We would like to welcome Bill MacKenzie, the new Director of Strategic Partnerships.  He has held a number of senior policy and strategic planning roles in the New Brunswick Departments of Agriculture and Social Development.  Some of his past experiences have included the following policy areas: agri-food sector development and competitiveness, trade policy, early childhood development, child welfare, seniors care, services for persons with disabilities, social assistance, housing and poverty reduction.  Bill has had the opportunity to work with many community groups, researchers and non-governmental organizations.  He looks forward to continuing to do so in his new role, as it is only through successful collaboration that we can be effective in advancing social policy in New Brunswick.

We would like to send our best wishes and good-byes to Charlotte Burhoe, our past Administrative Coordinator.  Thank you Charlotte for all of your hard work and contribution.  We greatly appreciate your dedication and assistance to NBSPRN activities, staff and membership.

We would also like to welcome Shawni Beaulieu as our new administrative coordinator.  Shawni holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador as well as a Diploma in Event and Promotions Management from the Centre for Arts and Technology.  She is passionate about anthropological research and bridging the gap between research and application.  She truly believes in the New Brunswick Social Policy Research Network’s mission and often wondered why there were not more organizations like this. By combining both her anthropological/sociological and event planning backgrounds, she will become a great asset to our growing organization.