Polling firm Abacus Data has expanded into Atlantic Canada with the opening of a new office in downtown Halifax.

The office is located at 1741 Lower Water Street. Abacus has appointed Kelly Bennett to head the firm’s Maritimes business. She will also serve as a company vice-president.

The expansion marks a return to the company’s East Coast roots. Now, headquartered in Ottawa, Abacus was originally registered in New Brunswick in 2009.

With nearly 15 years of experience living and working in Atlantic Canada, Bennett will lead Abacus Data’s regional operations. Prior to joining Abacus, she managed public opinion research for the Government of Nova Scotia and served as a provincial spokesperson and communications advisor under three premiers.

“I love what’s happening in Atlantic Canada,” said David Coletto, chair and CEO of Abacus, in a news release. “When I visit the region, there’s an energy that I don’t feel in many other places. With this growth comes new opportunities which is why I’m excited to grow and invest in the region, establish a permanent footprint, and recruit someone with as much experience and talent as Kelly Bennett.”

The company will continue offering its nationally recognized research services to existing and new clients across the Atlantic provinces. Abacus serves clients across Canada and North America, including Google, WestJet, the Government of Canada, the Canadian Medical Association, and the Construction Association of Nova Scotia.

This expansion allows Abacus to bring its depth, perspective, and expertise to clients in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, said said the company..