President
Catherine Sanderson is a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) and has worked in multiple entities since attaining her designation in 1985.
She articled in public accounting firms and then worked with the Federal Government, in the business world of a publicly traded company and in the private business sector. She ended her formal working career at HRM as a senior manager in the Finance department. She has extensive experience working with elected officials at the municipal level and has made numerous reports and presented them to Council. She has a love for the underdog and is drawn to the short-term rental industry, in part, to support and advocate for those who are struggling to manage financially by using their own property to generate income.
Terry Black brings a broad range of experience in new housing construction, residential renovations, subdivision development, condominium conversion, and real estate sales. He provides practical insight into housing, development processes, and responsible property use, balancing economic, community, and regulatory considerations. With a long-standing commitment to community engagement, Terry has been actively involved in community development and inner-city youth tutoring. His hobbies include canoeing, kite surfing, and gardening. Terry values leadership, stewardship, and respect for both people and place. He believes Nova Scotia offers a unique setting for residents and visitors alike, where Short-Term Rentals allow property owners to share the province’s beauty while contributing to local culture and economies.
Treasurer
Kim Sorensen spent a career primarily in financial and HCM software with several Fortune 100 companies, before retiring back home to Nova Scotia. As a CPA and an engaged entrepreneur, she has established businesses in the HRM in retail, tourism, and long-term rental housing. She has a deep family history and understanding of Nova Scotian tourism as an industry, and the passion to help build a solid and fair foundation to continue to grow the Nova Scotia profile and experience amongst global travellers.
Director
Thomas Heath is a seasoned entrepreneur and business development leader with a multifaceted career across aviation, energy, engineering, and resort development. After early success as a flight instructor and airshow pilot, he moved into senior aviation and engineering business development roles, securing major international contracts. Thomas co-founded and patented an industrial safety technology company and led an oil and gas service company through a successful sale. His career is defined by innovation, deal-making, and building ventures from concept to completion. www.landyacht.vip
Director
Joline Dorey brings a wealth of experience in construction and project management to her role as Director for the Association. Starting her career as an Architectural Technologist, she advanced into project and business management and currently serves as a Director at a leading project management firm, where she oversees a team of professionals and manages commercial projects across Canada totaling up to $70 million annually.
Her professional background is complemented by a personal passion for building. Joline has successfully renovated and flipped numerous homes and invested in creating exceptional short-term rental experiences since 2020, including an oceanfront cottage and a rental suite within her own home. These ventures were driven by both entrepreneurial spirit and the desire to bring high-quality accommodations to Nova Scotia’s growing STR market.
As a mother of two, Joline is deeply committed to protecting the investments and efforts of STR owners. She advocates for a fair and balanced approach between property rights and regulatory frameworks, ensuring that the industry remains sustainable and beneficial for all stakeholders. Her combination of professional leadership, hands-on experience, and dedication to community makes her a strong voice for the association and its members.
Director
Valentina Lona de MacDonald was born and raised in Mexico City, I built my career in tourism and adventure travel long before settling in Nova Scotia. Together with my husband, I ran an adventure travel company in Mexico, organizing experiences for school groups, corporate teams, and individual travelers. From rafting and kayaking to caving expeditions and hosting guests at our resort, creating memorable adventures was at the heart of what we did.
Sixteen years ago, we returned to Nova Scotia to embrace the beauty and tranquility of the Annapolis Valley. We eventually made our home in Granville Ferry, where our passion for welcoming guests inspired us to open The Little Red Cottage—one of the first Airbnb listings in the area.
Eleven years later, we continue to find joy in offering warm, thoughtful hospitality. Whether guests come for relaxation, exploration, or a taste of life in the Valley, we’re proud to share a place that reflects our love for nature, community, and creating meaningful experiences.
Regional Representative
Brent Newsome is a technology entrepreneur and veteran with more than three decades of leadership and operations management experience. He has been part of two successful startup companies, including as the co-founder of NewPace, which later exited to Samsung, where he worked with global mobile network operators. Brent holds a BSc in Computer Science and an MBA. In his career he has led teams in system and network administration, product development, innovation, strategic planning, and collaboration across complex stakeholder environments. Today, Brent brings his entrepreneurial mindset to Nova Scotia’s tourism and short-term rental sector as the owner of Lochaber Lake Lodges.
Regional Representative Cape Breton
Anne-Marie McGowan. Originally from London, UK, Anne‑Marie earned a degree in Hotels and Tourism Management before working in central government and European policy. After several years in that field, she changed direction completely, retrained as a midwife, and moved to the coast.
Anne‑Marie has been visiting Cape Breton for over 20 years. Both she and her husband spent much of their childhood on holidays in Ireland visiting family, so the island felt familiar from the start. Even though she lives in England, works as a nurse, and has a young family, Cape Breton has become their second home.
She and her family have owned a property on the island for the last 10 years and share it with guests when they’re not using it. As long‑time visitors who became homeowners, she is keen to help others experience the island for themselves.
With a background in hotels and tourism, Anne‑Marie believes a healthy tourism strategy needs a mix of accommodation options, balanced with the needs of the local community. The community matters to her, and she is committed to contributing to the island in a positive, practical way.