Jayson Martin

Veteran, CAF (Ret)

Born and raised in Moncton, New Brunswick, Jayson Martin has built his life on service, resilience, and dedication to others. He proudly served with India Company, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, completing operational deployments to both Afghanistan and Haiti. His military experience forged a deep commitment to teamwork, leadership, and perseverance under challenging conditions.

The values instilled through his service continue to guide both his personal and professional life. As a veteran, Jayson remains passionate about supporting fellow service members and advocating for opportunities that foster purpose, camaraderie, and continued service beyond the military.

As a member of the Nova Gold Foundation team, Jayson brings firsthand operational experience, integrity, and a strong sense of duty to the organization's mission of supporting veterans, first responders, and maritime heritage initiatives. His dedication to service and his unwavering commitment to helping others make him a valued member of the Nova Gold Foundation and an important part of its vision for the future.

MCpl. Jody Mitic

CAF (Ret)

Jody Mitic is a retired Master Corporal of the Canadian Armed Forces and one of Canada's most recognized veterans' advocates. A highly trained sniper with The Royal Canadian Regiment, Jody served for more than 20 years in the Canadian Army, including operational deployments to Bosnia and Afghanistan. In January 2007, while leading a sniper team in Afghanistan, he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED), resulting in the loss of both of his legs below the knee.

Following his recovery, Jody became an inspirational public speaker, bestselling author, and tireless advocate for wounded veterans, first responders, and people living with disabilities. He co-founded the Never Quit Foundation, promoting adaptive opportunities and support programs for injured military personnel and emergency responders. He is also the author of the national bestselling memoir Unflinching: The Making of a Canadian Sniper and the book Everyday Heroes.

Greg Miller

Board Member, USA (Ret)

Greg Miller is a United States Army combat veteran who proudly served with the 101st Airborne Division from 2005 to 2009, receiving an Honorable Discharge following his military service. During his time in uniform, Greg completed two combat deployments in support of the Global War on Terror.

On one deployment, Greg was struck in the back by a 7.62mm armor-piercing sniper round. Remarkably, he survived because he had been issued an enhanced protective armor plate only hours before the mission. His experience became a powerful testament to the importance of advanced body armor, leading him to testify before the United States Congress on the critical need for improved protective equipment for frontline troops.

Today, Greg is a passionate advocate for veterans and first responders, using his experiences to raise awareness about the lasting impacts of combat, the importance of proper equipment and support systems, and the need to ensure that no veteran fights their battles alone.

Allan Stortts

Outdoor Reconnection Specialist, CAF (Ret)

Allan Stortts is a Canadian Armed Forces veteran who served his country with distinction, attaining the rank of Master Corporal (MCpl) during his military career. Drawing upon his military experience and firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by service members transitioning to civilian life, Allan has dedicated himself to supporting veterans through outdoor and nature-based programs.

A strong believer in the healing power of the outdoors, Allan has spent years helping veterans reconnect with purpose, camaraderie, and resilience through wilderness experiences, adventure-based activities, and peer-supported recovery initiatives. His work focuses on creating environments where veterans can rebuild confidence, strengthen social connections, and improve their overall well-being through meaningful outdoor experiences.

Allan's commitment to veteran wellness aligns closely with the mission of the Nova Gold Foundation. His experience in nature immersion, mentorship, and veteran support programs provides valuable insight into developing initiatives that help veterans and first responders overcome challenges while rediscovering purpose through service, teamwork, and adventure.

Stephen Dugas

Maritime Researcher, CAF (Ret)

Before founding ShipwreckHunter.ca, Stephen Dugas served more than 25 years in the Royal Canadian Navy, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. His naval career began as a Marine Engineering Mechanic and progressed to Marine Systems Engineering Officer. During his service, he served aboard six East Coast frigates and later held senior engineering leadership positions responsible for technical governance, risk management, operational planning, and regulatory compliance across Canada's Atlantic Fleet.

Following his naval career, Stephen founded ShipwreckHunter.ca, a Canadian initiative dedicated to researching, locating, documenting, and sharing the stories of historic shipwrecks throughout Atlantic Canada. Combining historical research with modern marine technology and underwater exploration, he is committed to preserving Canada's maritime heritage through responsible documentation and public education.

With more than 30 years of diving experience, Stephen has explored the waters of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, employing archival research, side-scan sonar, underwater photography, and structured field investigations to uncover the stories behind Canada's forgotten shipwrecks. His work includes extensive research into the S.S. Charlottetown and numerous other significant maritime losses.

Stephen holds a Master of Science in Occupational Health and Safety with a concentration in Environmental Management, a Bachelor of Science degree, and has completed Parks Canada's NAS Part I Underwater Archaeology Program. He is also a retired PADI Master SCUBA Diver Trainer and has completed professional training in project management, Lean Six Sigma, and ISO 9001 quality systems.

Scott Cormier

Veterans' Advocate, CAF (Ret)

Scott Cormier is a respected veterans' advocate and co-founder of the Veterans Wellness Alliance (VWA), an organization dedicated to improving the well-being, resilience, and long-term success of veterans as they transition beyond military service. Under his leadership, the VWA has developed programs focused on mental health, peer support, community engagement, advocacy, and access to resources that help veterans and their families successfully navigate civilian life.

Driven by a deep commitment to those who have served, Scott has become a strong voice within Canada's veteran community, fostering partnerships and initiatives that promote wellness, connection, and renewed purpose. His work emphasizes the importance of camaraderie and holistic support systems that empower veterans to thrive long after their military careers have ended.

Scott's dedication to veteran advocacy and wellness aligns closely with the mission of the Nova Gold Foundation. His experience building veteran-centered programs and strengthening support networks brings valuable insight to initiatives focused on healing, recovery, mentorship, and creating meaningful opportunities for veterans and first responders.

Through his leadership and unwavering commitment to service, Scott continues to make a lasting and positive impact on the veteran community across Canada.

Michelle Burke

RCN veteran

Michelle Burke is a former officer in the Royal Canadian Navy, where she served as a Maritime Surface and Sub-Surface (MARS) Officer after graduating from university. During her naval career, she also held key staff positions at Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) Headquarters, working in personnel management, training, and naval officer promotions, gaining extensive experience in leadership development and organizational excellence.

Following her military service, Michelle spent nearly two decades teaching internationally, bringing her passion for education and mentorship to students from diverse cultural backgrounds. She now serves at the Canadian Coast Guard College, where she works with officer cadets, helping prepare the next generation of maritime leaders for careers in service to Canada.

Michelle’s lifelong commitment to leadership, education, and public service reflects the values of the Nova Gold Foundation. Her unique blend of military, academic, and maritime experience strengthens the Foundation’s mission to support veterans, first responders, and future leaders through collaboration, mentorship, and service.

Harvey Morash

Master Diver

Harvey Morash is one of Atlantic Canada’s most experienced technical divers, underwater explorers, and dive instructors, with more than three decades of experience beneath the surface. Certified as a diver in 1991, he has logged more than 4,000 dives in some of the world’s most challenging environments, including deep wrecks, cave systems, ice diving, and advanced technical diving operations.

A highly respected member of Canada’s diving community, Harvey has worked with Parks Canada’s National Marine Archaeology Unit on an as-needed contract basis since 1993, contributing his extensive knowledge of maritime heritage and underwater operations. He holds a Nautical Archaeology Society Level II certification and is a NAUI Technical Full Trimix Instructor, specializing in advanced diver training and expedition-level diving.

An avid cave diver, Harvey has completed approximately 700 cave dives and has been an active rebreather diver since 2014. His passion for exploration is matched by his dedication to documenting the underwater world as an accomplished underwater photographer and videographer. He has also provided underwater support for numerous film and television productions, bringing his technical expertise to the entertainment industry.

Beyond diving, Harvey spent nearly three decades working as a commercial seafood harvester from 1992 to 2020, giving him an intimate knowledge of the waters and coastlines of Atlantic Canada. He also holds a Transport Canada FM4 Master’s Certificate and previously served as a Divers Alert Network (DAN) Instructor.

Christopher Richardson

Master Diver, CAF (RET)

Christopher Richardson is a highly respected diving professional, educator, and industry innovator with more than three decades of experience spanning military, technical, recreational, and public safety diving. A Canadian Armed Forces veteran, Christopher served aboard submarines, surface vessels, and with the Army, participating in operational deployments during the 1991 Gulf War, as well as NATO and United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Since becoming a dive instructor in 1994, Christopher has earned one of the most extensive collections of instructor credentials in the diving industry. As a Course Director, Instructor Trainer, Technical Instructor, Cave Instructor, and Public Safety Diving Instructor, he has trained thousands of divers and instructors worldwide while helping establish and advance international diving standards through leadership roles with NAUI, TDI, SDI, ERDI, RSTC, and other major certification agencies.

Christopher's career has included managing premier dive operations in the Cayman Islands, consulting on diving systems for private superyachts, and holding senior leadership positions with globally recognized manufacturers including Mares, Dacor, Oceanic, EDGE Dive Gear, and HOG. In 2014, he founded Deep 6, where his commitment to uncompromising quality, technical excellence, and customer service has earned the company an outstanding reputation throughout the international diving community.

A recipient of numerous industry awards for instructional excellence and service, Christopher has also served on several international advisory and standards boards, helping shape the future of diver education and technical diving worldwide. He holds both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), combining operational expertise with executive leadership.

Jimmie Taylor

CBRPS (RET)

Jimmie Taylor is a retired constable with the Cape Breton Regional Police Service who brings more than 50 years of marine and diving experience to every expedition. Throughout his distinguished law enforcement career, he specialized in marine operations, underwater investigations, and search and recovery, serving as the lead of the police dive team. Recognized for his professionalism, technical expertise, and calm leadership, Jimmie conducted complex underwater search operations, forensic evidence recovery, and drowning investigations in some of Atlantic Canada's most challenging marine environments.

An accomplished diver, instructor, and mariner, Jimmie holds both ACUC and PADI diving certifications, including ACUC Assistant Instructor status. He has trained police and fire service dive teams in specialized underwater operations and is trained in ice diving. His extensive maritime qualifications include a 40-Ton Master Certificate issued by Transport Canada, a 15-Ton Master Certificate from the Canadian Coast Guard College, and RHIOT (Rigid Hull Inflatable Operator Training) certification, reflecting decades of expertise in vessel handling and marine operations.

In addition to his marine credentials, Jimmie served as a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Instructor, training officers in the detection and investigation of impaired operators of both motor vehicles and vessels.

Today, Jimmie continues to apply his lifetime of experience to maritime heritage and shipwreck exploration. A longtime collaborator with Jeff MacKinnon and Daniel Griego, he has played an integral role in numerous marine expeditions and was featured on the History Channel series The Death Coast, where his decades of operational diving and maritime expertise continue to support the recovery and preservation of historically significant shipwrecks.

Charles Trescher

MCSO (Sgt.)

Charles Trescher is currently a Sergeant with the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office in Kingman, Arizona, and has 24 years of law enforcement and public safety experience, along with more than two decades as a certified scuba diver. For the past 16 years, he has served as a public safety diver specializing in underwater search and rescue, evidence recovery, technical diving, and high-risk mission operations in both warm and cold-water environments.

His extensive experience includes blackout and confined-space diving, ship and vehicle penetrations, aircraft recoveries, sonar operations, underwater metal detecting, lift bag operations, underwater rigging, and complex search and recovery missions. Accustomed to working in demanding environments where teamwork, discipline, and precision are essential, Charles brings a wealth of operational experience to every expedition.

A strong advocate for physical fitness, servant leadership, and personal growth, Charles understands the lasting impact that trauma and critical incidents can have on first responders and veterans. He is proud to support the Nova Gold Foundation’s mission of using historic shipwreck exploration and recovery to foster healing, resilience, camaraderie, and a renewed sense of purpose for those who have dedicated their lives to serving others.

Chuck Francis

USMC (Vet.)

Chuck Francis is a proud member of the Eskasoni First Nation in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, whose life reflects the enduring bond between Canada and the United States. As a Mi’kmaq citizen, he was eligible to serve in the United States Marine Corps, where he earned the rank of Corporal and deployed in support of operations in Kosovo and Iraq. His military service exemplifies courage, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to those he served beside.

Chuck’s unique journey embodies the spirit of international cooperation that lies at the heart of the Nova Gold Foundation. As a Canadian-born Mi’kmaq Marine, his story highlights the deep historical ties shared by Indigenous peoples across borders and demonstrates how service, sacrifice, and leadership transcend nationality.

Today, Chuck brings that same sense of purpose to the Foundation’s mission of supporting veterans, first responders, and their families through therapeutic diving, exploration, and meaningful opportunities for healing and personal growth. His experience serves as a powerful reminder that brotherhood knows no borders and that the strongest teams are built on shared values, mutual respect, and service to others.