ACG Atlantic Network Conference 2025

Erin O’Toole is the President and Managing Director of ADIT North America and serves on the executive committee of ADIT Group. ADIT Group is a Paris-based business intelligence firm that provides global investment due diligence, operational support and economic diplomacy services around the world. He assumed this role after having served as the Leader of the Conservative Party and a Member of Parliament for a decade. In 2021, Erin ran to be the Prime Minister of Canada in the general election held amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenging circumstances of the election, Mr. O’Toole won the popular vote and advanced a series of policies that continue to resonate in Canadian politics today.

Melanie Nadeau is the Chief Executive Officer of COVE where she is responsible for leading the strategic direction and managing overall operations. She brings over 20 years of experience in business development initiatives that drive high-tech innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment. Melanie has been a noted expert for the International Energy Agency, the United Nations Environment Programme, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the International Electrotechnical Commission. She has earned multiple awards, including Canada’s Clean16 Award for her outstanding contribution towards clean capitalism, has been named Atlantic Canada’s 25 most powerful women, was an invited speaker to TEDGlobal, and is a strong supporter for Canada’s tech ecosystem as a mentor for the Creative Destruction Lab.

Michael Young specializes in Private Equity with a particular focus on identifying and creating technology informed value creation opportunities at all stages of the Private Equity lifecycle. Previously as VP of Products at Private AI, he drove innovation in AI and privacy technologies, led GTM strategy (including pricing, packaging, and distribution strategy) and Marketing. His background includes leadership roles in private equity and technology at Birch Hill, Salesforce, and SAP, where he has excelled in guiding teams and fostering growth across various sectors. Michael’s expertise spans across product management, technology strategy, corporate development, and leadership, enabling organizations to develop and implement cutting-edge solutions

David previously worked for the Department of Health Wellness as the Senior Executive Director of Strategic Investment and Infrastructure Planning for the healthcare facilities across the province.  While in the Department, he co-led the provincial COVID 19 Vaccine and Immunization program.  Prior to his joining the Province, he served 30 years with the Canadian Armed Forces as an engineering officer in the Royal Canadian Navy retiring as a Captain (N). He served on the east and west coasts and in Ottawa, with his last appointment in Command of the Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Scott in Halifax.

Tim Houtsma is the CEO and co-owner of Marid Industries Limited. 

Marid is a steel fabrication and erection company focused primarily on the Atlantic Canadian market. Marid prides itself on providing both innovative and unique design and construction solutions for their clients. Projects range from warehouses, schools, long- term care facilities and bridge repair.

Loren Rafeson is Partner, Growth Equity Partners, at BDC Capital where he helps leading Canadian companies scale nationally and internationally. Since joining BDC in 2018, Loren has been involved in the execution of BDC’s investments in BCES Global, Firmex, Groupe Tecnic, Monarch House, Preciseley Microtechnology, and Resolute Health. He currently serves on the boards of BCES Global, Groupe Tecnic, Monarch House, and Resolute Health and previously served on the boards of Firmex, InvestorCOM, and Neighbourly Pharmacy (formerly Rx Drug Mart).