BIA Board Members

Brendan Bates – Director, Chair of Urban Design and Development Committee
As a Partner at TOSS Solutions and CEO of Cohesive Affects, Brendan provides a logical and strategic understanding of projects, design and business solutions. Maintaining an intellectual approach to deliverables that positively influence corporate work environments to achieve their financial objectives. With extensive experience in public and commercial architectural projects supporting multiple international practices, Brendan has equipped himself with the experience and leadership skills to direct diverse teams through complex construction projects and business challenges.

Dermot Collins – Director
Dermot represents both the Hilton Saint John along with the Trade and Convention Centre and has been an Uptown Saint John board member for five years. When asked what he loves about Uptown Saint John, Dermot expressed his love for the streetscapes, the architecture, the pedway system and the working port.

Andrew Costin – Director, Past President
Andrew represents Gorman Nason, the law firm at which he practices. Andrew has been a member of the Uptown Saint John board for three years. When asked what he loves about Uptown Saint John, Andrew expressed his love for the vibrancy and energy offered by the Uptown core.

Scott Crowell – President, Chair of Executive Committee

Scott represents Grant Thornton as an experienced tax professional with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus on accounting. Scott is one of our newest members to the board joining in June 2018. When asked what he loves about Uptown Saint John, Scott stated that it was hard to choose, but overall he loves the architecture and the people which provides our city, community, and province with a constant reminder of our culture and identity.

John C. Gillis – Director, Chair of Advocacy Committee

John is both a lawyer and manager of Gilbert McGloan Gillis. He has an extensive background residing on many committees both past and present, such as Chairperson and Member of the New Brunswick Wildlife Council and a member of the Saint John Substandard Properties Appeal Committee. John is one of our newest members joining in April 2018. When asked what he loves about Uptown Saint John, he said he loves it for its mix of both small and big city benefits. “In terms of small city benefits, everything is within easy walking distance and everyone is friendly and personable. We also enjoy the big city benefits of a wide variety of services along with great dining and entertainment options. The unique balance gives me the opportunity to service clients from around the world while maintaining an unparalleled quality of life.”

Allie Ruigrok – Marketing & Communications (Staff – Uptown SJ)
Allie looks after the marketing and communications at Uptown Saint John, after 4 years as a summer student. When asked what she loves about Uptown Saint John, Allie said that she loves watching Uptown change and thrive year after year. It’s been a pleasure to grow with the Uptown.

Cathy Hutchinson – Director, Chair of Governance Committee

Cathy represents Manchester Shoe Salon located in Market Square. Cathy has been a member of the Uptown Saint John board for five years now. When asked what she loves about Uptown Saint John, Cathy responded “what’s not to love?” Cathy lives and works in the Uptown area, she loves the vibrancy, walkability, the character of the architecture, the convenience to the art community and the entertainment.

Kevin Loughery – Vice President, Chair of Marketing Committee
Kevin represents the City of Saint John along with the Saint John City Market. Kevin has been a member of the Uptown Saint John board for five years. When it comes to Uptown Saint John, Kevin loves the array of offerings; be it housing, retail or dining. He loves how Uptown Saint John offers a beautiful, scenic and historic footprint integrated with a supportive and welcoming community.

Deborah MacDonald – Office Manager (Staff – Uptown SJ)
When asked what she loves about Uptown Saint John, Deborah said I live, work and play in the Uptown- it’s home.

Steven Peever – Treasurer, Chair of Finance Committee
Steven represents TD Commercial Banking as an Account Manager covering the Saint John region. Steven is one of this year’s newest members to the Uptown Saint John board, joining in April of 2019. When asked what he loves about Uptown Saint john, Steven said it’s the community, history, events, and amazing restaurants & bars. There is always something to do in Uptown Saint John.

Donna Reardon – Director and City of Saint John Representative
Donna and her husband represent 122-144 Prince William Street, a renovated building containing commercial and residential units. Donna has been a member of the Uptown Saint John board for 8-10 years. Being both a resident and business owner in the Uptown Urban Core, Donna expressed her love for many aspects of Uptown Saint John. Donna loves the walkability, the design and the ability to get to know your neighbors.

Nancy Tissington – Executive Director (Staff – Uptown SJ)
Nancy is the Executive Director at Uptown Saint John. Nancy has been with the business improvement association since Fall of 2014. When asked what she loves about Uptown Saint John, Nancy expressed her love for the walkability and the fact that Uptown Saint John is nestled next to the Bay of Fundy.

Stephanie Turner – Director
Stephanie represents Partners Global Corporate Real Estate. Stephanie is one of this year’s newest members of the Uptown Saint John board, joining in April of 2017. When asked what she loves about Uptown Saint John, Stephanie raved about the architecture, the water, the walkability/the internal pedway system, the city market, and the restaurants/pubs/wine bars/micro-breweries/outdoor patios.

Krista Wetmore – Director
Krista represents IG Wealth Management and is one of the newest board members, joining in April of 2019. When asked what she loves about Uptown Saint John, Krista expressed her love for the best in class restaurants, shops, entertainment, historical sites and ease of access to outdoor walking trails and the bay. #SaintAwesome is the best city in Canada.

Craig Wilkins – Director
Craig represents Delta Hotels by Marriott Saint John along with Brunswick Square Shopping Center. Craig is one of this year’s newest members of the Uptown Saint John board, joining in April of 2017. When asked what he loves about Uptown Saint John, Craig stated that his list could go on and on. Craig expressed love for how incredibly kind the people are, the history that is evident when walking the streets and the ability to experience 85 different restaurants or bars within a 4 block radius.