Above: Nicole Vair (left) and Dustin Leclerc at the Faces of Fusion event in fall 2023, one of the many Fusion initiatives they reinvigorated under their co-leadership. After more than two years of co-chairing the board, the pair are stepping back, but their impact on Fusion Saint John will be felt for years to come.
Fusion Saint John holds quite a legacy over the past two decades as a volunteer-led non-profit dedicated to creating meaningful spaces for connection for professionals in the city.
But few members of the board have made such an impact on Fusion’s vision and direction than Nicole Vair and Dustin Leclerc.
Nicole joined Fusion as a general Director in February of 2020, and Dustin came on the board in July 2021. The pair took on co-chair positions in September 2021 and remained in the roles until just recently this spring during a planned transition.
Together, they refreshed the vision for Fusion, built capacity for new programs and strongly enhanced board governance practices.
“Nicole and Dustin were essential to moving Fusion forward following the pandemic,” said Laura Oland, current chair of Fusion Saint John. “They were committed leaders who led the creation of the new strategic plan, the creation of new programs like Fusion Connects and First Friday, and oversaw the refueling of Faces of Fusion. In addition to being fantastic board chairs, they were such a pleasure to work with and will truly be missed by our board.”
For Nicole, volunteering with Fusion Saint John is a “highlight” of her professional career. “Not only have I developed as a leader, but I have made connections that have turned into lifelong friendships – and for that I will be forever grateful,” she reflected. “I’m thankful for the Fusion alumni who carved out this special network, I’m proud of the direction the board has taken throughout the last four years, and I’m excited for the future – to watch more connections form and people find their way in this special region.”
Dustin is proud of how far Fusion has come – but trusts that, with the new talent joining the board, “the best is yet to come.” He continued, “I’m so grateful for my time on the Fusion board. Working with my fellow board members and engaging with the Fusion community has been a highlight for me. Our board over the past few years has worked hard to position the incoming directors to grow the organization and reach; I am really proud of our accomplishments.”
Hats off to you, Dustin and Nicole, for grabbing Fusion Saint John by the horns mid-pandemic and leaving it a stronger, more vibrant organization behind as you move on to new endeavours as a proud Fusion alumni.
We are forever grateful for your dedication, vitality and vision for Saint John as the premier place to live, work and play.