“It is bittersweet,” said Kelderman, “I joined this wonderful organization 28 years ago as its first President and CEO. 28 years is a long time for any CEO, but every year was exciting with lots of opportunities for growth.”

“Dianne’s are big shoes to fill,” said Board Chair, Pauline MacIntosh. “When Dianne became President and CEO of the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council it had no address, no phone number, and no staff. It had $1900 in a credit union account. Today, it is an economic and social development success story with $253 million in projects and in assets under management. The Council is admired for its innovation and its ability to deliver results,” says MacIntosh.

“I am incredibly proud of the work we have done with NO government operational funding. It was always an entrepreneurial drive for me,” says Kelderman. “I led the Council as if it was my own business. I worked hard, put in long hours, and created solutions for problems. Being innovative, taking risks, impact investing and raising others up along the way, whether it was a tenant in one of our affordable housing developments or a staff member, was always very rewarding”, said Kelderman.

“We are very pleased that Dianne will continue to support the Council on a part-time contractual basis with our Community Impact Fund,” says MacIntosh.

The Board has begun a recruitment and hiring process and will announce Dianne’s replacement prior to her departure on June 30, 2025.

Dianne Kelderman: diannefk@eastlink.ca
Pauline MacIntosh: pmacintosh@novascotia.coop