David MacNeil, who is set to become executive director of the Nova Scotia Energy and Regulatory Boards Tribunal later this month. Photo: NSUARB Tribunal
A major leadership change is coming to the Nova Scotia Energy and Regulatory Boards Tribunal.
Later this month, David MacNeil will step into the role of Executive Director, taking over from Paul Allen, who is retiring after nearly four decades of service.
MacNeil says he’s eager to bring his experience to an organization that plays a vital role in the province. “The work that goes on at the Boards has a real impact on people’s daily lives,” he said. “I’m excited to apply my background in creating systems to serve people better to an organization with such an important public mandate.”
The Tribunal, established in April 2025, provides administrative, advisory, and human resource support to the Nova Scotia Energy Board and the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board.
These Boards regulate electricity and natural gas utilities, fuel pricing, and municipal water utilities. They also handle appeals on issues like property tax assessments, municipal planning, fire safety, and liquor licensing.
MacNeil brings more than two decades of leadership experience from Cox & Palmer, where he served as Chief Technology Officer.
He also played a key role in the Mass Casualty Commission as Technology Lead for Document Management, developing systems to manage the extensive volume of documents for the multi-year public inquiry.
MacNeil holds a degree in information systems from St. Francis Xavier University and certifications in change management, financial management, and electronic document preservation. He lives in Dartmouth with his family.
