Our Team
We'd like to introduce our team -- Our 'Not For Profit' company has a Board of Directors and appointed Officers - we meet every week to plan, prepare and discuss every aspect of this tremendously important project. Comprising of Engineers, Project managers, Fundraising Experts, Social Impact Leaders, City Councillors, and Heritage Enthusiasts, the Board was set up in early 2023. Abley led by our President Mr John Mann, the Board has rigourously adhered to a policy of preserving as much of this historic building as possible, whilst preparing it to meet the rigours and requirements of the coming years. Updating the infrastructure and making it compatible with current building regulations. We've also been raising the necessary funds to cover all of these complicated changes, and addressing the various issues as we encounter them. Each Board member has a wealth of expertise and experience in a wide variety of fields, from engineering to retail, and from education to building practices. Their enthusiasm and energy has driven the project from its inception to the reality that it has become.
John Mann - President
Dedicated to both the Community of Bathurst and it's heritage, John leads The Old Bathurst Post Office Presrvation Project with enthusiasm and commitment, but with an eye firmly fixed on retaining it's history, whilst at the same time making it fit for its new life as a cultural hub for everyone in the Bathurst area to enjoy. John's career in local education, along with his lifelong connection to the Arts, make him an ideal person to push this project through to completion.
Ashley Abernethy - Vice President
Ashley is a purpose driven business owner, and she brings expertise in Sales, Marketing and Partnerships. In previous roles she spearheaded B Corp Certification and developed sustainability and energy efficiency policies, demonstrating her dedication to purposeful business practices.
Eddie Edwards - Treasurer
Eddie, a Bathurst resident since 2014, brings extensive management experience to the Board. He was previously Merchandise Controller and Project Coordinator for the Signet Group, the worlds largest retail jeweler, and also owned two smaller companies. His love of music and the Arts has spurred his involvement in this and similar projects.
Candice Ostroski - Secretary
Candice Ostroski is a Visual Artist and Marketing / Communications expert with more than a decade of experience serving on boards and committees for organizations dedicated to the arts. Candice has taught art to more than 400 individuals in the Bathurst area, and is passionate about igniting a creative spark in others and making art accessible. She is very pleased to lend her experience in creation and arts administration to enhance Bathurst’s cultural sector and help preserve a such a beautiful historical building.
Micheal Willett - Director
Mike Willett, a Bathurst resident since 1972, is an NBCC graduate in Heavy Engineering, and has 33 years of experience at Brunswick Mines. Elected to Bathurst City Council in 2018, he now serves as Deputy Mayor since March 2024. Mike has served as past President of the Victoria Park Enhancement Committee and is totally commited to Community Service. As a Director of the project he guides the project, merging heritage preservation with community enrichment.
Lee Stever - Director
A former Deputy Mayor for the City, and retired Operations Manager, Lee brings a wealth of technical experience and knowledge to the Committee. His work in both of his previous roles has given him a unique insight into the requirements for this type of restoration. His undoubted love for the City, and the OBPO in particular, are evident in the energy and effort that he brings to the project.
Gary Winsor - Director
Gary was one of the original initiators of the OBPO Preservation Project. His desire to ensure that the building was saved and restored was crucial in getting the idea off the ground. A successful local business owner, his vision for what the OBPO could contribute to the Community inspired others to join the project. His wish is to see the OBPO restored to its former glory, and providing opportunities for performers, artists and many other diverse groups to use the building to develop and grow their talents
Jacques Ouellet - Director
With over 21 years in education and high school administration, Jacques has also served as CEO of the Richelieu International Service Club. He was Marketing Manager & Fundraising Manager for the Canada Games 2003, and he also led successful campaigns for Bathurst KC Irving Arena, Chaleur Regional Hospital, Foyer Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes and five other initiatives.
Andrew MacLaggan - Associate Director
Andrew is the Director of Engineering for the City of Bathurst, and brings a very broad, but detailed, perspective to the project, guided by his profound understanding of both the design and historical significance of the building. His contribution is invaluable in all of our discussions surrounding the restoration, repair and preservation of the existing structure, ensuring its existence for generations to come.
Danielle McNelly - Associate Director
Dani represents one of our principal partners in this project. Ampere is a not for profit entity that provides incredible resource for remote and indigenous communities. They create MakerSpaces, fully equipped sites with focus on STEAM education for both young and old. They will be occupying space in the OBPO and providing valuable education and opportunities.
Brian Hoffman
Brian was instrumental in starting the OBPOPP and was one of the principal driving forces in getting the movement off the ground and gaining start-up funding. He has decided to step back from his role on the Board but remains staunchly committed to the success of the project and will continue to give support and assistance as needed.
Our Volunteers
We could not function as a Board of Directors without the unwavering support and enthusiasm of our Volunteers. They work tirelessly behind the scenes on a variety of projects and activities. From cleaning up the building to selling Chase The Ace tickets, from helping to get the Clock working to recruiting Club 140 members, there are a vast array of ways in which our Volunteers have been instrumental in getting the project off the ground and running. We are so grateful for each and every one of them.
Sandra Fournier
Sandra is 50% of the Dynamic Duo heading up the Club 140 initiative - her enthusiasm is endless, as is her ability to create poems and lyrics to get the message across.
Janice Russell
The other 50% of the Club 140 Leadership, Janice has an incredible energy and drive, together they are making huge strides towards our Club 140 goal.
Wendy Landry
Wendy is a well known figure in Bathurst, as well as working tirelessly for the IODE she has also found the time to devote to various activities involving the OBPOPP
David Nason
David was the technical genius who worked in the computer components for the Clock. He was able to engage with the various suppliers and local tradesmen to enable the pieces to communicate with each other
Bathurst Curling Club
Too many people to name names, but the volunteers that put in hours and hours of work for the recent Chase The Ace will have a special place in our hearts. A magnificent effort that raised a substantial amount of money for the OBPO.