Construction Association of Nova Scotia adds second female chair to Board of Directors in Association history

The Construction Association of Nova Scotia is pleased to announce that Victoria Stanhope, president and CEO of Stanhope Simpson Insurance, has been appointed as 2020-2021 chair of its Board of Directors. Stanhope is only the second female to serve as chair on the Association’s governing body in its 158-year history.

“I am honoured and humbled to have been nominated as chair of CANS Board of Directors,” says Stanhope. “Looking back, starting a career as a young female in a male dominated industry was perhaps a little intimidating at the time, but from day one, I can honestly attest that CANS management, staff and esteemed board members have not only welcomed my engagement, but have actively encouraged it.”

Stanhope applauds CANS for nominating a female to serve as chair of its Board of Directors. “I hope that my experience inspires others – female or not – to get involved in this exceptional Association that is run by some of the most extraordinary members of our business community.”

Stanhope assumed the role as chair of the Board of Directors at CANS 158^th Annual General Meeting held virtually on October 1, 2020 after holding the position of vice-chair for the past year. She has been actively involved with CANS since she started her career directly out of undergraduate school. Stanhope first served on the Developing Executives Committee and since then, has worn several CANS ‘hats’ over the years, including serving on multiple committees and leading the development of the Association’s past two strategic plans.

“We are pleased to welcome Victoria as chair of CANS Board of Directors,” says CANS president and CEO, Duncan Williams. “Victoria has been instrumental to much of CANS success over the last 10 years. Her passion, dedication and enthusiasm for the construction industry is second to none, and I look forward to her leadership in the year ahead.”

Stanhope began her career at Stanhope Simpson in 2003.  Since then, she has attained her MBA, Canadian Risk Management (CRM) and Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional designations.  She has received multiple insurance industry awards including Top Broker Graduate in Canada and most recently, a National Leadership Award from the Insurance Institute of Canada in recognition of her career and achievements to date.

“I would highly recommend to any and all young people with construction career ambitions to get involved in the Association because it is an inclusive and highly engaged group of professionals that supports diversity and promotes collaboration,” says Stanhope. “Many of CANS staff members and respected directors have gone above and beyond to support me over the years as both my career and my involvement with CANS has grown and evolved. I will carry that forward with me as chair, and will be sure to echo that same support to other young people starting their careers in commercial construction.”