MEET THE PEAC TEAM

Melissa Young

President

Melissa Young is a results-oriented change leader who has influenced the national landscape for apprenticeship in Canada. She has in-depth experience working with stakeholders from all sectors to advance the skilled trades.

During her tenure as the regional coordinator for the Atlantic Apprenticeship Harmonization Project (AAHP) she supported the Council of Atlantic Premiers in aligning the rules, processes and standards for apprenticeship in the four Atlantic provinces (2014-2016).

Her past experience working for the Government of New Brunswick has led her into projects with counterparts across North America related to distance learning, women in trades, and the promotion of the skilled trades. Working in both English and French, Melissa has built partnerships among governments, employer associations, labor organizations, First Nations and Indigenous organizations, newcomers to Canada and others who have been under-represented in the trades.

Melissa brings her vast knowledge of governance and strategic alignment to the aid of organizations that are not versed in this area.  She was involved with the realignment of the Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Act (2012) through her stakeholder relations and governance capabilities.

Before moving to government, Melissa was Executive Director of the Carpenters Training Centre of New Brunswick (2000-2009) leading its growth into a province-wide operation with a team of 20 instructors and staff serving 3,000 unionized workers. She has represented the New Brunswick Building and Construction Trades Council, for example, as past chair of the New Brunswick Construction Safety Association and past vice-chair of the New Brunswick Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Board.

Melissa holds a degree in Adult Education from the University of New Brunswick and is a life-long learner with certificates in Human Resources Management and Construction Safety. She is the recipient of the 2011 International Personnel Management Association Presidents Award of Excellence. Under her leadership the Carpenters Training Centre of New Brunswick won the Saint John Board of Trade Big Heart Award.

Melissa is the Executive Director for the National Electrical Trade Council.

Melissa lives in Summerville, near Saint John, New Brunswick.

Rhonda Lee

Vice President

Rhonda Lee is an accomplished leader in the event industry.  With over 25 years of experience, Rhonda has not only seen it all, she’s also probably the one who helped make it happen! 

Aside from her keen insight, her approachability and organizational talents have earned her respect amongst peers and clients alike.  She is focused, forward thinking and fun! This rare combination of qualities is a large part of the secret to her success.

During her career, Rhonda has developed a true zest for the industry, making her well known, and well connected. Rhonda’s sense of humour, coupled with her incredible people skills has enabled her to excel in an industry that thrives on positivity and results.

Rhonda prides herself on creating a team atmosphere, where everyone succeeds and is happy working together.  

She brings with her years of experience in live and virtual events that impresses both the audience and the clients. 

When Rhonda isn’t busy applying her skills in corporate and association events, this married mother of two can be found tending to her family with the same devotion and energy she applies to her profession. 

Denise Miller

Marketing & Communications

Denise is a lifelong resident of the Kingston Peninsula just outside of the city of Saint John. Denise is always on the go and is actively involved in her community.

She was a past member of the Local Service District Advisory Committee for the Kingston Peninsula and is the event chair of an annual snowmobile fundraising run that benefits the Erin Appleby Breast Health fund which assists local women going through breast cancer treatment. 

Denise recently came from a 13-year career in the events industry. Her role with that company spanned from publicist and social media coordinator to her most recent tenure as senior event manager for the company’s home show portfolio. This provided a solid foundation for industry knowledge, familiarity with various social media platforms as well as the ability to organize and manage a consumer to business event from inception to completion. She is also well versed in social media, mainstream media monitoring and other online research to identify industry trends, statistics, and information.

With her past experiences, she exercised overall responsibility for maintaining a positive public image of the company, executed proactive and reactive media relations activities, including organizing press conferences, product launches, and managing crisis and issues communications.

Denise looks forward to working with you on your next event.

Angela Pitt

Administrative Officer

 Angela grew up just outside the City of Saint John on the Kingston Peninsula where she is still actively involved with her community. She has most recently been employed as an Administrative Officer with the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification (AOC) Branch with the Province of New Brunswick.

During her role with the AOC Branch she was responsible for the processing and coordinating of Provincial and Interprovincial exams for apprentices. Her excellent communication skills led well to her coordination with public colleges and private institutions from the registration of clients, to the scheduling of exam sittings as well as preparing marks for distribution to clients. As the first line of contact for apprentices and newly certified journeypersons she is dedicated to providing others with the highest level of service possible.

Prior to her employment with government Angela spent eleven years working as a Court Administrator and Credit Counsellor. This position required a high regard for confidentiality and use of independent judgment. Her time management skills were imperative to quickly adapt and analyze situations and prioritize tasks while providing a high stand of service and results. Her experience has led her to have a high regard for customer and client services and she is considered extremely organized and results orientated with a passion for improving the quality of programs and services.

Angela holds a degree in Arts, with an English major from Saint Thomas University, and is a life-long learner completing the National Insolvency Qualification Program as a Credit Counsellor and she is a Commissioner of Oaths.