Team

Tyler Gould

Executive Director

As the Executive Director of the Mi’kmaw Economic Benefits Office (MEBO), Tyler leads the organization’s efforts to create meaningful economic opportunities and workforce development initiatives for Mi’kmaw communities. With a collaborative leadership style and a strong commitment to Indigenous-led development, Tyler works with industry, government, and Mi’kmaw leadership to advance training, employment, and business growth across NS. His vision for MEBO focuses on expanding access to skilled trades, supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, and creating long-term, community-driven pathways to prosperity.

Irene Carroll

Finance Manager/Business Support

Irene is responsible for managing significant budgets and fiscal planning, providing reports and claims for MEBO, its Board of Directors and funders. She is responsible to ensure that claims and payments are prepared in a timely fashion and to maintain accurate records. In business support, Irene is responsible to provide assistance to potential and existing entrepreneurs who want to start a business or expand an existing business. She works with clients to prepare business plans and proposals and provide aftercare. Irene also provides training and workshops in financial and business-related disciplines.

Shelly Francis

Community engagement & apprenticeship support officer

Shelly Francis is the Community Engagement and Apprenticeship Support Officer at the Mi’kmaw Economic Benefits Office (MEBO), where she plays a vital role in supporting Mi’kmaq apprentices pursuing careers in the skilled trades. Shelly leads efforts in apprentice recruitment, mentorship, and training coordination, guiding individuals from pre-apprenticeship through Red Seal certification. She actively engages with Mi’kmaw communities, unions, training institutions, and employers to create meaningful employment pathways and promote workforce development. With a strong understanding of Mi’kmaw culture and the Nova Scotia apprenticeship system, Shelly is dedicated to empowering Indigenous tradespeople through tailored support, coaching, and partnership building.

Pelonik Dennis

Programs Coordinator

As the Programs Coordinator, Pelonik works with industry partners and contractors to ensure employment and business opportunities are made available to community members. She works on highway projects within Nova Scotia, in seeking people who are interested in working with contractors and to ensure opportunities are provided to community members. Pelonik provides information on how to engage individuals and understand the benefits of having a diverse workforce. Pelonik is a member of NSCDA and is a Certified Career Development Practitioner.

Wanda Jerrett-Compton

P-TECH Project Manager

Wanda is responsible for managing the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) Program, which enables students to begin their college and professional lives more quickly and with more support than the typical school-to-work pathway. This program is a grade 9-13 model where students seamlessly complete a High School diploma and a NSCC IT program along with industry mentoring, paid internships and first-in-line job opportunities with partner companies, like IBM. Some continue on to further post-secondary education. These careers require students who have a strong foundation in sciences, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects.