Month: March 2026

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 nine (9) candidates, in alphabetical order by last name, have been nominated for a total of four (4) positions:

• Beth McGrath
• Brian Taite
• Caron Hawco
• Don Drew
• Keith Barrett
• Kristina Kearney
• Michelle Doyle
• Sarah Penney-Belbin
• Shem Evans

Nominee bios and statement of goals follow below. Voting for director positions will take place online from April 27 – May 1, 2026. Nominees will have an opportunity to speak directly to members at econext‘s 2026 Annual General Meeting and Industry Awards Reception taking place on April 22. Please see more information about this event here. 

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Beth McGrath, KC

Corporate and Energy & Natural Resources Lawyer, McInnes Cooper

Beth McGrath KC is a partner at McInnes Cooper and has over 20 years of experience as legal counsel working with businesses in our province, many who are Econext members. She practices in the areas of corporate and business law, energy and natural resources, corporate governance and corporate finance. Beth’s practice has a particular focus on energy-related projects, both renewable and non-renewable. She has been involved in all offshore projects in our province in various capacities as well as hydro-electric projects and is expanding her practice and expertise to best serve the wind-hydrogen development in our province. Beth has a diverse client base including private and public companies, oil and gas companies, government entities, financial and international institutions, mining and exploration companies, oil & gas companies, renewable energy companies, engineering and construction firms, and fisheries and technology firms.

Beth is heavily involved in advancing our newest frontier into green hydrogen. NL has placed a significant emphasis on renewable energy and the hydrogen sector, recognizing the potential the province must drive sustainable development and mitigate climate change. It is imperative to lend support not only to the adoption of renewable energy sources but also to embrace the opportunities and innovations emerging within the hydrogen sector. Beth is committed to supporting this sector.

Beth is passionate about education and mentorship, and she continues to incorporate these values into her life by teaching and assisting in the development of future lawyers. Beth has been a part-time instructor of business and contract law within the Faculty of Business at Memorial University of Newfoundland and teaches yearly at the Bar Admission course for new lawyers in our province. Beth regularly leads seminars for industry groups on matters of corporate and business law and is a guest instructor for the Director’s Education Program Course through the Institute of Corporate Directors on Corporate Governance. Beth also completed the Business Leadership for Women Lawyers program at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.

Beth was selected as a Lexpert® Rising Star for 2016, a national award celebrating Canada’s leading lawyers under 40. She is ranked by Best Lawyers™ in Canada for her practice in corporate law and mergers and acquisitions law. By Best Lawyers® Canada for her practice in Corporate Governance, Corporate Law, Energy Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, and Natural Resources Law, and by Chambers Canada for her corporate/commercial practice.

Beth has held various director positions throughout her career and is currently serving as Chairperson on the board of the St. John’s Port Authority, Commissioner to the Legal Aid Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador, and a member of the Board of Directors for Energy NL, SportNL, C-Core as well as was a member of the Canada Games 2025 Governance Committee.

Beth lives in St. John’s with her husband Andrew and their two boys Benjamin and John Raymond. When she is not at the office, you can usually find her at the hockey rink in her most important role as a Hockey Mom!

Statement of Goals:

I am a strong advocate for our energy sector and committed to ensuring the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and our expertise continues to play a significant role on the global stage.  It is pivotal to our success to capitalize on our resources and growth and environmental responsibility can coexist.  Being a part of the Econext Board would allow me to continue to work for our renewable projects and supporting this industry in an additional way from just my every day legal practice.  I am passionate about education and want to be part of an organization that continues to encourage community engagement and education to bring public awareness for clean growth opportunities in a responsible and transparent way.  This will benefit all energy projects in our province and more importantly our communities.

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Brian Taite, M.A.Sc., CRSP, P.Eng.

Senior Environmental Engineer, Vale Base Metals

Brian is an accomplished and dedicated health, safety, environment & regulatory professional with over 30 years’ experience in the energy 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 worked as an environmental consultant for over a decade in Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2006, he expanded his career in asset management with Shell in the UK and the Netherlands for over five years. Returning to St. John’s, he worked with AMEC (WSP) as a senior environmental engineer and was soon after seconded to Rio Tinto’s IOC mine in Labrador City for his first experience in the mining sector. In 2012, Brian continued his mining experience with Vale’s Long Harbour Processing Plant as Operations Environmental Supervisor. In 2014, Brian joined WorleyParsons to develop an Environmental Management System for Alderon’s Kami Mine project in western Labrador and soon after took on a role as Environment & Regulatory Manager for the ExxonMobil Hebron Topsides Project. In late 2017, Brian went back to consulting at Pinchin Ltd. as Team Leader, Environmental Due Diligence and Remediation. In 2020, he became SHE Coordinator for the Vale Voisey’s Bay Mine Expansion Project construction of two underground mines in northern Labrador. In 2021, Brian worked with HMDC/ExxonMobil as the Environment Advisor for the Hibernia offshore drilling and production platform. In 2024, he joined the World Energy GH2 team as the Environmental Compliance Manager for Project Nujio’qonik. And most recently in 2025, he rejoined Vale Base Metals as their Senior Environmental Engineer responsible for operations in Long Harbour and Voisey’s Bay.

Statement of Goals:

I am seeking election to econext’s Board of Directors to contribute my experience and perspective to Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing clean-energy and environmental industries. Having spent over 30 years working in environmental engineering, regulatory compliance, health and safety, and major project development—both locally and internationally, I have seen firsthand the opportunities that arise when industry, government, and communities work together toward sustainable economic growth.

My goals as a board member are to help strengthen econext’s leadership role in advancing clean technology, environmental innovation, and responsible resource development across the province. I aim to support members by promoting practical solutions that improve environmental performance while enabling competitiveness and economic opportunity. I also hope to contribute to strengthening the connections between industry and emerging clean-energy initiatives.

Having been associated with econext since the mid-1990s, I understand its importance as a catalyst for collaboration and a driving force in Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy. If elected, I will work to ensure the organization continues to deliver value to its members, champion sustainable development, and help position the province as a leader in the global transition to clean energy.

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Caron Hawco

President, Caron Hawco Group

Caron Hawco is President of the Caron Hawco Group and a strategic advisor to corporations, governments, industry, and Indigenous leaders working across the ocean economy, energy transition, and emerging technology sectors. With more than 25 years of experience in offshore energy, ocean industries, and international market development, she brings deep expertise in navigating complex policy and regulatory environments, commercializing innovation, and building strategic partnerships.

Earlier in her career, Caron served on the Offshore Canada leadership team of Norway’s national energy company, Statoil (now Equinor), where she led communications, government relations, and corporate social responsibility initiatives supporting offshore development in Atlantic Canada.

Her current work spans emerging sectors including hydrogen, underground energy storage, and ocean technology. She works with both innovation-focused companies and Indigenous organizations to navigate regulatory landscapes, build partnerships, clearly communicate, and advance strategic growth.

A respected leader within Newfoundland and Labrador’s energy and ocean sectors, Caron is the former Chair of NOIA, the province’s petroleum industry association. She currently serves on the boards of the Canadian Hydrogen Association and COVE (Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship), Nova Scotia’s ocean technology innovation centre.

Caron holds professional designations as an Accredited Business Communicator (ABC), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Certified International Trade Professional (CITP). She is a graduate of Memorial University and Humber College.

Her combination of industry leadership, innovation ecosystem experience, and strategic insight positions her well to contribute to econext’s continued growth and influence.

Statement of Goals:

I am seeking election to econext’s Board of Directors because I believe the organization plays a critical role in shaping Newfoundland and Labrador’s environmental and economic future. econext has become an important platform connecting industry, research, and government to advance environmental innovation and support the growth of sustainable industries in our province. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute my experience and networks to support that work at a board level.

Newfoundland and Labrador is globally recognized for its expertise in energy development, ocean technology, and operating in some of the world’s most challenging offshore environments. As global energy systems and ocean industries evolve, this capability positions our province to play a leading role in emerging environmental and ocean-based industries. Supporting the responsible growth of these sectors, while ensuring strong environmental performance and meaningful engagement with communities, are areas where I have focused much of my career.

For more than 25 years, I have worked at the intersection of energy development, policy, and stakeholder engagement across offshore energy, renewables, and ocean industries. My work has involved advising governments, industry, and research organizations on regulatory frameworks, economic development opportunities, and the partnerships required to move complex initiatives forward.

Engagement and collaboration across sectors are essential to sustainable development and successful innovation ecosystems. If elected, I would bring my policy experience, industry perspective, and strong regional and international networks to help econext continue to grow its impact. I am particularly interested in strengthening connections between industry, research institutions, and emerging clean technology companies so that econext remains a catalyst for innovation, investment, and sustainable economic opportunity in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Don Drew

Operations Manager, Newco Metal and Auto Recycling Ltd

Donald Drew along with his wife Rosalynn are proud to call the historic Town of Bay Bulls home. As Operations Manager with Newco Metal and Auto Recycling Ltd., his responsibilities relate to acquisition and distribution of material and equipment. His duties also include Regional, Municipal, Provincial, and Federal approvals and agreements. Other responsibilities include corporate material acquisition, international export, health and safety requirements, environmental approvals and regulations. Mr. Drew has served as a board member with ECONEXT and chair of the Finance Committee in the past. He has 15 years’ experience as mayor, deputy-mayor, and councilor with the Town of Bay Bulls; duties included Chair of Finance, Public Works, Development, and Tourism. During that time Bay Bulls was honoured with more municipal awards than any other town in the province. He has also served as Chair and Vice Chair of the Northeast Avalon Joint Town Council. 29 years as president of the Harbour Authority of Bay Bulls ( Longest serving Port Representative in Eastern Canada), 25 years as owner/operator of a commercial fishing enterprise, 8 years as a Marine Emergency Duties instructor, and 9 years as a Red Cross first Aid Instructor. He is the 2006 recipient of the Irish Loop Economic Development Board Volunteer of the Year Award and was the proud recipient of the National Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Small Craft Harbours 2011 Prix d ‘Excellence for “Individual Commitment” to the Canadian Ports and Harbours Program. He holds diplomas or certificates in Marine Diesel Engineering, Fishery Science Technical, and Marine Safety Instructor from the Marine Institute. Mr. Drew has also completed a certificate in Economic Development Tourism Relate with the University of Moncton, (Bouctouche training), along with training in Environmental Awareness, Health and Safety, and Community Leadership. He also serves as a volunteer on numerous committees and boards throughout the province, and is a volunteer fundraising organizer with a number of charities. Newco Metal & Auto Recycling Ltd is also proud to have received the Econext 2021 Business Excellence Award.

Statement of Goals:

Since forming over 30 years ago Econext (Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industries Association) has continued to grow, expand, and evolve into one of the most respected industry associations of its type in the country. Allowing our members to benefit from the growth the association has experienced, whether trade missions to other countries, partnerships with industry or government, network opportunities, or educational programs, econext has continued to be the catalyst for growth.  As a member company representative, it’s been a pleasure to play a part in the growth and experiencing the benefits of being involved. The diversity and involvement of the board along with the hard work and dedication of the staff has played a key part in the success of Econext. If I am elected to the board, it will be my goal to continue the strategic path that has been created. Always evolving as to what the industry, province, and the members require. The environment and all the industry that supports it have come a long way in the past 30 years in this province and I am pleased to say I have been actively playing a part in that growth. I ask for your support to continue that work with the association and an active position on the board.

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Keith Barrett

Manager of Energy Solutions, Newfoundland Power

My name is Keith Barrett, Manager of Energy Solutions with Newfoundland Power. I have been working in the electricity sector since 2007. For the last 10 years of my career I have been focusing on energy efficiency and load flexibility programs to reduce electricity supply costs for customers of Newfoundland Power. I believe that energy efficiency and demand side solutions not only provide better outcomes for customers, but allow us to run the electricity system in a way that is environmentally sustainable by reducing the need for physical infrastructure. A key focus of mine is providing the grid with the flexibility required to accommodate the electrification efforts required to bring successful decarbonization to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Statement of Goals: 

My goals for serving as a member of the econext board of directors would be to provide subject matter expertise in the area of the electricity system, expand and develop relationships with key industry stakeholders, and champion the econext cause with these stakeholders to try to have econext have input into key decisions in provincial economic decisions making, to ensure environmental sustainability is always a part of the conversation and in consideration.

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Kristina Kearney

Recruitment and Junior Business Development Associate, Bursey Excavating & Development Inc

With more than fifteen years of experience in business development, workforce strategy, and client relations across the energy, mining, marine, and industrial sectors, I bring a strong combination of commercial leadership and community governance experience to the Board of Directors of econext. Throughout my career, I have focused on building strategic partnerships, expanding market opportunities, and supporting workforce development initiatives that strengthen Newfoundland and Labrador’s industrial economy.

My professional experience in recruitment strategy, global project staffing, and business development within the energy and industrial sectors has provided me with direct insight into the evolving workforce and innovation needs of industries transitioning toward lower-carbon and sustainable operations. I have worked closely with organizations navigating regulatory, workforce, and technological changes within offshore energy, mining, and infrastructure sectors—experience that aligns closely with Econext’s mission to accelerate clean growth in the province.

Statement of Goals:

If elected to the Board of Directors of Econext, my objectives would be to:

1. Support Clean Innovation and Industry Collaboration

Leverage my relationships across the energy, mining, and industrial sectors to foster collaboration between traditional industries and emerging clean technology companies. I aim to help identify partnership opportunities that accelerate innovation and support the adoption of sustainable technologies within Newfoundland and Labrador.

2. Strengthen Workforce Development for the Net-Zero Economy

Apply my experience in global recruitment, workforce planning, and training initiatives to help address labour market gaps associated with the province’s clean growth transition. I am committed to supporting programs that attract, train, and retain skilled professionals needed for emerging clean technology and sustainable infrastructure sectors.

3. Expand Industry Engagement and Strategic Partnerships

Use my background in business development and market expansion to help Econext strengthen engagement with industry stakeholders, investors, and government partners. My goal is to contribute to initiatives that increase collaboration, funding opportunities, and economic diversification through clean growth.

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Michelle Doyle

Consultant, KBRS

Michelle Doyle is a Consultant in Executive Search with KBRS, specializing in senior leadership  recruitment across Newfoundland and Labrador. She partners with boards of directors, executive  teams, and organizational leaders to identify and attract executives who strengthen governance,  organizational performance, and long-term strategic impact.

Through her work across the private, public, and not for profit sectors, Michelle has developed a  deep understanding of the leadership challenges and opportunities shaping the province’s evolving  economy. She has led executive and senior leadership recruitment mandates across diverse  industries, supporting organizations as they navigate growth, transformation, and succession  planning. Her work provides a unique cross sector perspective on workforce trends, leadership  development, and organizational sustainability.

Michelle is recognized for her thoughtful, relationship driven approach and sound judgment in  complex decision-making environments. She works closely with clients through critical hiring and  transition periods, providing trusted advisory support grounded in discretion, collaboration, and a  strong commitment to outcomes. Equally committed to exceptional candidate experience, she  ensures leaders are supported through transparent and respectful recruitment processes.

Deeply connected within Newfoundland and Labrador’s business and community networks,  Michelle is passionate about strengthening leadership capacity within the province while  maintaining strong relationships across Atlantic Canada and nationally. Her work reflects a belief  that strong leadership and effective governance are essential to building resilient organizations and  sustainable economic growth.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice from Memorial University and a diploma in Music  Theatre Performance from Sheridan College. Her background in performance informs her  communication skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to build authentic relationships, qualities  that support her work as a trusted advisor to organizations and leaders alike.

Statement of Goals: 

If selected to serve, I would aim to contribute thoughtful governance, strong relationship building,  and a cross-sector perspective that complements the expertise already represented on econext’s  board. I would be proud to support the organization’s continued efforts to strengthen partnerships,  advance innovation, and help position Newfoundland and Labrador as a leader in sustainable  economic development.

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Sarah Penney-Belbin

Regional Operations Manager and Senior Biologist, LGL Ltd

Sarah Penney-Belbin was born and raised in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) and is a Regional Operations Manager and Senior Biologist for LGL Limited, an employee-owned Canadian environmental consulting company with regional offices in NL, British Columbia, and Ontario. During her 15 years with LGL in NL, Sarah has led or been a senior contributor to more than 130 marine environmental projects. Her enthusiasm, organizational strengths, environmental knowledge, and technological skills have contributed to the success of every national and international project she has supported. She strategically leads research, assessment, and the monitoring and mitigation of development activities with a focus on marine fish and invertebrate ecology, species at risk, protected/special areas, Indigenous, recreational, and commercial fisheries, and socio-economics.

Sarah leads by example and has gained extensive experience managing field and desktop programs in NL’s (and the Canadian Arctic) offshore and nearshore marine sectors. Her work includes research and development of thermal-infrared automatic marine fauna detection technologies, environmental assessment for oil and gas, mining, and aquaculture, and baseline/follow-up environmental monitoring for marine terminals and offshore infrastructure. She is also experienced in regulatory permitting, applications, and stakeholder engagement. More recently, Sarah has been applying her marine environmental skills to the emerging wind energy sector in Atlantic Canada and is contributing to the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Site Assessment Activities for Nova Scotia.

Sarah believes strongly in the importance of networking and in local businesses supporting one another. She promotes public participation and education, having created materials for and served as scientific representative at public engagement sessions throughout Newfoundland for an aquaculture Environmental Impact Statement, and developed educational materials about marine animals for Marine Atlantic ferry terminals and vessels. She frequently connects with local, Canadian, and international companies to explore opportunities for collaboration and values establishing and maintaining connections at every industry and scientific conference she attends.

Sarah is personally and professionally committed to environmental and community wellbeing, including sustainability, clean growth, and both mental and community health. She enjoys exploring Newfoundland’s natural beauty and has been teaching her young son about the Island’s environmental wonders through hiking, snowshoeing, beachcombing, and bird and whale watching. She also shares with him the importance of community by helping him earn personal achievement badges through the Scouts Canada Beavers Program, such as sharing meals, making and delivering Valentine’s to residents at a local retirement centre, and digging out neighbourhood fire hydrants. Sarah has led a local volunteer walking group, served as a therapy dog handler team with St. John Ambulance, and fundraised for and participated in numerous local charity events, including walks for the Huntington’s Society of Canada, Cancer Society of Canada, ALS Society of NL, and Steps for Life, and move events for the MS Society of Canada.

Sarah learned the foundations of responsible environmental decision-making, stewardship, and communication from her first supervisor at LGL, Bob Buchanan, a founding member of econext’s predecessor, the NL Environmental Industry Association (NEIA). Her commitment to ethical, evidence-based decision-making and responsible informational/technological advancement aligns closely with econext’s mission.

Statement of Goals: 

As Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) enters an exciting new phase of energy and ecological development – with the Bay du Nord Project, early-stage renewable energy development, and growing interest in marine and coastal ecotourism – I feel this is the ideal time for me to join the econext Board. As a Board member, I would apply my NL marine environmental knowledge, extensive network, and strong organizational and technological skills to support econext’s mandate and direction.

I envision contributing to high-level planning and strategic guidance for econext’s communications, member engagement, and knowledge-sharing activities, including webinars, information sessions, and events. I am committed to helping advance initiatives that address the challenges of climate change as they relate to clean growth, and to strengthening the integration of robust environmental science into decision-making across sectors in NL.

I would also work to enhance engagement with NL Indigenous businesses, groups, and self-identified entities – many of whom LGL has longstanding relationships with – to increase Indigenous input into econext activities and information dissemination. In addition, I would seek to engage with businesses with majority ownership by visible minorities to broaden perspectives on local business needs and opportunities. My goal is to promote diverse viewpoints while advancing sustainable, holistic business and ecological solutions for NL.

I believe my collaborative, honest approach and my commitment to responsible environmental practices would be an asset to econext’s continued success and growth.

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Shem Evans, M.A., C. Tech.

Environmental Specialist and Project Manager, Hatch Ltd.

Shem is an Environmental Specialist with over 17 years of experience in environmental management, permitting, and compliance for largescale heavy construction projects across Canada and internationally. His work spans wind farms, mines, quarries, highways, bridges, hydropower developments, energy facilities, ports, terminals, and other resource extraction and civil infrastructure projects. His experience includes navigating complex regulatory frameworks, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and supporting project delivery in locations with significant environmental constraints and considerations.

He holds a master’s degree in environmental policy from Memorial University of Newfoundland, with academic training focused on environmental assessment, policy development, and integrated environmental management. This foundation, combined with extensive field and project execution experience, has supported his work in developing permitting strategies, implementing compliance programs, and coordinating environmental commitments for Projects across the interface of engineering, construction, and operations.
Shem has contributed to environmental assessments, regulatory submissions, monitoring programs, and construction phase environmental management systems for major undertakings throughout multiple provinces and territories.

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’ (2019-2022), in Ontario.

With Hatch, Shem has supported and advised on decommissioning and remediation projects, the construction of mines, ports and terminals, as well as renewable and non-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 and is advising the Project now as it moves into the construction phase.

Shem previously served on the Board of Directors for the Western Environment Centre (2016-2018), based out of Corner Brook on the islands west coast. He is currently serving a two-year term, on the Board of Directors for econext (2024-2026).

Statement of Goals:

It has been a privilege to participate in the organization’s governance for this past term, and to provide input to the strategic vision of econext during a period that has seen a positive, renewed focus for the organization. Especially during a time of political transition, both here at home and globally. I’m interested in serving for a second term on the Board of Directors for econext, to assist members in amplifying economic opportunities, through advocating for clean growth, workforce opportunities and sustainable development here in Newfoundland and Labrador. I’m passionate about our province’s environment, our people, our potential, and our future towards a green economy.