josh Hellyer is a Canadian media producer, author and social entrepreneur who was the producer for Canada’s most watched television shows, including Canadian Idol, Canada AM and So You Think You Can Dance Canada. Josh is also an internationally recognized mental health advocate and innovator as the driving force behind initiatives like Campaign to #FACEIT, a global campaign to reduce the stigma of mental illness and Our Children's Medicine, an Indigenous employment and mentorship program.

Serena Ryder is adored by fans for her raw and earnest songwriting and electric live performances. She has received numerous accolades including six prestigious JUNO awards. Serena’s best known songs include the certified platinum hit “Stompa.” and her latest release, Christmas Kisses is one of the top 5 Christmas records of 2018 by Rolling Stone. Born and raised in Ontario, Serena is an active mental health advocate and received the 2018 Margaret Trudeau Mental Health Advocacy Award.

Photo credit: Kayla Rocca

As President of Medavie Blue Cross, Eric Laberge leads the organization’s Senior Management Team. Eric joined the organization in 2012, bringing extensive experience in management, business development and track record of achieving profitable revenue growth. Eric was appointed president in 2015, in recognition of his significant contributions to our group business. An inspirational leader, with a client centric approach and a focus on employee engagement, Eric holds a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science from Laval University, is a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries and a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries. He is based in Montreal and serves on the Board of the Dr. Clown Foundation.