Jeremie Barnardin
Panelist
President and Co-Founder at Electric Vehicle Association of Atlantic Canada
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Bilingual Program Manager in the electric vehicle industry with 10 years of experience in instruction, promotion and event organization. Specialized in public outreach, customer service and possesses a natural ability to collaborate. Engaging with excellent verbal and interpersonal skills and highly adaptive to challenging and changing responsibilities and quick to pick up new skills and concepts. Superior problem solving, relationship building and collaborative abilities. Environmentally versed, passionate about leading projects around technology advancements and ecology.
Bio
Julian Boyle, P.Eng
Panelist
Director Low Carbon Development at Equilibrium Engineering
ENERGY STORAGE
Experienced Director Of Operations with a demonstrated history of working in the real estate industry implementing low carbon strategies. Skilled in Energy Policy and Regulations, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Sustainability, Contract Management, and Business Development. Strong operations professional with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of Nova Scotia.
BioRyan Cawley
Workshop Presenter
Managing Director, SpryPoint
ASSET MANAGEMENT
Experienced Utility Software executive who specializes in listening to utilities to both identify and understand their operational challenges. Ultimately my job is to recommend solutions which will improve operational efficiency and enhance the experience of their customers.
BioKeith Collins
Panelist
Executive Director, Sustainable & Renewable Energy, Nova Scotia Dept of Energy & Mines
POLICY ROUNDTABLE - Adapting to Local Energy Transition
Keith Collins has been Executive Director of Sustainable and Renewable Energy at the Nova Scotia Department of Energy since 2016. His Branch leads the Department’s work on electricity policy, renewable energy and energy efficiency. Mr. Collins studied at Queen’s University as well as Oxford, and has worked in clean energy and climate change throughout Canada and the UK. He led the development of Manitoba’s Clean Energy Strategy; was an Associate at the think tank Demos in the UK; an Advisor to the Deputy Mayor of London; an ED in Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development and Trade; an Economist in Ontario’s Treasury; and a founding member of Ontario’s Green Industry Office.
BioKirt Conrad
Panelist
CEO/Executive Director Stark Area Regional Transit Authority
FUEL CELL “BUS” TECHNOLOGY
Senior executive in public transit with expertise in alternative energy and public policy. Has increased ridership over 30% and increased revenues by 20%. Has secured over $50 million in competitive grants and managed construction programs from railroad rehabilitation to LEED certified building in the transportation industry. He lead the purchase of 50 miles or railroad right-of-way and use of transportation infrastructure as a multi-modal corridor for both freight and commuter service. Currently, I am working with a number of private sector companies to commercialize fuel cell based public transportation and researching the best business models to support public hydrogen infrastructure.
BioTerri-Lynn Duque
Panelist
Director, Strategic Innovation, ENMAX
ROUNDTABLE - Utilities - Disruption Brings Opportunity
SMART GRID
Terri-Lynn Duque is the Director of Strategic Innovation at ENMAX Power, ENMAX’s distribution and transmission utility in Calgary. TL and her team have created a platform for innovative ideas and new technologies to transform the utility. The team delivers pilot projects, advises on distributed energy resource (DER) integration, and champions new business models to deliver value to ENMAX’s customers. Her most recent accomplishments include launching a pilot program to test out a regulated utility role for EV Charging in Alberta, and being named a 2019 Young Women in Energy Award winner. When she’s not dreaming about the future of the Alberta electricity sector, she spends her time exploring the Rocky Mountains with her family and dreaming about building a bed and breakfast in the foothills.
BioLuiz Faria
Panelist
Project Manager, Offshore Energy Research Association
OCEAN TECH
Luiz has a solid base of international energy industry experience complemented by graduate-level education in engineering. He is currently pursuing his MBA. Luiz has particular expertise in project, contracts and risk management. Get in touch with him if you have questions about in-stream tidal energy research.
BioJeff Farwell
Panelist
Chief Executive Officer at All EV Canada INC.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Jeff Farwell is currently involved in the early stages of a new business, All EV Canada Inc. He and his partners are developing an EV platform across Canada, including resale of EV’s, EV certification and consultation, EV Innovation and development, EV conversion and parts. Jeff couldn’t be more excited to leap into a new and evolving industry.
BioForest Frizzell
Panelist
CEO, Shifted Energy
EFFICIENCY
Forest Frizzell has spent his entire career in the tech industry with leadership roles in government, nonprofit, and utilities. He has significant experience leading and scaling technology teams and projects. As Deputy Director of Information Technology at the City & County of Honolulu, he spearheaded several infrastructure upgrade initiatives that resulted in the City begin awarded #1 Digital City by the Center for Digital Government. As Director of Information Technology at Hawaii Gas, he was tasked with the establishment of the IT strategy and its alignment with the objectives and results of the Company. he successfully implemented and scaled multiple internal infrastructure upgrades including transitioning from an on-premise to cloud-based infrastructure. He sits on the Board of Directors for Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii and plays a very active role as Board President for Purple Maiʻa Foundation. He has presented at TEDx Honolulu and was selected as one of 13 emerging local leaders in the inaugural class of the Pierre Omidyar Fellows program. He received recognition as one of Pacific Business News’ Forty Under 40, and Hawai‘i Business’ 20 for the Next 20: People to Watch.
BioDaniel Kaute
Panelist
CEO, ECO-Limited
HYDROGEN
Daniel is passionate about innovation and uses his international network of business, customer, and academic contacts to guide product development and to market strategies, bringing unique, innovative and disruptive technologies to market. He works with applications in Automated In-Process Quality Control and Industrial Internet of Things (VMC, IIOT/Industrie 4.0) and has been working in the Hydrogen Economy on a zero carbon fuel which has now gone into Chinese ownership. Daniel is also Managing Director Europe for MedX Health Corporation with a unique tele-medicine skin cancer screening technology commercializing the technology through strategic partnerships in Europe; and he is Advisor to Oxford Brain Diagnostic, with a unique MRI based technology to measure brain degradation and allowing to detect dementia early. Until 2014, Daniel was CEO of Environmental Waste International (TSXV: EWS), with a patented microwave technology that breaks down organic matter into valuable by-products. Prior to EWS he was CEO of ENTECH-REM, with an Australian low temperature waste gasification technology. Until 2007, Dr. Kaute was President of Plasmatreat North America. He was pivotal in establishing Plasmatreat®’s patented Plasma Technology in America, with acquisition of key accounts like Boeing, Ford, Harley Davidson, Magna, and Medtronic. Prior to joining Plasmatreat® in 1999, he set up and ran Danone's manufacturing operations in Russia. Daniel studied engineering at Ecole Centrale de Paris (FR), and University of Stuttgart (GER). He received his Ph.D. in materials engineering at Cambridge University, UK. He is fluent in English, French, German and Russian. He founded and headed the Oxford and Cambridge Society of Toronto (over 2,000 members). The society has sent four students since 2012 on a full scholarship to Oxford or Cambridge.
BioJulia Kent
Panelist
Director of Public & Government Affairs at CAA Atlantic
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES
Julia Kent is a public relations leader based in Halifax. A former broadcast journalist, Julia is a natural speaker, presenter and communicator. She is experienced in all types of journalistic writing, public speaking, event management, promotional campaigns, sales tactics, social media strategies, full-service marketing, communications, proposal and web writing. Leadership and mentorship are the cornerstones of Julia's work style. Leading a team in tackling challenges, both big and small, and guiding that team to success, is what makes Julia tick. High in energy, enthusiasm and ambition, Julia is known for motivating others through her contagiously optimistic, can-do attitude. In addition to working for CAA, Julia is active with her alma matter, Carleton University and the Halifax Grammar School. She is passionate about career mentoring today's youth, and mentored multiple journalism students through Carleton's alumni mentorship program. Julia was the recipient representative and sponsorship co-chair for the 2015 Canadian Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year Awards Dinner. She is also the former industry relations manager for IABC Ottawa. Additionally, Julia participates and raises funds annually for the Parkinson SuperWalk in Halifax. In her free time, Julia co-hosts a weekly podcast, Young PR Pros, aimed at providing advice to up-and-coming industry professionals. The podcast is in the top three PR podcasts worldwide and is available free on iTunes. She also founded and organizes an active book club and plays competitive soccer. Some career highlights include interviewing Michael Ignatieff, Bob Rae, Senator Jim Munson and Senator Wilbert Keon for various media outlets. In 2012, she appeared on CTV's talk show The Social as the show's book club expert, and in 2014 made a guest appearance on BBC's World Book Club.
BioOlin Lagon
Panelist
CTO, Shifted Energy
SESSION TO BE DETERMINED
Olin Lagon is a technology innovator and social entrepreneur with a long-time passion for sustainability. He has co-authored ten technology patents, co-founded several companies, and helped invent groundbreaking technologies in diverse fields including content localization and crowdfunding. His startup ChipIn helped launch the crowdfunding industry and directed nearly $100 million to causes worldwide. ChipIn also launched Sprout which was acquired by inMobi and renamed inMobi Studio, a visual tool that pioneered the creation of highly interactive mobile ads without the need for coding. Half of Olin’s life has been spent in service including the U.S. Navy, the Peace Corps and several nonprofits. His service work has been recognized by numerous local and national organizations including Entrepreneur of the Year for Social Impact (HVCA), Small Business Advocate of the Year (SBA), Torch Award (BBB), Our Geniuses (Honolulu Magazine), 25 who will shape the next 25 years (Hawaii Business), and Petra Fellow (New York). Born and raised in Hawaii, Olin grew up in a single parent household in public housing. He lives in Kalihi Valley with his wife, two young sons, and dog.
BioTJ Lawy
Panelist
Principal Systems Engineer, Ballard Power Systems
LAND TRANSPORTATION
TJ Lawy is a Principal Systems engineer for Ballard Power Systems with over 18 years’ experience with hydrogen fuel cells and fuel cell systems. Mr. Lawy has managed the product development of Ballard’s fuel cell modules, and has worked in design, testing and after sales support of fuel cell products, as well as supporting customers across the globe to successfully integrate fuel cell modules into transport applications.
Bio
Tonja Leach
Moderator
Executive Director, QUEST Canada
POLICY ROUNDTABLE - Adapting to Local Energy Transition
Tonja Leach became Executive Director of QUEST on October 18, 2019, having been with QUEST since its inception in 2007 in a number of roles of increasing responsibility. She has been instrumental in establishing QUEST’s extensive national network and ensuring that QUEST is known as the Canadian organization that accelerates the adoption of efficient and integrated community-scale energy systems in Canada by informing, inspiring, and connecting decision-makers.
BioMichel Losier
Moderator
Executive Director, Customer Energy Solutions, NB Power
POLICY ROUNDTABLE - Utilities: Disruption Brings Opportunity
Michel is the Executive Director of Customer Energy Solutions for NB Power, a Canadian public utility that delivers energy solutions to more than 350,000 New Brunswickers at home, work and in their community. Under his leadership, Michel oversees the Energy Efficiency file and the evolving energy solutions portfolio. Michel has had a broad exposure in the utility sector with a focus on smart grid innovation, evolving energy solutions and customer engagement. He is a thought leader and a frequent speaker at energy conferences. He has a passion for innovation and the ongoing transformation of the utility sector. He also takes a customer centric view of the evolving energy consumer relationship with energy providers offering new “value added” energy solutions. Michel has been an active board member for the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative for the past five years, where NB Power was the recipient of the 2019 SECC Consumer Engagement award for energy efficiency programs. Michel was also the Program Director of the award winning, PowerShift Atlantic project. This project focused on leveraging new smart grid, energy storage technologies to better integrate renewables such as wind in the Maritimes. NB Power was also recognized as a “Greentech Media Top 20 Disruptor” at the 2015 Grid Edge conference and received the Smart Grid Canada “2015 Innovation Award” for Canadian utilities. Michel is a graduate from the University of New Brunswick in Mechanical Engineering and a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of New Brunswick. Michel loves family life and being active in nature.
BioHugh MacDonald
Workshop Presenter
Director of Information and Analytics, EfficiencyOne
EFFICIENCY NS WORKSHOP: Intelligent Efficiency Supply Chain Using Advanced Analytics
Hugh MacDonald is the Director of Information and Analytics at EfficiencyOne. Hugh is responsible for oversight of information management, analytics, business intelligence and reporting. His focus is on guiding targeted program sales and marketing efforts as well as identification of energy saving opportunities through advanced analytics. Hugh has managed the organization’s research and analytical needs since 2012. Prior to joining EfficiencyOne, Hugh held leadership positions in information and analytics across a variety of industries, specializing in developing and managing insights-driven infrastructure and teams to guide business strategy and tactics. Hugh holds a Master of Science in Resource and Environmental Economics from the University of Georgia.
BioKim MacLaren
Workshop Presenter
Project Manager, EHRC
EHRC WORKSHOP: Aligning and Defining Renewable Energy Occupations with National Occupational Standards
Kim MacLaren is a highly experienced and motivated project manager, facilitator and researcher who brings a professional and approachable sensibility to all client relations. A consistent and calm communicator, her collaborative approach and straight-forward thinking allows Kim to effectively partner with clients from a range of sectors and industries to develop highly effective products and services that directly address human resource needs. Kim brings sound research skills, project management capabilities, technical writing expertise and facilitation techniques to her projects and is consistently recognized as a highly professional, confident and composed leader. Throughout her consulting career, Kim has successfully completed projects with clients from various sectors, including: mining, electricity, early childhood education and care, environmental employment, nursing, tourism and biotechnology. As a result, she has developed familiarity and rapport with individuals and stakeholders from all walks of life. She recognizes the importance of effective communications, mutual respect and diplomacy for effective client relationships.
BioJeff Mocha
Panelist
VP, Entreprise Innovation, OEC
POLICY ROUNDTABLE - Utilities: Disruption Brings Opportunity
Jeff leads OEC in advancing the organization forward to strategically align the businesses with the fast pace of change, the challenges of new and disruptive technologies, and the ongoing transformation of the energy sector. Jeff’s previous experience includes responsibility for Oakville Hydro’s Distribution System Operations Control Room, SCADA, Protection & Control systems, and overall Distribution System Asset Management Program. He was also the Project Manager and Technical Lead responsible for the design, construction, and ongoing operation of Oakville Hydro’s first wholly-owned Transformer Station. Jeff is a graduate of the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Electrical Engineering) and is a Professional Engineer in Ontario.
BioWinston Morton
Workshop Presenter
Chief Technical Officer, SimpTek Technologies
EFFICIENCY NS WORKSHOP: Intelligent Efficiency Supply Chain Using Advanced Analytics
Winston has been getting his hands dirty with whiteboard markers for more than 25 years. Armed with a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Brunswick, he has been a founding member of a number of Internet security and telecommunications, and energy startups as well as senior roles with established global companies such as IBM, Marconi, and Cable and Wireless Bermuda. As an enthusiastic mentor and coach, Winston enjoys driving revenue growth by matching novel technologies with a clear focus on customer value. He takes particular interest in the energy sector and building cloud-scale business models. Winston is currently Chief Technical Officer SimpTek Technologies as well as serving on the Board of the Halifax Partnership.
BioAmmar Nawaz, LL.M, P.Eng
Panelist
Distributed Energy Solutions, Alectra Energy Solutions
ROUNDTABLE - Utilities - Disruption Brings Opportunity
Ammar is the Vice President of Distributed Energy Solutions at Alectra. He is responsible for advancing Alectra’s commercial initiatives by leveraging emerging technology trends and consumer preferences to develop a suite of bespoke energy solutions. Prior to joining Alectra, Ammar had spent over a decade at Hydro One across technical, operational and business development roles. As part of his portfolio at Hydro One, Ammar supported enterprise strategy development, new venture growth, M&A and regulatory reform initiatives. Ammar also provided strategic advice and thought leadership on regulatory and power market reforms, and chaired several internal committees on DER integration and renumeration work. Ammar is a Professional Engineer and also holds a Masters-in-Law from Osgoode Hall Law School focused on utility regulation and infrastructure development. Ammar is also the Chair of Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) West Toronto.
BioSheena Parris
Moderator
Solar Clean Energy Development Coordinator, Dept Energy & Mines NS
SOLAR
I’m a creative, adaptable young professional with over 10 years of experience in project development, facilitation and evaluation. I have worked on interdisciplinary teams to address problems and create effective, targeted programming, materials, and processes for established organizations such as Red Cross Canada, YMCA, and Nova Scotia Environment. Whether in academics, recreation, research, business strategy, grant writing, evaluation, or facilitation – I enjoy tackling a puzzle. I excel at taking the ‘big view’ of problems and working to distill it down to the key ideas & objectives. Mind maps and logic models are my jam.
BioPeter Porteous
Panelist
VP Business Development, Steele Auto Group
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Peter is a BComm graduate of Carleton University. Peter's career has been focused on bringing brands to market throughout North America. His career began with Kraft Foods where he was Director of Marketing – Canada. He led sales & distribution companies on brands such as Arctic Cat, Triumph, KTM, and others. Prior to joining Steele Auto, Peter was President of Stanfield's Ltd – a 163 year old iconic clothing manufacturer. As VP Business Development, Peter will focus on growing the core markets in Atlantic Canada while also pursuing acquisition opportunities in other markets.
BioKrista Phillips
Panelist
Clean Energy and Transportation Strategist, Dept. Energy and Mines
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Krista received her Bachelor of civil engineering from the University of New Brunswick and is currently completing her MBA at Dalhousie University. She worked in the engineering consulting field for over 14 years with a focus on water, wastewater and environmental remediation projects before joining the Nova Scotia Department of Energy and Mines. Currently, Krista develops policy and programs for reducing GHG emissions in Nova Scotia. Her work focuses on the transportation sector’s transition to a clean, accessible and sustainable system, which includes electrifying public transit, shared mobility, and active transportation. She is the Department’s lead for electric transportation in the province.
BioSanjeev Pushkarna
Moderator
Manager, Customer Solutions, Nova Scotia Power
SMART GRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Jeremy Rodriguez, P.Eng
Panelist
Technical Sales Engineer, Corvus Energy Inc
MARINE TRANSPORTATION
Passionate about clean energies and sustainable transportation, Jeremy Rodriguez holds a Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Victoria, BC. He started his career as a Mechanical Designer in 2014 with Corvus Energy which designs and manufactures Battery Energy Storage Systems (ESS) for ships and the maritime industry. Currently, Jeremy leads the Technical Sales Department for the Americas and Asian market who brings deep battery technical knowledge to the customers, sizes the ESS and advises them with the best product that will fit their needs. Jeremy was born in France and immigrated to Canada in 2011. He now resides in Vancouver, enjoys hiking, camping, and local breweries.
Bio
Christopher Short
Speaker
Managing Director, Accenture
KEYNOTE ROUNDTABLE: TOP ENERGY DISRUPTORS TO LOOK FOR
Accenture Managing Director (partner) working with energy clients to build their strategic vision, then shape, structure and deliver their digital customer transformation programs. I have led a broad portfolio of business strategy and customer transformation programs across North America (Canada, US), Europe (UK, France) and Asia-Pacific (Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Greater China, Japan and Hong Kong).
BioKaliyur Sridharan
Panelist
Senior Director, Growth Programs, Schneider Electric
SMART GRID
A results-driven senior professional with 30+ years of experience in management, strategy, growth & engineering. Kaliyur's expertise is leading the rapid commercialization of products/services within the utility and industrial automation industries and translating them into a strategy for global adoption. End-to-end experience in leading mega projects for global companies including (i) sales/new customer creation and retention (ii) proposal development, review & approval (iii) global channel program design and execution (iv) risk management within large project execution (v) M&A and joint ventures (vi) regulatory considerations (vii) industry engagement and (viii) business agreement commercialization. Kaliyur is a creative strategist with strong domain expertise, negotiation, interpersonal skills with the ability to see “big picture” to facilitate key decisions of global companies in large projects. Industry Expertise: Utility Automation, Industrial Automation, Transmission and Distribution, Smart Grids, Micro Grids, Digital Energy, Rapid Global Commercialization, M&A, Joint Ventures, Sales/Channels
BioKyle Strang
Workshop Presenter
Managing Director, SpryPoint
ASSET MANAGEMENT
Hari Subramaniam
Workshop Presenter
Chief Strategic Growth and Policy Officer, Opus One Solutions
PARTNER WORKSHOP
Global sales leader with over 20 years of experience and a proven record of trusted leadership and succeeding in international markets in North America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Previously, CEO of eCamion Inc, an energy storage company, and Vice Chair of Energy Storage Ontario. Prior to that, I was a Vice President with GE Canada’s national executive team where I drove growth by expanding GE's platforms and large infrastructure projects into new markets. From energy to real estate, luxury cars and custom-made furniture manufacturer, I've advised a wide range of startups and small businesses on their growth, financial strategies and expansion plans. I've helped a number of startups raise millions of dollars. With a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship, I am on the international speaking circuit and present on a number of topics like Transactive Energy, smart grids, electric vehicles and how to create a dynamic model of private and public sector partnerships that helps solve for energy challenges and opportunities. I served in the Canadian Navy and I've held senior policy and advisory roles to past Prime Ministers and Cabinet Ministers in Canada. A member of IESO's Stakeholder Advisory Committee for energy related businesses, I am on the boards of Centre for Urban Energy at Ryerson University, Distributed Energy Association of Canada, McGill University and Rouge Valley Health System.
BioDan Wicklum, Ph.D
Speaker
President & CEO, The Transition Accelerator
KEYNOTE ROUNDTABLE: TOP ENERGY DISRUPTORS TO LOOK FOR
Dr. Wicklum has 25 years of experience managing research, driving innovation, and fostering collaboration in and among industry, government, academia and civil society. He was CEO of Canada’s Oil Sands Innovation Alliance for seven years, was Executive Director of the Canadian Forest Innovation Council, and has been a senior manager at Environment and Climate Change Canada and Natural Resources Canada. His initial career was football, as a linebacker for the Calgary Stampeders and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Bio