East Coast Connected is proud to honour Atlantic Canada’s recipients of the Top 40 under 40 award. Sarah Young, Brian Chafe, Fiona Costello, Mark Derbyhsire and Jason Potter have proven that they can prosper in an unfriendly economy while contributing successfully to their communities and creating an impact in their industries.

Scanning their bios on Globe and Mail’s website one quickly realizes that dedication and the ability to rise above expectations are qualities shared by all of these rising stars. What’s even more impressive is that not only did these remarkable East Coast professionals manage to perform beyond the normal realm of success, but they did it while maintaining a focus on their families.

Take Pictou County native Sarah Young for example. A 35 year old mother of two, Ms. Young spends the bulk of her working hours at Halifax based MT&L Public Relations where she focuses on attracting new talent. On top of this she finds time to organize award winning PR campaigns for marathons, foster community building at her local YMCA, and raise the profile of Halifax’s business community at the Greater Halifax partnership.

For Sarah Young, a career in communications has meant more than writing corporate press releases. She also uses her skills to ensure Eastern Canada develops to its fullest potential. ”In some small way we're trying to make a difference and to help grow the capacity of Atlantic Canada,"

At 39, Brian Chafe is a notable Newfoundlander who has put his province on the map this year and created a lift in the aerospace industry worldwide. Under his guidance as Chief Operating Officer, Provincial Aerospace Limited (PAL) beat out several international competitors to land a $370 million deal to outfit two Maritime Patrol Aircraft in the United Arab Emirates. The contract, procured as a result of Mr. Chafe’s innovative leadership and patience, is expected to create 100 new jobs at PAL.

In a press release at the time of the announcement, Mr. Chafe’s mentor and president Gus Ollerhead stated that it was “An immense achievement for Provincial Aerospace and is attributable to the world-class skill and dedication of our people.” While PAL takes off and Mr. Chafe manages his 400,000 km-a-year travel schedule, he manages to enjoy spending time with his wife and three children.

Another Newfoundland native who also made the list is Fiona Costello who, whilst juggling her career as neuro-ophthalmologist and a professor at the University of Calgary, enjoys a happy marriage with a family of four. Born in Stevenville, NL, Dr. Costello’s early passion for writing gave way to her interest in science, and led to a medical career where she balances teaching, research and clinical work.

While her medical studies brought her from Memorial University in St. John’s to Ottawa and Iowa, a recent opportunity in Calgary gave her the chance to work on a cure for MS. Despite her high priorities and her optimistic vision, her family keeps her grounded.

Dr. Costello is not the only top 40 award winner to make her mark outside of Atlantic Canada. Mark Derbyshire, Chief Talent Officer at the Wittington Fashion Retail Group and Vice-president at Wittington Investments Ltd. in Toronto, was born in Nova Scotia and spent his formative years in Edmonton, helping his father stocking shelves at the family-owned Canadian Tire.

Mr. Derbyshire headed from an MBA at the University Montana to a PhD in organizational behaviour at the University of San Jose. Passionate about retail, after a stint at Canadian Tire as vice president, he realized his full potential for identifying and inspiring potential talent as Vice President, Human Resources at Holt Renfrew. Mr. Derbyshire’s latest achievements at Wittington Fashion group include Holt Renfrew being chosen as one of Canada’s best-managed companies in 2008 and Seldridges, named as one of Britain’s top 2008 employers by the Corporate research Foundation. Of course, his wife and three kids are there with him to enjoy his successes.

Honourable mention must also be given to Jason Potter, who as an Albertan, has made the case for brain circulation from west to east as he holds his position as President of operations, Atlantic region for Sobeys Inc. In Stellarton, N.S. At the age of 13 Jason started working at his local grocery store and has never looked back. His career has taken him from division manager of southern Alberta’s IGA stores to senior Vice President VP of Sobey’s western region. Mr. Potter lives in Pictou County with his wife and four daughters.

So what is the common thread between Canada’s most successful people under 40? With the absence of a tech boom and bull market this year, the criteria of a successful young Canadian seems to have flipped from technical savvy to hard work and client commitment. Caldwell Partners International Inc., the organization that presents these yearly awards, offers a brief list including innovation, leadership and growth. Mr. Caldwell himself has commented that “what we've seen this year is people with a strong commitment to their basic business but also to community service." While this may be true for most of the award winners what truly sets the Atlantic Canadians in this list apart is their ability to perform at their peak while balancing quality family life.