Our Leadership

Our Senior Leadership

Our senior leaders bring a wealth of experience, diverse perspectives, and a deep commitment to empowering newcomers as they build their futures in Nova Scotia. Guided by our mission to foster a community where all can belong and grow, the leadership team champions collaboration, innovation, and inclusion in every aspect of our work.

Together, they drive ISANS’ vision forward, empowering clients, staff, and partners to create lasting impact and build a stronger, more welcoming province for everyone.

Paula Knight

Chief Executive Officer

Paula Knight is the Chief Executive Officer of the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), Atlantic Canada’s largest immigrant settlement services provider, and Chair of the Atlantic Region Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (ARAISA).

With over 25 years of executive leadership across healthcare, technology, social housing, and the nonprofit sector, Paula is known for driving inclusive, system-level change through strategic innovation, human-centered design, and a deep commitment to social impact. She has held executive roles at Microsoft, Cancer Care Ontario, and Toronto Community Housing, where she spearheaded transformative initiatives that advanced equity, expanded digital access, and strengthened community resilience across complex systems.

At ISANS, Paula is redefining the future of immigrant settlement in Nova Scotia by strategically aligning services with evolving immigration policies, shifting labour market demands, and the diverse aspirations of newcomers. She drives cross-sector collaboration and service innovation, designing inclusive programs that empower immigrants to thrive—fueling economic growth and building vibrant communities.

Paula’s contributions have earned national recognition, including the Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals and Microsoft’s prestigious Chairman Award. Paula is passionate about mentoring women in leadership and is a founding member the Initiative for Women in Business, Judy Project at the Rotman School of Management, and a contributing author of The Collective Wisdom of High Performing Women.

Olive Ozoemena

Director of Programs, Language & Labour Market

Olive champions the labour market needs of immigrants in Atlantic Canada, leveraging her personal experience as an immigrant and bringing a unique perspective to her role. She holds an MBA from the University of New Brunswick, a Master’s in Human Resources Development from Rochester Institute of Technology, and a graduate degree in Theatre Arts from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Nigeria.

With over 17 years in the financial and not-for-profit sectors, Olive has dedicated the last 8 years in advancing social impact initiatives to foster a dynamic and inclusive settlement sector that promotes immigrant integration.

Olive's commitment to community building is reflected in her involvement with various interprovincial and national initiatives. Her diverse experiences and multicultural background equip her with a unique skill set to address the complex needs of immigrants effectively. Her dedication to these causes has made her a pivotal figure in the sector across provinces, driving collaborative growth and fostering inclusive environments for newcomers.

Wenche Gausdal

Director of Programs, Settlement, Community Integration & Support Services

Wenche Gausdal is a visionary leader and passionate advocate with nearly 30 years of experience advancing immigrant and refugee inclusion in Atlantic Canada. As Director of Settlement, Integration, and Support Services at Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), she oversees a comprehensive portfolio of programs that empower newcomers to belong and grow.

Under her leadership, ISANS has been instrumental in Canada’s humanitarian responses to the Syrian, Ukrainian, and Afghan crises, delivering timely, dignified, and holistic support to thousands of displaced families. Wenche’s expertise in program design, systems change, and collaborative stakeholder engagement has strengthened partnerships across government, non-profits, and communities, driving equitable access and lasting integration outcomes.

A licensed social worker and Norwegian immigrant, Wenche brings both professional rigour and lived experience to her work. Her cross-cultural insight, empathetic leadership, and unwavering commitment to social justice continue to influence the development of more welcoming policies and inclusive communities across the region.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Social Anthropology, a Bachelor of Social Work, and a Master of Social Work. She remains a registered member of the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers. Wenche’s career stands as a testament to the power of compassion, collaboration, and systemic change in building a stronger, more inclusive Nova Scotia and Canada.

Chris Daly

Director, Strategy & Operations

Chris Daly is a seasoned executive leader based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with over two decades of experience driving strategic transformation across government, education, non-profit, and insurance sectors. Currently serving as Director of Strategy and Operations at the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), Chris is a member of the Senior Leadership Team, overseeing strategy, risk management, information technology, evaluation, and infrastructure.

Previously, Chris held senior roles including Director of Policy, Planning and Research at Nova Scotia Community College and Associate Deputy Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism. He has led multi-million-dollar portfolios, transformed business and regulatory programs, spearheaded enterprise risk management initiatives, and advised boards on governance and performance.

Chris holds a Master of Environmental Studies and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from Dalhousie University, along with certifications in risk management, financial planning, and business relationship management. He is also an active community volunteer and board chair, committed to public service and organizational excellence.

Afolami Awokulehin

Director of Finance

Afolami Awokulehin is a strategic finance leader with over 15 years of experience in financial planning, reporting, and treasury operations across nonprofit and private sectors. Known for his ability to anticipate financial risks and implement innovative, forward-thinking solutions, Afolami has helped organizations navigate complexity while achieving long-term fiscal stability.

Afolami combines a strong technical foundation in IFRS, compliance, and enterprise risk management with a strategic mindset for cost optimization and sustainable growth. He has a demonstrated history of driving cultural and operational transformation, empowering cross-functional teams, and fostering service excellence.

A CPA (Canada), FCCA (UK), and MBA graduate of Dalhousie University, he continues to champion effective financial control, innovative funding mechanisms, and business process improvement. Passionate about supporting businesses, MSMEs and public-purpose organizations, Afolami brings clarity, structure, and insight to every leadership role.

Jennifer Carras

Director, People & Culture

Since graduating from Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) with an Advanced Diploma in Human Resources Management with Honours in 2015, Jennifer has experience across a broad range of industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality. These experiences both local and overseas, along with her non-profit industry experience, have provided her the opportunity to develop a strong skillset with a focus on strategic planning, employee engagement, employee relations, health & wellness, and compliance.

Most recently, Jennifer was both the HR Director at The Westin Nova Scotian and Regional HR Director for Canada, for New Castle Hotel & Resorts. During her time there, along with her many other responsibilities, Jennifer was navigating various immigration processes, supporting staff on their journeys through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP). Her passion for community, continuous learning and being a witness to so many immigration journeys led her to join our team!