About BBI

The Board of Directors

Board members at Board Retreat

Board of Directors Terms of Reference

The Board of Directors is responsible for guiding the strategic agenda of the BBI in meeting its responsibilities for "a vibrant Black presence within the Nova Scotia Business Community."

The primary function of the Board is to determine (governing) policies with respect to the organization. That includes administration and operation of the BBI, and ensuring BBI business affairs are conducted in accordance with good governance practices.

The Board is responsible for the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as well as the determination of the terms and conditions of employment of the CEO. The BBI's CEO is responsible for the general management and direction of the BBI including policies, programs, and services of the BBI, the business affairs of the BBI, and other matters that may be delegated to the CEO by the Board.

The Board, through its own processes such as meetings, committees, and thorough drafting of governing policies, "steers and guides the strategic directions and approves the priorities and objectives set by the initiative."

The Board evaluates the performance of the BBI and its stated objectives by setting the governing policies and strategic planning. While policies may originate from within the organization, it is the Board that has the ultimate power to adopt and require adherence to Board (governing) policies. Strategies for implementation of the policy, i.e. the way that policies are translated into action, are the responsibility of the professional staff of the BBI.

The 2010 - 2011 Board of Directors

Greg Browning Chair Royal Bank of Canada, Halifax	Candace Thomas Vice Chair Stewart McKelvey, Halifax
Dr Andrews Oppong Treasurer Retired, Dartmouth	Shirley Robinson-Levering Secretary Community Enhancement Association, Truro
Eleanor Beaton Eleanor Beaton & Co., Windsor	Jocelyn Dorrington Chignecto-Central Regional School Board, Truro
Pat Ryan Retired, Dartmouth	Eric "Chuck" Smith Retired, Yarmouth
Cynthia Dorrington Vale & Associates, Halifax	Robert Browning Bell/Bell Aliant, Halifax
Milton Williams M&A Wood Fuel Services, East Preston	Rustum Southwell Ex-Officio Black Business Initiative, CEO
RESOURCE MEMBERS
Sandra Watts-Wilson Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Halifax	Wendy MacIntyre Service Canada, Halifax
Brian Watson Department of Economic and Rural Development, Halifax