View Our 2025 Election Candidates

• James Collins, Salesperson, Commercial Eastern Inc. DBA Cushman & Wakefield Atlantic 
• Angela Cowan, Associate Broker, Exit Real Estate Professionals
• Denise MacDonell, Managing Associate Broker, Red Door Realty
• Logan Morse, Managing Associate Broker, Royal LePage Atlantic

The election will be held online, opening on Monday, April 21st at 9am and closing on Wednesday, April 23rd at 4pm. The successful candidate will be announced at the AGM on April 24th.

James Collins, Salesperson, Commercial Eastern Inc. DBA Cushman & Wakefield Atlantic

Time Licensed

9 years

Degrees/Designations

Bachelor of Arts, First Class Honours – University of Gloucestershire
Qualified Professional of Corporate Real Estate (QPCR) Designation

Director/Committee Experience

• Former Director – Greater Burnside Business Association
• Director (Current) – Easter Seals Nova Scotia
• Committee Member (Current) – NSREC Commercial Committee
• President (Current) – Bedford Volunteer Firefighters Association

About Me

James strongly believes that regulation should support licensees in practicing with professionalism, clarity, and freedom - not restrict them unnecessarily.

Originally from Wales, James has proudly called Nova Scotia home for the past 15 years. He lives in Bedford with his wife and works full-time in commercial real estate with Cushman & Wakefield Atlantic, where he is also an owner.

He is keenly aware that the public’s perception of the real estate industry isn’t always flattering. But he believes that perception can be shifted through thoughtful action. By rooting every decision in trust, responsible practice, and client outcomes, the profession can build public confidence in a way that benefits everyone.

James currently serves on the NSREC Commercial Committee and is seeking election as commissioner to help bring practical insight, strong ethics, and balanced thinking to the Commission’s work.

He respects NSREC’s public protection mandate and believes that supporting licensees is not in conflict with it. When licensees are well-equipped and empowered to act responsibly, consumers are better served.

Before entering the real estate industry, James owned a media relations firm. That experience shaped his reputation for being direct, clear, and no-nonsense, while also fair and compassionate in how he works with people. He believes honesty and accountability are essential in both business and governance.

Outside of real estate, James serves as a volunteer firefighter at Station 8 in Bedford and was elected President of the Bedford Volunteer Firefighter Association. He also holds a pilot’s licence and is actively involved in charitable fundraising throughout the year.

Angela Cowan, Associate Broker, Exit Real Estate Professionals

Time Licensed

19 years 

About Me

I’m a proud mother of three and wife to Bruce Patterson, my partner in life and in real estate. Coming from a family deeply rooted in the industry, I was one of seven Realtors in my family until my father, Dave Grace, passed away six years ago. Real estate has been a huge part of my life for the past 20 years, and in 2021, I earned my broker’s license to further my expertise.

Before real estate, I spent 15 years as a hairstylist and, prior to that, worked as an office administrator. My journey has always been driven by determination—I had my first child at 19, worked two jobs, and put myself through school twice. I took my real estate course while pregnant with my second child and welcomed my third just 17 months later.

Having experienced many different market cycles over the years, I’ve gained valuable insights that allow me to guide my clients with confidence. This career has its ups and downs, but I truly love what I do and am grateful for the opportunities it has given me to help others navigate one of life’s biggest decisions.

This Board position with NSREC is important to me. It’s something I’ve intended on doing for quite some time (thanks for the nudges over the years) and look forward to listening and contributing.

Denise MacDonell, Managing Associate Broker, Red Door Realty

Time Licensed

12 years

Degrees/Designations

• Bachelor of Business Administration
• FRI

Director/Committee Experience

• Member, Licensing Committee, NS Real Estate Commission, Jun 2024 – present
• Member, NS Advisory Committee on Judicial Appointments, NS Department of Justice, Jun 2023 – present
• Member, Selection Committee, NS Utility and Review Board, Sep 2024 – Dec 2024
• Regional Director Halifax, NS Association of REALTORS®, Mar 2022 – Feb 2023
• Member, Board of Directors, 2b Theatre Company, Feb 2017 – Apr 2021
• Member, Education Committee, NS Real Estate Commission, Sep 2019 – Mar 2022
• Member, Standard Forms Committee, NS Real Estate Commission, May 2015 – Jun 2019
• Member, Board of Governors & Chair Advancement Committee, Sacred Heart School of Halifax, Aug 2013 -Jun 2017
• Chair, Board of Directors, Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre, Oct 2011 – Sep 2014
• Various other committee and volunteer positions over the years.

About Me

My name is Denise MacDonell and I have held a license to trade in real estate from the Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission since 2012. I am currently a Managing Associate Broker at Red Door Realty and a Fellow of the Real Estate Institute of Canada (FRI). I graduated with a BBA from St.F.X. University.

It has been almost thirty years since real estate in Nova Scotia became self-regulated. The passing of the Real Estate Trading Act set in place requirements for a high standard of competence, ethical conduct, and professionalism by those licensed to trade under it. This also marked the establishment of the NS Real Estate Commission to protect the public interest through enforcement of the Act and its regulations, and through strong oversight of licensees. This is the core of the NSREC’s work. It is important that those who sit as board members of the NSREC understand how vital it is to have the trust of the public, and that their trust is gained when licensees act as role models and hold each other to the highest standards of ethical practice.

I have always viewed my work as a vocation, as opposed to “just a job.” Contributing to the industry in every way is a big part of that. I believe I have an appropriate set of qualifications, experience, and values, both as a real estate practitioner and volunteer, to provide a meaningful contribution to the work of the NSREC. More importantly, I understand that protection of the public is a sacred trust. Self-regulation is a privilege, not a right, and it would be an honour for me to contribute as a board member of the Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission.

Logan Morse, Managing Associate Broker, Royal LePage Atlantic

Time Licensed

6 years

Degrees/Designations

• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Certified Executor Advisor

Director/Committee Experience

• Vice-Chair, NSREC
• Executive and Finance Committee member, NSREC
• Complaints Review Committee member, NSREC
• MLS® Committee member, NSAR
• Finance Committee member, CREA
• Planning Advisory Committee member, Municipality of the County of Kings
• Audit and Finance Committee member, Municipality of the County of Kings
• Past Chair of the Audit Committee, Municipality of the County of Kings
• President, Valley Regional Hospital Foundation
• Past-President, Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival
• Investment Advisory Committee member, Town of Kentville
• Director, Centreville District Community Development Association

About Me

As a dedicated member of the Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission, I am honored to seek re-election to continue serving our industry with integrity, transparency, and commitment. Over the past three years, it has been a privilege to contribute as an elected member, and for the past two years as Vice-Chair, I have been proud to see Nova Scotia’s self-regulation of real estate working effectively for both consumers and licensees.

As Chair of the Finance Committee, I advocated for a reduction in licensing fees, leading to the Board’s approval of a $50 decrease in salesperson renewal fees starting in 2025. This reduction helps ease the financial burden on salespeople while ensuring NSREC remains financially sound and continues to protect the public through a fair and forward-thinking regulatory environment. I will always advocate for zero-based budgeting in our non-profit environment, ensuring expenditures remain prudent and responsible.

I am passionate about strengthening our profession by balancing regulation with practical, real-world insights that benefit all stakeholders. Self-regulation provides a unique opportunity for industry professionals to shape its future, and I believe a proactive and responsive Commission is key to maintaining trust and professionalism.

While the Board has just completed a years-long revision to the Commission’s by-laws, the work doesn’t end there. We must remain committed to promoting ethical business practices and accountability within the industry.

As a committed member of the Commission, I will continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, protect consumer interests, and support the ongoing success of real estate professionals across Nova Scotia.

I humbly ask for your support in this re-election and look forward to the opportunity to continue serving you.