News Release
Karen Farbridge Appointed as QUEST Canada’s New Board Chair
Karen Farbridge Appointed as QUEST Canada’s New Board Chair
June 26, 2023 – Today, QUEST Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Karen Farbridge as the organization’s new Board Chair. Farbridge succeeds Michael Cleland, who served as Board Chair for six years and has been a valuable member of the board since 2011.
Karen Farbridge is President & Urban Connector of Karen Farbridge & Associates, a public policy office that works with business, governments and organizations to build healthy and prosperous communities. She advises federal, provincial and municipal policy makers and industry leaders on building sustainable and resilient communities, with an emphasis on community energy.
Farbridge is well-connected in the community energy sector in Canada, and has over 25 years of experience leading community innovation. She has a diverse background managing complex multi-stakeholder environments to enable change. Her experience includes 17 years in municipal politics, 11 of which as the mayor of Guelph, Ontario where she gained a reputation for sustainability leadership. She has a doctorate from the University of Guelph and a Chartered Directors designation from McMaster University.
In addition to QUEST Canada, she currently serves as the Chair of the Board for Meridian Credit Union and motusbank. She is also a member of the Sustainable Energy Initiative (SEI) at York University where she is adjunct faculty.
“I am very excited to be appointed as Board Chair at this pivotal time in QUEST Canada’s remarkable history. I have been involved with QUEST in different capacities since 2007 because of the instrumental role they play in building climate-friendly and climate resilient communities. I look forward to supporting the Board and the QUEST team in achieving their new strategy.”
“QUEST Canada is delighted to announce the appointment of Karen Farbridge as the organization’s new Board Chair. Karen’s timely appointment coincides with the recent launch of our three-year strategic plan, where we’ve ambitiously committed to dramatically increasing the number of communities building capacity and the ability to implement net-zero emissions strategies. Karen’s exceptional expertise and leadership skills will provide QUEST Canada with the strong governance structures necessary to support our mission of creating a sustainable, net-zero future.”
Farbridge’s tenure concurs with QUEST Canada’s recently released 2023-2025 strategic plan. During Farbridge’s term, the organization plans to strengthen its ability to inform and influence the evolution of governance, policy and program development in the community energy sphere. QUEST Canada also seeks to accelerate the implementation of community energy and emissions plans, resulting in coordinated local action across Canada.
To learn more about QUEST Canada’s new strategic plan that parallel’s Farbridge’s tenure, visit the organization’s website or join their mailing list for organizational updates.
This appointment is part of a comprehensive governance process that occurs every three years and includes all voting members of the board.
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About QUEST Canada
QUEST Canada is a national non-profit that supports communities in Canada on their pathway to net-zero. Since 2007, we’ve been facilitating connections, empowering community champions and influencing decision-makers to implement efficient and integrated energy systems that best meet community needs and maximize local opportunities. We develop tools and resources, convene stakeholders and rights holders and advise decision-makers — all with the goal of encouraging and enabling communities to contribute to Canada’s net-zero goals.
Media Contact
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Quotes
Karen Farbridge, Board Chair at QUEST Canada
Read the quote
“I am very excited to be appointed as Board Chair at this pivotal time in QUEST Canada’s remarkable history. I have been involved with QUEST in different capacities since 2007 because of the instrumental role they play in building climate-friendly and climate resilient communities. I look forward to supporting the Board and the QUEST team in achieving their new strategy.”
Tonja Leach, Executive Director at QUEST Canada
Read the quote
“QUEST Canada is delighted to announce the appointment of Karen Farbridge as the organization’s new Board Chair. Karen’s timely appointment coincides with the recent launch of our three-year strategic plan, where we’ve ambitiously committed to dramatically increasing the number of communities building capacity and the ability to implement net-zero emissions strategies. Karen’s exceptional expertise and leadership skills will provide QUEST Canada with the strong governance structures necessary to support our mission of creating a sustainable, net-zero future.”
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