Honorary Chair

2024 Honorary Chair
Ann MacGregor
Race on the River Supporter

Ann MacGregor grew up in McLellans Brook, Pictou County. After graduation from East Pictou Rural High School in the mid-90’s, she went to Acadia University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She then moved to Halifax, where she attended the Atlantic Media Institute for Radio Television Arts. Ann’s first job in broadcasting was at Oldies 96 (CHNS)/ Country 101 (CHFX). She moved back home in the summer of 2001 when she was hired at the New Glasgow radio station (CKEC), where she worked for the next 21 years. She made a career change in the Spring of 2022 and began a new role as Employer Engagement Specialist for Pictou County at Nova Scotia Works Career Connections. Ann is now marking her 2-year anniversary with the employment services centre.

It was through her work at the local radio station that Ann was first introduced to the Race on the River-Pictou County Dragon Boat Festival. Over the years, she hosted a number of radio broadcasts promoting the event live from New Glasgow Riverfront. Ann has also been a long-time fixture at the Opening Ceremonies, emceeing on many occasions. Through her involvement over the years, she has had the chance to witness firsthand the many dedicated volunteers, organizers, and participants who help make the Race on the River-Pictou County Dragon Boat Festival such a wonderful success.

Apart from her support of the Dragon Boat Festival, Ann has been a long-time community volunteer, and still remains quite active. She currently sits on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pictou County Board of Directors, as Past President. She has also been a volunteer with the Pictou County Christmas Fund Board for over 20 years and continues to help host the yearly telethon (now in its 50th year!)

Ann lives in Westville with her partner, Jason Brushett and she has two stepdaughters, Grace and Renee. “I am extremely honoured to be this year’s Honorary Chair, and I encourage anyone who has not had a chance to attend the Race on the River-Pictou County Dragon Boat Festival, to please check out this wonderful fundraiser in support of Women Alike Breast Cancer Survivors Society, Special Olympics Northern Region, and Pictou County Prostate Cancer Support Association.

See you in July, Paddles Up!

Board & Volunteer Committee Members:

Name	Board Title / Responsibility
Anne Baxter	Team Recruitment
Bob Rogers	Team Services
Chris Higdon	Site, Security
Cindy Skinner	Ceremonies and Entertainment
Dion Antle	Past President/Competition
Emma Eagles	Marketing
Jannah Carree	Treasurer
Jillian MacNeil	President / Competition
Meghan Brophy	Vice President / Marketing
Nikki Parnell	Human Resources
Roger Swarbrick	Advisor
Sherry Cheek	Secretary
Shirley Murray	Ceremonies and Entertainment
Terry Richardson	Sponsorship
Tom Mooney	Ceremonies and Entertainment

Patrons of the festival

Lesley Sobey
Roger Swarbrick
Shirley Murray
Allison Leil
Ann MacLean