Our Team

With the collaborative support of a large number of industry members and Partner Organizations, the sector council operates with a very small, but highly-experienced executive team, reporting to a Board of Directors made up of industry professionals.

Michael Montgomery, Executive Director

Michael Montgomery has more than 30 years experience as the executive officer of economic development organizations and as a consultant to all orders of government in Atlantic Canada. Michael has served as Executive Director of the AHBRSC since 2007 advancing the industry campaign for mandatory licensing and certification while researching and planning for the labour market needs of the industry. He is a strong advocate for enhanced professionalization and a vocal supporter of improvements to apprenticeship systems to make apprenticeship more adaptive and responsive to the needs of workers and industry while increasing enrollments and completions. Michael is a graduate and class valedictorian of Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Economics and has completed studies at the graduate and certificate levels in business and economic development at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia and the University of Waterloo in Ontario.

Jessica Ward, Operations & Development Manager

As the Operations and Development Manager at the Atlantic Home Building and Renovation Sector Council (AHBRSC), Jessica is a dynamic leader and entrepreneur with a passion for community development, operations management, and business growth. In addition to her work with AHBRSC, Jessica is the Co-Founder and Director of The Space & Company, where she oversees creative business ventures and strengthens community connections. Her ability to balance strategy with creativity has been key to the company’s growth and success. Jessica also serves as the Vice-Chair for the Farm to Feast Cafe Association, contributing her expertise to initiatives that bring together sustainable agriculture and dignified access to food – for everyone. Her dedication to fostering partnerships and driving development reflects her commitment to building inclusive, thriving communities. A skilled multi-tasker with a strong background in project management, business development, and community engagement, Jessica is passionate about creating lasting impact through collaboration and leadership.

Kevin Hooper, Project Manager

As the AHBRSC’s Project Manager of Social Enterprise and Workplace Equity, Kevin is responsible for supporting increased diversity, equity, and inclusion within the residential construction sector through strategic partnerships with underrepresented and marginalized populations, non-profit organizations, and other related stakeholders. In addition to his position with the AHBRSC, Kevin is the Manager of Partnerships and Community Development with United Way Halifax, the Chair of the Community Advisory Board for Reaching Home, and a member of Halifax’s Housing and Homelessness Partnership. Through these roles Kevin has established a broad, cross-sectoral network of housing colleagues and extensive experience in market/sector research, policy analysis, strategic planning, program design, evaluation, and reporting, coalition building, and advocacy. With a Master of Urban Planning degree from Dalhousie University and over twenty-years of related professional experience ranging from home construction, real estate development, property management, and emergency/supported housing, Kevin understands both the vital importance of meeting market demand with adequate, well-built housing, and ensuring that everyone has access to a healthy and stable home.

Manish Handa, Workforce Development Manager

As the Workforce Development Manager at the Atlantic Home Building and Renovation Sector Council (AHBRSC), Manish Handa is a passionate leader dedicated to fostering growth and development in the workforce.With extensive experience in HR management across non-profit, finance, insurance, and tech industries, Manish brings a well-rounded approach to building sustainable workforce strategies that align with organizational goals. Manish is also passionate about youth development, serving as an active member of the Canadian Council for Youth Prosperity, where he advocates for inclusive opportunities that empower young people. His dedication to mental health in the workplace is evident through his certification as a Mental Health Leader from the Mental Health Association of Canada, further underscoring his commitment to creating supportive and thriving work environments. A strategic thinker with a focus on collaboration and leadership, Manish is driven by a desire to make lasting impacts within the communities and sectors he serves. 

Devin Ruelland, Engagement Coordinator

As the organization’s Engagement Coordinator, Devin is proud to publicly represent AHBRSC at industry events and bring attention to their ongoing efforts to foster a prosperous and sustainable housing industry in Nova Scotia. Devin also works closely with the council’s community partners, forging and maintaining connections between employers, job seekers, and local governments in order to strengthen the province’s home building workforce. Devin is a dedicated educator who sees his work in the construction industry as an excellent opportunity to both build up and give back to his local community. With a background in academic mentorship and client management, as well as extensive experience with the promotion and administration of workplace training, Devin has a deep passion for helping workers and businesses learn, develop, and thrive.

Nicholas Pinsent, Advancement Coach

As the AHBRSC’s Advancement Coach, Nicholas brings a background in Recruitment, HR, and Marketing. With a passion for recruitment, he is working to connect and provide support to employers, job seekers, and local governments throughout the province. With a focus on providing an opportunity for training and development, Nicholas works closely with provincial apprenticeship programs, community colleges, industry training partners, and individual builders to ensure the suitability, relevancy, and capacity of education and training programs to meet the workforce needs. Nicholas has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Saint Mary’s University, along with a background working within local schools and colleges to provide education and connect students with industry professionals. With a spirited personality and passion for the industry, Nicholas continues to focus on the attraction and retention of job seekers within Nova Scotia.

Kirstene Reyes, Tiny Home Construction Fundamentals Instructor

As the Red Seal Instructor for the Tiny Home Construction Fundamentals Course with AHBRSC, Kirstene is responsible for teaching carpentry skills to participants. Kirstene began her carpentry apprenticeship in 2012 in Newfoundland, gaining valuable experience on large industrial projects. Deeply passionate about the trades, she has mentored numerous young women through Skills Canada NL, helping them explore opportunities in the field. In 2023, Kirstene was invited to serve as a keynote speaker at the Techsploration Alumnae Conference, where she shared her journey to inspire and empower young women to pursue careers in the trades. In 2021, she founded Intentionally Tiny Custom Homes Ltd., a company dedicated to using tiny homes as a means of promoting social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and housing advocacy. By empowering the next generation of tradespeople with practical, hands-on experience, she is actively contributing to a more robust and skilled workforce.