Karen joined QUEST Canada in May 2023 as the Finance Director, supporting the organization in achieving its mission to help communities in Canada establish coordinated local action on energy and emissions.  She’s responsible for ensuring the organization has strong financial systems, and sound reporting from which to make impactful strategic decisions. The role collaborates with and supports internal departments, including the Projects team and the Audit & Finance Committee. Karen also connects with external parties including Funders, Supporters, Partners, and the Board of Directors.

Karen is originally from Montréal, Quebec, and holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree (B. Comm.) from Concordia University and a Graduate Degree in Public Accounting (GDPA) from McGill University. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA) with over 20 years experience in strategic and operations finance. Her experience in the non-profit sector and member-focused entities aligns perfectly with QUEST Canada’s vision to create a sustainable, net-zero future. 

Omar has a B.Sc. in Petroleum and Energy Engineering and continued on to a Master’s degree in Sustainable Environmental Management (MSEM) at the University of Saskatchewan. Omar had the chance to work with Indigenous communities across Saskatchewan to help them with implementing renewable and energy efficiency projects. He believes that the way to a sustainable future is found by optimizing energy usage and utilizing energy resources to their best use. Omar hopes to make a positive impact by supporting communities across Canada on their quest to an energy secure future.

Tonja Leach became Executive Director of QUEST on July 20, 2018, 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.

Ayant passé les 15 dernières années dans le secteur de l’énergie en aval, Tonja est hautement considéré comme un penseur stratégique et un homme de métier passionné par la recherche de solutions aux problèmes énergétiques complexes au niveau local. Dernièrement, en tant que directeur exécutif par intérim et auparavant directeur général, Opérations et services, Tonja a joué un rôle de premier plan dans les opérations de l’organisation en développant et en mettant en place l’infrastructure, les systèmes et les ressources humaines nécessaires au développement et à la croissance de QUEST. soutenir le marché des communautés énergétiques intelligentes.

Avant de rejoindre QUEST, Tonja travaillait pour l’Association canadienne du gaz dans le secteur des communications depuis 2003. Au cours de cette période, Tonja a servi de secrétariat à une coalition de 19 associations du secteur de l’énergie dénommée Energy Dialogue Group, qui se sont réunies pour encourager la création d’un cadre pour le Canada.

Seth Leon is the Manager of Programs and Projects at QUEST Canada, focusing on the Net-Zero Communities Accelerator. He brings over a decade of experience planning and initiating local economic development projects across Alberta, with expertise in renewable energy, local financing, and business succession. Since 2017 he has worked to advance community energy development by leading workshops and project incubators that have connected municipalities, industry, Indigenous communities, and co-operatives to advance local energy goals. Seth has been active in the not-for-profit and grassroots sector in Calgary, as the former Board Chair of the CommunityWise Resource Centre. He holds a Masters of Development Economics from Dalhousie University (2008). 

All her life, Norma knew she was destined for great things and in 2015 her dream came into fruition. Since then she has been a strong advocate for sustainable, efficient and affordable renewable energy that will transform Canada and its communities into global leaders in the energy transition movement. As the Lead, Engagement and Business Development at QUEST Canada, her role includes building and forming relationships with Supporters, Sponsors, Partners and Funders; providing them with the necessary tools to reach their energy goals within their community, as well as opportunities to engage and connect with the QUEST Canada network.

Prior to joining QUEST Canada, Norma worked at the Canadian Renewable Energy Association as the Membership and Business Development Specialist as well as being the Member Program Specialist at the Canadian Wind Energy Association. Her previous experience also includes marketing, graphic design and communications for various companies in Toronto. Norma holds a diploma in graphic design from St. Lawrence College as well as certificates in web design, JavaScript and CSS.

Since she was a child, Gemma has cared about helping people and the planet, which translated into a professional passion for community mobilization and addressing the climate crisis. These passions drove Gemma to join QUEST Canada in May 2023 as the Senior Lead of Research and Projects. She’s responsible for leading the Motivating Net Zero Action in Rural and Remote Communities research project. 

Gemma has enjoyed a career in a variety of fields focusing on research and policy analysis. She completed a Master’s degree in Globalization and International Development from the University of Ottawa and an undergraduate degree in History from Glendon College, York University. Most recently she had the pleasure of working with Indigenous communities across Ontario building energy capacity and resilience. 

Melissa is a writer, communicator, and change-maker with eleven years of progressive work experience in the not-for-profit sector. Coupled with years of related volunteer experience, she’s had the fortunate privilege of funding, planning and advancing several projects and programs relating to international development, emergency response, migration, youth empowerment, local health care, affordable housing, and most recently, sustainability. 

As the Senior Lead of Communications, Melissa oversees the development, management, and delivery of QUEST Canada’s communications and marketing strategy. Her expertise includes communications, marketing, stakeholder relations, community engagement, and sustainability. 

Melissa holds a bachelor of arts degree in English and Women’s Studies from McMaster University and a Master of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Toronto. 

Ericka became Managing Director of QUEST in 2020 and prior to that was QUEST’s Director of Projects & Advisory Services. Ericka was successful in growing Projects & Advisory Services department revenues by 138% over 2 years while diversifying revenue sources, leading numerous organizational effectiveness initiatives, and creating and implementing a variety of tools and supports to ensure QUEST can achieve its vision of Canada as a nation of Smart Energy Communities. As Managing Director, Ericka oversees the alignment and strategic growth of all of QUEST’s operational areas to support the acceleration of Smart Energy Communities in Canada, and is responsible for financial, human resource, and performance management of the organization.

Prior to joining QUEST, Ericka held roles at various non-profits including Efficiency Nova Scotia and the Colchester Regional Development Association, and has also held roles in local and provincial governments. Ericka has extensive experience working with governments at all levels, and the private and non-profit sectors. Her areas of expertise include demand-side management, program and project management and delivery, non-profit organization management, and economic development. Ericka is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) with the Association of Energy Engineers, and a Certified Environmental Professional (EP) with ECO Canada. Ericka holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Saint Mary’s University and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Environmental Science from Dalhousie University

Dale Beugin is the Vice President of Research and Analysis at the Canadian Institute for Climate Choices. An expert in environmental economics, policy and technical communications, he now leads the Institute’s work in developing rigorous analysis and practical climate policy advice for governments across the country. Dale was former Executive Director and Research Director of Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission, and has previously worked as an independent consultant. Notably, he worked with the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy as policy advisor and has provided analysis and advice to governments and organizations across Canada and internationally. He holds a Masters Degree in resource and environmental management with a specialization in energy-economy modelling, and an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering.

Ron Clark is a partner at Aird & Berlis LLP law firm based in Toronto, Ontario. Specializing in intersections amongst corporate, commercial, energy and municipal law, he has guided numerous clients through the historical and institutional development of the energy market in Ontario. His corporate and commercial practice includes advising corporations, financial institutions, municipalities and individuals on commercial agreements, asset and share purchase transactions, mergers and acquisitions, private placements and secured lending transactions. The energy side of his practice involves guiding clients through transactions, as well as counselling stakeholder groups, retailers, distributors and generators on legislative and policy matters relating to electricity markets. Ron is deeply interested in the intersection of law and public policy, and enjoys meeting the unique challenges of the evolving energy market.

Ron has a background in public international law and previously served as a diplomat with the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Ottawa and Brussels. He is listed as a “Leading Lawyer” in Energy: Power by The Legal 500 Canada and in The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory in the area of Energy (Electricity). He was also recommended by Chambers Canada: Canada’s Leading Lawyers for Business as a top practitioner in Energy, Power (Transactional) (Canada), and is recognized by Who’s Who Legal: Government Contracts. He has served as an Instructor of the Professional Master of Laws program in Energy and Infrastructure Law at Osgoode Hall Law School. Ron holds a BA in Political Science from Carleton University, a LL.B. from Osgood Hall Law School and a LL.M. from New York University.

M. Cleland est un consultant privé possédant une vaste expérience en matière de politique énergétique et environnementale.

Mr. Cleland was Former President and CEO of the Canadian Gas Association (CGA), as well as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA). Before joining CEA, he was Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM), Energy Sector in the Department of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and prior to that, Director General of the Energy Policy Branch. From 1987 to 1990, he was Assistant Director, Resource Policy Division in the Department of Finance.

Before joining the federal government in 1987, Mr. Cleland worked in Nova Scotia where he was a principal in the firm of Cleland, Dunsmuir Consulting Ltd. At that time, he was also a lecturer in business/government relations at the school of Public Administration at Dalhousie University and academic editor of Plan Canada, the journal of the Canadian Institute of Planners. From 1982 to 1985, he was Associate Director of the Centre for Development Projects at Dalhousie University where he was responsible for various management training projects in Zimbabwe and the countries of the Commonwealth Caribbean. Prior to joining Dalhousie University, he occupied a number of positions at the Nova Scotia Departments of Development and Municipal Affairs.

M. Cleland est né à Quesnel, en Colombie-Britannique, et a étudié à l'Université de la Colombie-Britannique (BA en sciences politiques en 1972) et à Queens (MPL, planification urbaine et régionale de 1974).

Hon. Marty Klyne was sworn into the Senate of Canada on September 27, 2018. Prior to the Senate he served several organizations in the following capacities:  Publisher / CEO of Saskatchewan’s two major daily newspapers, the Saskatoon StarPhoenix and Regina Leader-Post; President and CEO of the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation; EVP, MAACO Systems Canada; COO, Regina’s Economic Development Authority; CEO, Sasknative Economic Development Corporation; Managing Partner, Royal Trust Corporation of Canada (Regina); and, Account Manager, Mercantile Bank of Canada (Regina).

Marty currently serves on the FHQ Development Ltd. Board of Directors and has served on numerous other boards and councils including:  Vice-Chair of the SaskPower Board; Chairperson of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board; Economic Development Regina Board; Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Labour Market Council; Globe Theatre Regina Board; Regina Palliative Care Board; the Mackenzie Art Gallery Board; and, Ignite Adult Learning Corporation Foundation Board. He was also President of Grey Cup 2003, “Flat-Out in Saskatchewan.”

Over the years Marty has been the recipient of multiple awards and recognition including the University of Regina Alumni Award for Distinguished Professional Achievement, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, Business Hall of Fame Inductee – Junior Achievement, Southern Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Men of Influence – Saskatchewan Business Magazine, and the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal.

Hon. Marty Klyne graduated With Distinction from the University of Regina, B.Admin., Finance Major and has achieved a Pro.Dir™ designation from the Johnson-Shoyoma Graduate School of Public Policy and Brown Governance Inc.

Karen Lockridge is Director of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Investing at Canada Post Corporation (CPC) Pension Plan. Named one of Canada’s Clean 50 leaders in the field of sustainable capitalism in 2019, she is responsible for developing and implementing the CPC Pension Plan’s ESG investment strategy and risk management framework.

Prior to joining Canada Post, Karen was a member of Mercer’s global Responsible Investment team. There she developed “Investing in a Time of Climate Change – The Sequel” (2019) a research report, and co-authored “Building a Bridge to Sustainable Infrastructure” (2016) and “Crossing the Bridge to Sustainable Infrastructure Investing” (2017) during a 25-year long career with Mercer.

Karen has held a variety of leadership roles in defined benefit risk management, strategy execution, knowledge management, and operations. In addition to her time at Mercer, she spent 18 months as Director, Pension and Benefits at BMO Financial Group. Karen was also a member of the Government of Canada’s Expert Panel on Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Results (2017/18).

Karen graduated from the University of Alberta with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics in 1990. She is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and the Canadian Institute of Actuaries.

Morgan McDonald works on high performance buildings and process innovation with Ledcor Construction. He leads Ledcor Renew, which supports commercial and institutional building owners in understanding the financial and technical feasibility of high performance projects for both new construction and retrofit. He also heads up Ledcor Construction’s Innovation Lab. Morgan has a background in renewable energy, carbon finance, and sustainability education. In addition to QUEST, he also volunteers with Living Future Vancouver and the Canada Green Building Council. Morgan has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s University.

Karen White is the Vice President at NATIONAL Public Relations. She brings a can-do attitude and more than 20 years of communications experience to every project. Her deep understanding of the energy sector and energy efficiency stems from more than a decade in public service, in a range of departments from Conserve Nova Scotia, Environment, to Energy. Since joining the team at NATIONAL, Karen has worked with electric utility and renewable energy companies on a wide range of stakeholder, regulatory, and customer initiatives.

Her collaborative approach to communications has encouraged responsible development of energy initiatives among government departments, industry, advocates, and communities. She led communications to support public consultation regarding demand side management programs and legislative changes to establish EfficiencyOne. Working with energy partners and stakeholders, Karen has provided advice for complex and high profile regulatory, policy, and public affairs files in the energy sector. She encourages energy sector development through effective community and public engagement and communications planning.

Her passion for the energy sector extends outside the office where she is the Past Board Chair of the Maritimes Energy Association, and a Board Director with Net Zero Atlantic. She holds a Bachelor of Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University and a Master of Business Administration from Saint Mary’s University.

Of note, Karen is both public engagement and crisis management certified, leveraging her International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) and Incident Command System (ICS) certifications to provide crisis communications counsel to many organizations.

Geoff Wright is the Vice President of Market Research at Brookfield Renewable where he contributes to global market and commercial strategies for renewable and distributed generation businesses at the utility scale. In this role, Geoff has been actively involved in underwriting multi-billion dollar transactions in numerous countries. Geoff is keenly interested in understanding how local energy systems need to evolve in the face of an increasingly carbon constrained world and finding cost-effective solutions to enable this transition.