Chris Atwood, Executive Director, CBDC Blue Water
Chris grew up on the family sheep and vegetable farm in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, alongside his
parents and two older brothers. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSc. Agr) from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in 1990. Throughout the 1990s, Chris worked internationally on a wide range of community development projects. His work took him to Swaziland, Czechoslovakia, Nigeria, Thailand, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Moldova—experiences that helped shape his deep commitment to inclusive, sustainable development.
A passionate volunteer and respected community leader, Chris has served on numerous boards at the local, provincial, and national levels. His leadership roles include:
President, Yarmouth & Area Chamber of Commerce (2009, 2014–2017)
President/Chair, Nova Scotia Chambers of Commerce (2011–2013)
President, Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists (2010)
Founding Member & Chair, Porters Lake Business Association
Founding Member & Chair, Spryfield Social Enterprise and Affordable Housing Society
Treasurer, Recreation Nova Scotia
Past Treasurer, Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia
Professionally, Chris joined CBDC Yarmouth in 2005 and was instrumental in growing the loan portfolio from $3 million to nearly $7 million during his tenure. In 2018, he embraced a new opportunity as Executive Director of CBDC Blue Water. Chris continues to be actively involved in the CBDC network, having served on the Executive and Professional Development Committees of NSACBDC. He has also represented Nova Scotia on the ACCBIF Board and currently serves as Chair of the MIS Committee.
Chris remains dedicated to building resilient communities through leadership, collaboration, and inclusive economic development.