East Coast Innovation Executive
Joel Halse
CEO and Principal Designer
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Joel is a retired Captain from the Canadian Armed Forces where he served as an aerospace engineer. He subsequently spent more than a decade working as a Professional Engineer and hands-on Corporate Engineer in one of the world’s top ten aquaculture companies. He is the named inventor on two projects, taking them from product development to commercialization. He deployed more than $100 Million in capital to address business problems through technological solutions in all facets of the aquaculture industry — from freshwater hatcheries, to farm systems, to fish handling, transportation, and production and shipping.
East Coast Innovation
Jonathan Halse
COO
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Jonathan is an Electrical Engineer specializing in product design and development through to commercial launch and production. He has experience in the IP Strategy space and currently serves as the Technical Representative and Consultant on the application for and prosecution of new patents. During a 10-year career with Blackberry as a Senior Hardware Designer, he launched eight new products and currently provides product and patent development support for NB firms.
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Paul Leger
CFO
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Paul is formerly a professional accountant (retired CA/CPA) and entrepreneur. He co-founded a commercial real estate company and took it public, serving as its CFO and as a member of its Board of Directors. For more than 15 years he was also the CEO and co-owner of a private multifaceted real estate development and property management company operating throughout the Maritime provinces.
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David Falkjar
CTO
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David is a long-time respected owner of a design and manufacturing business in Saint Andrews, NB with relevant manufacturing experience in the aquaculture industry. He is a passionate, intelligent, high-energy certified Professional Engineer with a diverse skill set that includes 3D modeling, Programming, CNC machine tool, and welding processes.
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Nell van Wyngaarden
VP Communications
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Following a background in journalism and public relations, Nell managed an aquaculture industry association, representing the sector with government, media, the science community and liaising with international colleagues. For nearly 15 years, she served as Vice President of Communications for a New Brunswick based aquaculture company during a period of extensive growth and development into a global seafood leader.
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Siobhan Neil
Managing Director
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Siobhan holds a B.Sc. in Environmental Science, specializing in Aquatic Ecosystems, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management & Assessment. She worked for many years with a well-respected charitable organization aimed at improving fish habitat and watershed health in the Great Lakes, first as a Biologist and later as the Vice-President and President of the organization’s Board of Directors. Siobhan also has experience in small business management. As Managing Director, Siobhan represents the Executive team providing leadership to the Department Heads to ensure the successful execution of the Company’s operational plans.
East Coast Innovation
East Coast Innovation Team
Tyler Borthwick
Electrical Technician
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Tyler graduated with Honours from the Industrial Electrical Program of the New Brunswick Community College after earning a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of New Brunswick. He has experience in all manner of worksites and conditions on commercial and industrial projects as well as a comprehensive list of skills that include operating heavy machinery and mechanical aptitude and experience with 3D design. We are very pleased to have Tyler and his diverse knowledge and set of skills on the ECI team.
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Nur Fakir
Design Engineer
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Nur is a Mechanical Design Engineer with proficiency in a variety of CAD software programs, experience in various design services and practical manufacturing knowledge. He has a BSc. In Mechanical Engineering and a Post Graduate Diploma in Petroleum. His extensive technical skills and training, experience in product development and design as well as responding to customer needs and feedback, make him an excellent addition to our design team.
East Coast InnovationDanica Falkjar
Director of Design
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A graduate of the University of New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Danica is a member of Engineers Nova Scotia and holds various internal auditor certifications. In her role as Director of Design for East Coast Innovation, Danica supports the company’s design and manufacturing team by creating Solid Works Models for innovative mechanical systems, such as the SmoothMove Smart Funnel fish transfer system. Her extensive experience as a design contractor in the use of various software platforms and her expertise as a specialist in Managing Product Quality Control makes Danica a valuable member of the ECI team.
East Coast InnovationMax Falkjar
Director of Manufacturing
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Max is a Professional Engineer with a Red Seal Machinist designation. Besides having extensive experience with various manufacturing technologies, he is proficient in several 3D modeling and design packages. As Director of Manufacturing, Max manages the ECI Manufacturing shop in St. George, NB and oversees the Company’s manufacturing program.
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Garry Hanley
Industrial Specialist
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Garry has more than twenty years experience in every aspect of the seafood sector in southwestern New Brunswick; from lobster to scallop to weir fishing to aquaculture. His skills range from labour intensive work to operating vessels, forklifts and cranes to mechanical troubleshooting. His knowledge and experience as well as his comfort and familiarity with hand tools, painting and carpentry projects, combined with a willingness to take on any task in the ECI shop, make Garry a valued member of the Company’s manufacturing team.
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Kolby Lusk
Electrical Technician
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A graduate with distinction from St. Stephen High School, Kolby brought a strong work ethic and a keen interest in 3D modeling to the company. After his initial work experience with East Coast Innovation, Kolby returned to the New Brunswick Community College and successfully completed the Electrical Industrial Program and his Block One test. His commitment to learning, his diligence and strong organizational skills, together with practical work and volunteer experience continue to make him a valuable member of ECI and its manufacturing team.
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Ella Middleton
Research Scientist
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Ella has a BSc (with Distinction) in Marine and Freshwater Biology from the University of Guelph and an MSc in Biology from the University of New Brunswick. She has professional experience in the lab and in the field, including a cumulative 12 weeks in the Canadian High Arctic (Nunavut). Besides achieving numerous academic awards, Ella brings valuable experience that includes statistical programming and video tracking software and certifications in the operation of various vessels and vehicles to her role as research scientist.
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Andrew Rhynold
Industrial Specialist
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Andrew’s studies were in the industrial electrical field at the NB Community College in St. Andrews NB. He also completed several technical training courses and achieved a Marine Crane Certificate. With practical work experience from the lab, on the wharf and in the field, Andrew is well suited to the diverse tasks that come with his role as Industrial Specialist on our manufacturing team. He is eager to further develop his skills, is taking on new challenges, and is making an important contribution to the Company’s manufacturing success.
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Geoff Slater
Visual Innovator
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Geoff is a New Brunswick artist known for his paintings, drawings, illustrations, fine art, and printmaking. His outdoor art / murals can be seen throughout the Town of St. Andrews and Charlotte County NB. Geoff studied landscape design at Fanshawe College, fine art at Georgian College (both in Ontario), and printmaking under a master printer. Besides his artistic talents, Geoff brings a wealth of practical experience, not only as a designer but also as a builder and can be found getting his hands dirty with members of the crew as they wrestle with technical problems. As the Company’s Visual Innovator, Geoff explores ways colour and design can contribute to innovation projects and by marrying engineering with art, brings a whole new dimension to the way the design, manufacturing and research teams resolve innovation challenges.
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Julia Voss
Director of Research
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Julia has a M.Sc. in Business Psychology at the University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg in Rheinbach, Germany. She specialized in Market and Advertising Psychology and has valuable experience in data management and analysis. As Director of Research, Julia oversees the company’s research and innovation program.
East Coast Innovation