Fusion Saint John is run by volunteer board of directors, who are a group of hard-working and dedicated professionals from the uptown Saint John business and non-profit community.
Each Director brings to the table unique and diverse experiences, insights and ideas and shares our vision of making Saint John the premier community to work, live, and play!
The board of directors sets the strategic direction to guide and direct the activities of the Fusion organization. The board of directors provides the leadership to ensure that the organization delivers results which reflect the vision, mission, and values of Fusion Saint John.
Board of Directors
Eric Shennan, Co-Chair
Eric Shennan is an Associate Consultant with Black Belyea Private Wealth of IG Wealth Management, based out of Uptown Saint John. He is passionate about financial planning and sharing his expertise with those in the community to improve their financial literacy.
While Eric grew up in Ontario, he moved to the region a couple of years ago to be closer to family, and has since fallen in love with the energy and culture that make up Saint John. As a newcomer, Eric is excited to share the passion he has developed for the city and its sense of community with newcomers and those looking to become more involved.
Rachel Vander Vennen (she/her), Co-Chair
As Executive Director of L’Arche Saint John, an organization building community and support around adults with intellectual disabilities, Rachel is no stranger to nonprofits dedicated to serving the community in meaningful and inclusive ways.
Rachel moved to Saint John in 2020 for a position with L’Arche, despite never having visited the city or knowing anyone. A few years later, she couldn’t be more thrilled to be building a life here – the friendliness of locals, access to outdoors and professional opportunities in Saint John have far exceeded any expectation. Rachel is honoured to be a part of Fusion and looks forward to building a more vibrant and inclusive Saint John for all.
Matthew Oliver, Vice-Chair
Matt is an Associate at Gorman Nason Lawyers, and his practice focuses primarily on family law and criminal defense. Matt is interested in advocating for the people of Saint John and increasing access to justice while leveraging both the current system in place and being open to new and create avenues of problem solving.
Outside of work Matt enjoys sports such as baseball and tennis, his pets, watching his favorite sitcoms, and travelling as much as he can. Matt moved to Saint John in 2022 and has loved living and working Uptown. He is excited to watch the city continue to grow and thrive.
Riley Tobin, Treasurer
Riley Tobin is the Manager of Financial Reporting and Analytics at Owen MacFadyen Group and a Chartered Professional Accountant. Born and raised in Saint John, Riley moved to London, Ontario to pursue university before returning home. That experience has shaped an appreciation for the role strong communities play in helping people feel connected and supported.
Outside of work, Riley enjoys exploring new countries, staying active through rhythm cycling and hiking, and channeling creativity through home design and event planning.
Farida El Bailey, Secretary
Farida is passionate about all things community engagement. As a Project Coordinator with Envision Saint John, she works on promoting the Saint John region across Atlantic Canada, with a focus on sharing what makes the region unique, welcoming, and full of opportunity.
Originally from Egypt, Farida moved to the Saint John region in the 2000s with her family. Having lived across 3 continents and in several Canadian provinces, she holds an appreciation for diverse communities everyplace has to offer. As an Egyptian-Canadian, she is a proud local to have grown up in a community defined by care, connection, and growth.
Outside of work, you can often find Farida trying new hobbies, exploring new spots, and connecting with her peers. She is excited to continue building relationships across the region and contributing to a stronger, more connected community through her work with Fusion.
Maggie McLeod, Director of HR
Maggie McLeod brings a wealth of experience and passion to Fusion Saint John. With a background deeply rooted in the tech industry, Maggie currently works as a Senior Human Resources Manager at Introhive, a pioneering SaaS company originating in New Brunswick.
Born and raised in Saint John, Maggie’s commitment to her community runs deep. She is dedicated to contributing positively to Saint John’s growth and development.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Maggie embraces the joys of motherhood as a first-time mom to an amazing little girl. Despite her busy schedule, she remains actively engaged in various sports, embodying the spirit of balance and vitality.
Maggie’s decision to join Fusion Saint John underscores her enthusiasm for forging new connections and making meaningful contributions. She is eager to leverage her expertise in Human Resources to support Fusion’s mission and foster a thriving community.
Jessica Sundblad, Director of Events
Jessica Sundblad is a connector, storyteller and passionate advocate for building a vibrant future in Saint John. She serves as Director of Events for Fusion Saint John, where she creates meaningful experiences that bring young professionals together and showcase the city as a place to live, work and thrive.
By day, Jessica is the Business Development Manager at Porter O’Brien, a national public affairs and communications agency, leading regional growth and relationship-building across North America. With a Master’s degree in Data and Investigative Journalism from the University of King’s College, she brings a background in journalism, corporate communications and strategic partnerships across industries like forestry, construction and transportation. Jessica is deeply committed to community building and has served on multiple boards supporting arts, culture and heritage. Whether hosting events or telling stories that inspire action, she’s driven by a belief in connection, collaboration and the power of place.
George Thambi, Director
George works at Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. Both his professional and volunteer experience has been dedicated to public service, more importantly, enriching the lives of Greater Saint John residents. George, along with (his wife) Sweatha and (son) Asher moved during the pandemic to Saint John. They were blessed with a beautiful daughter Iza, the first Canadian in their family. George volunteers with almost 12 organizations and is also the President Elect for PMI NB and is very passionate in helping and serving people.
Colin O’Brien, Director
Colin was born and raised in Saint John, New Brunswick, and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of New Brunswick. In his role as Executive Assistant to Minister responsible for the New Brunswick Housing Corporation, David Hickey, Colin is responsible for managing operations in the Minister’s office.
Passionate about economic development, he is dedicated to supporting growth and innovation throughout the city. Colin takes a particular interest in the vibrant Uptown area, where he actively supports initiatives that enhance both the local economy and the well-being of the community.
Róisín Connolly, Director
Róisín is a dedicated client relations professional and serves as the VP of Strategy and Client Relations at Bloom Funding. With a passion for meaningful impact both personally and professionally, she brings a unique blend of empathy, strategy, and innovation to her work.
Originally from Ireland, Róisín moved to Canada in her early 20s and now proudly calls Saint John home. Her previous experience working in the Criminal Justice System sharpened her ability to build partnerships and initiate targeted services to support the community. She is eager to bring that collaborative and impact-driven mindset to Fusion. Outside of work, Róisín enjoys diving into artistic pursuits and creative expression
Idris Gueye, Director
Idrissa Gueye (who goes by Idris) is a bilingual (French and English) Employment Counselor with the Province of New Brunswick at WorkingNB, where he supports job seekers through personalized guidance and community connections. Originally from Senegal, Idris moved to Saint John in 2022 from Halifax and quickly fell in love with the region. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Université Sainte-Anne in Nova Scotia, where he began his journey in Canada in 2014. In addition to his work in employment services, Idris has coordinated and directed employment training programs with organizations such as Black Lives Matter New Brunswick and the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS). He is deeply passionate about volunteering, youth mentorship, and building inclusive communities.
Idris also helps organize and promote community events around Uptown, where he often performs as a DJ under the name Westwaves. He is a strong advocate for health and well-being and actively participates in multiple sports across the region. His work continues to focus on empowering newcomers, youth, and underrepresented groups to achieve their full potential.
Genevieve Crowell, Director
Born and raised in Saint John, Genevieve has watched the city grow and change alongside her – and she can’t wait to see what comes next for the Port City. She is dedicated to the promotion of Saint John as a vibrant place to live, work, and explore. Outside of work, you can find her writing her novel or out on a hike with her husband and their rambunctious husky.