Speakers

Patty is a School Manager with the School of Technology and Environment at the Nova Scotia Community College. With 14 campuses located in communities across the province, NSCC plays a key role in building Nova Scotia’s economy and quality of life. Central to Patty’s role as a School Manager is engaging with industry and stakeholders to ensure that current and new programs align with emerging labour market needs across Nova Scotia. With a passion for lifelong learning, she has completed a Master’s degree in Public Administration and graduate certificates in both Adult Education and Human Resources Management. Before joining NSCC, Patty worked in strategic planning and policy with Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change. The opportunity to work on programs that support a sustainable future for Nova Scotia is an exciting and meaningful step in Patty’s personal and professional journey.

An Atlantic Canadian government and marine business leader, as well as a community builder. Richard, a St. Mary’s University graduate, is the Managing Director of Miawpukek Horizon Maritime Services Ltd., a partnership between Horizon Maritime and Miawpukek First Nation focused on advancing Indigenous participation in the ocean economy. The company was recognized, in 2022, with a Government of Canada Employment Equity Award for the Polar Prince cadet training program. Richard’s skills leading governance and policy discussions around environmental sustainability, Indigenous relationships and business performance is a rare combination in Atlantic Canada. He is widely recognized as a thought leader and more importantly, a practical doer. He has also demonstrated that working with local Indigenous partners can lead to commercial success in areas that traditionally excluded both local suppliers and Indigenous peoples. Further, Richard’s community contributions were recognized in 2023 by both Halifax Regional Municipality with a Volunteer Award and by Soccer Nova Scotia with the Innovative Program Award for his leadership role in delivering the Team Mi’kmaq Nova Scotia Soccer Project.

Originally from Halifax, NS, Andrew has 20+ years' experience working in roles of increasing seniority over those years in the energy business. Most recently he ran the LPG business at Sol Petroleum across 14 countries in the Caribbean spanning Supply, Shipping & Trading and Retail. After many years living and working in the oil and gas industry in Calgary, across multiple commodities, Andrew is excited to be back in his hometown and part of the energy transition team at EverWind.

Dr. Lauria is an environmental consultant with 30 years’ post graduate experience - 25 of those years have been working around the world with Worley.  Dr. Lauria provides strategic advice to clients in support of their sustainability goals, enablement of development, community planning and regulatory advocacy.  Mary Lou has built and led teams across the globe to collaborate and deliver successful environmental outcomes for industrial developments. Since moving to Canada Mary Lou has worked with a number of Indigenous groups including helping to establish Indigenous businesses with the Mikisew Cree First Nation, Fort McKay First Nation, Cold Lake First Nation and Norman Wells Land Corporation.   Mary Lou is Project Sponsor for Worley’s Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) certification through the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB). Dr. Lauria has a degree in Marine Biology with Business from the University of London, and her PhD was focused on biophysical interactions in estuarine systems at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton UK.  She is passionate about the changing definition of success, the importance of diversity and inclusion in business, and advocates for industrial projects to be developed with a positive impact to community, biodiversity and water.

Originally from St. John’s, NL, Delia is a Lead Renewables Consultant working out of Xodus Group’s Boston office. She started her career as an offshore pipeline and subsea structural engineer in the oil and gas industry, working in Scotland, France, and in her hometown, before earning an MBA  and changing fields – first as a Director at a non-profit organization supporting fossil fuel industry workers transitioning to jobs in renewable energy, then with an NL-based renewable energy firm in a business development and project management capacity. Her technical background in offshore design has enabled her to transition seamlessly into her role with Xodus, where she specializes in supply chain and workforce development, stakeholder engagement, and market entry in the US offshore wind energy industry. Delia is eager to see Atlantic Canada take advantage of the enormous wealth of natural, sustainable resources that it possesses, and is keen to support making this a reality.

Katie is a Commercial Manager at TGS, where she leads business development and project origination for offshore floating LiDAR systems and geophysical surveys across the US and Canada. Katie's background is in renewable energy data, and she has worked across the energy spectrum specializing in offshore wind, onshore wind, and solar energy. Katie has experience working with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), financial investors, and asset managers across Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Europe.

Isobel is a UK chartered Maritime Engineer and Ports Consultant. With over seven years industry experience, Isobel has worked on port projects across Canada and internationally, including feasibility studies, master planning and concept designs through to detailed design. Using the knowledge and skills she has acquired, Isobel is able to contribute to port projects across their lifecycle. She has recent experience in the coordination of technical and commercial aspects of offshore wind port bases, undertaking a number of feasibility and site assessments for both brownfield and greenfield port developments to serve the OSW market.

Kwatuuma Cole Sayers is a member of the Hupačasath Nation. He embodies the principles of hišimłuwa (working together as a group) and ʔiisaak (respect) as guiding principles to address the climate crisis and build a clean energy future. He is an experienced clean energy leader known for skillfully engaging and assisting First Nations and organizations in navigating the energy transition and creating opportunities in clean energy and technology. Kwatuuma is a powerful advocate for First Nations-led and partnered projects, and for innovative policies that advance reconciliation, achieve climate targets, and foster sustainable economic growth. He is currently the Executive Director of Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC), whose mission is to support BC’s transition to low-carbon energy through the development of effective climate policy and clean energy electrification.

Hannah MacDonald leads the Energy Solutions Program and the Offshore Wind Initiative at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute in Portland, Maine. She has facilitated numerous coastal community convenings throughout the Gulf of Maine during key public comment periods, helping fishing communities and marine resource users build the capacity to engage in the offshore wind development process. Additionally, her program creates resources to clarify the complexities of decision-making and science, ensuring stakeholders are well-informed throughout the process. Hannah is on the steering committee for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory LIFT: A Community of Practice to UpLIFT Equity and Justice in Wind Energy Deployment and a Sanctuary Advisory Council member for Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. She holds a Master of Environmental Science and Management from the University of Rhode Island, where her research focused on stakeholder engagement regarding marine resources and uses in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.

Anne-Marie Belliveau is a leading project developer in the Marine Renewable Energy sector and has held various senior management roles within the sector for the last 10 years including Tidal Project Development Manager at Emera, and Director of Operations at the Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy (FORCE). In 2020 she established Projectable Consulting, where she provides project development, project management, and strategic planning services primarily in the marine renewable energy sector. Her most recent clients are DP Energy, where she was the early-stage project development lead of the Nova East Wind floating offshore wind project; and FORCE, where she provided project management support on R&D projects. She advocates educating young women to pursue careers in the fields of engineering, technologies, trades, math and sciences, where she is a member of Engineers Nova Scotia's Women in Engineering committee. She also mentors aspiring young and newcomer professionals through the Halifax Partnership’s Connector Program.

Elected as Qalipu First Nation Western Vice-Chief in 2021 and appointed as the Acting Chief in December 2023, Chief Brake brings a diverse background and experience as a welder, artist and community advocate. She strives to foster meaningful relationships and promotes the advancement of the people she represents. Chief Brake's dedication extends to broader Indigenous platforms, serving on the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee, and on a national level at the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Chief's Committee on Charter Renewal as well as the AFN Fisheries Committee. She is an ambassador with the Canadian Seals and Sealing Network and sits on the Newfoundland and Labrador's RCMP Commanding Officer's Indigenous Advisory Committee. Supported by her family, Chief Brake remains steadfast in her dedication to the growth of Qalipu First Nation and the preservation of Mi’kmaq values and traditions

Gerald was born and raised in Guysborough County, and his first working years were in the fishing industry. He then pursued his education, receiving a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Dalhousie University, and achieved his Professional Engineer designation. In 1999, he began a career in Offshore Energy with ExxonMobil and has held a diverse range of roles across the Industry, including 8 years as an Advisor for the Offshore Regulator. Gerald has been with SBM Offshore for over 11 years, leading the Deep Panuke activities, including the decommissioning, deinstallation and local responsible recycle of the facility in Nova Scotia. Currently Gerald leads SBM’s activity in Canada for the development of Floating Offshore Wind on the Nova East Wind project.

Thomas Newcomb has over 15 years of experience in environmental impact assessment (EIA), aquatic and terrestrial habitat assessment, and permitting and regulatory compliance, with a focus on offshore wind energy and coastal development.

Lara has over 15 years of power transmission industry experience, working for Stantec Consultants, formerly Teshmont. Her experience has been focused on high voltage transmission and integration of renewables, both onshore and offshore. A selection of her experience includes conceptual design of HVDC systems, as well as HVAC/HVDC offshore systems for wind and power to gas projects, she has led hosting capacity studies for renewable generation, and she also has Owner’s Engineer experience on HVDC projects from specification to commissioning. Lara is a member of CIGRE JWG C1/B4.49 Offshore Transmission Planning.

Tatiana Facó A. Fonseca Position: Head of Legal at Qair Brasil, a subsidiary of the Qair Group – a French company with over 30 years of experience as an Independent Power Producer, operating in 17 countries across Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Europe. Responsibilities: Oversees legal support for Qair Brasil’s activities, focusing on negotiations, the structuring of infrastructure projects, and managing key interfaces. Experience: 14 years of experience in advisory and contractual matters, providing strategic support to executive teams of large companies. Contribution: Strategic support in the development, implementation, and operation of all renewable energy projects currently in operation at Qair. Academic background: Bachelor’s degree in Law from FMU/SP. Postgraduate degree in Contract Law from PUC/SP. Postgraduate degree in Tax Law from Unifor/CE. MBA in Business Management from FGV/SP. EPC/Turnkey Contracts course at FIDIC, Amsterdam. Currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in Neuroscience and Behavior at PUC/RS, enhancing her negotiation skills.

Dr. Brad Buckham is the Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and a member of the Institute for Integrated Energy Systems at the University of Victoria. He specializes in offshore mechanics with a focus on marine energy technologies and resource assessment. Brad’s graduate student team comprises the West Coast Wave Initiative (WCWI) and focus on innovation in the wave energy space. Brad is also co-director of the Pacific Regional Institute for Marine Energy Discovery (PRIMED) – a marine energy commercialization hub that uses student developed tools, methods and datasets in efforts to identify BC’s strategic marine energy sites, and to help develop plans for community based wave and tidal energy projects. Dr. Buckham’s contributions to research and training in the marine renewables sector have been recognized by the BC Innovation Council, Natural Resources Canada and Mitacs Canada. In his role as a University instructor, he was the 2018 recipient of Excellence in Teaching awards from the Engineers and Geoscientists of BC and Engineers Canada.

Igor is a Brazilian lawyer with extensive experience in legal advisory and business modeling for infrastructure and energy corporations and projects. He currently serves as the Coordinator of the Brazil Canada Chamber of Commerce’s Chapter in the Brazilian Northeast Region and is the President of the Chamber of International Trade and Foreign Investment at the Development Agency of the State of Ceará, Brazil. As a partner at APSV Law Firm, Igor advises both national and international key players in the energy sector and has been involved in transactions and investments across over 30 countries. His work includes investments in the renewable energy industry from Australia, Spain, France, Denmark, Portugal, Italy, the USA, the UK, and Germany, among others. He has coordinated global mobility procedures for foreign companies investing in Brazil and has contributed to drafting the country’s first environmental legislation on green hydrogen. Igor attended law school at the University of Fortaleza in Brazil and the University of Oviedo in Spain. He also holds a postgraduate degree in Civil Law and a master’s degree in Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer, with a thesis focused on the regulation of green hydrogen production and use.

A key figure in the development of the Quebec and Canadian renewable energy sector, Frédéric Côté works with decision-makers, SMEs and various national and international events to act as a spokesperson for the industry and promote the full-scale deployment of the energies of tomorrow. A passionate leader and appreciated by his peers, Frédéric Côté has served as General Manager at Nergica since 2009. / Joueur majeur dans le développement des énergies renouvelables au Québec et au Canada, Frédéric Côté intervient auprès des décideurs, des PME et dans divers événements nationaux et internationaux pour porter le discours et favoriser le plein déploiement des énergies de demain. Gestionnaire allumé et apprécié de ses collaborateurs, Frédéric Côté est directeur général de Nergica depuis 2009.

Philip S. Bassil is Managing Director and Head of Global Offshore Wind M&A at NORTHGREEN CAPITAL, a Canadian-based financial advisory firm focused on mergers and acquisitions, structuring and strategic advisory in the offshore wind industry, globally. Mr. Bassil works closely with pension funds, insurance companies, and institutional investors as well as infrastructure funds, strategics, utilities and renewable energy developers. Mr. Bassil is a sought-after thought leader and speaker recognized for his expertise and experience in accelerating the global energy transition. Most recently, Mr. Bassil was invited to speak at the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and renewableUK’s Global Offshore Wind 2022 conference in Manchester, UK as well as the GWEC and WindEurope sponsored WindEnergy Hamburg in Germany. Previously, Mr. Bassil was head of US-based Marathon Capital in Canada for over seven years. Mr. Bassil has been involved in over $10 billion in renewable energy M&A transactions including: the sale of Vancouver-based wind and hydro developer Alterra Power to Quebec-based Innergex for $1.1 billion creating one of the largest pure-play Canadian renewable energy platforms, the sale of Toronto-based Aypa Power (formerly NRStor C&I) to New York-based Blackstone, one of the largest investors in the world, the sale of a 51% stake in Berlin-based global developer ib vogt to Netherlands-based Dutch Infrastructure Fund (DIF), the sale of Brooklyn-based wind development platform OwnEnergy to Paris-based EDF, as well as deals with TransAlta Renewables, TC Energy and other large renewable energy developers, strategic entities and institutional investors across various markets, globally. Mr. Bassil has worked with reputable Bay Street firms including Scotia Capital at Scotiabank and was a former Utilities Analyst and lived in Canada, the US, and Europe. Mr. Bassil earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Rowe School of Business at Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Computer Science with the Electrical Engineering Stream from TUNS. He has successfully completed Level 1 and 2 of the globally recognized Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and the Canadian Securities Course (CSC) and the PDO. Mr. Bassil currently serves on the Board of Governors of the Sacred Heart School of Halifax. NORTHGREEN CAPITAL is a dedicated member of Marine Renewables Canada (MRC).

John Dalton is President of Power Advisory, an electricity sector-focused consulting firm. He offers over 30-years of experience in energy market analysis, power procurement, and policy analysis and development. He regularly applies this expertise to the offshore wind sector focusing in particular on the administration of competitive procurement frameworks for offshore wind and transmission policy development to facilitate the interconnection of offshore wind projects to the onshore grid. He has advised a wide range of parties pursuing opportunities to participate in the North American offshore wind sector including: (1) profiling market participants to identify possible partners; (2) assessing offshore wind market offtake opportunities; (3) assessing viable onshore transmission interconnection points for projects; (4) reviewing the benefits and risks of alternative offshore transmission development models; and (5) reviewing BOEM’s offshore wind leasing process and participation in lease auctions. In addition, he has advised several parties evaluate offshore wind development opportunities in Atlantic Canada; oversaw a report outlining the appropriate scope for studies on Atlantic Canada offshore wind paths to market and interconnection strategies and has evaluated offtake opportunities for offshore wind in BC.

Ken Paul is a member of the Wolastoqey First Nation at Neqotkuk, located in the community of Tobique First Nation in New Brunswick. Among his current roles, Ken is the principle/owner of Pokiok Associates and serves as the Lead Fisheries Negotiator and Research Coordinator for the Wolastoqey Nation of New Brunswick. Since 2012, Ken has worked directly for First Nations Chiefs, beginning with the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs as Regional Director of Fisheries, and then in 2018 with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) as their first National Fisheries Director. Prior to 2012, Ken had worked for 10 years in with the Canadian Hydrographic Service as and Hydrographic Engineer and Hydrographer-in-Charge of field-based ocean mapping, and 10 years with Parks Canada as a Senior Policy Advisor in Atlantic Canada and the Field Unit Superintendent in the Northwest Territories. He has also been active on the international front in Indigenous advocacy with the Post 2020 framework of the Convention of Biological Diversity, the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, the Expert Working Group with Ocean Decade Unit of the UN IOC, and the Indigenous Peoples’ Unit at the UN FAO. Ken is a board member of Marine Renewables Canada and Foundation for Conservation of Atlantic Salmon, and a former board member of the Ocean Supercluster, the Canadian Integrated Ocean Observing System (CIOOS), and a past board member of the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE) on tidal energy. He is currently involved with offshore wind, ocean research, kelp aquaculture, Indigenous marine protected areas, fisheries mentorship for Inuit in Nunavut, and private partnerships. Ken has advocated for First Nations regionally, nationally and internationally on all aspects relating to fisheries, aquaculture, ocean protection, economic prosperity and governance as they relate to inherent aboriginal and treaty-protected rights, legislation, and policy. Ken has an MBA with St Mary’s University and a BSc from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Neil is Managing Director of Aberdeen International Associates and specialises in supporting the supply chain to diversify into new industries and access global markets across the green and blue economies. In addition he works with a portfolio of client companies to help commercialise new technologies, and advises emerging energy markets on key issues including infrastructure, capacity building, supply chain development and local content. Neil has been working with/for Canada since establishing AIA on graduating in Law and Economics from the University of Aberdeen in 2005 and has experience of working across Europe, North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, South East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Mr McIntosh has extensive experience across the Marine Energy Industry and currently advises on a range of aspects re Offshore Wind developments including auctions/consenting, ports and related infrastructure, supply chain development, transitioning skills from other industries etc. as well as supporting clients to develop solutions in Wave and Tidal energy and emerging opportunities in P2X. Gordon is currently Chair of AIA whilst other current roles include a Directorship with Scotland's original energy transition focused trade association, Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group, and a Visiting Professor at the Robert Gordon University School of Business. Gordon is a former Secretary General of the World Energy Cities Partnership and Director of the Aberdeen Bay Offshore Wind Farm/European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. He has been working with Canadian organisations for over thirty years and served as Deputy Minister of Natural Resources for Newfoundland and Labrador from 2016-2018.

Tracy Menge serves as the Benefits Officer for Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn, where she plays a key role in supporting the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs. Her primary focus is on the development and implementation of Benefits Agreements with various proponents operating within Nova Scotia that align with the interests of the Mi’kmaq Nation. Tracy is a Mi’kmaq woman from Eskasoni First Nation and has over 25 years’ experience in Indigenous Community Economic Development, Indigenous Tourism and Mikmaq Employment and Training. She is an alumni of Cape Breton University where she received her Bachelor of Business Administration. She is pursuing her Masters in Community Economic Development. Tracy's extensive experience and commitment to her community makes her a vital asset to the ongoing Mi’kmaq economic development efforts in Nova Scotia's.

Jim holds Master’s degrees in Maritime Law (Cardiff) and Business Administration (Saint Mary’s). He practiced maritime law in England, Norway and Nova Scotia before joining the operator of Canada’s first offshore oil project, where he became an operations manager and senior executive. Jim was seconded on behalf of Atlantic Canada’s oil and gas operators as the founding Executive Director of Petroleum Research Atlantic Canada. Since coming to Cape Breton in 2005, Jim has led major port related development initiatives including multi-year environmental assessments and project management of (then) Canada’s largest dredging and land reclamation initiative. Currently, Jim is working in an offshore wind advisory role with Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources and as co-chair of the federally appointed Nova Scotia Offshore Wind Regional Assessment Committee.

Mr. Reid is a Fisheries Consultant based in Rhode island, USA. He is currently the Fishing Industry Advisor for the New Bedford Ocean Cluster. The NBOC is an organization that strives to promote cooperation and develop opportunities designed to enhance the economic benefits of the fishing industry in support of the needs of Offshore Wind Developers and the local community as a whole. Eric has spent 9 years as a New England Fisheries Management Council member and served 2 years as Vice Chair and Chairman for the last 3 years before terming out in August 2024. He is currently the U.S. Fishing Industry Commissioner to the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization and also a Commissioner to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. For over 50 years, Mr. Reid has been engaged in every facet of the Commercial Industry from deckhand to the wheelhouse. He also was the sole owner of a vertically integrated fishing/ wholesale company focused on primarily pelagic longline and both fresh and frozen at sea bottom trawlers supplying processed products for domestic and international markets.

With over 35 years’ experience working in the public and private sectors, including resource and renewable energy, Barb brings extensive stakeholder engagement, environmental knowledge and strategies supporting the growth of the marine renewable sector. Her focus is to advocate, cultivate and encourage strong relationships locally, nationally and globally including the growth of marine renewables. She holds a Master of Environmental Management and Restoration, Bachelor of Technology Environmental Science, Bachelor of Environmental Studies, and Environmental Engineering Technology Diploma and is a member of TechNova. She volunteers as a Catalyste+ Advisor with Global Affairs Canada offering mentorship, stakeholder and environmental knowledge fostering diversity, equity and inclusion strengthening economies across Canada and beyond.

From St. Peter's in Richmond County, Warden Amanda Mombourquette has a degree in business administration with a major in information systems from St. Francis Xavier University. With experience at international and local initiatives, Amanda’s background includes economic development, strategic planning, business counseling, measurement and evaluation, workshop facilitation, contract negotiation, financial and project management, and adult education. Amanda has a passion for the well-being of Nova Scotia and has worked in various economic and business development roles for about 20 years. She works as a Manager of Workforce Development focused on renewable energy at the Nova Scotia Community College in Cape Breton. Prior to her role at NSCC, she was the Executive Director of the Strait Area Chamber of Commerce, providing a leadership role on all matters related to business advocacy for over 350 businesses. She was elected to municipal council in Richmond County in 2020 and currently serves as Councillor for District 4 and Warden for the County. Amanda serves on several boards and committees across the province including the Forestry Economic Task Force and the Bras d'Or Lakes Collaborative Environmental Protection Initiative. In December 2021, she co-led a team to bring partners together to establish the Strait of Canso Offshore Wind Task Force with the goal of advocating for and engaging communities to learn about the extraordinary clean energy potential of northeastern Nova Scotia.

Marina is a registered professional biologist with over fifteen years of experience working on marine assessment and permitting projects along the Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific coastlines; she has worked on some of Canada’s most complex developments requiring extensive innovation, collaboration, and process knowledge. She holds a BSc in ecology from the University of British Columbia and a Master’s in Marine Management from Dalhousie University. She co-founded Bluedot Environmental in 2023 with the intention of infusing more heart-centred leadership, better science communication, and meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples into the environmental consulting industry. Feeling the urgency of the climate crisis, she has turned her focus to marine renewables, particularly tidal energy. For the past three years, Bluedot has been working with Yourbrook Energy Systems to permit and develop a tidal demonstration project on Haida Gwaii, with the full support of the Haida Nation. Marina lives in Gibsons, a small community just outside Vancouver on BC’s Sunshine Coast, with her partner, dog, and two young children.

Martin Thomsen is the Manager of Energy Sector Development with the Municipality of the County of Richmond and the Town of Port Hawkesbury. In this role, he oversees local green energy strategy development and works to support the emergence of the green energy sector in the Strait of Canso and beyond. Originally from Denmark, Martin has spent the majority of his career in Scotland, where - among other things - he worked for the Scottish Government’s economic development agency for the Highlands and Islands. He immigrated to Nova Scotia in January 2023 and worked for the Cape Breton Partnership before commencing in his current role in April 2024.

Mohammad Ali Raza has almost 20 years of experience in general corporate commercial advisory and transactional and regulatory work, both in private practice and in-house in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Mohammad Ali moved to Canada to reunite with his family in 2014 and was called to the Nova Scotia Bar in 2016. In his practice, he supports businesses in multiple sectors, most notably in energy, housing, infrastructure development, and ocean technology. From drafting complex contracts to advising on project structuring and financing, he provides practical solutions to the challenges his clients face at every stage and aspect of their business operations. Mohammad Ali is experienced in fast-paced business environments and recognizes the importance of response times. He believes passionately in working hard to understand the business of his clients – a trait that he feels is a distinguishing characteristic of a successful business lawyer.

Executive Director of The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq for the past 28 years, Dr. Julien is also a Mi’kmaw historian and human rights advocate. With over 40 years researching and documenting Mi’kmaw history, Donald shares his knowledge and experiences through speaking engagements, university lectures and research papers. Donald is a Member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Nova Scotia, which were granted for his work promoting Mi’kmaw history, language and culture. He has also been awarded two honorary degrees from Acadia University and Mount Saint Vincent University. Donald is a peace time veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces and has served in the United Nations on a peacekeeping tour in Cyprus. He continues work with the Canadian Armed forces in a community advisory role for the RCMP Aboriginal Advisory Group, as well as the Auditor General on Aboriginal matters. He sits on the Advisory Board for Admiral of the Canadian Navy, and he was appointed Honorary Lt. Colonel in 2011. Donald and his wife Diane live in Truro, proud parents of four children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Donald Julien is the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre.

Christine Bonnell-Eisnor, MBA, P. Eng. ICD.D is the CEO of the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB). Christine has been with the CNSOPB since 1999. As CEO, she is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the CNSOPB to ensure that the organization fulfills its regulatory mandate in a fair, efficient, legally compliant and consistent manner. As well, Christine is leading the CNSOPB as it transitions to become the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator with an expanded mandate as the lead and lifecycle regulator for offshore renewable energy development in the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore area. Christine has a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from the Technical University of Nova Scotia, and a MBA from Saint Mary’s University. She holds the Institute of Corporate Directors ICD.D (Certified Director) designation and is a Registered Professional Engineer in Nova Scotia. In 2017, Christine was named the Progress Women of Excellence – Management and Professions. Christine is a Fellow of Engineers Canada, an active member of Engineers Nova Scotia, a Board Member of Brigadoon Village and Saint Mary’s University.

With over 30 years’ experience in developing renewable energy projects, Simon is a qualified Mechanical Engineer in Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics from the University of Liverpool, England and company director of the DP Energy Group. Simon maintains a day-to-day, hands on role within the company and has significant analytical and field experience in power generation across wind, solar, and storage as well as a deep understanding of thermal generation having initially worked within the Gas Turbine industry on low emissions turbines before moving entirely in to the Renewable sector. Simon has been Co-president of Ocean Energy Europe for the past 10 years, and is also a member of the Wind Energy Ireland Council.

Crystal Nicholas President & Interim General Manager, Wskijinu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency Ltd. Crystal Nicholas is a recognized leader in economic development and Indigenous business leadership, currently serving as President & Interim General Manager of Wskijinu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency Ltd. (WMA), the economic development partnership owned by the 13 Mi’kmaw First Nations in Nova Scotia. Crystal plays a pivotal role in coordinating strategic plans for these communities, overseeing initiatives that align with Mi’kmaw values and promote sustainable economic growth through joint ventures and partnerships with industry leaders. Before joining WMA, Crystal held key roles in advancing economic development for Potlotek First Nation, including Acting Economic Development Manager, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Executive Officer. Her background is complemented by a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Cape Breton University, advanced certificates in Management Essentials and Negotiation Mastery from Harvard Business School, and an ongoing JD program at Dalhousie University. Crystal is also a member of the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO) and has been recently invited to sit on the board of the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships, where she brings a unique perspective to fostering collaborations that benefit Indigenous communities across Canada.

Terry Thibodeau, B.Comm, MBA; has worked over the years predominantly in the field of renewable energy development, economic development and business counselling. In his previous role as Economic Development Officer Terry was responsible for developing the regions’ renewable energy projects and for the delivery of the Business Retention Expansion program. Now as the Coordinator for Renewable Energy and Climate Change for the Municipality of Digby, Terry works on myriad of renewable energy projects from promoting smart grid opportunities and the introduction of electrical vehicles to implementing energy efficiency programs. The development of a tidal industry holds great promise as the Bay of Fundy is host to the world’s highest tides. Terry’s other responsibilities include the implementation of a climate action plan for Digby County as part of a strategy for decarbonizing the region and in reducing harmful GHGs. This includes the introduction of hydrogen offtakes in the region as part of a build out to a hydrogen economy. He is regularly asked to speak at various conferences on the integration these technologies and their application in society. Terry was the 2016 recipient of the Digby and Area Board of Trade, Environmental Services Award in recognition of his contributions to advancing, promoting and advocating for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Terry is Past President of the Alumni Association of Saint-Anne’s University, Nova Scotia’s only French language post secondary institution. In the past Terry also occupied the position of Treasurer with the Environmental Services Association of the Maritimes, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of environmental products, services and organizations within the environmental industry.

David is Director of Geographic Growth for OWC, addressing opportunities in renewable energy markets globally and positioning OWC to provide support at an early stage. A civil engineer by background with over 30 years experience in project development, consulting and construction, David has worked across wave & tidal energy, subsea power interconnectors, oil & gas and offshore wind. His role in offshore wind has encompassed developments throughout Europe, Asia-Pacific including Australia and north and south Americas.

Jennifer LaPlante, Chief Growth and Investment Officer at Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, leads innovation and commercialization of Canadian ocean technology. Previously, she directed DeepSense, advancing AI adoption for hundreds of companies across Canada. Jennifer holds an MBA and an MSc in Computing and Data Analytics, co-founded Halifax’s WiMLDS chapter, and served on the Government of Canada’s AI Public Awareness Working Group.

Oliver Wragg is the Commercial Director at Orbital Marine Power. With 15 years’ experience in clean energy and science, he has facilitated the raise over £195m of funding to back the development of innovative technology to enable the clean energy transition. As a leader in the ocean energy industry, he holds a board positions on both the UK Marine Energy Council and European trade body Ocean Energy Europe

Nena Abundo is the Executive Director of Oil and Gas at the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. In this leadership role, she oversees energy policy and regulatory development for both offshore renewable energy and oil and gas sectors. She also leads efforts in industrial benefits negotiation and implementation for a wide range of natural resource projects, spanning both renewable and non-renewable industries. With over 13 years of experience in the provincial government, Nena brings a wealth of expertise to her position. Before joining the public sector, she held key roles in industry and the non-profit sector, including a decade-long tenure as CEO of a provincial organization dedicated to supporting women in business.

Greg champions the organization in establishing its goals and supports the members as they drive to accomplish them. SGIN strives to evolve the Smart Energy sector to support the energy transition activities through education, advocacy and supporting system deployment of smart energy technology. Recently, Greg was member of the Canada Electricity Advisory Council, an independent body of 19 experts who provided the Government of Canada with advice on actions needed to achieve our 2035 and 2050 net-zero emissions goals as they pertain to electricity. Prior to SGIN, as Siemens’ Global Lead for electrical utility business transformation, Greg supported utilities in realizing their digitalization strategy. As a seasoned Professional Engineer, Greg has wide ranging expertise in engineering principles, both for the electrical grid and building systems. This includes critical customer building distribution and distributed control system design and power backup systems, as well as communication infrastructure solutions. Greg has additional experience in industrial power distribution design and commissioning along with power quality and protection co-ordination studies. Within Siemens’ Energy Management (EM) Division, Greg also lead the consultants and architects for the PTI consulting group across Canada. Greg was fully engaged with utility customers in their transformation and modernization programs, and supports customers in Canada, the United States and Jordan on concepts ranging from ‘Utility of the Future’, Operations Center of the future, and alternative distributed energy storage solutions. 

Lisa Berry Engler is the Deputy Managing Director for Offshore Wind at the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), where she plays a lead role in the deployment of offshore wind to meet the Commonwealth's clean energy and decarbonization goals. With nearly 20 years of experience in policy development and implementation for coastal and ocean environments in Massachusetts and New England, Lisa is a seasoned leader known for her ability to navigate complex policy, stakeholder, and technical frameworks. Before joining MassCEC, she directed the Commonwealth’s Office of Coastal Zone Management where she managed coastal and ocean policy including review, permitting, and stakeholder coordination for sustainable offshore wind development, coastal resilience, port and harbor planning, and coastal habitat restoration. A strategic planner and advocate for collaborative solutions, Lisa is committed to addressing the critical challenges of offshore wind while fostering partnerships that drive meaningful progress for the region's sustainable future.

Abigail Lixfeld is the Senior Director of the Renewable and Electrical Energy Division at Natural Resources Canada. Her portfolio includes electricity and renewable energy policy, the design and delivery of clean electricity programming, including the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program, and offshore renewable energy policy and regulatory development. Prior to joining NRCan, Abigail served in senior roles at Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Privy Council and has over two decades of experience in the federal public service. She lives in Ottawa.

Lindsay Bennett is the executive director of the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE), Canada’s flagship tidal energy centre. FORCE is designed as a catalyst to advance the sector, supported by a grid-connected technology site, site data, and solutions to help projects succeed. With a background in environmental management, business, and organizational leadership, over the past eight years Lindsay has dedicated herself to fostering collaboration among industry, government, communities, academia, rights holders, and other partners to ensure the sustainable development of tidal stream energy in the Bay of Fundy.

Eric Christmas has dedicated the entirety of his professional career to the advancement of aboriginal communities, corporations and institutions through a variety of private/​public sector engagements. In 2011, Mr. Christmas led the efforts to develop and execute the Mi’kmaq Renewable Energy Strategy (MRES). He led the project teams responsible for developing an energy investment and energy efficiency plan for the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia via the Assembly of NS Mi’kmaq Chiefs. He also secured and delivered the required equity funding. Included in MRES effort was the development of two major wind farms for the Mi’kmaq of NS, both of which are now operational. Mr. Christmas also led the team to design and deliver a major energy efficiency project for the 13 Mi’kmaq communities. In 2012, he led the development team to launch a 13 Mi’kmaq community development corporation, known as Beaubassin Wind Energy Management Ltd. Mr. Christmas also has an extensive business development background. Previous engagements have been with Membertou First Nation (Director Corporate Affairs), Wagmatcook First Nation (Corporate Director), National Centre for First Nation Governance (Governance Advisor) and Exxon-Mobil Canada (Aboriginal Liaison).

Navneet is the Global Strategy Director at Ocean Energy Pathway (OEP), an international non-profit accelerating the deployment of a high-ambition offshore wind sector. OEP delivers expert, independent technical assistance to governments and stakeholders and in 2024 launched operations in Brazil, India, Japan, the Philippines, and South Korea. As a member of the founding team, Navneet now spearheads OEP’s strategy development and stakeholder engagement, identifying the unique market, policy, and social frameworks needed for offshore wind to thrive in each region. Based in London, Navneet joined OEP from the Global Wind Energy Council. Previously, she served as a senior policy advisor to Ministers in the Canadian federal government, including the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, and as a researcher in the Prime Minister’s Office. Her policy work covered national files on infrastructure, energy, climate, and public sector digital transformation. Navneet holds an MSc in Energy and Climate Policy from the University of Sussex and a BA in Political Science and Economics from the University of Alberta.

Gary has over 25 years’ experience in the power generation sector. He has worked for governments developing energy policy, utilities delivering power distribution and generation, was a lecturer in Electrical Power Systems at the University of Edinburgh and a Senior Research Fellow in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde. He co-founded Nova in 2010 and leads the teams that have safely developed and delivered Nova’s tidal turbines and energy systems in multiple countries. Lately alongside Nova’s tidal products, he and his team have also been pioneering the development of floating solar suited for more energetic environments.

After a long career in consulting, Denise recently pivoted her work focus and joined the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) as their Chief Operating Officer. Denise has served on national and local boards, including: CCAB, CN, COVE, NSCC Foundation, and Techsploration. She continues to serve on Efficiency One’s Board of Directors, Engineers Nova Scotia Council, as well as Engineers Canada Indigenous Advisory Council. She is also pleased that she was recently asked to serve on Dalhousie University’s Indigenous Pathways Program Advisory Council. Denise has been named one of Canada’s most powerful women by the Women’s Executive Network, one of the top 150 Canadian Women in STEM by hEr VOLUTION, and one of the 50 most inspirational women in technology in Canada by Inspiring Fifty. For her community work, she has been recognized by Dalhousie University as an Arum award recipient, as well as by Engineers Nova Scotia as a J.D. Fraser Service Award recipient. Denise is an alumnus of the 2022 Governor General’s Leadership Conference and was recently named a Fellow of Engineers Canada. Born and raised in Nova Scotia, with French Acadian and Mi’kmaq heritage, Denise is a firm believer that a diverse and representative employee base – led by a diverse and representative leadership team – enhances and strengthens the cultures of quality, innovation, and health and safety within an organization.

Allison MacKenzie is a Trade Commissioner with the Atlantic Regional Office of Global Affairs Canada working with companies from Nova Scotia in the clean technologies and advanced manufacturing sectors to advance their interests in international trade. The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) helps companies navigate the complexities of international markets and make better business decisions. The TCS is on the ground in more than 160 cities worldwide. We gain market intelligence, uncover opportunities for Canadian companies and help reduce business costs and risks.