Keynote
Democratizing Leadership
In his keynote address, “Democratizing Leadership,” Don will share valuable insights into key dimensions of modern leadership, including situational leadership, the loneliness of leadership, and shared influence beyond formal titles. He will explore how these concepts shape effective leadership in today’s evolving workplace and what they mean for leaders navigating complexity, collaboration, and change.
Don Bureaux, President & CEO
Halifax Chamber of Commerce
Don Bureaux joined the Halifax Chamber of Commerce as President and CEO in 2026. As a former Board member for the Chamber, Don appreciates and understands the role the Chamber plays in the Halifax business community. He looks forward to building on the Chamber’s reputation and leadership and engaging and working with Chamber members to elevate the Chamber’s influence in supporting Halifax and Nova Scotia’s bright economic future.
Bureaux brings significant experience to the role in business and entrepreneurship. Earlier in his career, he held several roles with KPMG. Don then led business counselling and advising at the Acadia Centre for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, helping companies of all sizes, from start-ups to multinational firms, build their strategy, strengthen organizational cultures, and grow sustainably. Don is a Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant (FCPA) and holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University Scotland.
Before joining the Halifax Chamber, Don Bureaux was president of Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) since 2011. At NSCC, he worked to bring the college’s vision – transforming Nova Scotia one learner at a time – to life. As president, he collaborated with government, business and educational leaders across North America, Europe and Asia to create entrepreneurial learning environments connected to communities and industries.
Don has been recognized as one of The Top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine for five consecutive years (2015-2019) and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019. In 2022 he received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for his work in the field of education and in 2024 he received the King Charles III Coronation medal. Don serves on the boards of many not-for-profit organizations in Nova Scotia.
Don Bureaux, President & CEO
Halifax Chamber of Commerce
Don Bureaux joined the Halifax Chamber of Commerce as President and CEO in 2026. As a former Board member for the Chamber, Don appreciates and understands the role the Chamber plays in the Halifax business community. He looks forward to building on the Chamber’s reputation and leadership and engaging and working with Chamber members to elevate the Chamber’s influence in supporting Halifax and Nova Scotia’s bright economic future.
Bureaux brings significant experience to the role in business and entrepreneurship. Earlier in his career, he held several roles with KPMG. Don then led business counselling and advising at the Acadia Centre for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, helping companies of all sizes, from start-ups to multinational firms, build their strategy, strengthen organizational cultures, and grow sustainably. Don is a Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant (FCPA) and holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University Scotland.
Before joining the Halifax Chamber, Don Bureaux was president of Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) since 2011. At NSCC, he worked to bring the college’s vision – transforming Nova Scotia one learner at a time – to life. As president, he collaborated with government, business and educational leaders across North America, Europe and Asia to create entrepreneurial learning environments connected to communities and industries.
Don has been recognized as one of The Top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine for five consecutive years (2015-2019) and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019. In 2022 he received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for his work in the field of education and in 2024 he received the King Charles III Coronation medal. Don serves on the boards of many not-for-profit organizations in Nova Scotia.