OUR TEAM

Laurent Frenette is a business executive with 25 years of operations experience across many industries, including mining, mineral processing, plastics, aluminum, and rail. He has worked in Ontario, Quebec, France, Africa, and USA. Laurent holds a mechanical engineering degree from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, and an MBA from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Laurent joined the JD Irving group in 2016, at New Brunswick and Maine Railways, and became the General Manager of CFM in 2017.

Kenny Burchill has over 20 years’ experience in the Equipment Manufacturing and Industrial Construction industries. Beyond technical knowledge, Kenny excels at leveraging his interpersonal skills which have been critical in establishing an expansive network of industry professionals throughout Atlantic Canada. With his focused and direct approach, Kenny has rapidly progressed his career beginning in the machinist trade and transitioning into an experienced Operations Management Leader. In addition to his trade expertise, Kenny is a proficient negotiator and salesman. In 2018 he assumed the role of Director of Technical Services where he oversees CFM’s Survey, NDT and Field Services groups. Kenny is currently continuing his education through the University of New Brunswick to obtain a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

Tim Valentine is a Senior Manufacturing Executive with 25 years of experience in Aerospace, Automotive, and Industrial sectors. Tim is a graduate of McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, holding a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Degree (B. Eng.) and a Master of Business Administration Degree (MBA) from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. He began his career in the Hydraulics industry, holding posts in Searcy, Arkansas, and Laconia, New Hampshire. Throughout his career, Tim has obtained several certifications including Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB), Quality Engineering (CQE), Project Management (PMP), and Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) status. Tim relocated with his family to Saint John, NB in 2018, where he began his tenure with Custom Fabricators and Machinists (CFM), a J.D. Irving Limited company, as Director of Engineering.  

Doug Dunbar is a Senior Sales Executive with 30 plus years’ experience in Telecommunication, Construction, Business and Energy sectors. From ownership of a privately held company, to leadership roles working for fortune 500 companies. Doug is a graduate of York University in Toronto, Ontario, holding a Bachelor of Arts Degree specializing in Administrative Studies. He began his career in the Electrical Industry, holding posts in Dartmouth, Toronto, and Fort Wayne IN. Doug relocated to Saint John NB in 2018 where he began his tenure with Custom Fabricators and Machinists (CFM), a J.D. Irving Limited company, as Director of Sales & Marketing.  

Matt Harley is a registered professional with 12 years’ experience in business development management and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC). Matt is a graduate from Dalhousie University, holding a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering Degree (B.Eng), supporting education includes Leadership and Management Development from Athabasca University. Throughout his career, Matt has attained several certifications including Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation and NACE International Basic Corrosion program. His career includes experience in industrial construction and energy sector (oil and gas) spanning across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Alberta. Matt relocated to Saint John, NB in 2019 with CFM, serving as the Director of Repair and Overhaul.  

Kyle Lawson leads the manufacturing operations at the CFM West location. He is an energetic new addition to the CFM team, and as Director of Manufacturing, managing the metal fabrication, machine, and paint shops. He came to CFM with a background in industrial construction projects acquired in Western Canada. Kyle is a graduate of the University of New Brunswick, with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Supporting education includes Project Management through Grant McEwan, certification as a Construction Safety Officer and completion of Lean Manufacturing program. Originally from New Brunswick, Kyle plays an active role in the community by mentoring students through the PALS volunteering program.

Shawn Keasey is responsible for the operations and management of the Dartmouth branch. His team of geomatic engineers, Certified Engineer technologists, provide the expertise and experience to complete survey services, dimensional control requirements, and non-destructive testing specialists serving the customers in the NS marketplace. Prior to his role at CFM, Shawn spent over 20 years managing other branch operations in the construction, distribution and manufacturing sectors in Atlantic Canada. Shawn joined CFM in 2017 and hold a Bachelor of Arts from the UWO.

Michele McLean, CPA, CGA, is a Business Analyst with 19 years’ experience in Accounting and eight years with JD Irving, Ltd. Michele is a graduate from Saint Mary’s University, holding a Bachelor of Commerce Degree, with a concentration in Finance. She also holds a Black Belt in Six Sigma, which was completed in 2004. Her career experience includes the mining sector, having started her career with Noranda (Glencore) having worked in New Brunswick, Quebec, and Alberta. Michele has three years’ experience working with Custom Fabricators and Machinists (CFM), a J.D. Irving Limited company.

Chesley Bobbitt is an experienced human resources’ professional with a demonstrated history of working in the construction & manufacturing industry. Chesley is a graduate of the University of New Brunswick, holding a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Human Resources. Chesley also holds a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation. Chesley began his career with JD Irving Limited holding various roles across the enterprise, before joining the CFM team in 2017 as Human Resources Business Partner.

Susan Veinot became a certified welder (ASME & CWB) in 1988 and started her career at Steel & Engine Products Ltd in Liverpool, NS as the first female welder in the Irving group. Her attention to detail, and keen interest in inspections led her to obtain her NDT and inspection certifications and become the Quality Assurance Supervisor. Throughout her career Susan has served as Project Coordinator for multi-million-dollar contracts in subsea module fabrication. Susan moved to CFM in 2005 as QA/QC Supervisor. Susan holds certificates in Quality Assurance/Management and is currently the QA Manager at CFM.