Michel Savoie
Les Brumes du Coude
Owner / Chef
Michel is originally from the Acadian peninsula of northern New Brunswick, from Tabusintac and Neguac. Is now residing in Moncton, NB. Has worked for over 25 years in the hospitality industry, mostly as a chef. Many apprenticeships abroad. 6 or so years in Montreal and 10 years in France, exploring all possible variations that were presented in fine dining. Now owner and chef of Les Brumes du Coude, for over ten years, he offers a rustic bistro inspired dining experience in The Aberdeen Cultural Centre in Moncton. He and his partner Angèle, are currently running a second location at Seve Bar Apéro in Dieppe.

Michael Smith
Inn at Bay Fortune / FireWorks
Chef
Chef Michael Smith, C.M., is one of Canada’s most celebrated chefs, a passionate advocate for sustainable home cooking, and a champion of farm-to-table cuisine. As a member of the Order of Canada and Prince Edward Island’s Food Ambassador, Michael has dedicated his career to inspiring families to cook with fresh, local ingredients.

With a warm and engaging presence, Chef Michael has become a household name through his many television appearances, hosting and judging popular cooking shows on Food Network Canada, with his shows airing in over 100 countries worldwide. In Spring 2025, fans can look forward to Chef on Fire Season 2, exclusive to Bell customers on Fibe TV1, alongside the release of his latest cookbook, Wood, Fire & Smoke: Recipes and Techniques for Wood-Fired Cooking.
A prolific author, Michael has written 13 best-selling cookbooks, with Farmhouse Vegetables earning a prestigious 2024 Taste Canada Award nomination. His influence extends far beyond Canada as he frequently travels to host special culinary events around the world.

Alongside his wife, Chastity, Michael owns and operates The Inn at Bay Fortune and The Inn at Fortune Bridge on Prince Edward Island. Their renowned FireWorks Feast is an immersive, multi-course culinary experience that has garnered international acclaim, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking an authentic farm-to-fork adventure.

Jillian Somers
Destination Moncton-Dieppe
Founding CEO
Jillian Somers is a seasoned tourism and event development professional with nearly 20 years of experience in the industry. With a background in public relations, marketing, and organizational management, she has led high-profile marketing initiatives and major event development projects that have contributed greatly to the Province of New Brunswick. She was part of the team to welcome events such as the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2023 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships, and as Director of Tourism and Events for the City of Moncton, Jillian played a key role in the growth of iconic event venues like the Magnetic Hill Concert Site and Croix Bleue Medavie Stadium.

In 2022, she became the founding CEO of Destination Moncton-Dieppe, where she is spearheading efforts to position tourism as a major driver of economic growth in southeastern New Brunswick. Outside of work, Jillian is a passionate musician who regularly plays piano for local theatre productions and enjoys time at her family cottage on the Northumberland Strait.

Mark Thompson
McKinley Solutions
Chief Engagement Officer / CF National Board Member
Mark is a nationally recognized speaker in leadership, teambuilding, motivation and human capital. Mark is also a sought-after lead trainer for groups of all sizes from small leadership retreats to large groups of 500 plus, known for his high energy, engaging passion style.

Mark leads active hands-on teams in training and development, project management and business development. His expertise is in team and leadership development, program facilitation, and innovative instructional design.

Mark holds a business degree with a specialization in human resources and management from Bishop’s University. He is a successful Ironman triathlete, youth mental health advocate, cancer fundraiser, road cyclist, foodie, international mountaineer and, most importantly, a proud father of two active boys.

Mark is also a board member of the Culinary Federation of Canada, Georgian College Golf Program (Chair), Oakville Aquatic Club (Chair) and is currently on committees for Ontario Cycling and Wheelchair Rugby Canada.