Speakers

Jane Taber

Senior Vice President | NATIONAL Public Relations, Atlantic

Jane Taber is a former Globe and Mail political journalist who spent more than 25 years covering Parliament Hill and Queen’s Park.

During her tenure on Parliament Hill with the Globe, Jane was also co-host of CTV’s Question Period – and she has spent more hours than she can count on campaign buses and planes following the leaders during federal election campaigns. She’s interviewed the country’s main political players, covered leadership contests, trade deals, international summits and the important issues of the day.

She also worked as communications director to the former Premier of Nova Scotia.

Jane specializes in media training, having coached CEOs of major Canadian companies, the heads of national law firms and senior cabinet ministers and MPs.

In addition to media training and coaching, Jane is also focused on moderating panels and conferences, media relations and speech writing, crisis communications and post-secondary labour issues. Jane is a graduate of Carleton University’s journalism program and was appointed to the Carleton University Board of Governors in June 2019 and re-appointed to another three-year term in 2022. Jane also served as a mentor to the Public Policy Forum’s Action Canada leadership fellows.

David Cochrane

Host | CBC’s POWER & POLITICS

David Cochrane is host of POWER & POLITICS, Canada’s premier daily political show, that airs from 5 to 7 p.m. ET weekdays on CBC News Network.

David joined the parliamentary bureau as a senior reporter in 2016. Since then, he has reported from 11 countries across four continents. David played a lead role in CBC’s 2019 and 2021 federal election coverage. He was also central to CBC’s coverage of the federal government response to COVID-19 and the trucker convoy that occupied downtown Ottawa in the winter of 2022.  

Before Ottawa, David spent nearly two decades covering politics in his beloved Newfoundland and Labrador where he hosted the RTDNA award winning political show On Point with David Cochrane. 

David has also been awarded a Canadian Screen Award for television reporting and RTDNAs for best radio feature and digital analysis.

David is a proud graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland where he got his start in journalism as the news editor of the student newspaper The Muse.

David will be moderating the Opening Plenary, “Navigating Canada’s Carbon Conundrum: Towards Net-Zero in a Changing Landscape” , sponsored by Kiewit on Thursday, September 26 from 8:30 am to 9:30 am (EDT).

Francis Bradley

President & CEO | Electricity Canada

Francis Bradley is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Electricity Canada. Electricity Canada is the National Voice of Electricity and serves its electricity industry members through the work of expert professionals led by Francis and directed by a Board of Directors made up of member CEOs.  Francis is the co-chair of the National Cross-Sector Forum, overseeing Canada’s Action Plan for Critical Infrastructure. He also sits on the Steering Committee for the Electricity Sub-Sector Coordinating Council (ESCC), the Board for the Energy Council of Canada (ECC), the Positive Energy Advisory Council, and is a founding Board member of the Canadian Transportation Alliance.  At the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC) Member Representatives Committee and Board of Trustees’ meetings, Francis represents Electricity Canada and advocates strongly for its members in their activities related to the Electric Reliability Organization Enterprise, and its role in ensuring the reliability and security of the North American bulk power system. 

Prior to being named CEO in June 2019, Francis managed Electricity Canada’s day-to-day activities as Chief Operating Officer since 2014. During that time, he also acted as a member of the National Advisory Committee of Canada’s Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction and was a co-chair with the Standards Council of Canada of the Smart Grid Standards Advisory Committee.   

In 2019 Francis created and continues to host “The Flux Capacitor” podcast, featuring discussions about the future of electricity with CEOs, regulators, political figures, and leaders from civil society. 

Francis will be moderating the plenary session, “Reliability | Resilience | Security”, on Thursday, September 26 from 9:45 am to 10:45 am (EDT).

Lynnell Crone

Vice President, Alternative Contracts & Light Industrial | Bird Construction

Lynnell Crone is the Vice President, Alternative Contracts & Light Industrial at Bird Construction. She has enjoyed a dynamic, over 30-year project management and Professional Engineering career, having worked on several multi-billion-dollar projects in the oil, gas and petrochemicals industries as a Project Manager and Director of a Project Management Office. Much of her career has been spent working for Owner organizations, resulting in a keen insight and understanding of client requirements and expectations.

Over the past several years, she has held executive leadership roles at Bird Construction for collaborative contracts as well as manufacturing and environmental projects such as waste-to-energy, organics processing, water treatment, wastewater treatment, food processing and manufacturing. Lynnell’s success on both the owner and contractor side is rooted in her belief that collaboration is essential to a project’s success, and why her specialty is in collaborative contracting models.

Lynnell has been instrumental in developing Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) projects within Bird Construction and is currently on the Senior Management Team of several IPD projects. In addition to her role at Bird, Lynnell is Past-President of the Integrated Project Delivery Alliance (IPDA) and provides expertise on IPD throughout Canada. She has implemented Lean Construction processes on her projects throughout her career and is passionate about collaborative contracting and the value it brings to owners, consultants and contractors, as well as the job satisfaction it brings to all those who work on these types of projects.

Lynnell will be moderating the Plenary Luncheon, “Collaborative Delivery of Hydropower Projects”, sponsored by Bird Construction on Thursday, September 26 from 12:15 pm to 1:45 pm (EDT).

Christine Cantin

Manager, Public Affairs | Hydro-Québec

Christine Cantin has a wealth of multidisciplinary professional experience under her belt. After completing a combined honours degree in economics and political science at Carleton University (Ottawa), as well as a master’s degree in international relations at Université Laval (Québec), she set off to work for the Québec Government Office in Caracas, Venezuela. She made Venezuela her home for thirteen years, working in public affairs and international trade for various public and private organizations such as Procter & Gamble, Banque Indosuez, the Embassy of Canada in Venezuela, Polinter and Steven & Stevenson (the latter two specialize in the energy sector).

Upon her return to Canada in 2003, she began working for Hydro-Québec in public affairs and international relations. Her current position is that of Manager – Public Affairs. She is in charge of activities that require coordinating multiple files with national and international stakeholders in the energy sector. Her main role is to promote the advantages of hydropower as a clean, renewable energy source and essential component for the energy transition.

Christine will be moderating the plenary session, “Improving Energy Literacy & Enhancing Social Acceptability in Canadian Waterpower Development”, sponsored by Hydro-Québec on Friday, September 27 from 9:45 am to 10:45 am (EDT).

Serge Abergel

Chief Operating Officer | Hydro-Québec Energy Services (U.S.) Inc.

Serge Abergel took office as Chief Operating Officer of Hydro-Québec Energy Services in 2021. This U.S. subsidiary is responsible for hydropower export initiatives to the New York and New England markets. Serge is based in New York State.

Since joining Hydro-Québec in 2014, he has held various positions in media and stakeholder relations and government affairs. He has led information campaigns on the company’s export initiatives and is a frequent public speaker on Hydro-Québec’s clean energy generating fleet and transmission system. Prior to his most recent appointment, Serge was Director – Communications at the corporate headquarters in Montréal.

Serge also served in the Royal Canadian Air Force and acquired considerable experience as a public affairs officer in both the Canadian Armed Forces and the federal correctional system. He holds a bachelor’s degree in operations management from HEC Montréal [Université de Montréal’s business school]. He was appointed Chair of the Board of Directors of WaterPower Canada, a trade organization representing the hydropower industry, in 2022.

Serge will be moderating the Closing Plenary Luncheon, “Unlocking the Potential: Exploring Regional Electricity Market Cooperation in Canada”, sponsored by Manitoba Hydro on Friday, September 27 from 1:00 pm to 2:45 am (EDT).

Ahmad Al-Ali

Director, Hydro Business Development | Ontario Power Generation (OPG)

Ahmad Al-Ali is the Director of Hydro Business Development at OPG. Ahmad leads OPG’s efforts in developing untapped hydro potential in Northern Ontario including Greenfields, existing generating stations upgrades, hydro advocacy, and broader system integration. Ahmad has firsthand knowledge of the hydroelectric and the broader utility industry and has worked in engineering, operations, asset, and project management progressive roles. Ahmad has a Bachelor of Engineering degree from McMaster University and holds a Master of Engineering from University of Waterloo.

Stephanie Aldersley

Director, Investments | Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB)

Stephanie Aldersley joined the Canada Infrastructure Bank in February 2021 to help launch CIB’s Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative (ICII). As part of the CIB’s investments team, Stephanie offers strategic counsel on investments consistent with the CIB’s priority initiatives. Stephanie leads the CIB’s ICII clean power investments and Indigenous Equity Initiative transactions in partnership with Indigenous communities.

With over 10 years of experience in the Clean Power sector, Aldersley led her team at the Independent Electricity System Operator, managing 170 Indigenous communities’ relationships to promote clean electricity usage.

Stephanie received an Engineering degree from the University of Toronto and is a Master in Public Policy and Administration from Ryerson University. She also received her Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 2023.

Deandra Aversa

Enterprise Account Executive, HydroForecast | Upstream Tech

Deandra is an Enterprise Account Executive for Upstream Tech’s HydroForecast platform. Prior to Upstream, Deandra spent a decade in Distributed Energy Technology, selling onsite energy solutions to Enterprise organizations. She leverages her experience in low-carbon climate solutions to expand HydroForecast partnerships across global hydropower producers, water utilities, and government agencies. Deandra holds a BA in Environmental Studies from Hamilton College and is based in San Francisco, CA.

Laurent Bulota

Director, Technical Integration Manager, Hydropower, Dams and Hydraulic Structures | Kiewit

Mr Bulota has over 20 years of experience in hydropower and worked at a power producer (Hydro-Québec), an OEM (Voith Hydro) and a contractor (Kiewit). He currently leads the Technical Integration Management team for the Hydropower, Dams and Hydraulic Structures projects undertaken by Kiewit. Through his previous roles ranging from turbine design to large-scale project management as well as strategic development of hydropower projects, Mr Bulota is well positioned to integrate and optimize all the disciplines involved including OEM interfaces, constructability and schedule.​ Mr Bulota is a mechanical engineer licensed in Quebec.

Paul Burroughs

Vice President of Renewable Generation Major Projects | Ontario Power Generation (OPG)

Paul Burroughs is currently the Vice President of Renewable Generation Major Projects at Ontario Power Generation (OPG). Paul has over 25 years of experience in the energy industry. He graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering.  Paul has held various positions in OPG in the areas of engineering, project management, energy markets, and hydroelectric development. 

Paul gained major project experience as a part of the management team responsible for the $2.5B for the 500MW Lower Mattagami River Project and, as the Project Director, successfully delivered the $300M Peter Sutherland GS in partnership with Taykwa Tagamou Nation. More recently, he has assumed the role of VP Major Projects, where he oversees a portfolio of major projects with an average capital spend of $400-$500M annually. Paul continues to expand his industry influence as a member of Construction Industry Institute’s (CII) Board of Advisors and Chair of CII’s Executive Committee.

Gilbert Bennett

Senior Advisor | WaterPower Canada (WPC)

Gilbert Bennett is a recognized leader and expert in renewable electricity, energy transition and the broader energy sector, with two decades of sector experience. Having served as a WPC Board Member and Board Chair (2010 through 2022). as well as Interim President, Gilbert continues to support the organization’s goals and objectives, through his leadership and contributions to the technical and industry matters of WPC in the role of Senior Advisor.  

Gilbert worked with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro from 2005 to 2022, and as Vice President of Power Development, was responsible for the development of the Muskrat Falls project. Previously, he served in senior engineering and operations roles in the telecommunications sector. 

He has a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) from Memorial University and is registered as a Professional Engineer in Newfoundland and Labrador. He is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering. This year, Gilbert was named one of the 75 most influential people in hydropower from the International Water Power & Dam Construction magazine.

André Bernier

Director General, Electricity Systems Branch (ESB) | Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

André Bernier has served as an executive with the Electricity Systems 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).

Dave Bowen

Vice-President, Asset Planning & Delivery | Manitoba Hydro

Dave has held various leadership and senior leadership roles in the design and construction of world-class infrastructure projects while at Manitoba Hydro.

His experience includes design, construction, contract administration, project management, engagement with external partners and stakeholders, and implementation of ongoing business efficiencies. He was the Director of our Integrated Resource Planning Division, which developed our 2023 Integrated Resource Plan.

Dave is responsible to provide executive oversight to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the electric (includes generation, transmission and distribution) and natural gas systems in an environmentally sustainable manner.

He has a Master of Science in Structural Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Manitoba. He is a registered professional engineer in Manitoba and joined Manitoba Hydro in 2005. Dave is Vice-Chair of the Waterpower Canada Board of Directors.

James Brewer

Vice-President, New Growth and Business Development | Ontario Power Generation (OPG)

James Brewer is Vice President, New Growth and Business Development at Ontario Power Generation (OPG) tasked with leading OPG’s expansion through new growth and partnership activities. Prior to taking on this accountability James held various roles within OPG, including leading strategy development, M&A activities and electricity trading in markets across eastern North America. Prior to joining OPG, James worked for large and small entities within the energy space both within Canada and overseas. James holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Physics, a Masters of Business Administration and a Masters of Laws in Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Colleen Burliuk

Research Biologist, Fish Tracking | Innovasea

Colleen is a biologist with over 8 years of experience working in fish research and she specializes in the use of telemetry equipment and more recently, Innovasea’s HydroAI fish-counting system. Previously, Colleen led field-intensive studies on the movements and habitats of American eels and lake sturgeon on the upper St. Lawrence River. At Innovasea, Colleen is a Research Biologist that supports the Consulting, Customer Success, and Sales teams. She serves as team lead on consulting projects and provides advice to researchers on range testing, study design, and data analysis. Colleen has a Master of Science in Biology from Queen’s University (Kingston, Canada).

Geoff Capelle

Director, Project Development & Collaborative Delivery | Bird Construction

Geoff works for Bird Construction on the setup and execution of large-scale industrial, residential, and commercial construction projects with a particular focus on collaborative contracting delivery (IPD, Progressive DB, and Alliance). He has an M.Sc. in Urban Planning (University of Manchester) and an MBA (Ivey Business School). Prior to joining Bird, Geoff worked in commercial real estate and later consulting on large-scale infrastructure delivery under P3, IPD, and DB models. He is passionate about the ways that we can modernize the construction-sector to build stronger and more diverse teams who are empowered to address modern-day challenges

Steve Chagnon

Director Project Efficiency, Construction and Rehabilitation | Hydro-Québec

Steve Chagnon is an electrical engineer, graduated from Polytechnique Montréal, and Director Construction Project Efficiency at Hydro-Québec’s Operations and Infrastructure group.  He has over 20 years’ experience in major infrastructure projects.  He started of his career, as a power transformer designer in the manufacturing sector and occupied multiple management position in technical expertise and project management at Hydro-Québec. 

Currently, for the company’s construction and rehabilitation projects, he integrates all costing activities and project performance metrics, orchestrates improvement and innovation initiatives, and ensures that project management best practices are implemented throughout the organization. His objective is to put in place, as a team with all stakeholders, the winning conditions needed to carry out the large project volume required for Québec’s energy transition.

Heather Chalmers

President & CEO | GE Vernova Canada

President | GE Vernova, Hydro North American

Heather Chalmers is President & CEO for GE Vernova Canada and leads International Advocacy for GE’s suite of technology and products across power, renewables, and digital for the newly announced GE VERNOVA, GE’s portfolio of energy businesses. As well, she leads the GE Vernova North American Hydro business. GE Vernova Canada has produced world-leading solutions for 130 years and employs thousands of employees across multiple sectors delivering innovation and outcomes to customers in Canada and across the world.

Heather’s leadership supports the future of the energy transition and Canadian economy in addressing the climate crisis for sustainable, affordable, and reliable electricity in partnership with business and government leaders. This responsibility includes both domestic and international advocacy directed to enabling the technology ecosystem, with regulatory and fiscal policy required for a net-zero future. A recognized Canadian thought leader, she is co-chair of the Canadian Chamber’s Net-Zero Council (2021-22; 2022-23) and is solicited by national and global organizations to provide advisory for business, economy, and sustainability forums.

Throughout her extensive career with GE, Heather has consistently developed and led high performing teams that are industry leaders in bringing innovative technology and digital solutions to solve complex challenges in both Canadian and global markets. Heather joined GE Plastics in 1995 and held both engineering and commercial roles. Following that she moved to GE Healthcare and was promoted to President in 2014. She’s had the pleasure of leading the GE Canada team since 2018.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce awarded Heather as 2023 Business Leader of the Year Award and awarded the Rotman School of Management’s 2022 Arbor award and Women Leaders in Digital Health 2020 award.

She holds a Chemical Engineering degree from Queens University, an MBA from the Rotman School of Management, is a Director on the C.D. Howe Institute Board, Business Council of Canada Board, Chairperson on the Ontario Brain Institute Board. She is also a member of the Rotman School of Management’s Healthcare and Life Sciences Advisory Council and formerly part of the GTA United Way Cabinet and Vice-Chair Medtech Canada Board.

Mark Chapeskie

Vice President, Program Development | Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC)

As the Vice President of Program Development at EHRC, Mark Chapeskie leverages over two decades of experience to drive workforce development in the electricity sector. His expertise in research and program management has been crucial in creating strategies that bridge the gap between regulated and unregulated occupations, enhancing workforce mobility and adaptability.

At EHRC, Mark leads initiatives that attract and retain talent, with a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. His leadership has been key in launching programs that support youth engagement, career transitions, and continuous learning. Mark’s commitment to these values is evident in the success of initiatives that make the industry more accessible to underrepresented groups.

Mark’s role in conducting comprehensive labour market intelligence (LMI) provides valuable insights into emerging employment trends and skill gaps. This data-driven approach ensures that EHRC’s programs align with the industry’s current and future needs, positioning Canada as a leader in the global electricity market.

Beyond his professional role, Mark is an active member of industry associations and advisory boards, contributing his expertise to drive innovation and growth. He is also a passionate advocate for sustainability and the transition to a low-carbon economy, supporting initiatives that promote clean energy and environmental stewardship.

Outside of work, Mark enjoys mentoring young professionals and volunteering in his community. He holds a degree in Government from St. Lawrence University and a Masters in Human Security and Peacebuilding from Royal Roads University and continues to pursue opportunities for professional growth and learning. Mark Chapeskie’s vision for the electricity sector is one of innovation, inclusivity, and resilience. Through his leadership at EHRC, he is dedicated to building a world-class workforce that can meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Derek Chum

Moose Cree First Nation

Derek Chum is a member of the Moose Cree First Nation and is working with the community to explore potential hydro development in the Moose River Basin. Derek is also the lead negotiator on behalf of Nishnawbe Aski Nation for Education Jurisdiction negotiations with Canada.

Derek was a commercial lawyer for many years and worked with Indigenous clients and communities providing business and project advice across Ontario. He serves on the board of the Moose Cree Group of Companies, the business arm of the Moose Cree First Nation, which provides employment and opportunity for Moose Cree members through its various business ventures. He is also on the board for Miziwe Biik Development Corporation which funds affordable housing for Indigenous people in Toronto. Derek served on the board and was Chair of Five Nations Energy Inc., the first Indigenous-owned and operated transmission line in Ontario.

Derek was also the President/CEO of Amisk Kodim Corporation which structured the Indigenous contracting opportunities for the $2.5 billion Lower Mattagami River Project, a partnership between Moose Cree First Nation and Ontario Power Generation. His recent leadership role as the Vice President of Indigenous Relations at Hydro One involved a range of responsibilities from developing and implementing Indigenous relations strategies and negotiations with First Nation communities.

Bob Clarke

Senior Vice President, Research & Development | ASI Group Ltd.

Mr. Clarke has over 30 years of experience in the marine industry, encompassing commercial diving, Atmospheric Diving Suits (ADS) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) operations on local and international projects. His responsibilities at ASI have included project reviews, operations planning, execution and supervision, preparation of reports, and proprietary equipment design. He has also supervised the design/build modifications and retrofits of ASI’s ROV fleet to enhance their operational capabilities and adapt to new or unexpected conditions.

As Senior Vice President of Research and Development, Bob is leading ASI’s efforts into new innovations to address the unresolved needs of ASI’s customers. Past projects have included extending the range of commercially available ROVs to become the longest-in-class systems available. Other unique systems include crawler dredges, autonomous inspection platforms and specialized sonar systems to provide 3D data acquisition, processing and display.

Corey Diamond

Executive Director | Efficiency Canada

Corey has more than two decades of experience leading social change organizations focused on engaging the public on critical environmental and social issues. Today, Corey leads Efficiency Canada, the national voice for energy efficiency policy research and advocacy. 

Corey was previously the COO and Partner of global consulting firm, Realized Worth, a company focused on the design and implementation of corporate volunteering and giving programs.

Corey also spent 10 years helping to lead Summerhill, a national firm focused on engaging the public on energy efficiency behaviours. and working with utilities, government agencies and the private sector to drive significant energy savings across Canada.

Corey is an avid reader, record collector and the drummer of a pirate space jam rock band. His greatest passion is hugging trees and travelling the world with his family.

Daniel Drouin

Director of Collaborative Delivery | Drouin Consultants inc.

Daniel is the Director of Collaborative Delivery Drouin Consultants inc. bringing  a recognized leader in the collaborative methods community in Canada, Daniel has over 38 years of experience in the construction industry, including 20 years in project management, working with suppliers, specialized contractors, general contractors, and as a representative for the client.

In recent years, he has had the opportunity to implement various continuous improvement systems, such as ISO 9000, as well as collaborative tools and cultures, in more than 50 organizations across Canada.

Since 2013, Daniel has been involved, at various levels, in over a dozen collaborative projects, particularly in Integrated Project Delivery (IPD).

Thanks to his extensive experience, for the past four years, he has served as an expert consultant in collaborative practices. He is responsible for facilitating a suite of consulting services for clients focused on collaboration, and he leads the development of his clients’ multidisciplinary teams by providing guidance and project leadership through targeted workshops, training modules, tool selection, collaborative process development, and contract execution. In parallel, Daniel also serves as President of the Integrated Project Delivery Alliance (IPDA), a Canadian nonprofit association that focuses on raising awareness of collaborative methods.

Philip Duguay

Vice President – Business Development | Grid United

Philip Martin Duguay is Vice President of Business Development for Grid United. He has worked as an infrastructure developer and public policy analyst across Canada and the United States for over a decade. In previous roles, he worked as a ‘macrogrid’ policy advocate, originated a $2 billion CAD transmission project in partnership with a Canadian institutional investor and an Indigenous government, and helped to develop energy strategies for the governments of Québec and the Northwest Territories. He has also worked for a wind energy trade association in South Africa and on international development initiatives in Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Senegal. 

Philip has a joint BCL-LLB degree from the McGill University, Faculty of Law and a BA from Dalhousie University. He and his partner Kathleen reside in downtown Montreal, Québec.

Mike Dupuis

President | Hydro Tech

Mike founded Hydro Tech in 2001 to deliver innovative engineering, maintenance, and construction solutions to the hydropower industry. As a Mechanical Engineering Technologist with over thirty years of experience, he specializes in overhauling and upgrading hydro generators/turbines, alignments, bearing design, project management, and hydroelectric operations. Mike’s unique qualifications include two trade tickets in the mechanical field and certification as an Engineering Technologist, setting him apart as a leader in the industry.

Steve Fitzgerald

Senior Manager Business Development | Ontario Power Generation (OPG)

Steve Fitzgerald is a Senior Manager of Business Development at Ontario Power Generation, one of North America’s largest, most diverse electricity generators.

Steve has more than 20 years experience in project management and project development; and has over 10 years’ experience within the Ontario Electricity Sector.

In his current role, Steve and his team are focused on greenfield hydroelectric and pumped-hydro storage projects, aligned with supporting the growth of non-emitting renewable energy to power the demands of Ontario’s growing clean economy for decades to come. Steve holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, PEng, PMP and MBA.

Samuel Franklyn

Director Civil and Structural Engineering | Innergex

Samuel Franklyn is an experienced civil engineer with over 18 years in the energy industry, specializing in hydroelectric and hydraulic structures projects. He currently serves as the Director of Civil and Structural Engineering at Innergex, where he is responsible for overseeing a diverse portfolio of renewable energy projects across wind, solar, and hydroelectric technologies. His role spans all phases of project development, from initial planning and construction to ongoing operations, ensuring optimal performance and sustainability.

Over the past four years, Samuel has been instrumental in the construction of the 7.5 MW Innavik hydroelectric facility in Inukjuak, northern Quebec. This project presented unique challenges due to its remote location, requiring innovative solutions and careful coordination to ensure successful completion. Samuel initially joined Innergex as Manager of Operations and Maintenance before being promoted to Director, where he took charge of hydroelectric facilities in the USA and Eastern Canada, applying his technical acumen to enhance the efficiency and reliability of these installations.

Earlier in his career, Samuel worked at Tetra Tech, where he advanced through several leadership roles, culminating in his position as leader of the hydroelectric and dam safety group. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Université de Sherbrooke.

Carolina Gallo

Vice President, Gov’t Affairs & Policy | GE Canada

Carolina Gallo is the Vice President, Gov’t Affairs & Policy of GE Canada based in Montreal.
In her current role, she leads GE Canada’s Government engagement initiatives across ministries, monitoring and advising GE’s global leadership regarding Canada’s macroeconomic policy and regulatory issues that may affect GE’s interests with a specific focus on the energy transition in support of decarbonization. She represents GE at senior levels and interacts with relevant external parties. CD Howe Energy Council, Canadian Chamber of Commerce NER and the NetZero Leadership Council 2022.
Prior to joining GE Canada, Carolina was with ABB Hitachi where she was Vice President, Government, and Institutional Relations Canada along with a thought-leadership presence with key councils and associations including: Chairperson, Canadian Urban Transportation Research Innovation Consortium, Director, Association de Industry electrique de Quebec,Industrial Delegate for Hitachi Power Grids, National Energy Roundtable of Canada, Member, Canadian Council for Clean Capitalism

With a diverse background in public relations, communications and business marketing, and government relations, Carolina a deep understanding of energy transition and climate change with disruptive technologies and artificial intelligence,

Carolina received her B.A. (Political Science – Int’l Relations) from Concordia University and her LL.M. from Université de Montréal. In September 2021, Carolina received the Top CanadaClean50 award for exceptional contribution to the clean economy with technology as well as the Delta Management & Telus Clean 50 community service award for volunteerism.

Nishant Gehani

Director of the Power-T&D Business | BBA

Mr. Gehani is Director of the Power-T&D Business at BBA. He brings expertise in wholesale electricity markets, having spent nearly 11 years working on various markets and programs within the IESO, NYISO and PJM markets.

Prior to this role, he led the development of C&I scale generation and energy storage projects. His core expertise in the following areas: transmission planning, T&D generation interconnections, project development and underwriting, wholesale electricity markets, Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) and Energy-as-a-Service performance contracting, EPC contracting and deal due diligence.

Amanda Griener

Director of Asset and Project Management | Ontario Power Generation (OPG)

Amanda Griener is the Director of Asset and Project Management at Ontario Power Generation (OPG). Amanda’s team leads the asset investment strategy, market compliance, project management and construction efforts related to OPG’s 10 hydroelectric generating facilities located in Ontario’s Southeast along the Ottawa, Madawaska, and St. Lawrence Rivers.

Amanda has 16 years of experience in the energy industry, with progressive roles in project management, construction, supply chain and strategy. A registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng) and Project Management Professional (PMP), Amanda holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ottawa.

Steve Hamel

Specialist, Biodiversity Restoration | WWF-Canada

In collaboration with NGOs, municipalities and other partners, Steve is working to implement habitat restoration strategies for biodiversity in Southern Quebec’s maple forest and right-of-way habitats. He began his career in 1990 in British Columbia, where he carried out inventories of marbled murrelet and forest birds. Since then, he has worked on multiple inventories of birds, bats, fish and other taxonomic groups. Steve holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from UQAM in Montreal.

William (Bill) Hamlin

GHG & Electricity Policy Advisor | WaterPower Canada

Mr. Hamlin is an electrical engineer. He worked at Manitoba Hydro for more than 25 years in various roles related to integrated resource planning, energy efficiency program planning, GHG policy and US Midwest stakeholder relationships. Since retiring from Manitoba Hydro in 2017, he has been working as a consultant to WaterPower Canada, energy and environmental institutions and national electricity associations. Bill is proud to have been involved in WaterPower Canada since its inception.

Terence Hubbard

President | Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC)

Terence Hubbard was appointed President of the Impact Assessment Agency (IAAC) on November 28, 2021. In his role, he is responsible for leading all reviews of major projects under the Impact Assessment Act, in cooperation with other Government of Canada regulatory agencies, as well as provinces and territories and Indigenous groups.

Prior to joining IAAC in 2018, Terence was Director General of the Petroleum Resources Branch with Natural Resources Canada. In this role, he had responsibility for Canada’s oil and gas policy, including overseeing the development and implementation of Canada’s pipeline safety and offshore oil and gas regulatory regimes as well as serving as Canada’s representative on the Governing Board of the International Energy Agency.

He is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan where he obtained both his Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in economics and now lives in Ottawa.

Shannon Joseph

Chair | Energy for a Secure Future

A sustainable development and public affairs professional with over 15 years of experience that includes environmental engineering, municipal sustainability program management, the upstream oil and gas industry and Indigenous relations. She is motivated by the strong conviction that energy is about people and that abundant, affordable, low-emission energy is a pre-condition for growing the middle class, protecting the environment and in Canada, advancing reconciliation.

Currently serving as Chair of Energy for a Secure Future, Ms. Joseph spent close to 10 years in progressively senior roles at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, including as Senior Manager of Research and Development with its Green Municipal Fund and as the founding Director of the Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program, a $75 million capacity building and granting program focused on climate change mitigation and adaption at the community level. Most recently, Ms. Joseph served as Vice-President, Government Relations and Indigenous Affairs for the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP). She led work related to federal policies affecting Canada’s upstream oil and natural gas industry, including the Impact Assessment Act (Bill C-69), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People’s Act and various climate change focused policies. An important part of this work involved building relationships with Indigenous organizations in support of ongoing economic reconciliation in Canada.

A member of the Order of Engineers of Quebec, Ms. Joseph holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from McGill University and Master of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto. Ms. Joseph has served on the Boards of Directors of the Canadian Environmental Grantmakers Network (now Environmental Funders Canada) and the Energy Council of Canada and was a member of the Advisory Council for the University of Ottawa’s Positive Energy initiative.

Stefan Kohnen

Principal/Regional Manager, Mississauga | KGS Group

Stefan Kohnen is a Principal and Regional Manager for the Toronto office of KGS Group, a consulting engineering firm with a broad range of services to the waterpower industry in Canada and the US.  He is a dedicated believer in the value of small hydro within the waterpower world and has written articles and spoken widely in Canada and the US on approaches and case studies in the development of small hydro.

He has recently been focused on the redevelopment needs of the large number of heritage sites that are now passing their centenary throughout North America. He has held leadership roles in the development and redevelopment of eight small hydro generating stations in the last 10 years and has many lessons learned to share.

Kurt Kornelsen

Director of Environment and Climate Change | Ontario Power Generation (OPG)

Kurt C. Kornelsen is the Director of Environment and Climate Change at Ontario Power Generation. His work focuses on merging science, policy and practice to integrate climate change into core decision making at the utility. He holds a doctoral degree in Water Resources from McMaster University where he is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the School of Earth, Environment and Society.

Tom Kurtz

Project Manager, Enterprise Projects | Ontario Power Generation (OPG)

Tom Kurtz is OPG’s Project Manager for the Kakabeka Falls Redevelopment Project. Tom has a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering and over thirty years of experience in multiple roles at OPG and Hydro One. Tom has firsthand knowledge in the areas of operations, maintenance, engineering, public safety, dam safety, stakeholder relations, supply chain, business development, and project management. Tom has spent most of his career working in Northwest Ontario, and lives in Kenora on Lake of the Woods.

Brad Kyte

Senior Manager, Business Development | Atura Power

Brad is a Senior Manager of Business Development at Atura Power and responsible for development of Atura’s electricity storage and generation projects.  Brad has been a key leader in the development of the energy storage business segment at Atura Power and Ontario Power Generation. 

He has over 19 years of experience in the power generation sector and has been involved in electricity projects involving technologies such as batteries, combustion turbines, pumped storage, compressed air, nuclear, hydroelectric generation, and biomass. Brad has been a Board member of Energy Storage Canada since 2020.

Codie Lonsberry

Senior Manager, Projects | Ontario Power Generation (OPG)

Codie is a Senior Manager of Projects at Ontario Power Generation and his team is responsible for project delivery and execution at R.H. Saunders Generation Station, Ontario’s second largest hydro station, located in Cornwall, Ontario. Codie has been successfully leading projects of all levels of complexity across multiple hydro facilities in eastern Ontario during his 16-year career with Ontario Power Generation. Codie holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Queen’s University.

Lindsay Melvin

Director of Integrated Resource Planning Division | Manitoba Hydro

Lindsay Melvin has enjoyed various positions over 20 years at Manitoba Hydro in the areas of Resource Planning & Market Analysis, Export Power Marketing, Distribution Projects, and Integrated Resource Planning Policy and Coordination.

Lindsay leads a dynamic team that engages and collaborates to develop plans for Manitoba’s energy system that meets the needs and expectations of Manitobans, both now and in the evolving future.

Lindsay has a Master of Science in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and a Master of Business Administration, both from the University of Manitoba. Lindsay is a past president of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba and Vice Chair of the Public Affairs Committee at Engineers Canada.

Vincent Mercier

Department Director of the Hydropower, Dams and Hydraulic Structures Team | Kiewit

Mr. Mercier has over 20 years of experience in the hydropower industry, on both the consulting engineering and the contractor side. He currently leads Hydropower, Dams, and Hydraulic structures engineering at Kiewit. In that role, he oversees the work of Kiewit’s engineering partners in that market, manages the in-house Kiewit engineering team he founded in 2020.

His experience covers greenfield, brownfield, as well as operational support, and R&D projects.  This has provided him with a rare perspective on the challenges for the entire lifecycle of hydropower schemes. Vincent has worked for various types of clients including private and public, investors, consulting engineering firms, contractors, and operators. Working with said clients has provided him with an insight into the motivations and sensitivities of most stakeholders in the hydropower business. His experience also covers the complete range of services typically offered by engineering firms and contractors, from pre-feasibility and desktop studies to detailed design and construction support. In recent months, Vincent has performed several studies and contributed to Early Contractor Involvement mandates of projected pumped storage facilities in support of Kiewit’s market development efforts, which provided him with an in-depth perspective of the latest North American industry trends and common pitfalls in that market.

Lorena Patterson

President & CEO | WaterPower Canada

Lorena holds an MBA from the University of Texas in Austin and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Development from Dalhousie University. Lorena moved to Ottawa in 2018 as Director of Public Affairs for TC Energy, after heading Corporate Affairs and Stakeholder Relations for the firm for nearly 15 years in Mexico City. She was President of the Mexican Natural Gas Association from 2016 to 2018, a Board Member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Mexico, and represented the Mexican Natural Gas Industry during CUSMA negotiations and in bilateral conversations between Mexico and the United States on the US – Mexico Energy Business Council. A native Albertan, Lorena was the first representative of the Alberta Government to be posted at the Embassy of Canada in Mexico City, in 2002. Most recently, Lorena was the Senior Vice President, Public Affairs and Policy for the Association of Canadian Distillers (Spirits Canada).

In 2008, Michaelle Jean awarded Lorena with the Governor General’s Award for her work in strengthening the bilateral relationship between Canada and Mexico. She is a founding member of Voz Experta, an organization that works to increase the visibility of women in the Mexican energy sector, is a proud member of the Ottawa chapter of the International Women’s Forum. Lorena speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Luc Pelletier

Environmental Expertise Consultant, GHGs, Climate Resilience and Industry | Hydro-Québec

Luc Pelletier is an Advisor in Environmental expertise working on the greenhouse gas program at Hydro-Québec. His work aims at expanding knowledge on greenhouse gas dynamics in hydroelectric reservoirs through collaborative research with scientists from the academic sector, environmental consulting firms, and partnerships with other hydroelectricity companies. Over the last 20 years, Luc has been involved on multiple projects focusing on greenhouse gas exchange in lakes and reservoirs, but also on terrestrial ecosystems such as natural and harvested peatlands, forests and agricultural lands. He holds a Master’s degree in Geography and a PhD in Natural Resource Sciences from McGill University.

Travis Penno

Vice President, Field Services | Hydro Tech

Travis Penno is the Vice President of Field Services at Hydro Tech. Travis is a construction and project professional with over 20 years of engineering and project management experience primarily in the hydropower industry. A registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng), Travis offers exceptional technical and business skills in construction work packages and scope of work development, contract negotiations and implementation, change order management, union negotiations, and First Nations consultations. He is a valuable asset to Hydro Tech with his multidisciplinary background in engineering and construction, including managing large civic, mechanical, and electrical scopes of work.

Karen Popoff

Director, Environment | BC Hydro

Karen Popoff has over 25 years of senior leadership experience at BC Hydro.  As the Director of Environment, she has responsibility for environmental policy and strategy, standards, risk analysis, environmental performance, regulatory oversight and compliance.  Karen leads the development and implementation of BC Hydro’s Environment Strategy and Principles, and BC Hydro’s GHG Management Plan. She leads a business unit of approximately 100 environmental professionals who deliver environmental services to planning, projects and operations. 

Karen and her team engage with Indigenous communities and stakeholders on complex projects and operational issues, with a priority on collaboration and participation in decision-making processes.  With a passion for leadership and the environment, Karen is BC Hydro’s Senior Representative on several committees with Indigenous leaders, and with Provincial and Federal Agencies as it relates to advancing reconciliation and environmental interests, while meeting business needs.  She is also on the Board of Directors for WaterPower Canada. Karen holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia.

Yves Prairie

Professor | Université du Québec à Montréal

Yves Prairie is professor of biology at the Université du Québec à Montréal. A founding member of the GRIL research center (a multi-university research centre in limnology since the early 1990s), he was its director for 9 years. His main research focus is on all aspects of carbon cycling in aquatic systems. He initiated and co-led an international working group that looked, for the first time, at the role of lakes and reservoirs in the global carbon budget. He holds a UNESCO Chair in Global Environmental Change and was President of the International Society of Limnology (SIL). His research interests combine carbon and nutrient biogeochemistry, statistical modelling of ecosystem processes, and physical limnology. 

Herbert Proschek

Lead Protection Engineer | ANDRITZ Hydro Austria

Herbert Proschek is a lead protection engineer with more than 30 years of experience in the design, testing and commissioning of protection relays. He has managed protection projects throughout Europe, Northern Africa, Asia, USA and Canada. Herbert has designed and tested more than 300 protection systems for gas turbines (40-210 MVA). He has developed tools to support engineering processes. He designs, tests and documents protection functions for the HIPASE platform. Finally, Herbert conducts power protection training for local and international customers.

Herbert Proschek holds a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from the Technical University of Vienna. He has been an active contributor within international power protection engineering community, participating in relevant conferences and industry events. He is based at the ANDRITZ Hydro headquarters in Vienna.

Laura Read

Head of Product Strategy, HydroForecast | Upstream Tech

Laura is the Product Manager for HydroForecast, helping to develop the product strategy and processes to continue growing our system and team. Prior to joining the team, she worked as a Project Scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research on a hydrologic model development team. She brings expertise in hydrologic sciences and statistics, project management, technical writing, and client communication. Laura holds a Ph.D. from Tufts University in Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Water Diplomacy program, as well as a M.S.E. from the University of Texas at Austin and a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Puget Sound. Laura is based in Denver, Colorado and when not working, she’s most likely pulling weeds and talking to plants in her garden, baking bread and cooking beans, or spending time in the outdoors with her family.

James (Jim) Robb

President & CEO | North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)

James (Jim) B. Robb assumed the role of NERC’s president and chief executive officer (CEO) in April 2018. Robb oversees NERC’s mission of assuring the reliability and security of the North American bulk power system. As president and CEO, Robb leads the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) and is responsible for key programs, including those programs focused on development of mandatory NERC Reliability Standards, the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program, situational awareness, event and risk analysis, reliability assessments and forecasting, and cyber and physical security, affecting approximately 1,400 bulk power system users, owners, and operators. He is also responsible for the performance of the Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center (E-ISAC) and key government partnerships.

As CEO, he is the chair of the ERO Enterprise Executive Committee, which oversees the operations of the six Regional Entities that support the reliability mission across North America. Robb joined the ERO Enterprise in 2013 when he was appointed the president and CEO of the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC), the Regional Entity serving the Western Interconnection.

Robb has more than 35 years of experience in the energy sector as an engineer, consultant, and senior executive. Prior to becoming WECC’s CEO, he held three major leadership roles in the industry: senior vice president at Northeast Utilities (now Eversource Energy); senior vice president at Reliant Energy (now part of NRG Energy); and partner at McKinsey & Company. During his 15-year career at McKinsey, he worked closely with prominent electric power companies in California, western Canada, the Pacific Northwest, and the Rocky Mountain states and served clients in Western Europe, South America, and New Zealand. He is a frequent speaker at industry events on the evolution of the electric power system, cyber security, integration of variable generation, and the increasing interdependency of electric and natural gas reliability.

Robb is a member of the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council and serves on the United States Energy Association Board as well as a NERC trustee. In 2020, he was appointed chair of the Group of Experts on Cleaner Energy Systems for the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. He has served on the boards of the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, Connecticut, the Houston Symphony, the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, and as a policy advisor to the Bay Area Economic Forum in San Francisco.

Robb earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University in Indiana and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

Abe Schneider

Chief Technology Officer & Co-Founder | Natel Energy

Abe creates hydraulic designs for Natel’s turbines and works at the intersection of science, R&D, product and project development, and communications. Prior to co-founding Natel Energy in 2009 with his sister, Gia, Abe worked as a mechanical engineer for both large firms such as The Timken Company and innovative startups including Makani Power, which was later acquired by Google.

Abe earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from MIT. Abe enjoys SUP surfing, wing foiling, rock climbing, fly fishing, and building things with his wife and two children in San Francisco.

K Michael (Mike) Shaw

Section Head, Greenhouse Gas Expertise | Manitoba Hydro

Mike has held various greenhouse gas analysis roles at Manitoba Hydro over the past 11 years, establishing himself as trusted subject matter expert on a range of greenhouse gas related topics including greenhouse gas accounting, assessment, pricing, regulation, mitigation, reporting, and policy.

Mike currently represents Canada’s electricity sector on the Government of Canada’s Fuel Life Cycle Assessment Model’s Stakeholder Technical Advisory Committee and is the co-chair of the Canadian Energy Partnership for Environmental Innovation (a Canadian Gas Association affiliated program).

He has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Manitoba and is a registered professional engineer in Manitoba. Mike is a member of Waterpower Canada’s Electricity Decarbonization Committee and participates on various Electricity Canada committees and working groups related to greenhouse gas emissions. Mike’s a long-time active commuter, getting around by running, biking, and walking over 50,000 kilometres since 2008 – with a detailed Excel sheet to prove it!

Mike Sidebottom

Chief Clean Energy Officer | Nova Scotia Power Inc.

Mark was appointed Chief Clean Energy Officer of Nova Scotia Power Inc. in 2022, after holding the Chief Operating Officer position since 2016. In 2021, Mark’s focus moved to leading the company’s decarbonization strategy, with a mandate to significantly reduce carbon emissions while integrating new technologies, innovations, and greener solutions to meet the energy needs of customers.

Mark began his career at Nova Scotia Power over 30 years ago and throughout his tenure has managed almost all functions of generating and delivering electricity to customers. He designed, built, and managed power plants, ensured reliable delivery of electricity to retail customers, and managed fuel portfolios.

Mark is a past chair of the Board of Directors of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. He is a past treasurer and board member of Junior Achievement Nova Scotia, the Fossil Advisory Board, and the Silicon Island Advisory Board. Mark is also the former Chair of the Generation Council for the Canadian Electricity Association.

Mark holds a Bachelor’s Degree in mechanical engineering from the Technical University of Nova Scotia—now part of Dalhousie University—and is a registered Professional Engineer with Engineers Nova Scotia.

Candice Tourville

Business Development Officer | Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN)

Candice Tourville is an Omushkego Cree woman, member of Attawapiskat First Nation and proud affiliate of Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN).  Her role as Business Development Officer for TTN is crucial in exploring viable major projects and building meaningful partnerships with proponents who understand the importance of developing equal partnerships with the Nation.

As a mother of five daughters, and herself a daughter of a residential school and 50’s scoop survivor, Candice views opportunities through the lens of a seven generation mindset and how projects can support the building of a community that is strong in culture, health, wellness, education, and prosperity. Candice works closely with Agnico Eagle for the Detour Lake Mine, Canada Nickel’s future Crawford nickel site, OPG for project refurbishments within the territory, and is currently the Co-Chair of the Moose River Basin Co-Planning Committee that is reviewing opportunities for development within the Moose River Basin, a Nations led initiative where the communities are leading the process.

William Twardek

Fisheries Scientist | Ecofish Research Ltd.

William Twardek is a Fisheries Scientist with Ecofish Research, A Trinity Consultants Team, with 7 years of experience conducting research on a range of aquatic conservation and resource management topics. He uses a combination of field studies, experiments, modelling, and literature reviews to provide critical information in support of evidence-based decision-making. Will has published ~40 peer-reviewed articles with authors from around the world, and has completed several technical reports for government, NGO, and industry partners. Will’s PhD focused on evaluating interactions between Upper Yukon River Chinook salmon and hydropower infrastructure during which he worked closely with local First Nations, Yukon Energy, and the Canadian Wildlife Federation. He continues to work closely with these groups to identify wholistic approaches to developing hydropower while rebuilding salmon populations.

Martin Vaillancourt

Executive Director | Regroupement national des conseils régionaux de l’environnement du Québec (RNCREQ)

Martin Vaillancourt is the Executive Director of the Regroupement national des conseils régionaux de l’environnement du Québec (RNCREQ), a network of 17 organizations bringing together more than 220 professionals committed to environmental protection and the promotion of sustainable development across Quebec. With over twelve years of involvement in environmental issues, he previously held the position of Senior Advisor for Regional Development at the Chaudière-Appalaches Regional Conference of Elected Officials for more than ten years.

Known for his expertise in collaboration, Martin has worked closely with government stakeholders, local decision-makers, and citizen groups to advance issues related to climate change and the energy transition. Holding a Master’s degree in Business Administration, he has also contributed to the management and development of various organizations.

Brenden Vickery

Senior Director, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) Projects | Bird Construction

Bringing over two decades of experience in the construction industry, Brenden has held progressive roles, starting in the field as a carpenter and superintendent. Commencing his professional journey with Bird Construction in Calgary, Brenden’s experience in collaborative delivery methods supported his move eastward in 2018 to take on the role of Project Director at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) for the Advanced Nuclear Material Research Center (ANMRC) project in Ontario. The ANMRC is considered one of Canada’s largest Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) projects.

In his present position, Brenden was instrumental in formalizing the strategic delivery partnership agreements with CNL to provide construction capabilities and capacity in support of delivering their corporate strategy. As the Senior Director, Industrial he leads the CNL portfolio for work in Port Hope and Chalk River, Ontario, as well as decommissioning activities for the Whiteshell facility in Pinawa, Manitoba.

François Vitez

VP Power Markets | BBA

Mr. Vitez is a Hydropower and Storage expert with a vast experience in the development, engineering and construction management in North America and internationally. 

Early on in Francois’s career, he worked at developing numerous Small hydropower projects including his own Khudi Hydropower Project in Nepal.  Francois later worked as VP Hydro for BPR and SNC-Lavalin where he led the development of various hydropower and pumped hydro projects of various sizes.

With technical background in hydraulics and geotechnical, Francois has managed and directed all phases of Energy Generation project developments and rehabilitation from studies, engineering, to construction, commissioning, and operations. With BBA, he leads an integrated team dedicated to supporting the decarbonization of our economy through appropriate and optimal technologies including Small Hydro. Francois is engaged in promoting the multilayered value of hydro and long duration grid connected storage projects at Energy Storage Association of Canada and Canadian Hydropower Associations.

Sterling Watson

Principal Engineer, Fish Safety | Natel Energy

Sterling Watson leads FishSafe turbine design at Natel Energy. Her technical focus includes turbine performance assessment, fish passage test design and data collection, engagement with the scientific and stakeholder communities, and model development to inform high-performance, fish-safe turbine and hydropower plant designs.

Sterling holds bachelors and masters degrees in mechanical engineering from MIT. Her passion for everything aquatic extends beyond the office and she can be found swimming, surfing, and sea foraging in the waters of San Francisco during her free time.

Mike Williams

Manager– Conservation PRO | Ducks Unlimited Canada, ON

Born and raised on the prairies of southern Manitoba, Mike is long-serving employee with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC). He began his career in northern Alberta in 1990 as the Area Biologist for the Grande Prairie office and remained there until 1997 when family and a warmer climate drove him eastward to Ontario.

After relocating to Barrie in 1998, Mike has worked in various roles designing and delivering wetland habitat conservation programs at the landscape level.

Since 2016, Mike has been managing DUC’s environmental consulting branch (called Conservation PRO) and is responsible for delivering cost-effective, nature-based solutions for industry, developers and other Clients.