Our leadership team

Jason Shannon

Jason Shannon is President of Shannex Incorporated. Under Jason’s leadership, Shannex has achieved significant growth over the past 20 years, while maintaining the organization’s focus and commitment to its values.

Jason provides thoughtful direction and maintains close connection with operational and organizational development activities. He is also engaged in the company’s business planning and development. Jason’s passion for innovation and delivering exceptional client service continues to inspire collaboration with stakeholders across Canada on ensuring the needs of seniors are being met in home care, retirement living and long term care.

Jason is a graduate of Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Commerce (1994) and an L.L.B (1997). He is a member and chairs several public, and private company boards that service the real estate, technology, and health care fields. Over the years he has also volunteered on many educational, and not-for-profit boards that focus on education and advocacy for seniors’ wellness and aging.

Catherine MacPherson

Catherine joined Shannex in 2010 to lead the development of our academic nursing home partnership with Dalhousie University and has since held operations leadership roles on both the Enhanced Care and Retirement Living teams. In her current role as Chief Operating Officer, Catherine supports Shannex and Parkland operations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario. Prior to joining Shannex, Catherine held program and project management positions in Nova Scotia’s former district health authorities.

Catherine is a Certified Health Executive with the Canadian College of Health Leaders and an EXTRA Fellow with the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement (now Healthcare Excellence Canada). She holds a Bachelor of Health Sciences from McMaster University, a Master of Health Services Administration from Dalhousie University and has completed further executive education from Harvard Business School.

Catherine currently serves on the Dalhousie University Board of Governors. She has previously served on the IWK Health Centre Board of Directors; as Chair of the IWK’s Board Quality Committee; as Chair, Bluenose Chapter, of the Canadian College of Health Leaders; and as sessional faculty in Dalhousie’s School of Health Administration.

Heather Hanson

As Chief Strategy Officer, Heather manages the planning of our organization-wide growth strategy and is responsible for the Brand portfolio, which includes sales, corporate communications, marketing, creative services, brand integrity, and business development activities. Heather values building trusted partnerships with all stakeholders and advancing the organization’s social responsibilities – she wholeheartedly believes that Shannex is leading the way to better living and is proud to be part of this team.

Heather first joined Shannex in 2011, and has worked in agency as well as government, academic and financial sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Public Relations, both from Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU). She also holds a Certificate in Executive Leadership from Dalhousie University and a certificate from the International Association of Public Participation.

Active in her community, she is a member of MSVU’s Board of Governors and chairs the Advancement and External Relations committee. She is also a member of the International Association of Business Communicators and the International Association of Public Participation.

Brianna Higgins

As Chef Financial Officer, Brianna Higgins brings 18 years of senior management and advisory experience from across many industries to Shannex.

Specializing in senior property development and operations, Brianna supports corporate strategy and corporate finance, playing a crucial role in risk management, funding initiatives, financial reporting, budgeting, and building relationships with industry and government.