Speaker Biographies

Jen Aitchison
SVP Renewable Energy Industry Leader, Canada
Marsh Specialty, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Jen is the Renewable Energy Specialty Leader in Canada, working with a number of key clients in the sector. In this role, she is responsible for coordinating the delivery of all Marsh resources to her clients, supervising the client team, developing marketplace strategies, and crafting solutions for unusual business and insurance risks. Jen’s expertise with renewable energy business includes the design of both traditional and alternative risk management programs and in depth involvement with renewable energy industry engaged in solving industrywide risk management challenges. Jen also currently sits as the Vice-Chair on the board of CanREA and is co-founder of Auld Castle Farms, an Apiary and educational farm north of Toronto.

Aaron Atcheson , Partner
Miller Thomson LLP,
London, Ontario, Canada

Aaron Atcheson is a partner and leader of the Projects Group at Miller Thomson LLP, practising in the area of energy and infrastructure projects. Aaron has been repeatedly recognized as a leading lawyer and expert in energy, environmental law and property development. Aaron represents parties in transactions and projects in the renewable energy industry, including developers and power producers, solar panel and associated equipment manufacturers, turbine manufacturers, debt and equity providers, vendors and purchasers of projects, underwriters, and consultants. Aaron has also provided development construction and financing advice on district energy, electricity storage, landfill gas, bio-gas, energy-from-waste, waste heat recovery, gas-fired thermal power generation, co-generation, hydro-electric, natural gas production, gas pipeline and gas storage projects, as well as transactions related to water testing and treatment and waste and recycling. Aaron is a member of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association and has provided advice on projects across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and in jurisdictions in Central America and the Caribbean.

Adam Auer
President and CEO
Cement Association of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Adam was appointed President and CEO of the Cement Association of Canada (CAC) in April 2022. Formerly Vice President of Sustainability, Adam has spent more than two decades working with public, private and non-profit institutions, leading policies and programs to support industrial decarbonization. As CAC’s President and CEO, Adam’s leadership is focused on ensuring the cement industry remains a competitive leader in Canada’s transition to a climate resilient net-zero economy. He also serves as a Director of the Athena Sustainable Materials Institute as well as on the Canadian Climate Institute’s Council of Advisors. Before joining the CAC in 2012, Adam managed Environment Canada’s Corporate Environmental Innovation initiative - a multi-stakeholder program to promote the business and financial case for corporate environmental leadership and the link between sustainability and an innovative and competitive economy. Adam holds a Masters' of Environmental Studies from York University and a Bachelor of Science in Ecology from the University of British Columbia.

John Avdoulos
CEO and President
Essex Power Corporation,
Oldcastle, Ontario, Canada

As President & CEO of Essex Power, John Avdoulos leads a team that is committed to innovation, technology and strong performance management. Through innovative technologies the Essex Power Group of Companies has successfully built the foundation to establish a diverse set of energy products and services that provide value to its customers. Essex Power is a dynamic energy company that continues to build solutions for the future. Previously John, was the Chief Operating Officer for Essex Power Corporation. John joined the energy industry in 2006 and has been able to transfer valuable lessons learned from his previous experience in the manufacturing sector. John’s past experience provides a unique view to the energy industry as John has already experienced many of the changes that the energy world is currently seeing. John holds a Board of Directors position at the Electricity Distributors Association. John holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Windsor, a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Lawrence Technological University, a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Windsor and a McLaughlin Masters Certificate in Project Management. John obtained the Chartered Director (C.Dir.) designation from The Directors College (2022). He is also a member of the Association of Energy Engineers.

Gaurav Behal
Manager of Utility Partnerships
Chargepoint

André Bernier
Director General, Electricity Resources Branch
Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

André Bernier has served as an executive with the Electricity Resources Branch, at Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) since October 2016 and Director General of the Branch since August 2021. His team leads on the development and implementation of programs and policies related to the electricity sector. André previously served at Canada’s Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) where he was the Senior Director responsible for aerospace industrial policy. Prior to working at ISED, André was the analyst responsible for domestic climate change policy at the Privy Council office and worked at NRCan in the Deputy Minister’s Office. André holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics (University of Waterloo) and a Master’s degree in Public Affairs (Princeton University).

Dietrich Bödecker
Commercial Manager - North America
RheEnergise Canada Ltd,
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Dietrich Bödecker is Commercial Manager for North America at RheEnergise, applying his extensive background in clean tech commercialisation and financial innovation to accelerate the traction of High-Density Hydro®. Dietrich obtained an MBA from University of Passau in Germany, as well as a Certificate in Energy Management & Innovation from the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Michelle Branigan, CEO
Electricity Human Resources Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Michelle Branigan is the Chief Executive Officer of Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC). Branigan is a subject matter expert when it comes to the industry and works closely with employers and industry stakeholders to address their specific labour market and HR challenges. Originally from Ireland, Branigan holds a master’s degree in Training and Performance Management from the University of Leicester, U.K., and is a certified Project Management Professional. Understanding the impacts of innovation and technology, Branigan is committed to developing forward thinking and cutting-edge tools, resources, and research to meet current and future workforce needs. As a champion of diversity and inclusion, she is passionate about leading real change for the advancement of women and minorities and has spearheaded many instrumental programs which have sparked a national movement for organization to become agents of change. Among these initiatives is the leadership Accord for Diversity Equity and Inclusion - a public commitment by employers, educators, unions, and governments to build a workforce that is truly representative of Canada’s people. She is currently an active Board Member with the Energy Council of Canada, the Irish Film Festival Ottawa, and a recipient of Women in Renewable Energy’s (WiRE) Woman of the Year award, which recognizes and celebrates professional women working in the energy sector who go above and beyond business as usual.

Luisa Da Silva, Executive Director
Iron & Earth,
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

As the Executive Director of Iron & Earth, Luisa is empowering fossil fuel and Indigenous workers through creating opportunities to transition into the net-zero economy. She brings a wealth of experience from the energy, conservation, mining, education, and not-for-profit sectors. She began her career in the fossil fuel industry of northern Alberta, and has been influenced by her mining experiences in Canada and abroad. After a successful career as a professional geoscientist, Luisa moved to the United Kingdom to pursue an Executive Master’s of Business Administration. Since then, Luisa has worked in the charitable and not-for-profit sector, and is enthusiastic about enabling people to transition to fulfilling careers. In her spare time, Luisa is an outdoor enthusiast and spends as much time in nature as possible.

Kevin Dawson, Director,
Forecasting and Analytics
Alberta Electric System Operator,
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Kevin Dawson, MA, CFA – Director, Forecasting and Analytics at Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) Kevin Dawson is Director, Forecasting and Analytics at the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) and has been with the organization since 2010. In this role he is responsible for overseeing the development and use of forecasts and data analysis to provide insights used within the AESO and by industry stakeholders to make informed decisions. Prior to joining the AESO, Mr. Dawson spent 12 years at TransAlta, holding progressively senior roles in the areas of market analysis, risk management, commercial and portfolio management and commodity hedging. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Economics and a Master of Arts degree in Economics, both from the University of Calgary. In addition, he is a Chartered Financial Analyst charterholder.

Jason Chee-Aloy
Managing Director
Power Advisory LLC

Jason is a senior electricity market and electricity policy consultant based in Toronto, with 25 years of experience in competitive and regulated electricity markets. He has acted for multiple clients with business and policy interests across Canada and the United States, within areas of generation development and investments, transmission and distribution development, energy storage development, market assessment and intelligence, business strategy, wholesale electricity market design, power procurement, energy policy development, and regulatory and litigation support. Jason is currently the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Renewable Energy Association.

Brad Coady
Executive Director
NB Power, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

Brad Coady, P. Eng. Executive Director, Business Development & Strategic Planning Mr. Brad Coady is the Executive Director of Business Development & Strategic Planning. He oversees the utility’s integrated Resource Planning and a variety of Corporate Business Initiatives. His areas of responsibility include Rates Modernization, Corporate Strategic Planning, and Environment Services. Brad joined NB Power’s executive team in 2020 and prior to his current role, has held a number of positions in the utility sector including Business Development, Strategic Planning, Plant Engineering, System Operations, Energy Efficiency, and Energy Marketing & Trading. Brad is currently a member of the Board of Directors for the Atlantica Centre for Energy (ACfE). He also participates on a number of industry oversight committees and is a member of APEGNB. Prior to joining NB Power, Brad worked at Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. He has a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) and Master of Business Administration degrees from Memorial University.

Mathieu Côté Director, Operations Program
Canadian Renewable Association

As CanREA’s Operations Program Director, Mathieu Côté leads the National Operations Caucus, with committees and working groups focused on site operations, asset management, decommissioning, workforce development and health & safety. Matt has ten years of industry experience, having worked for a Wind/Solar/Hydrogen developer in France and a major OEM in Quebec, Nova Scotia and the UK. He holds a Physics degree from Dalhousie University. In his spare time, he attempts marathons and wrangles a young son. Matt is a proud Franco-Ontarian, currently based in Montreal.

Carolyn Dahl Rees
Chair
Alberta Utilities Commission, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Carolyn Dahl Rees, Chair, Alberta Utilities Commission Carolyn Dahl Rees was most recently appointed to the Alberta Utilities Commission on March 25, 2020 and became chair on June 24, 2020. Ms. Dahl Rees had been a Commission member, an acting chair, and later vice-chair, between 2007 and 2012. Along with her substantial regulatory history at the AUC and other tribunals, Ms. Dahl Rees, a lawyer, worked recently in multiple senior legal roles for TransAlta Corporation. She also has experience drafting legislation and regulations and played a role in the development of the regulatory framework and foundational legislation to restructure Alberta’s electricity system in the 1990s. She has completed degrees in law, English and medieval studies.

Tim Eckel
Vice President, Asset Management, Planning and Sustainability
SaskPower, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Tim Eckel, Vice-President, Asset Management, Planning and Sustainability Tim Eckel was appointed Vice President, Asset Management, Planning & Sustainability in 2017. He has over 35 years of experience in numerous roles within SaskPower, including as Vice President, Transmission Services. Mr. Eckel holds a Diploma in Electrical Engineering Technology from Saskatchewan Polytechnic, a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Regina. He is a professional engineer and member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan. Mr. Eckel recently received the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. Mr. Eckel represents SaskPower on the Electricity Canada Generation Council and on the National Emerging Issues Committee. In addition, Mr. Eckel is a Director on the Saskatchewan Electric Reliability Authority and is a member of the Centre of Excellence Advanced Technological Innovation Senior Leaders Advisory Committee. Mr. Eckel is an active member of his community.

Jackie Forrest
Executive Director
ARC Energy Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Jackie actively monitors emerging strategic trends related to energy. She is an author and sought after public speaker with 25 years of experience in the energy industry. She is the co-host of the ARC Energy Ideas podcast, a weekly show that explains the latest trends and news in Canadian energy and beyond. Jackie is a member of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA). She is a former board member of Longshore Resources Ltd. and the Explorers and Producers Association of Canada (EPAC). Prior to joining ARC, she was the leader of North American crude oil research for IHS CERA. Jackie has published 20 public papers on energy issues. She has co-hosted over 100 podcasts and written numerous columns, spanning all energy systems from oil and gas to clean energy, including electric vehicles, renewable power, carbon capture and biofuels. Jackie was the recipient of the 2018 Schulich School of Engineering Environment and Sustainability Alumni Award, recognizing her contribution to a significant body of knowledge that has helped to increase the understanding of the connection between energy and environment. She is currently a member of the Schulich Industry Advisory Council (SIAC), the group provides input to the engineering school to help to ensure that programs and initiatives align with industry needs. Jackie attended the University of Calgary where she received an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering. She also has an MBA from Queens University.

Nicholas Gall
Director, Ontario
Canadian Renewable Energy Association, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

As CanREA’s Director, Ontario and Distributed Energy Resources, Nicholas Gall leads policy development and advocacy on behalf of Ontario focused members and on issues related to DERs across Canada. Prior to joining CanREA, he worked as a Senior Policy Analyst at Solar Energy UK, and in Ottawa in government relations and advocacy within the environmental sector. Nick holds an MSc in economics with a focus on energy and environmental policy from University College London, a BA in economics from Dalhousie University and a certificate in climate and renewable-energy finance from the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management. Nick is based in Ottawa.

Emma Garrod
Talent Development Manager, People & Culture
Spark Power Corp, Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Brandy Giannetta, VP Policy,
Regulatory and Government Affairs
Canadian Renewable Energy Association, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

As CanREA’s Vice-President of Policy, Regulatory & Government Affairs, Brandy Giannetta leads the Association’s stakeholder advocacy and public engagement efforts throughout Canada. She was the Ontario Regional Director at CanWEA for eight years previously. She has also worked as a political staffer at Queen’s Park and as an administrator of the NRCan Home Energy Retrofit Program. Brandy holds an MA in Political Science and Public Policy from the University of Windsor. She currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Stakeholder Advisory Committee at the Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). Brandy is based in Toronto.

Jean Habel
Director, Atlantic Canada and Quebec
Canadian Renewable Energy Association, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

As CanREA’s Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada, Jean Habel serves as CanREA’s bilingual key representative and spokesperson in these regions. He leads the Quebec Caucus and the Nova Scotia Caucus, working closely with CanREA members. Prior to joining CanREA, he was Senior Advisor, Public & Government Affairs at the Association québécoise des pharmaciens propriétaires for two years, and the MNA for Sainte-Rose (Laval) for four years before that. Jean holds a BBA from HEC Montréal, an Executive Certificate in Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School and is a CPA.

Kelly Hall
Membership Sales Manager
Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), Calgary, Alberta, Canada

As CanREA’s Membership Sales Manager, Kelly is dedicated to growing and strengthening CanREA’s membership base. Kelly works with current and potential members of all sizes, knowing that Canada’s growth and success depends on a strong and reliable renewable energy portfolio. Prior to joining CanREA in 2022, he led business development efforts at Forward Summit, a company dedicated to improving Indigenous economic opportunities across Canada. Kelly can often be found outdoors, playing sports, or volunteering wherever his skills are needed. Kelly is based in Calgary.

Soren Halverson
Special Advisor to the Deputy Minister, Environment and Climate Change Canada
Government of Canada, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada

Soren Halverson is Special Advisor to the Deputy Minister at Environment and Climate Change Canada, where he currently leads on the development of Canada’s Clean Electricity Regulations. Prior to this role, Soren served in senior positions in Canada’s Department of Finance, where he led work on financial sector policy, sustainable finance, and environmental and natural resource policy, among other policy areas.

Ahmed Hanafy, Director
Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Ahmed is a Director at Dunsky where he advises utilities, governments and other actors across Canada and the U.S. on the critical technology, policy and strategy issues related to the electricity sector’s transformation. Combining deep technical knowledge with strategic foresight, Ahmed’s expertise lies in supporting Dunsky's clients with assessing the potential for and impacts of renewable energy, energy storage, EVs, DERs and other emerging technologies, and providing strategic insights to inform corporate strategy, system planning, project development, and policy/regulatory initiatives. In addition to leading and contributing to 100+ mandates at Dunsky, his expertise builds on prior experiences working on emerging utility business models, renewable energy policy, energy markets and other related issues. Ahmed holds a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and an MBA from McGill as well as a Master’s degree in energy science from ETH Zurich, Switzerland.

Matt Harper, Chief Commercial Officer
Invinity Energy Systems,
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

As Chief Commercial Officer of vanadium flow battery manufacturer Invinity Energy Systems, Matt is responsible for the commercialization and deployment of Invinity's groundbreaking energy storage solutions. Invinity's mission is to make our future electric system more economically and ecologically sustainable by delivering the safest, most dependable, and most economical energy storage solutions currently serving the electric grid. Matt is a clean-tech entrepreneur and product developer, whose career spans pioneering work commercializing electrical energy storage, wastewater treatment, hydrogen generation and fuel cell vehicles. Previously, he was President and Co-Founder of Avalon Battery and he has also served as VP Products and Services at Prudent Energy. Matt holds seven patents related to clean industrial technologies, a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia, and a master’s degree in Engineering and Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Chris Henderson, Executive Director
Indigenous Clean Energy,
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Chris Henderson is a Canadian clean energy thought leader, eco-entrepreneur and environmental innovator. For the past 35 years, he has led and been at the forefront of ground-breaking Canadian enterprises and local/national business, social and ecological initiatives which have global impact and resonance. Chris is a trusted and insightful commentator on economic, environment and energy issues that respect the Planet, and generate enduring outcomes for corporations, communities and Canada. Chris has two prime focus. Firstly, advising and equipping Indigenous peoples and communities to develop and own clean energy projects to catalyze social development, economic opportunity and to combat Climate Change. Secondly, providing high-impact strategic advice on accelerating energy transition to a low carbon and more competitive energy future. Chris’ first book Aboriginal Power was published in 2013. Chris is the President of Lumos Energy, Founding Executive Director of the Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise, Founder of The Delphi Group and Board Chair of the Globe Series.

Richard Hendriks
PhD Candidate
University of Toronto, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Richard Hendriks is a PhD Candidate in Civil Engineering at the University of Toronto. Richard’s current Ph.D. research interests include the risks, opportunities and challenges associated with the contribution of future hydroelectric development, redevelopment, and pumped storage hydroelectric development to meeting Canada’s requirements for low-carbon electrical capacity and energy storage. He recently developed the Canadian Open-source Database for Energy Research and Systems-Modelling (CODERS), an integrated and standardized national electricity systems modelling database that leverages existing national, provincial, utility and system operator databases. His current research concerns optimization using capacity expansion and production cost models of hydroelectric development pathways for meeting Canada’s commitment to a net-zero electricity system by 2035 and net-zero economy by 2050. For the past two decades, Richard has been engaged as an independent consultant in the planning, environmental assessment, economic evaluation, and Indigenous consultation related to several large-scale hydroelectric and transmission projects across Canada. Among other activities, he currently sits as an appointed member of the Churchill River Management Expert Panel tasked with recommending to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador potential approaches to ensuring maximum long-term benefits from the Churchill Falls Project.

Robert Hornung, President and CEO
Canadian Renewable Energy Association, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

As the founding President and CEO of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), Robert Hornung leads a member-based organization focused on ensuring that renewable energy and energy storage play a central role in transforming Canada’s energy mix. He was the longstanding president of the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA), which united with the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) in 2020 to form CanREA. Robert previously worked on climate-change issues with the Pembina Institute, Environment Canada, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and Friends of the Earth Canada. Robert holds a Master’s degree in political science from the University of Toronto. He serves on the Advisory Council of Positive Energy, a University of Ottawa research project that seeks to strengthen public confidence in Canadian energy policy. Robert is based in Ottawa.

Binnu Jeyakumar
Director, Clean Energy
Pembina Institute

Binnu brings a wealth of skills, expertise and experience from the power industry, government and non-profit sectors to her position as director of the electricity program of the Pembina Institute, Canada’s leading energy think tank. Her portfolio includes managing the phase-out of coal power, integrating renewables, and modernizing the grid. She has expertise in fossil fuel and renewable generation technologies, community energy, sustainability strategy development. She has designed and convened several multi-stakeholder engagements on energy policy issues.

Before joining the Pembina Institute, Binnu worked as a plant and performance engineer at TransAlta’s various generating facilities in Alberta, Ontario, and Mexico. She also provided management consulting services to the Ghanaian government focusing on local government effectiveness. She currently serves on the board of Blue Green Canada.

During her free time, Binnu loves to spend time in the Rockies, hiking and canoeing.

Mathieu M.J. Johnson
Vice President, Strategy, Corporate Evolution, and Development, Hydro Quebec

Mathieu Johnson joined Hydro-Québec in 2020 as Senior Director – Corporate Strategies, Partnerships and Development before being appointed Vice President – Strategies, Corporate Growth and Development in February 2022. In this capacity, he is in charge of establishish Hydro-Québec's overall business strategies and to steer the company's development project based on the changes taking place in the energy sector and new market needs, in order to enable Québec to achieve its energy transition in an optimal manner. He also oversees changes to the regulatory framework and Hydro-Québec's rate structure. In addition, he is responsible for partnerships and investments related to renewable energy production infrastructures in sectors other than hydroelectricity, such as wind energy and green hydrogen. Prior to joining Hydro-Québec, Mr. Johnson was Director, Renewable Gas Strategy and Development at Energir (formerly Gaz Métro). Working with private and public sector partners, his team played an important role in the development of the renewable gas industry in Quebec and the deployment of new technologies in this field, such as pyrogasification and hydrogen. He has also worked as a strategy consultant with KPMG and Roland Berger in Canada and abroad.

Mr. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from HEC Montréal. He sits on the Board of Directors of Tennis Montréal, the documentary theatre company Les Productions Porte Parole, the Natural Gas Technology Centre and Écotech Québec.

Wesley Johnston
Vice President - Business Development, Finance, and Operations
Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

As CanREA’s Vice President, Business Development, Finance and Operations, Wesley Johnston provides business and organizational leadership and manages the membership and business development team. In his previous role as President and CEO at the Canadian Solar Industries Association, he led its merger with CanWEA to form CanREA in 2020. Wes holds an MBA (Queen’s University), a MAES focusing on the economic benefits of renewable energy (University of Waterloo) and a BBA in Business and Economics (University of PEI). Wes has been passionate about renewables since installing a solar water-heating system on his first home in PEI in 2004. Wes is based in Ottawa.

Caroline Lee, Mitigation Research Lead
Canadian Climate Institute,
Ottawa, Nunavut, Canada

Caroline Lee is Research Lead for the Mitigation Team at the Canadian Climate Institute and most recently led the technical analysis in the Institute's report "The Big Switch," looking at transforming Canada's electricity systems for net zero goals. She has a diverse background in international climate and energy policy analysis having previously worked as Energy Policy Analyst at the International Energy Agency, Climate Change Mitigation Analyst at the Government of New Brunswick, and an Energy Consultant with Navius Research. She holds an MA in Resource Management from Simon Fraser University.

Derick Lila
Founder, Managing Editor
PV Buzz

I produce content for online communication pieces, events and presentations for corporate clients, national and international destinations, marketing, PR and advertising agencies, government agencies, and anyone with a message they need to communicate to an audience. I have a Master's Degree in Environmental Science & Policy from Clark University, Massachusetts—on a Fulbright Scholarship. I have over 10+ years of active marketing, B2B business development and sales, and content strategy development and implementation experience.

I'm fluent in two languages: English and French.

Roslyn McMann, Director,
Market Development
BluEarth Renewables,
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Roslyn McMann has over fourteen years of experience in the renewable energy sector. In her role as Director of Market Development at BluEarth Renewables, Roslyn is responsible for leading the organization’s energy policy engagement, building relationships with key stakeholders and contributing to the Canadian growth strategy. Before joining BluEarth in 2016, Roslyn worked at GE for eight years in various roles in the Energy Division, including Region Leader for Distributed Power and Canadian Renewables Segment Leader. In these roles, she was responsible for navigating the strategy and growth of GE’s portfolio in Canada. Combined with Roslyn’s previous experience in the industrial and commercial water and energy management sector, she brings a wholistic view to the clean energy conversation in Canada. Roslyn a past Director of the Canadian Wind Energy Board and the Canadian Solar Energy Board, a current member of the BRC Advisory Board and Canadian Renewable Energy Board and is active in key policy files for wind and solar across Canada. Roslyn has an undergraduate degree in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering from the University of Western Ontario and an MBA specializing in Global Energy and Sustainable Development from the University of Calgary. She is a former Olympic athlete and World Championship medalist who loves being active in nature.

Jeff MacAulay
CEO
Charge Solar, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Ian MacRobbie
Vice President, Operations
Liberty Power, Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Ian MacRobbie is a licensed Professional Engineer with a BASc from the University of Waterloo in Mechanical Engineering. Ian’s technical experience ranges from oil and gas production in Western Canada, gas storage and processing in Ontario and renewable power generation overseeing assets across North America. During his career Ian has spent most of this time with a focus on asset operations and performance. Ian has spent the last 12 years of his career in renewable power generation with experience in wind, solar, hydro, and combined cycle gas generation as well as recently Renewable Natural Gas production. Ian joined Liberty in July 2018 as the Vice President, Operations at Liberty with responsibility for the field operations teams, engineering, compliance and asset performance.

Julie Mair
Membership and Business Development Manager
Canadian Renewable Association

As CanREA’s Membership and Business Development Manager, Julie Mair implements the Association’s strong member-benefits program and facilitates partner relationships and sponsorships. Prior to the launch of CanREA in 2020, Julie was the Membership and Business Development Manager at the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA). She previously managed member services at BIOTECanada, served with the Public Health Agency of Canada, and managed residential group homes for people with developmental disabilities for nearly two decades. Julie is based in Ottawa and, as an avid hockey fan, she proudly supports the Ottawa Senators.

Sofia Martimianakis
Industry Reporter, Editor
PVBuzz Media Inc. (pvbuzz.com), Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Sofia Martimianakis is an Industry Reporter, Editor and Content Creator at pvbuzz.com (PVBuzz Media Inc.). She enjoys helping industry professionals transform their social media and website content to better engage their audiences. Sofia completed her HBA in English Literature at the University of Toronto and her MA in Literary Studies at the University of Waterloo. She is passionate about crafting stories that motivate positive change in the renewable energy sector.

Tim Martinson
President
EMerge Alliance, Erie, Pennsylvania

Paula McGarrigle
Managing Director
Solas Energy Consulting

Paula McGarrigle is the Managing Director of Solas Energy Consulting and has focused the majority of her twenty-year career on the deployment of renewable energy technology in North America. She has significant experience in climate change and renewable energy policy within the Canadian renewable energy community. Her significant experience in project development, business development and organizational strategic planning within the Renewable Energy sector has resulted in developments totaling over 1,100 MW. Ms. McGarrigle was formerly the head of Shell Canada's Wind Energy Department, and Director of Business Development for Suncor Energy's Alternative and Renewable Energy department. Prior to entering the Renewable Energy sector, she worked in the Oil, Gas, and Chemicals industries doing engineering, business and international consulting. Ms. McGarrigle’s academic background includes two undergraduate degrees from the University of Alberta, Canada; Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. Ms. McGarrigle also holds an MBA in Finance from Queen’s University, Canada.

Phil McKay
Senior Director
CanREA Electricity Transition Hub, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

As CanREA’s Senior Director, Electricity Transition Hub, Phil McKay leads a program for Canadian electricity utilities and system operators, providing resources and capacity-building for the integration of wind, solar and energy storage into Canada’s diverse electricity grids. Previously, Phil led CanREA and CanWEA’s Operations Program for six years, where he formalized operation and maintenance best practices for the industry. He has also worked as an engineer at the Wind Energy Institute of Canada and in automotive thermodynamics. He holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Windsor, specializing in the group dynamics of commercial-scale wind turbines. Phil is based in Southern Ontario.

Erin K. Melvin
Senior Consultant
Purpose Co, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

As one of Purpose Co’s Lead Consultants, Erin works with employers, service providers, and job seekers to develop and implement mutually beneficial workforce solutions. She combines her academic background on the intersection of race, gender, and class in industry with her current interest in human-centered design and systems thinking to create solutions founded in local context and future possibility. Before coming to Purpose Co, Erin’s work focused on helping organizations implement digital learning solutions. She has experience working with nonprofits, higher education, social services, government, industry, manufacturing, and multinational corporations. Her superpower is mapping out complex problems to help her clients identify and implement impactful changes so that they can achieve their goals.

Allison Miller
Manager, Energy Markets
Enel North America, Boston, Massachusetts

Allison Miller (MBA, M.S.) is a Manger of Energy Markets for Enel North America. Allison started at Enel as the Senior Program Manager for Ontario leading their participation in the IESO-administered markets as well as regional DER solutions. She now oversees many of Enel's portfolios of demand-side flexibility assets across North American markets. With a long-standing passion for sustainability, she is focused on enabling market-access for clean energy resources and expanding their implementation to bolster grid reliability. Prior to her role at Enel, Allison worked for the U.S. Department of Energy in the energy technology commercialization space. She holds both an MBA and M.S. in Sustainable Energy Systems from the University of Michigan.

David Miller
Director, Electricity Policy and Programs
Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

David Miller, Director of Clean Electricity, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables. David has worked for the Province of Nova Scotia for the last 10 years, primarily on energy policy, indigenous consultation and engagement, and renewable electricity programs. Previously, David worked as a consultant for a variety of First Nations and renewable energy developers in Ontario, supporting aboriginal consultation, engagement, partnerships, and project development. David holds a Masters degree in Rural Planning and Development from the University of Guelph.

Melissa Morrison, Senior Planner, Hydrogen and Renewables
DNV, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Ms. Morrison is a biologist with sixteen years of project planning and strategic advisory experience in the energy industries. Ms. Morrison's career started in oil and gas, where she worked as a biologist and environmental planner coordinating environmental field assessments to support regulatory applications. She transferred those skills to transmission line siting, routing, assessment, and stakeholder engagement. Her career then took her in the direction of renewable energy development, leading clients through planning, siting, environmental assessment, Indigenous consultation, and stakeholder engagement for utility scale renewable energy projects. Her experience across many energy industries gives her a broad understanding of project planning and development and she brings those perspectives to help clients plan energy projects during the energy transition. Her recent hydrogen project work has given her experience helping clients determine where they fit into the emerging hydrogen economy. Since joining DNV in 2021, Ms Morrison has been involved in hydrogen and renewable energy projects in the U.S., Canada, and globally. She has focused her field of expertise around the roadmap/strategy/feasibility studies for hydrogen production, transportation, and utilization. She also leads planning, siting, environmental assessment, permitting and stakeholder engagement for wind and solar developments in Canada and the US. She is a highly effective project manager with strong communication skills and is motivated problem solver. She has a passion for innovation and strategy as is relates to corporate success and environmental responsibility. She is a team lead for the Environmental and Permitting Services and a member of the North America Hydrogen team and the North America Equity in Clean Energy team.

Terri-Lee Oleniuk
Partner
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Terri-Lee Oleniuk (BSc, JD, LLM) is a Partner with Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP in their Calgary office. Terri-Lee’s practice focuses on project-related issues concerning natural-resource development with a specialization in regulatory, environmental and Indigenous law issues. She acts for a variety of companies in environmental assessments and regulatory proceedings to obtain approvals for major developments in the oil and gas, pipeline, LNG, mining (including metal, potash and diamond), natural-gas processing, petrochemical, electricity transmission, hydro, solar, wind and energy storage sectors. Terri-Lee frequently advises clients on various agreements with First Nations and Métis groups and negotiates impact beneﬁt agreements on behalf of developers. Terri-Lee also represents clients in front of administrative tribunals in related matters such as tolls and tariffs proceedings, regulatory investigations, and inquiries. In addition, she provides strategic advice regarding environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters. Terri-Lee has appeared before the Canada Energy Regulator, the Alberta Energy Regulator, the Alberta Utilities Commission, the Alberta Land and Property Rights Tribunal, the British Columbia Utilities Commission, the Alberta Natural Resources Conservation Board, the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board, the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board, and federal-provincial joint review panels in respect of environmental assessment proceedings. She has also appeared before the Court of Queen's Bench and Court of Appeal of Alberta. Before joining Blakes, Terri-Lee was a partner at another major national law firm in Calgary. She has also clerked for the Federal Court of Canada. Terri-Lee is the Practice Group Leader of the Firm's Regulatory group in Calgary, a member of the Nominations Committee and Partnership Committee, and chairs the Calgary Women@Blakes initiative.

Gary Oppedahl
Vice President, Emerging Technology
Emera Technologies, Tampa, Florida

Gary Oppedahl has over thirty years of entrepreneurial leadership and technical management experience focusing on startups, transitions, turnarounds and acquisitions to include technical semiconductor and laser companies, health care and city government. An EE by degree, he is a serial entrepreneur who has started several companies in Albuquerque and Silicon Valley. Gary is currently the Vice President of Emerging Technology with Emera Technologies, where he gets to help set the future direction of energy generation, distribution, and storage. Gary is blessed with the opportunity to think about current and future trends and then drive organizations, people and resources to create the future.

Pierre-Olivier Pineau, Research Chair in Energy Sector Management
HEC Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Pierre-Oliver Pineau (PhD, HEC Montréal, 2000) is a professor at the Department of Decision Sciences of HEC Montréal and holds the Chair in Energy Sector Management since December 2013. He is an energy policy and management specialist, with a focus on electricity reforms. He has published many papers on the energy sector, most of them exploring the links between energy and some aspects of sustainable development. He participates regularly in the public debate on energy and has authored many reports for the government and other public organizations. He was appointed on the Quebec government’s Climate Change Advisory Committee in April 2021. He is a researcher and Fellow at the Center for Interuniversity Research and Analysis of Organizations (CIRANO). Before joining HEC Montreal, he was an associate professor at the School of Public Administration, University of Victoria (2001-2006).

Sarah Powell
Partner
Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP

One of Canada’s leading environmental lawyers, Sarah advises on the assessment of environmental and social risks and impacts, Indigenous matters, climate change, contaminated site development and litigation and the permitting of infrastructure, energy and natural resource projects. Sarah is also very successful at advocating before administrative tribunals regarding permitting for infrastructure, resource development and manufacturing projects. She is involved in the development and reform of Canadian environmental law, and is a frequent writer and speaker on environmental, energy and Indigenous law issues. Sarah is past chair of the National Environmental, Energy and Resource Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association and the Ontario Bar Association’s Environmental Law Section.

Shahrzad Rahbar, President
Industrial Gas Users Association,
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

SHAHRZAD RAHBAR (she/her) Dr. Rahbar brings a thirty-year track record of successful leadership in the energy, innovation and climate space. She has been at the helm of the Industrial Gas Users Association for the past decade following twenty years of progressively senior experience in the gas industry. She has been an active contributor to the development of energy, technology, and regulatory policy in Canada. She is passionate about turning de-carbonization into a competitive advantage for Canada. Shahrzad currently serves on the federal Strategic Steering Committee on Hydrogen and Quebec’s Renewable Natural Gas oversight committee. She is a director at QUEST and has previously served and held leadership roles on multiple Boards including as an Executive Committee member of the International Gas Union. Shahrzad has an ICD.D corporate director designation, a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and two patents to her name.

Brianne Riehl
Senior Project Manager
Navius Research,
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Brianne Riehl is a Senior Project Manager and Manager of Client Relations at Navius Research. She holds a Master of Science in Environmental Policy from the London School of Economics. Brianne specializes in translating complex findings from Navius' energy-economy and electricity modeling tools into clear insights. She has experience managing several projects exploring Canada's net zero emission future, including economic, technology and electricity sector impacts of net zero policy.

Tom Roemer
Vice President, Academic
British Columbia Institute of Technology

Dr. Tom Roemer is Vice President, Academic and is responsible for providing academic vision at the Institute and leadership in the educational, international, Indigenous and applied research portfolios. Previously, he developed production control software and data solutions for corporate clients. Tom holds a master’s degree in astrophysics, a doctorate in educational leadership, and various professional certificates from the University of California. He has adjunct professor status at Simon Fraser University, and specializes in global technical-vocational education frameworks.

Debbie Scharf,
Assistant Deputy Minister
Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Systems Sector,
Vaughan, Ontario, Canada

Debbie Scharf is an Assistant Deputy Minister at Natural Resources Canada, responsible for the Energy Systems Sector. In her role, Debbie is responsible for spearheading one of the Government of Canada’s signature energy initiatives, the transformation of regional energy systems through the Regional Energy and Resource Tables. She also oversees the sector’s Electricity Resources Branch and the Energy Policy and International Branch, both of which are integral to the Government of Canada’s central energy initiatives to realize a net-zero future. A key element of her sector’s mandate is to help catalyze Canada’s economic opportunities in the energy transition and drive governance for the energy enterprise to provide the Deputy Minister, the Associate Deputy Minister and the Minister with integrated decision-making. The Energy Systems Sector also plays a key role in identifying and accelerating the development of regional growth opportunities that will provide Canada with an advantage as we transform to a net-zero economy. Prior to her current role, Debbie was the Director General of Natural Resources Canada’s Clean Fuel Branch. She assumed this role in spring 2020, on the eve of an unprecedented global pandemic, with the task of creating the embryonic branch from scratch. During the next two years, under Debbie’s team-driven leadership, the Clean Fuels Branch was integral in delivering several of the government’s central energy initiatives, the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada, the $1.5-billion Clean Fuels Fund and the implementation of $750-million Emission Reductions Fund. Previously, Debbie served as Senior Director, Strategic Energy Policy; and Director, Office of Energy Efficiency, both at Natural Resources Canada. She also held various positions at Environment and Climate Change Canada advancing chemicals management, clean air and climate change files. Debbie holds a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University, and a Master Degree in Resource and Environmental Management from Simon Fraser University.

Paisley Sim, Canada Grid Lead
The Transition Accelerator,
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Paisley Sim is the Canada Grid Lead at The Transition Accelerator. She was previously Director of Research & Operations at Canada Grid. Previously, as a Research Associate at the Institute for Research on Public Policy she focused on federalism and intergovernmental relations at the Centre of Excellence on the Canadian Federation. Her prior experience includes working for former Alberta Premier, Rachel Notley, as a special advisor to Alberta’s Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, and in the non-profit arts world. She holds a conservatory diploma, bachelor of fine arts, project management professional certification, and a completed a master in public policy at McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy.

Merran Smith
Founder and Chief Innovation Officer
Clean Energy Canada, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Merran Smith is a fellow at the Simon Fraser University Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, and the founder and chief innovation officer of Clean Energy Canada—a leading think tank advancing clean energy and climate solutions. Merran recently served two terms as co-chair and remains a member of the B.C. government’s Climate Solutions Council, is a member of the Canada Cleantech Board and is a Canadian representative of the C3E International Ambassador Corps. Her 2018 work as co-chair of Natural Resources Canada’s Generation Energy Council helped ideas from a diverse group of stakeholders coalesce into recommendations that will shape Canada's energy future. For most of her career, Merran has worked to unite industry, government, and civil society organizations to solve pressing social and ecological challenges. Her leadership in the landmark Great Bear Rainforest conservation agreement helped ensure the protection of thousands of kilometres of coastal ecosystem. Merran has received numerous leadership distinctions, including being named to Vancouver Magazine's 2020 Power 50 List, winning the 2019 SFU President’s Social Media Newsmaker Award, Clean Energy BC's 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award, the Vancouver Board of Trade's 2016 Wendy McDonald Community Catalyst award, and the Clean 16 award in 2014 for leadership in clean capitalism.

Katherine Sparkes
Director of Innovation, Research & Development
IESO, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Katherine Sparkes is the Director of Innovation, Research & Development at the IESO where she is responsible for driving initiatives in support of grid modernization to enhance the reliability, affordability and sustainability of Ontario’s electricity supply. Katherine has held leadership positions in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. She currently teaches in the Energy & Infrastructure Program at Osgoode Hall Law School. An urban planner by training, Katherine’s volunteer efforts focus on improving the safety of Toronto’s streets in support of active transportation. Katherine and her family live in Toronto’s west end.

Richard Truscott
Vice President
Prairie Sky Strategy, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Richard is a highly regarded veteran of Alberta politics with over 30 years of experience in public policy and advocacy, government relations, crisis and strategic communications, public relations, and issues management. He brings a unique set of skills and experience to help our clients achieve their public affairs objectives in Western Canada. Richard joins Prairie Sky Strategy after a decade of serving in senior leadership roles with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), the nation’s largest association of independent businesses representing every industry and sector, focused on driving policy and regulatory change at all levels of government. In his role at CFIB, he was responsible for developing and managing CFIB’s legislative affairs, media relations, policy development and advocacy campaigns. In 2015, he was promoted to Vice-President, Alberta and BC, and led teams in both provinces as the primary spokesperson, strategist and chief lobbyist. His private sector experience includes senior-level leadership and advisory positions with Venture Communications, one of Canada’s largest independent full-service marketing agencies, and the Certified General Accountants Association of Alberta. Richard has a diverse educational background, including a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Calgary and a Master of Business Administration from Queen’s University. He also has an Accreditation in Public Relations from the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) and served as the association’s national president from 2012 to 2014.

Jennifer Tuck
CEO
Maritimes Energy Association, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

Ivette Vera-Perez
CEO
Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Ivette Vera-Perez is the President and CEO at the Candian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association. She has over 15 years of experience in the cleantech and environmental technologies sector. Her expertise spans from business development to site engineering, operations, and financing. She holds a Master of Applied Science from the University of British Columbia, and an MBA from McGill University. Before joining the CHFCA, Ms. Vera-Perez was the National Team Lead for Mitacs’s Account Management group and directed a multidisciplinary group of account managers across Canada with the mandate of helping industry secure top talent to advance innovation. She also previously served as the Manager for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction programs at the Ontario Centres of Innovation, where she managed over $275 million in program funding. Ivette also serves on the board of the Ontario Clean Technologies Industry Association (OCTIA).

Tyson A. Wagner
Partner
Miller Thomson LLP, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Tyson Wagner is a lawyer and partner at Miller Thomson LLP, practising primarily in the areas of real estate development, leasing and finance. He has worked extensively with partners and clients in the industry on the acquisition, development, approval, construction and financing on renewable energy projects in wind, solar, and biogas. Tyson advises on all aspects of a project, from leasing and land access, to the negotiation and drafting of agreements with regulatory authorities and connection to infrastructure, to dealing with commercial lenders and security.

Jose Frederick. Walsh Duarte, MEng
Renewable Energy Technical Practice Leader
Stantec Consulting, Waterloo,
Ontario, Canada

Jose is a professional engineer with Stantec Consulting and has been working in the renewable energy industry for 20 years. His work experience spans research and development of high efficiency hetero-junction silicon solar cells, project management, business development, and engineering design of more than 3GW AC of renewable energy projects, primarily solar PV. Jose studied Engineering Physics at Queen’s University and did a Master of Engineering in Sustainable Energy at RMIT University.

Lindsay Wiginton
Senior Consultant
Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Lindsay Wiginton is a registered urban planner and a Senior Consultant at Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors. As a member of Dunsky’s Clean Mobility practice, Lindsay supports clients by connecting big-picture objectives to the details that matter for effective transportation electrification programs and projects. Prior to joining Dunsky, she was a Senior Project Manager at the City of Toronto, where she spearheaded Toronto’s first automated shuttle trial and transportation innovation zones. Previously, Lindsay was the Managing Director of the Transportation and Urban Solutions team at the Pembina Institute. Lindsay has a master’s in urban planning and a bachelor’s in civil engineering.

Tricia Williams
Director of Research, Evaluation and Knowledge Mobilization
Future Skills Centre,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Tricia Williams brings a strong background across anthropology, sociology and economics disciplines to her role as Future Skills Centre’s Director of Research, Evaluation and Knowledge Mobilization. She has particular expertise in the future of work including digital economies, skills development, migration and gender. At the FSC, Tricia leads a pan-Canadian research strategy focused on advancing the FSC’s strategic goals. She also collaborates closely with our partners on the broader evidence agenda, ensuring that knowledge is both generated and mobilized effectively for uptake and usage. Prior to joining FSC, Tricia spent seven years with the Mastercard Foundation, leading research, evaluation and knowledge mobilization initiatives related to youth employment and digital economy across Africa and with Indigenous communities in Canada. She has authored and overseen numerous reports, events and research programs to generate evidence and action around inclusive employment and development. Tricia previously worked for the federal government in evaluation and policy functions, which she joined through the Recruitment of Policy Leaders program. She also spent several years supporting immigrant rights organizations in the United States and community organizations in Haiti, where she lived for several years.

Evan Wilson
Senior Director, Western Canada
Canadian Renewable Energy Association, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Evan Wilson is the Senior Director, Western Canada for the Canadian Renewable Energy Association, where he represents members in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Previously he served the same provinces as Regional Director, Prairies for the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA). Prior to joining CanWEA, he worked with the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association, and with Global Public Affairs, where he worked as a consultant on transportation and energy files.

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