About the speakers
Stéphane Sirois is the Executive Director of Feed/NourrirNB. The organization provides food to 69 food banks and community kitchens throughout New Brunswick, and, in collaboration with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, they’re also helping to support breakfast programs in 299 schools. Stephane is a strong supporter of making New Brunswick a place where no one goes hungry. Before joining FeedNB, Stephane worked in community development, school food programs, and experiential learning, with organizations like the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton, Ced’ici, Agriculture in the Classroom NB, and Le Centre Communautaire Sainte-Anne.
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Liam Fisher is the Human Development Council's Data Analyst and Research Coordinator, joining the organization in 2023. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Data Science from Houghton University, with minors in Biology and Computer Science, and is currently completing a Master of Science in Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. His work includes data modelling, data engineering, and GIS and spatial analysis. At HDC, Liam maintains the New Brunswick Community Data Portal and associated dashboards and works on research projects with the research team such as Energy Poverty in New Brunswick report, the Child and Family Poverty Report Card, Living Wages in New Brunswick, and a geospatial priority neighbourhood analysis for the City of Moncton’s Social Inclusion Committee.
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Heather Atcheson is a Registered Social Worker and Social Researcher at the Human Development Council in Saint John. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Mount Allison University. Heather is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at Dalhousie University. Her work focuses on understanding and addressing social issues in New Brunswick, including food insecurity, poverty, and homelessness.
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Richard Hutchins, O.N.B., Minto
Richard "Rick" Hutchins is widely recognized for his dedication to community development, education, music, and environmental sustainability. Born in Montreal, Mr. Hutchins has spent his adult life fostering grassroots initiatives in New Brunswick, his adopted home, leaving a profound impact on the province. Richard “Rick” Hutchins embodies the values celebrated by the Order of New Brunswick. His work in grassroots development, music, education, and sustainability inspires New Brunswickers and uplifts the province.
Mr. Hutchins co-designed and taught the Community Problem Solving and Policy course at the University of New Brunswick’s Renaissance College from 2002 to 2024. His courses gave students access to career connections, mentoring, skills training, and personal support, empowering generations of graduates.
Outside the classroom, Mr. Hutchins contributed to initiatives in job readiness, public policy, education, and sustainability. He has trained individuals in literacy and networking, mentored youth and developed numerous community engagement processes. Mr. Hutchins also served in key roles, including with the Premier’s Community Non-Profit Task Force, advisor to the New Brunswick Home Care Industry, and manager of the New Brunswick Food Security Action Network. His tenure at Autism Connections transformed the organization’s capacity to support families across the province.
Mr. Hutchins’s immense passion for the arts led him to co-found the Harvest Jazz & Blues and River Jam Festivals in Fredericton, initiatives that have funded music programs and united musician’s province wide. His inclusive and visionary leadership continues to strengthen communities, build partnerships, and promote a brighter future for New Brunswick.
