Executive

The Mainland Nova Scotia Building Trades Council is led by its Board of Directors. The Board consists of delegates from each of our 13 affiliated unions. Delegates then appoint four members to serve on the Executive Committee.

Executive Committee:

Jonathan Gaul
President, Mainland Building Trades
and
Business Manager, International Union of Painters & Allied Trades – Local 1439

Jeff Richardson
VP, Mainland Building Trades
and
Regional Manager, Atlantic Canada Regional Council of Carpenters, Millwrights, & Allied Workers – Local 83
Business Agent/Organizer, United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Machine Erectors – Local 1178

George MacDougall
Financial Secretary/Treasurer, Mainland Building Trades
and
Business Manager, International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, & Reinforcing Ironworkers – Local 752

Matt Benson
Recording Secretary, Mainland Building Trades
and
Business Manager, International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators – Local 116

Staff

Alison Casey
Executive Director

Alison was named the Mainland Nova Scotia Building Trades Council’s second-ever Executive Director in June 2025. Prior to that, she served as the Council’s Marketing & Communications Manager for 12 years.

With decades of experience leading strategic planning, long-lasting relationship building, as well as successful project and marketing initiatives, Alison takes great pride in raising the Council’s profile and telling the story of organized labour. She is an effective communicator who holds widespread and well-earned respect from all areas of the construction industry.

Alison is committed to guiding the growth of the unionized construction sector and strengthening relationships with the Council’s many partners and collaborators. Throughout her career, she has always been passionate about advocating for and supporting under-served populations. She is dedicated to continuing this important work.

Alison is Co-Chair and a driving force behind Build Together Nova Scotia, a national program from Canada’s Building Trades Unions that promotes, supports, and mentors women in the skilled construction trades. The Build Together Nova Scotia Chapter includes members from many affiliated unions across mainland Nova Scotia who are at various stages of their skilled construction trades journey.

Holding a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing from Saint Mary’s University, Alison also serves in various volunteer positions with community organizations. She is currently a proud Board member of Skills Canada – Nova Scotia as well as Chisholm Services for Children.

Ann O’Keefe
Manager, Marketing & Communications

Ann joined the Mainland Nova Scotia Building Trades Council in June 2025 as Marketing & Communications Manager. She has spent more than 20 years working with private and public sector organizations across various industries in marketing, communications, and business development roles.

As a seasoned marketer, Ann has developed and implemented multi-pronged brand and communications campaigns that build awareness and relationships with key audiences. She has deep experience in project management, lead generation, advertising, media relations, sponsorships and events, as well as website management and digital marketing. Her innate ability to shift ideas into implementation and knack for keeping projects on track lead to productive collaborations and strategic outcomes.

Focused and a true team player, Ann is intent on promoting the value of skilled tradespeople in the ICI sector, advocating for these professionals and the organized labour movement, and sharing the stories of those constructing Nova Scotia.

A graduate of Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Ann has a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing. Outside of her work with the Mainland Building Trades, she volunteers as President of the Board of Directors with Coastal Dance Theatre – a not-for-profit youth performance company.