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HR Consultant Jeff Hepp loves working for a smaller department because it gives him diversity in his work and opportunities to be involved in more activities."ACOA has been there since the beginning. They helped with marketing assistance, and without that help we would not be where we are today.” Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Profile: Mike Hayes
Finding ways to invest in people and ideas to build better communities
Acting locally and globally
In 2006, Mike Hayes coordinated Canada’s participation at the Global Microcredit Summit in Halifax—working to ensure that 100 million of the world’s poorest families could get financing for self-employment and other services.
But Mike considers his work with international microcredit just a natural extension of his “day job” as Development Officer for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. He works full time to ensure that small businesses outside of major centres can get the resources they need to develop and grow.
Making ideas happen
had the freedom to be
innovative, creative
and proactive.
“I work with community organizations and agencies to help businesses all over Nova Scotia maximize their resources and access the support they need to be successful,” Mike explains. “We invest in people and ideas to promote economic development and help businesses be competitive, innovative and productive.”
Mike sees himself in a supporting role: “We don’t dictate what to do or how to do it. We make available the tools and resources our clients may need.”
Mike works with 10 community organizations with upwards of 50 employees and 400 volunteers. “We’re doing outreach and connecting businesses that can share best practices and help each other thrive.” he says.
Not just survive, but thrive
He says of his Public Service career. “I came into government during a time when there was a big focus on job creation and community development and I get a great feeling of personal satisfaction and accomplishment out of my work, providing communities with the capacity they need not just to survive but to thrive in today’s marketplace.”
Mike has had a lot of autonomy in his work and says he has always had the freedom to be innovative, creative and proactive. “I’ve collaborated with all sorts of people,” says Mike. “I’ve had great support from my managers, good coaching and mentoring.”
Perhaps most importantly, Mike is still passionate about his work and always has a lot of fun. “Government work is what you make it,” says Mike. “It’s not all cookie-cutter.”
- Next: HR Consultant Jeff Hepp loves working for a smaller department because it gives him diversity in his work and opportunities to be involved in more activities.
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