Patti Towler was appointed President and CEO of CPA Nova Scotia in September 2015. She began her career at Stewart McKelvey in Halifax and continued to practice law at a major Vancouver firm after relocating there in 1996. For the past decade, she has held executive roles in the post-secondary sector and is experienced in change management, marketing, and organizational leadership. She holds degrees in international law (University of San Diego), applied ethics (Regent College) and political science (King's College) as well as being a graduate of the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie. She is also a trained mediator, published author, and is in demand as a public speaker on issues of leadership and management. Patti is delighted to be back in Nova Scotia and to have the opportunity to contribute to the accounting profession at a time of significant change and transformation.

As the Senior Director Regulatory Affairs and Registrar, Kathleen leads CPA Nova Scotia's efforts to protect the public interest and integrity of the profession. CPA Nova Scotia sets and enforces high professional standards through ongoing professional education, support, practice inspections, and delivery of a robust complaint and discipline process. The Registrar is also responsible for maintaining a public registry of members and licensing those engaged in public accounting.

Prior to joining CPA Nova Scotia Kathleen served as Chief Financial Officer for Cox & Palmer’s Nova Scotia location. A graduate of Dalhousie University, Kathleen earned her Chartered Accountant designation in 1993 with Coopers & Lybrand in Halifax.  

Carol Barr is the Director of Professional Conduct and is responsible for administering the complaint and discipline process.

Prior to joining CPA Nova Scotia, Carol was a partner at a national firm.  She began her professional accounting career at Ernst & Young, then moved into industry as a VP Finance for a number of years before returning to public practice. 

Bruce MacInnis is the Director of Professional Standards and is responsible for administering the practice inspection program (professional standards review), professional liability insurance, administrating the licensing of those engaged in public accounting, and advisory services dealing with inquiries from members. Bruce also represents CPA Nova Scotia on CPA Canada's Practice Inspection Program and Public Practice Advisory Services Committees.

Bruce articled in Calgary auditing both listed and private entities.  He has worked as controller in a listed entity and as CFO in private industry before returning to the public accounting field.

902.425.7273 ext.226

Clare’s role as Legal Counsel is to provide legal advice and services to CPA Nova Scotia, its employees, and its boards and committees.

Prior to joining CPA Nova Scotia, Clare practiced civil litigation and administrative law at two major Atlantic regional law firms in Halifax.

Danielle is responsible for the membership register and member database, international applicants, as well as the registration and renewal process for members. She handles professional development reporting and deficiencies and works closely with both the Registration and Professional Development Committees. Contact Danielle for information on membership status, membership applications and mandatory CPD. 

Jill is responsible for supporting the registration functions at CPA Nova Scotia which include membership applications, firm registration, compliance with professional liability insurance requirements, and member inquires related to registration. She coordinate the registration of pre-approved training offices for candidates in the Chartered Professional Accountants program and members who are engaged in additional training to obtain their license to practice public accounting. Contact Jill for assistance with member registration, PLI, CPD or Gateway to membership support. 

As the Regulatory Coordinator for CPA Nova Scotia, Lori provides support to the Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs and Registrar, the Associate Registrar and the Director of Professional Standards. Contact Lori for information on public accounting licensing, firm registration/renewals, firm name changes and membership certificates.

As Director of Member Services, Amy is responsible for overseeing programs including Continuing Professional Development, affinity partnerships, member recognition and special events and other initiatives to support connectivity within the membership.

Amy has worked in both public practice and industry, holding roles in financial services and administration. 

902.425.7273 ext.236

Kate coordinates all member events including Convocation, Member Awards and PD Week.  She also develops and maintains the Member Benefits Program, provides support for the Financial Literacy Program and other community-based initiatives, and assists with coordination and delivery of the Continuing Professional Development program. Prior to joining CPA Nova Scotia, Kate worked in the commercial real estate industry. Kate has a BA in Spanish and Sociology, with Spanish as her second language.

902.425.7273 ext.221

Kanika provides assistance to members in areas such as answering member inquiries, processing PD and event registrations and other administrative duties. Kanika joins CPA Nova Scotia with a background in Business Administration and Human Resources.

902.425.7273 ext.228

Rodney manages the day to day operations of CPA Nova Scotia, responsible for establishing and maintaining the organization's financial structure, including budgeting, billings, financial reporting and payroll. He also oversees CPA Nova Scotia's technological infrastructure, facilities, and human resource functions.

Prior to joining CPA Nova Scotia, he held a series of roles with CMA Nova Scotia.

[email protected] 
902.425.7273 ext.225

Megan's primary responsibilities as Accounting Assistant include managing accounts payable and receivable. Members can contact Megan regarding dues payments and receipts, password reset, professional development payments, firm renewal payments, application fees, and any other questions related to payments for CPA Nova Scotia.

[email protected] 
902.425.7273 ext.227

Zech manages CPA Nova Scotia's IT systems and provides technical support to both staff and members. Members can contact Zech regarding any problems they experience on the CPA Nova Scotia website.

As the Director of Communications, Coralee is responsible for the strategic communications planning including, member communication, general public information and brand development for CPA Nova Scotia.