BOARD MEMBER INFORMATION
President: Ashley Counsell
With a background in organizational design & development, Ashley is a strategic leader whose focus is translating organizational vision into results. Ashley has a proven track record as an executive leader and business owner, bringing both professional acumen and practical insights to her role. In addition to her professional achievements, Ashley has dedicated herself to extensive volunteer work. For the past 10 years, she has co-chaired the PGI Literacy Fundraising Event and has served as Vice-President of The United Way Endowment Fund “The Forever Fund.” Her commitment to community service also includes roles as Event Chairperson for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Charity Event and as a member of the YMCA Parent Advisory Board. Ashley is also a proud mother of two boys, Benjamin and Nicholas. Her notable achievements extend to the public sector, where she has successfully developed and implemented several key public policies in early learning, adult learning, and the public school system in New Brunswick
VP of Boys Programming: Mike King
Mike is a former member of the UNB Men's Basketball team, he earned accolades such as the UNB Ring of Distinction and AUS 2nd and 1st tear all star. He is currently a physical education teacher at Fredericton High School, and also coaches the FHS varsity boys basketball team. He is involved in community initiatives, co-hosting charity golf tournament and serving as Vice President of the FYBA Fusion Basketball Association. Mike coaches the U11 Fusion competitive boys team, on which is son Oliver plays and loves.
Treasurer: Darcy Kelly
Darcy has worked in the Financial Services industry for 14 years in a variety of progressive roles. Currently, he works for TD as Area Manager, Small Business Banking where he and his team assist small businesses, associations, & non-profits across New Brunswick to support their growth. Outside of work, Darcy's non-profit experience also includes work with United Way Central New Brunswick and Junior Achievement New Brunswick. He has 2 kids currently playing for Fusion and in addition to serving on the board as Treasurer, Darcy has extensive experience as a coach in basketball, baseball, and hockey.
VP of Girls Programming: Doug Thompson
Doug has coached teams at various youth levels, from the U7 age to middle and high school levels. His journey in basketball began in Fredericton's youth system, progressed through high school at FHS, and extended for five years at UNB. Doug's love for youth sports runs deep, and he is thrilled to contribute to the game that has given him countless opportunities. Doug graduated with a bachelors in Electrical Engineering from UNB and he is a former AUS all star and member of UNB Reds Basketball Team. Doug is a husband to his wife Ellen and father to Ava, Olivia, and Logan. He is excited about standing by them in their pursuits, and if they gravitate towards basketball, it would be a wonderful bonus!
Board Member: Benjamin Kennedy
Ben brings 20+ years of renewable energy and industrial sector expertise in operations management, business development, supply chain, contract and executive management, including senior leadership roles in prominent international clean tech and engineering firms. Ben holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Brunswick and an MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University in Toronto. Ben has two daughters involved in Fusion basketball and is passionate about the continued growth of the organization.
Board Member: Erin McAleenan
Erin has been coaching for over 20 years at various levels from youth to National teams. She has coached all over Canada, and been involved at the high school, club, provincial, university, and national team levels. She brings a different perspective having gone through the basketball system in NB, but then gaining experience and knowledge from a variety of provinces across Canada. Erin just finished her 12th season as a University Head Coach and has had the opportunity to positively impact the growth and development of many female student-athletes over her career. Representing our country, she has been fortunate to win the first Gold Medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2022 in 3X3 Women’s Basketball, as well as a silver medal at the FIBA Americas tournament with our U18 team in 2018. Erin has won a Gold and Bronze medals at Nationals and Canada Games respectively representing Ontario with the U17 Team.
Board Member: John Cormier
John's coaching journey spans 36 years, evolving from youth basketball and baseball to guiding successful teams at Devon Middle School and Fusion basketball. He has prioritized skill development and sportsmanship, fostering a fun yet challenging environment. His board responsibilities include the purchase of equipment and coordination of the jr ref program including clinics, assignments, and development. In his professional life, he's overseen ferry and bridge maintenance operations, leading the development of major projects like the Grand Manan Adventure Ferry and the design of the Black's Harbour Ferry Terminal Facility. In his personal life, he is a proud grandfather of three grandchildren.
Board Member: Christy Borgald
Christy grew up a multi-sport athlete in the Fredericton region, most notably softball, volleyball and curling. As an adult, her love of sport has not wavered, and as a mother to two young girls, she finds herself in basketball gyms and softball fields across New Brunswick most of the year. Christy has always been involved in her communities, most recently she has served on the boards of Coach NB, Velo NB, Gladstone Curling Club, and now, Fusion. She has some minor coaching experience in basketball and curling, and helped manage her daughter Kate's U13 team this past season. Christy is a recent graduate of the University of New Brunswick with her MBA in Sport and Recreation Management, and is focused on creating and keeping spaces for females in sport throughout their lives. She works full time at UNB as a Financial Analyst, and previously spent many years at TD Wealth.
Board Member: Joe Thompson
Joe was born and raised in the city of Fredericton. He had the opportunity to play and coach the sport of basketball in large part because of amazing volunteers and programs offered in the city. His time playing with the Varsity Boys program at FHS and his five years as a student-athlete with the UNB Varsity Reds are memories that he will always cherish. Joe has been coaching ever since he graduated from high school, and has thoroughly enjoyed his time as a board member and coach at the U11 - U14 level over the past several years. Joe and his wife Rebekah have two boys, Luke and William, who are currently in the Fusion program, and their daughter, Rachel, will be part of the Fusion program in the years to come.
Board Member: Brett Black
Since 2008, Brett has been a teacher in the Anglophone West School District and has served as a Vice Principal since 2017. Previously, he was an Athletic Director at various schools and held the position of NBTA Branch President in 2015. Brett's coaching experience spans middle school and high school basketball, badminton, and volleyball teams since 2000, including several years coaching at the Jr. NBA level. Additionally, Brett manages the yearly schedules for both students and teachers. He has two children who both play Fusion Basketball. Academically, Brett holds a Master’s in Administration (Education) from the University of New Brunswick, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Maine at Presque Isle, a Bachelor of Social Sciences from UMPI, and a Bachelor of Arts from UNB.
Board Member: Joe Salerno
With 17 years of coaching experience spanning high school, university, professional, and national levels, Joe is currently the head men's basketball coach at the University of New Brunswick. In addition to his coaching roles, he has accumulated extensive front office experience, serving as Vice President of Player Personnel and General Manager of Basketball Operations for two different professional franchises. Joe has also directed multiple basketball camps and clinics and has been a guest speaker at various coaching clinics. Some of Joe's accomplishments include coaching in both the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers as well as the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, he is a 3 time NBL Canada Coach of the Year, and is the all-time Winningest coach in NBL Canada History (218).
Board Member: Josh Astle
Josh has over 10 years of experience in provincial sport administration in HR, Governance, Sponsorship, Finance, Programming and coach development. He has participated on multiple provincial, national and international teams/competitions as a coach, team manager and chef-de-mission. Josh has 3 young children actively engaged in multiple youth sports.
