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Featuring Keynote Speaker: Pattie Lovett-Reid
Our Speakers - St. John's:
David Chaundy - Opening Remarks from our CEO
David Chaundy is President and CEO of the Atlantic Economic Council, a role he was appointed to in November 2018. David joined the Council as an economist in 1999, taking on increasingly senior roles, including research projects, member-only publications on Atlantic Canada’s economy, and our annual business Outlook conference.
David has over 25 years experience researching Atlantic Canada’s economy, sharing his insights and ideas in numerous publications and presentations to business, government and other stakeholders. As someone who lives and works in the region, he is keen to ensure a healthy, inclusive and sustainable Atlantic Canadian economy. He is passionate about the Atlantic Economic Council’s vital role as the source for independent research, insights and ideas to advance these outcomes.
David is a Director and Past-President of the Atlantic Association of Applied Economists and a Director of the Atlantic Canada Economics Association. He was an inaugural member of the Canadian Statistics Advisory Council, an inaugural member of the National Stakeholder Advisory Panel for the Labour Market Information Council, and was previously Vice-President of the Canadian Association for Business Economics. He holds a B.A. in economics from the University of Cambridge and a M.Sc. in economics from the University of York, England.
To be announced - Introduction to 2026 Economic Outlook
Patrick Brannon - Presenter, 2026 Economic Outlook
Patrick is the Senior Researcher and Director of Major Projects for the Atlantic Economic Council. He has been active in economic and business analysis for over 25 years.
Patrick is a leading voice on the issues impacting the economy of Atlantic Canada. He recently directed several reports on the labour skills challenge in Atlantic Canada and the latest edition of the Council's Major Projects Inventory which analyses capital investment trends in the region.
He is a frequent speaker on the issues important to Atlantic Canada and is passionate about the continued success of the region
Michelle Simms - Moderator, 2026 Economic Outlook
Michelle joined Advantage St. John’s in July 2024 as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer. Prior to this, she spent 22 years at Genesis, the last eight as their President & CEO. Michelle is passionate about growing, strengthening and diversifying Newfoundland and Labrador.
Her passion for technology has led to her involvement with several national organizations. Michelle is a past member of the board of directors for the Centres of Excellence of Next Generation Networks (CENGN). She has participated in many Memorial University advisory groups as well, including as a member of the Innovation Steering Committee, the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences’ Industry Advisory Council and Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship’s advisory board.
In 2020 and again in 2021, Michelle was recognized by Atlantic Business Magazine as one of the Top 50 CEO’s in Atlantic Canada. She was also named among the Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Atlantic Canada in 2021 by Atlantic Business Magazine.
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Memorial University. She has completed the Queen’s Executive Leadership program, holds a certificate in Business Incubator Management from iNBIA and she has obtained her ICD.D designation by completing the Director’s Education Program at Saint Mary’s University.
Pattie Lovett-Reid - Keynote Speaker
Pattie Lovett-Reid is one of Canada’s most trusted financial voices, known for breaking down complex money matters into practical, relatable advice. With a career that began as a bank teller and rose to Senior Vice President at TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., she brings decades of hands-on experience to the world of finance.
She served as Chief Financial Commentator for CTV News, where she helped Canadians make sense of their money with relatable, expert advice. Today, she continues that work as Chief Financial Commentator at HomeEquity Bank.
Pattie is on the Board of Governors for Trent University and is also an ambassador for Women’s Brain Health, a cause close to her heart. She shares timely financial insights on her YouTube series Take Charge Now and offers weekly advice on CTV’s Your Morning.
A Certified Financial Planner and bestselling co-author, Pattie has been recognized with several prestigious honours, including the Donald J. Johnston Award and the Financial Planning Canada Fellow of Distinction, celebrating her lasting impact on financial literacy across the country.
