econext‘s Board of Directors provide direction and support to the organization’s staff in their work to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The following six (6) candidates, in alphabetical order by last name, have been nominated for a total of four (4) positions:

• Jennifer Crane
• Shem Evans
• Krista Langthorne
• Ashley Pike
• Brian Taite
• Alex Templeton

Nominee bios follow below.

Jennifer Crane

Business Development Manager, Corner Brook Port Corporation

Biography:

Jennifer Crane is a distinguished professional with a passion for sustainable development and strategic leadership in the maritime industry. Jennifer’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Memorial University of Newfoundland, followed by a Master of Education (M.Ed) specializing in Post-Secondary Studies, and culminated in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Leicester.

Throughout her career, Jennifer has seamlessly transitioned between roles in the public and non-profit sectors, demonstrating a remarkable versatility and dedication to community engagement. Her involvement in the non-profit sector has been marked by leadership positions on various boards of directors, where she has served as Chairperson and Vice-Chair, among other roles. This experience has endowed her with a profound understanding of board governance principles, strategic decision-making, and organizational leadership.

Jennifer’s commitment to professional development is further underscored by her Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership, which equips her with the skills necessary to be an active and effective member of any board. Her strategic acumen and collaborative approach have been instrumental in driving positive change and fostering sustainable growth within the organizations she has served.

Jennifer’s tenure at Memorial University’s Grenfell Campus provided a rich environment for cultivating enduring connections and relationships within academia and the business community. She reflects on this experience as a testament to the power of building meaningful connections and leveraging them to drive positive change and sustainable growth in her current endeavors.

In her current role as the Business Development Manager at Corner Brook Port Corporation, Jennifer leverages her diverse skill set to lead marketing and business development initiatives across key sectors, including Real Estate, Cruise Tourism, and Industrial Operations. Most recently Jennifer is deeply engaged in exploring renewable energy solutions for the Port of Corner Brook, recognizing the transformative potential of green technologies in shaping the port’s future.

In 2023, Jennifer attended the World Hydrogen Summit, where she gained invaluable insights into the latest developments in hydrogen technology and its application in the maritime sector. This experience strengthened Jennifer’s resolve to integrate renewable energy sources into the port’s operations and to explore further opportunities for emissions reduction within the region.

Looking ahead, Jennifer Crane’s vision for the Port of Corner Brook is centered on sustainability and strategic growth. Her top priority is to transition the port towards becoming a model of environmental stewardship within the industry. This includes implementing renewable energy solutions, optimizing energy efficiency, and reducing carbon footprint.

In line with this vision, Jennifer plans to attend the World Hydrogen Summit again this year, eager to stay at the forefront of advancements in renewable energy. She believes that by embracing sustainable practices, the Port of Corner Brook can not only thrive economically but also contribute positively to the environment and local community.

As Jennifer continues to chart new frontiers in renewable energy advocacy and business development, her unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with her profound understanding of board governance and strategic leadership, sets her apart as a visionary leader poised to shape the future of the maritime sector.

Interest in econext’s Board of Directors:

As a member of Econext’s Board of Directors, my primary objective is to leverage my expertise in strategic management, leadership, and sustainable development to drive the organization towards its mission of fostering economic growth while prioritizing environmental conservation. I am committed to promoting innovative solutions that enable businesses to thrive in a manner that is both socially responsible and ecologically sustainable. By collaborating with fellow board members and stakeholders, I aim to steer Econext towards implementing impactful initiatives that not only enhance profitability but also contribute positively to the well-being of our planet and future generations. Additionally, I am passionate about integrating Western Newfoundland with Econext through collaboration and networking, fostering stronger ties between local businesses and the wider economic ecosystem. With a keen focus on fostering partnerships, advocating for policy changes, and championing sustainable practices, I aspire to play a pivotal role in guiding Econext towards becoming a catalyst for positive change in the global business landscape.

Shem Evans

Environmental Specialist and Project Manager, Hatch

Biography:

Shem has over 16 years of experience in the environmental industry, with special focus within the heavy industrial construction sector. His background consists of a variety of onsite environmental management roles in large undertakings throughout Canada and abroad, often in remote locations, requiring an acute understanding of the regulatory framework across various jurisdictions. Shem is highly knowledgeable in best practices for the design and implementation of monitoring programs as well as mitigation measures to protect the environment during construction, operation, and decommissioning of various Projects. Notable projects that Shem has been a part of, include Vale’s ‘Long Harbour Nickel Processing Plant Project’ (2012-2014), Nalcor’s ‘Lower Churchill Project – Muskrat Falls’ Powerhouse and Spillway (2014-2017), Rio Tinto’s ‘Kemano Tunnel 2 Project’ (2018-2019) in British Colombia, and the City of Kingston’s ‘Wabaan Bridge’ (Third Crossing Project (2019-2022)), in Ontario. The former, consisted or a 1.2-kilometre bridge built within the Rideau Canal, a federally managed waterway, designated National Historic Site of Canada, as well as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Shem’s working background also consists of various consultant roles, inclusive of coordinating environmental assessments, community engagement, and compliance permitting for different projects throughout Canada. With Hatch, Shem has supported and advised on the decommissioning of hydro dams, several remediation projects, the construction of mines, bridges, and harbour improvements, as well as renewable energy projects throughout Atlantic Canada. Shem recently led the Environmental Impact Assessment and registration of J.D. Irving, Limited’s ‘Brighton Mountain Wind Farm’, a proposed 350 MW wind farm located in central New Brunswick.

Shem holds a master’s degree in environmental policy (2017) through Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)-Grenfell Campus, with a program focus on policy development and planning, as well as environmental assessment. His research, centered around the transition to a sustainable food system in Newfoundland and Labrador, through holistic approaches to soil and crop cultivation, coupled with integrating technology and renewable energy systems into food production, to increase food sovereignty. Shem also was as a lecturer at MUN while undertaking his master’s program and received the distinction of ‘Fellow to the School of Graduate Studies’.

Shem also served on the board of directors for the Western Environment Centre (2016-2018), based out of Corner Brook on the islands west coast, where he helped to coordinate community composting and gardening programs throughout the region.

Interest in econext’s Board of Directors:

I am interested in becoming a member of the Board of Directors at econext, to assist members in the industrial shift towards a green economy. I’m passionate about our province’s future, its people, and the energy transition ahead of us. My experiences in assisting proponents towards decarbonization, environmental compliance, as well as engagement, gives me unique perspective to help members along their pathways to sustainability. I’m also particularly interested in increasing new connections between like-minded environmental interest groups and individuals throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. I would also like to strengthen existing relationships for collaboration throughout our Province to tackle our greatest challenges, towards clean growth.

Krista Langthorne

Director of Customer Relations and Energy Solutions, Newfoundland Power

Biography:

Krista Langthorne, Director, Customer Relations and Energy Solutions, Newfoundland Power has been instrumental in driving transformative changes in energy efficiency and electrification for the Company, the industry and the province.

Actively engaging with customers, key stakeholders, and communities, Krista has played a key role in Newfoundland Power’s focus on sustainability and ongoing efforts to minimize environmental impacts. Under Krista’s leadership, the commitment to social and environmental responsibility has been strengthened. Her contributions have been recognized by the Globe and Mail Report on Business, naming her a Changemaker in 2021 among emerging leaders from across the country. She has also been published in the Canadian Energy Efficiency Outlook: A National Effort for Tackling Climate Change, a comprehensive overview of energy efficiency.

With over 12 years of experience, Krista has extensive knowledge and expertise in customer service, electrification, conservation, and demand management. Her proficiency encompasses energy technologies, project management, strategic planning, regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, and an in-depth understanding of industry trends and best practices in the energy sector. Krista is a leader who exemplifies creative thinking, collaboration, and a commitment to tangible results.

Krista oversees all areas of customer service delivery while prioritizing customer satisfaction. She led efforts to improve service delivery by implementing new technologies and processes to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and foster positive customer experiences.

Leading Energy Solutions includes providing strategic direction in developing, delivering, and evaluating cost-saving programs for customers, including programs to help them manage energy costs while contributing to least-cost electricity service delivery. She has been instrumental in developing and executing multiple five-year strategic plans for energy conservation, demand management, and electrification.

Krista has been at the forefront of advancing electric vehicle (EV) adoption. Her leadership and collaboration with businesses and policymakers have addressed funding gaps and enhanced customer awareness. She spearheaded the development of a $20M investment plan to kick-start EV adoption in the province and secured over $1M in funding for growth initiatives. In 2022, she was crucial in launching the takeCHARGE EV Charging Network, expanding the provincial charging infrastructure. As a result, drivers have saved over 58,000 litres of gasoline and approximately 125,000 kg of greenhouse gas emissions. Krista’s strategic efforts position her as a driving force behind innovation, contributing to the province’s transition to a sustainable energy future.

Krista joined Newfoundland Power in 2012 as Conservation Planner and served in several conservation and market analysis roles, including Manager, Conservation and Manager, Business Development. Krista holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Memorial University and completed the Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Energy and Building Technologies from Humber College in Toronto.

Active in various industry forums, Krista is a member of the St. John’s Environment and Sustainability Experts Panel and Electricity Canada’s Customer Council and Call Centre Network Committees. She has served on the Provincial Government’s Electrification Working Group, Fortis Transportation Electrification Committee, Fortis Innovation Network, and North American Alliance for Transportation Electrification.

An innovative changemaker who is always striving to find a better way of doing things, Krista Langthorne would bring invaluable insight, creativity, and leadership to the econext Board.

Interest in econext’s Board of Directors:

As a candidate for econext’s Board of Directors, dedicated to accelerating clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador, my objectives include fostering environmentally sustainable development and supporting efforts to accelerate clean growth within the province. Drawing upon my expertise in energy efficiency, electrification, customer service, and the local energy sector, I aim to drive impactful initiatives that promote clean energy adoption and innovation and reduce carbon emissions. Through my comprehensive network, I strive to build positive connections for econext and its members, facilitating collaborations and partnerships that further our shared goals. Furthermore, with my technical expertise and experience, I aim to maximize the organization’s impact and effectiveness by fostering innovation.

My vision for serving on econext’s Board of Directors is to create a more sustainable and resilient future for Newfoundland and Labrador. Through collaborative leadership, strategic and creative thinking, and dedication to tangible results, I am eager to help steer the organization toward achieving its mission of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Together, we can drive meaningful change and pave the way for a cleaner, greener future for the next generations.

Ashley Pike

Stakeholder and Policy Manager, Growler Energy

Biography:

Ashley Pike has spent over 15 years in the energy sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.

She obtained her graduate and undergraduate degrees in Political Science from Memorial University. Her research focused on energy policy, intergovernmental relations, and natural resources, particularly as it relates to Newfoundland and Labrador.

She has held roles with both the federal and provincial governments in areas including resource and fiscal policy analysis, energy policy, electricity and alternative energy, energy efficiency and program management.

Ashley also spent several years at a public utility in the regulatory and business development groups. She participated in numerous regulatory filings and proceedings in these positions which has provided her with a solid understanding of the legislative and regulatory environment in this province.

Ashley is currently the Stakeholder and Policy Manager at Growler Energy, an independent power producer through partnerships on renewable energy projects. In this role, she is responsible for guiding and implementing policy initiatives, as well as collaborating with industry stakeholders to advance renewable energy developments. She was previously the Research and Business Development Manager which included collaboration with industry and academia, applied research and market development. Working at Growler Energy provides an opportunity to participate directly in the clean energy transition in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Ashley is active in a number of not-for-profit organizations, both locally and internationally. She is the co-lead of the Newfoundland and Labrador chapter of Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE). WiRE is an international organization with chapters throughout Europe, Africa, Asia and North America, dedicated to advancing the role and recognition of women and other underrepresented groups in the clean energy sector. Ashley also sits on the Board of Directors of the Perinatal Mental Health Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador, which works to advance the mental health and wellbeing of parents, children, and families in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Interest in econext’s Board of Directors:

I am very fortunate that I have been able to spend my career in Newfoundland and Labrador’s energy sector. I have gained valuable experience and knowledge which will enable me to support econext’s priorities and strategic vision for clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.

I am confident that econext will continue to play a pivotal role in the clean energy transition in our province, and I would be honored to be part of this. If elected, I will bring genuine enthusiasm, passion and dedication, and will continue to advocate for a clean growth future in our province. Thank you for your consideration.

Brian Taite

SSHE Advisor – HMDC

Biography:

Brian is an accomplished and dedicated health, safety, environment and regulatory professional with over 30 years’ experience in the energy, construction, and mining sectors. Brian has been a consultant to several major mining and energy companies, government agencies and private industry for emergency preparedness and response, incident investigation, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, auditing, HSE planning and technical integrity assurance.

Brian was educated at Memorial University and was admitted to the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1992, Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering in 1994 and Master of Applied Science in Environmental Engineering in 1999. Brian has been associated with econext since the mid 1990’s having served on the econext board and various committees over the years.

Interest in econext’s Board of Directors:

This is a dynamic time for Newfoundland and Labrador with the advancement of wind and hydrogen energy, shirt to electric vehicles and progressing clean technology. Econext has played a significant role in many ways. Through helping our membership explore opportunities in development and global outreach to working with government in creating strategies to enable our province to accelerate our growth in clean sustainable economic development. The organization also in instrumental in helping to prepare our workforce for the greening economy.

If elected to serve on the Board of Directors I would work to continue the outstanding accomplishments of econext, to help our membership succeed in growth and innovation, and ultimately give back to our industry and our province with much pride and satisfaction.

Alex Templeton

Commercial Energy Manager, Nunacor Development Corporation

Biography:

Alex is the current Chair of the Board of Directors of econext, and a long-standing volunteer with the association. He’s a partner with the Atlantic Canadian law firm McInnes Cooper, where he maintains a litigation and regulatory practice focused on administrative law, environmental law, privacy and access to information law, municipal law and commercial law. He routinely deals with matters involving regulatory compliance, contracts, insurance, negligence and professional liability. Most of Alex’s clients are private companies engaged in a variety of industry sectors (aquaculture, fisheries, oil and gas, energy, electricity, mining, telecommunications, insurance, construction) or public institutions (universities, colleges, municipalities, crown corporations). He’s an alumnus of Memorial University of Newfoundland (B.A.(Hons.), 2003) and the University of New Brunswick (LL.B, 2006). Alex is also an elected Bencher of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, serving on the board directing the Society’ governance of the legal profession in the public interest.

Interest in econext’s Board of Directors:

There are so many reasons why I volunteer with econext. I believe econext plays an important role in brokering and enhancing relationships between private industry, public bodies, industry regulators and government, and that my modest efforts help the econext team perform this vital work. We’re living through an industrial transition where environmental imperatives are driving economic development in cleantech, value from waste, renewable energy, electrification, energy efficiency, clean fuels production, and the list goes on. It’s satisfying to look back over the past decade that I’ve been involved with the association and reflect on how our members have succeeded in this transitory context, how our membership has grown, how our team has developed, and how the green economy has truly come of age. I’m proud to have played a small part in that. The challenges as we carry forward in this sea change are diverse, and there’s no end to the issues that accelerating the green economy presents, but these are what also make the work rewarding. Thank you to econext for giving me a front row seat to witness this evolution, and I’d love to have the opportunity to continue to serve.