Ellen Desmond

DIRECTOR

Ellen C. Desmond has been working with a regulatory tribunal since 2020.  She has extensive experience in administrative law, appearing before various courts and tribunals in New Brunswick.  She also taught on a part time basis with the Faculty of Law, UNB, for several years.  Ellen enjoys music, art and running and enjoys spending time at First Lake during the summer months.

David Baxter

DIRECTOR

David Baxter is a Saint John-based entrepreneur, strategist, and community builder whose career spans technology ventures, regional innovation leadership, and executive roles across healthcare, marketing, and ICT. As President and Chair of Propel ICT, he helped transform a local initiative into a pan-Atlantic platform for scaling technology ventures. As co-founder of Fiddlehead Technology Inc., he built an advanced data analytics company from the ground up. He currently serves as VP of Strategic Growth at Canadian Health Solutions Inc. and Head of AKIO Ventures. David brings to the Saint John Arts Centre board a deep belief in the power of creative community — and a commitment to helping the organization grow as a vibrant and inclusive hub at the heart of the Greater Saint John region and as the centre of cultural impact for the entire community.

Andi Emrich

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Andi came to the Arts Centre in December 2025 with almost two decades of experience working for non-profits helping to strengthen impact and expand reach. Her work has always centered on connection–helping people find belonging and building partnerships that strengthen community life. She grew up in the Saint John region devouring any opportunity to take drawing and painting classes and is grateful to be working alongside the talented staff, dedicated board, and the many artists, creators, and supporters who make the Arts Centre such a special place for our community.

Rosella Mullin

EDUCATOR & OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Rosella is a craft and repair enthusiast who is passionate about community involvement and volunteerism. Originally from Ontario, she graduated from McMaster University in 2020 with a Master of Arts in Communications and New Media. She is excited to join the Saint John Arts Centre as the Education and Outreach Coordinator.

ERICA THORNE

ADMINISTRATION & COMMUNICATIONS

Erica is a jewellery artist from Saint John who also enjoys dabbling in impressionist style painting. She graduated from the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design in 2022.

She'll be the smiling face at the front desk as you enter the Arts Centre. She is excited to be a member of our staff, and is here to answer all your questions.

Helen Shideler

SECRETARY

Helen is a painter based in Quispamsis, New Brunswick, Canada. Painting in oils, watercolours and acrylics.

She has always lived close to nature and is a lifetime animal lover. Her adventures to explore nature include having her camera almost always at hand and of course, Plein Air painting. Helen works to capture images that resonate with her by creating detailed colourful paintings. 


Over the years, Helen has developed a distinctive style as she thinks of her paintings as sculpting with paint with the majority of her work created in series.  She works to explore a subject - often painting similar ideas in a variety of mediums. One painting will lead to another and then another… She constantly strives to hold herself to the highest standards.

Helen's work is included in numerous private and corporate collections in Canada and in the US. An active participant in regional and national art events and organizations - her work has been included in numerous invitational and juried shows across Canada and internationally on-line as well. This participation has presented her with numerous exhibition opportunities, recognition and awards, including Best in Show.