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Our Team

Executive Director

Alexya Heelis

Phone: (506) 658-1214

Email: alexya@unitedwaysaintjohn.com

Hi, I’m Alexya Heelis, the United Way’s Executive Director. My passion is working with others to build strong communities by helping social agencies be robust, enduring and efficient – the best they can possibly be. Join me!

Mom. Outdoor enthusiast. Netflix aficionado.

Finance Manager

Sheila Comeau-Oldfield

Phone: (506) 658-1212

Email: sheila@unitedwaysaintjohn.com

My name is Sheila Comeau and I have been the Accounting Manager for 27 years. While working here, I have been able to see the change United Way has made in our community over two decades, and I am proud to be part of the movement.

Mother. Grandmother. Motorcyclist.

Support Staff

Gina Carter

Phone: Main Office (506) 658-1212

Email: gina@unitedwaysaintjohn.com

My name is Gina Carter and I’m the Administrative Assistant at your local United Way. Every day, I am grateful to be working with a team that creates demonstrable impact in our community.

Cook. Mother. Grandmother, Holistic

Community Impact Manager

Chelsie Nightingale

Phone: 506-658-1228

Email: chelsie@unitedwaysaintjohn.com

Hi, I'm Chelsie, and I'm the Community Impact Manager serving from Charlotte to Kings Counties, (and all stops in between). I am passionate about seeing our region flourish; I believe that building capacity in our non-profit sector is the solution to addressing gaps and challenges faced by our communities. I have a background in non-profit leadership, community mobilization, and meaningful partnership development. With these skills, I hope to help strengthen the sector and support our incredible local non-profits and charities, as well as enhance the impact of United Way Saint John, Kings, and Charlotte.

Partner. Advocate. Socially-awkward extrovert (and owning it).

Controller

Mark Ma

Finance leader with 20+ years of global experience in corporate finance, digital transformation, and team leadership. Passionate about community impact and continuous improvement. Excited to contribute to United Way Maritimes' mission. Avid world traveler who values diverse cultures and perspectives.

Resource Development Manager

Kate-Lynn Holmes

Hi, I’m Kate-Lynn Holmes, the Resource Development Manager. I’m passionate about building meaningful relationships that connect people and businesses to causes that matter. With a background in leadership, customer experience, and marketing, I’m excited to help amplify the voices of our community and support the incredible work of our partners across Saint John, Kings, and Charlotte.

Wife/Mom. Community-minded. Caffeine-fueled. Known for good advice and saying what others are thinking.

Project Manager, Sunnyside Housing Community, Central & Southwestern NB

Paul Hershaw

Phone: 506.658.1212

Email: paul.hershaw@unitedwaymaritimes.ca

Relationship & Development Officer

Emily Tufts

Hi, I'm Emily Tufts, the Relationship & Development Officer. I come to this role from the affordable housing sector, where I saw firsthand how strong communities are built when people have the support and resources they need to thrive.

I'm passionate about building relationships and collaborating with partners who believe in contributing in meaningful ways.
Outside of work, you'll find me in the garden or making strange concoctions from herbs and flowers. I'm a mother, partner and hold strong to my core values.