Executive vice-president, chief financial officer, Fortis Inc.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the beautiful town of Head of Bay D’Espoir on the south coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. The town’s population is just over 600.

Why did you choose the Faculty of Business Administration at Memorial?

Many of my family and friends from Bay D’Espoir attended Memorial University. My father was one of the first in our town to graduate with a degree from Memorial, and he served as the principal of our school. I always knew I wanted to pursue a higher education following high school. I didn’t really have a full understanding of what I wanted to do, but I knew it was in the math or science field.

What is a highlight of your time at the Faculty of Business Administration?

It was all about the people I met along the way. Students, professors and the business community at large during my co-op work terms. This was a great opportunity to meet so many people in a city much larger than where I grew up and to experience first-hand the career opportunities that were most interesting. 

What is a highlight of your time at the Faculty of Business Administration?

We were so fortunate to have such a fun group in our Class of 1993. My classmates and I had a lot of fun engaging in the friendly rivalry between the Engineering and Business faculties. It brought out the best (or worse) in all of us!

What was your favourite or most memorable class?

My most memorable class was during my first year of business. One course assignment was to give the class a persuasive speech. I was living in Spencer Hall, which was very close to the Business faculty. I decided to wear my fuzzy pajamas to class, dimmed the lights and convinced everyone about the importance of sleep. I’m pretty sure the whole class was asleep when I finished!

How were your professors? Do you have any memorable ones?

The professors were top-notch. Prof. Judy Cumby stands out for me. She is still teaching at Memorial. She just had a way of taking the theory and making it real and practical. I learned so much from her and admired her teaching style. Later, I had the pleasure of getting to know Judy’s wonderful Dad, Eric, who had spent his career at Newfoundland Power.

Tell us about any extracurricular activities you were involved in and how they enhanced your experience.

Through the university, I volunteered with the Canadian Cancer Society. Little did I know then that I would dedicate decades to the health sector in Newfoundland and Labrador. Volunteerism at an early age is key to the health of our communities. It keeps us grounded in life and teaches us what is really important.

How did your experience at the business faculty help you find your first position after graduation?

During my program, I was part of the co-operative education program. I didn’t know much then about the Chartered Accountants (CA) (now Chartered Professional Accounts (CPA)) program, but I thought this was a good way to find out.

I worked with Coopers and Lybrand, which eventually became Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC). I had all my work terms with the same firm and was privileged to be offered a job after graduation. I received my Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in 1995. That was a large day!

What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most useful in your career?

Life is all about relationships. I value the teamwork that was prevalent throughout the entire business program. Learning from and with others is invaluable. These skills certainly helped me at every career stage, including the present day. In a world where we strive to be diverse and inclusive, learning to listen to the viewpoints of others remains as critically important as ever.

What did you initially hope to do for a career and how does that align with your current employment?

I initially thought about a career in health care. I'm not sure I knew exactly what I wanted to do except that I strongly liked the hospital environment. After my general studies year, my interest turned to business, but with a bent to somehow still be involved in the health-care system.

While my career took a different turn to the energy sector, I have remained close to health care in this province. I feel fortunate to be part of the Fortis organization, where giving back to the communities we serve is part of what we do. So, while the energy sector is not quite like the health-care sector, I have found ways to be a part of both!

What community organizations do you currently support? How do they align with your values?

I have chaired or served on several boards over the years, including the Health Care Foundation and C-CORE. I currently serve on the board of Shorefast, the charity for the benefit of strengthening the cultural, ecological and economic well-being of Fogo Island and beyond; and the advisory board for Solace Power, a local tech company offering wireless power-based solutions. I’m chair of the “Brunch with the Bags” annual event in support of women’s health and am honorary chair for the “Big Raise” event which supports adult health.

I grew up with a family and community where giving was natural. My grandmother always said: “You will never want for what you give.”  And she was right. The reality is, as much as I have been a part of organizations helping health care, I have needed that health care for my family over the years. It’s just been full circle for me.

What’s the best business decision you’ve ever made? How so?

No one decision stands out for me but I often reflect on the decision to join Fortis in 2002. At that time, Fortis was still quite small and unknown here in the province. I’m very proud to have been a part of the team since that time, and proud to help Fortis grow to become a leader in the North American energy market with assets today of approximately $66 billion.

What’s the best personal decision you’ve ever made?  How so?

The best personal decision I ever made was one to keep going.  In my early career, my family and I faced challenges. My husband was diagnosed with brain cancer at the young age of 31 and battled hard for 11 years.  Looking back, putting life on hold would have been much easier, but we pushed forward to live our best lives each day.

I’m so thankful for having the support I needed to keep going as I raised our son, James, and moved forward with my career. My Mom and Dad moved from their home to help me raise my son. He will graduate from high school this year and is heading to Memorial with an interest in the medical field. I’m so proud of him.

What advice do you have for business students as they consider their future?

Don’t overthink life. Be courageous, dream big and have lots of fun.

“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

You’ve been very successful in your career. Is there something else you hope to accomplish?

There’s always more to accomplish in one’s career. I’ve never been one to look too far ahead, but I don’t feel like I’m done yet!

If you could pick one thing in the entire world to spend your time doing, what would it be?

Watch my son play sports.

Tell us a random fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess.

I like to sing, but I save that for my car ride to work!