Rose Paul has been named chief executive officer of Bayside Development Corporation, the Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation’s business arm that will manage the development of reserve lands on the south side of Trans-Canada Highway 104 in Antigonish.
Chief Paul ‘PJ’ Prosper announced late last month that Paul was the successful applicant for the position.
“Rose has all the business and leadership credentials required to guide our long-term economic development,” he said in a press release.
“She has committed herself for more than a decade to helping our community grow – including the construction of the $13.5 million Trans-Canada Highway interchange, at Exit 36-B, which opens up direct access to our community and will bring significant traffic to our new Bayside Travel Centre.”
Darryl McDonald, Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation director of administration, said the hiring committee worked diligently to find the right person for the position.
"Rose has shown, through her commitment and dedication, to be the successful candidate,” he added.
Paul, who graduated from Cape Breton University with a Master in Business Administration, was also valedictorian of the inaugural Indigenous Women in Community Leadership program at St. F.X.
She has won numerous awards and recognition, including the 2017 Cando Economic Developer of the Year award, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee award and the Nova Scotia Community Spirit award.
As part of her responsibilities, Paul will help oversee band businesses that provide own-source revenues, including fisheries, tobacco shop and gas bar operations and the entertainment centre.
She will also develop a five-year strategic plan that will include capacity development and provide options for the board of directors on diversifying and investing in businesses through economic development partnerships.
As CEO she will report directly to the corporation’s board of directors.
Paul will also continue her responsibilities in community economic development for Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation.
Due to weather delays this spring, construction of the $11 million travel centre is expected to be finished by October 1.