Mr. Ward has a substantial background in business operations, business planning, community development and consulting. One of his key responsibilities is to provide progressive leadership, as General Manager to the North Shore Micmac District Council Inc, and Anqotum Resource Management.

Jim is a highly motivated individual with 30+ years experience in project management, business administration, governmental lobbying, leadership abilities, and has demonstrated an ability to see major activities and associated timeframes to completion on budget and on time. Jim is a passionate individual, with a strong work ethic and excellent communication skills. He takes pride in delivering an innovative, results-based management style, and has a proven record of accomplishments to back this up. The team of professionals at NSMDC are very proficient in the development and implementation of comprehensive technical and program service delivery strategies for our member First Nation communities.

As the General Manager for NSMDC, he continues to utilize and apply his expertise and skills in his current work environment to continue to promote and encourage staff co-operation and teamwork. His primary goal is to create and maintain an effective, healthy, vibrant workplace for all employees to ensure a productive organization. In the First Nation communities, NSMDC faces unique challenges in our mandate as a Tribal Council organization. These challenges include development of enhanced skills and capacity, bridging skills gaps, providing effective training and opportunities, and working towards the future prosperity of our First Nation communities.

As a graduate of the University of New Brunswick Management Development “Professional Development Certificate” Program, the extensive course components were invaluable in expanding his expertise and further strengthening his abilities to carrying out of his work duties. With all the completed course work and course delivery it enhanced the extensive work experience, and enabled
him to be more effective as a leader, to guide the organization that better reflects the needs of our First Nation communities. It also provided Jim with focused, practical information on how to improve and enhance the effectiveness of his management and leadership style.

Currently Jim is enrolled and close to completion of “Energy Fundamentals for Leaders”, a certificate program delivered by University of New Brunswick. This program provides participants with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of complex energy and energy related industries, to help them make informed opinions and decisions about our current energy issues.

Jim also participates on a number of key energy related boards; Indigenous Advisory Council for SMR Strategic Plan, Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Strategic Plan Leadership Table, and the Atlantic Clean Energy Alliance. The general mandate of these Boards is to have Federal, interested Provincial, Territorial Governments, industry, power utilities, and Indigenous representatives, to review progress and discuss strategic priorities, as they relate to the development and deployment of SMR’s in Canada.