This workshop will help stakeholders outline potential economic, environmental, and social benefits associated with energy and emissions planning for the Town of Stephenville.
For more information, please contact Sara Jafari at mailto:sara@econext.ca.
This workshop will help stakeholders outline potential economic, environmental, and social benefits associated with energy and emissions planning for the City of Corner Brook.
For more information, please contact Sara Jafari at mailto:sara@econext.ca.
St. John’s, NL
econext is seeking a dynamic, people-focused Chief Executive Officer to build on its legacy of fostering sustainable economic development. This is an exciting opportunity for a values-driven, relationship-oriented leader to influence meaningful change while leading a mission-driven team in a modern, collaborative work environment.
About econext
econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. For over 30 years, the organization has advanced environmentally sustainable economic development by stimulating innovation, preparing the workforce for a green economy, and catalyzing climate action across industries and communities.
As a trusted voice on green growth, econext supports a membership that spans energy, waste, natural resources, research, and innovation sectors. Its downtown St. John’s headquarters offers a flexible, co-working environment that fosters connection and creativity. More information can be found at https://econext.ca/.
The province is at a pivotal moment for clean growth and the new CEO will play a central role in shaping the future of the province’s green economy. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will champion a bold vision that supports innovation, sustainability, and economic development across sectors. They are responsible for the overall success of the organization by providing strategic leadership, planning oversight and stewardship for all aspects of the organization’s finances and operations. They oversee all operations, functions, and activities of the organization and are responsible for the successful leadership and management of the organization, according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors.
They work collaboratively with the Board and staff team to navigate ongoing planning and development, member relations, and partnerships, positioning the econext and the NL sustainable economy for long-term success and stability. The CEO acts as the figurehead of the organization and works closely with government, local businesses, and other industry stakeholders, acting as an advocate for sustainability and the environment.
Strategic Leadership & Organizational Stewardship
Provides strategic and operational leadership of the organization with oversight from the Board of Directors. Ensures the alignment of programs and initiatives with econext’s vision and mandate and cultivates a strong and collaborative organizational culture.
External & Government Relations
Builds and maintains trusted relationships with a broad range of stakeholders including government officials, industry leaders, members, and community partners. Serves as a proactive and credible spokesperson, able to advocate for policy solutions, funding, and strategic alignment that support clean growth.
Public Profile & Communications
Leads proactive and responsive media engagement, speaking to the successes, challenges, and priorities of the organization. Uses storytelling and communications strategy to amplify econext’s profile provincially, nationally, and internationally.
Team & Culture Development
Leads and empowers a team of 13 staff in a flexible, collaborative, and modern workplace culture. Creates a sense of shared ownership, trust, and motivation while supporting professional development, autonomy, and high retention.
Programming & Core Operation
Oversees annual programming including major events (conference, AGM, industry awards), board relations, HR, finance, and operational processes. Pursues emerging opportunities for impact, while maintaining a member-focused approach to service delivery.
You are a high-integrity, community-oriented leader with the ability to connect, communicate, and inspire. Known for your authenticity, energy, and ability to build relationships, you thrive in public and professional settings—from networking events and media interviews to team meetings and strategic planning sessions. You bring a strong sense of ownership and accountability, with a preference for proactive leadership, not politics. You have demonstrated your ability to lead people, navigate complexity, and deliver results in your past work. You are highly organized and adaptable, and you thrive in modern, flexible work environments. While experience in the green economy or economic development is not required, a passion for sustainable progress is essential.
While the Search Committee recognizes that no one candidate is likely to meet all qualifications in equal measure, those listed below are desirable and will be used to compare candidates.
econext is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women; people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; Indigenous peoples; visible minorities/racialized people; and people with disabilities.
We will provide support and accommodations to applicants with disabilities, upon request. If you need accommodation to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or communicate your needs to the recruitment professional named in the job description.
If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Michelle Doyle at mdoyle@kbrs.ca or Dr. Jennie Massey at jmassey@kbrs.ca or submit your full application package online by clicking the button below.
For Immediate Release
April 11, 2025
econext has released an analysis which narrows in on opportunities for domestic clean fuels use in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Whether it’s using hydrogen, renewable diesel, or other low-carbon fuels – there are considerable environmental and economic benefits to be had for our province,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO.
“The objective of this discussion paper is to advance our collective understanding of the potential scale of those benefits and continue to progress these important conversations,” said Colin Corbett, econext‘s Director of Clean Energy Innovation. Corbett said the paper explores clean fuels use in a number of sectors such as freight transportation, marine transportation, electricity production, and heavy industry. “Understanding the potential demand for low-carbon fuels will help us to prioritize next steps.”
“The clean energy opportunity in front of Newfoundland and Labrador is tremendous. From major wind-to-hydrogen projects to large hydroelectric developments, we are on the verge of significant green economic growth in our province,” said Hanley. “But we do need to walk the talk and adopt the same clean energy technologies that we are looking to export.”
Hanley said that clean fuels are widely recognized as being key in the global fight against climate change. “The importance of clean fuels in NL’s future became clear to me in my role as Chair of the province’s Net Zero Advisory Council,” said Hanley, adding “there are many financial and logistical considerations at play, and this is just step one of many to better understand and articulate them.”
Corbett encouraged readers to send their feedback on the research findings to econext in the spirit of continuous improvement. “Throughout May and June we will be hosting a series of stakeholder workshops to communicate sector-level findings and gather insights how the analysis can be improved.”
econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities. econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. For more information, visit https://econext.ca/.
Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley, CEO
kieran@econext.ca
For Immediate Release
April 9, 2025
After over 8 years, Kieran Hanley is stepping down as econext‘s CEO.
“Our team has achieved a great deal in these past years, and this role has been the opportunity of a lifetime for me,” said Hanley. “econext is in an excellent position in every respect, and I know it is the right time to hand the keys over to someone who can bring new energy and fresh ideas to the table to take the organization to a whole next level.”
“On behalf of the Board I can say that, while we regret losing Kieran as CEO, we fully support the decision that he has made to take on a new role,” said Alex Templeton, econext‘s Chair. Templeton noted that Hanley will remain with the organization in the newly created position of Chief Economic Development Officer. “We are pleased that Kieran will be staying on to lead a number of special projects and ensure a smooth transition for our new CEO.”
Hanley, who will remain CEO until a replacement has been selected, said that his successor will have an exciting job ahead of them. “The future is very bright for Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy; the opportunities are as endless as they are significant – and econext‘s CEO will play an important role in that.”
“I’m very thankful to econext‘s members who have supported my work, to the Board who took a chance on me back in 2016 (and have stood behind me ever since), past and present staff who have worked hard with me to grow this organization, and the countless colleagues, partners, and mentors that I have learned so much from these past years.”
During Hanley’s tenure as CEO the organization experienced a period of sustained growth. In this time, econext’s budget grew by a factor of 10, its staff complement more than tripled, and the breadth of scope of its activities expanded. A major re-branding effort in 2021 refocused the organization’s priorities under a new long-term strategic plan which focuses on innovation, workforce development, and the pursuit of net zero.
Templeton said econext’s Board of Directors has formed a Search Committee and has secured KBRS to commence the executive search. “We will be releasing the job advertisement in the near future.”
“We have a very strong team in place. I am proud of each and every one of my staff who are accomplishing a great deal for Newfoundland and Labrador; the organization is in excellent hands,” said Hanley.
econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities. econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. Visit: https://econext.ca/.
For Immediate Release
April 8, 2025
econext is highlighting the importance of electricity grid stakeholders working proactively together to ensure decision-making is as efficient as it can be.
“Electricity demand is rising in Newfoundland and Labrador – and quickly,” said Kieran Hanley, CEO of econext. “Meanwhile, our electricity system is becoming more complex and we expect this to accelerate in the years ahead.”
Hanley says that decision-makers are facing increasing pressures from decarbonization efforts through electrification, major industrial project developments, and new technologies. “As Chair of the province’s Net Zero Advisory Council, I got a glimpse of what Newfoundland and Labrador’s grid is going to encounter in the years ahead,” he said. “We are going to be faced with demands and opportunities more frequently, in greater variety, and with more urgency.”
Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean electricity grid – derived from over 90% renewable resources – is highly attractive to international investors and industries looking to produce low-carbon products said Hanley. “This is a powerful economic development asset for the province and we need to protect it and nurture it.” Hanley said it would be unfortunate if the province had to turn away new businesses and manufacturing because it is not able to supply electricity.
Hanley said that all of these factors point to the importance of stakeholders working together to ensure that decision-making processes are as efficient as possible. “From energy storage to big industrial projects that have grid tie-in to AI-integrated infrastructure – we need to make sure we are prepared for these things.”
“None of this is to suggest our analysis can be any less thorough – we’ve learned that lesson,” said Hanley, noting that thorough does not have to mean long. “Our decision-making needs to be robust, but it also needs to be swift and decisive. Let’s think about what we need to do – together – to accomplish this.”
econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities. econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. For more information, visit https://econext.ca/.
Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley, CEO
kieran@econext.ca
For Immediate Release
April 2, 2025
To identify opportunities to benefit more from local economic development, lower energy costs, a clean environment, and improved community resilience, the Town of Stephenville will be working with econext as part of QUEST Canada’s Net-Zero Communities Accelerator (NCA) program.
“We are excited to work with the Town of Stephenville on this initiative,” says Sara Jafari, econext’s Community Sustainability Lead, noting that the program will include an analysis of how the municipality uses energy as a whole – from electricity to fuels. “We will use this information to investigate actual options for the town to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, in ways that align with its economic development priorities.”
Sara emphasizes the environmental challenges and local economic opportunities that communities face are unique to each municipality. “Participation in the NCA program will provide a series of recommendations that are integrated with the plans of the Town of Stephenville, and in tune with the future growth of energy resources and consumption in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
econext is working with six (6) municipalities across the province in the delivery of QUEST Canada’s NCA program. Municipalities interested in partnership with econext can connect with Sara Jafari at sara@econext.ca.
“The Town of Stephenville is committed to an eco-friendly future. By working with econext and participating in the NCA program, we are reducing our carbon footprint and supporting economic growth and stability for our community.”
Mayor Tom Rose, Town of Stephenville
“Despite the uncertain times we now face across Canada, a clean environment is still key to the future of Canada’s economy. What the NCA program focuses on is the building of the necessary community foundations that ensure emissions reduction plans get implemented, over the short and long-term, by ensuring all relevant energy transition stakeholders are included throughout the process.”
Seth Leon – Manager, Community Energy & Projects, QUEST Canada
The NCA program leverages proven tools and services, equipping participating communities with the net-zero knowledge needed to develop and continuously implement an energy and emissions plan (CEEP). The program provides a robust suite of resources and guidance, enabling communities to attain the economic, environmental, and social benefits associated with the implementation of their CEEP.
QUEST Canada supports communities in Canada on their pathway to net zero. Since 2007, facilitating connections, empowering community champions and advising decision-makers to implement energy use and emissions reduction solutions that best meet community needs, and maximize local economic opportunities. QUEST develops tools and resources, convenes stakeholders, and advises decision-makers – to encourage, assist and enable communities to contribute to and reach Canada’s net-zero goals. Visit: https://questcanada.org/.
econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities. econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. Visit: https://econext.ca/.
Media Contacts:
econext
Kieran Hanley, CEO
kieran@econext.ca
QUEST Canada
Donald Wiedman, Senior Lead, Communications
647 669 0461, dwiedman@questcanada.org
For Immediate Release
March 21, 2025
(Via the Federation of Canadian Municipalities):
St. John’s, NL – Improving the energy efficiency of homes is a smart investment that helps homeowners lower home energy bills, reduce emissions, and create more comfortable living spaces.
Today, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary of the City of St. John’s, on behalf of Rebecca Bligh, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), announced a $7-million investment through the Green Municipal Fund’s (GMF) Community Efficiency Financing (CEF) initiative to support a new residential retrofit program in St. John’s.
Over the next four years, the program is expected to:
In addition to helping homeowners save money and reduce emissions, the program was designed to be scalable so it can be expanded to other communities across the region that may not have the capacity to deliver their own retrofit programs.
econext will spearhead the project, providing free and personalized energy efficiency guidance services to help residents of St. John’s manage their retrofit projects. This service will help residents navigate energy audits, grants and financing options available from various programs. Econext will also facilitate industry training to support capacity building and offer targeted grants for deep retrofits. The City of St. John’s will manage the credit enhancement funding and enabling financial institutions to offer low-interest loans to residents. By helping residents navigate retrofits while reducing financial barriers, this program will help more homeowners take action to improve energy efficiency, lower utility bills, and reduce their environmental footprint
This initiative underscores a commitment to sustainable development and community support, ensuring that residents have the resources needed to improve their homes while contributing to a cleaner, greener future.
FCM’s Green Municipal Fund (GMF) is a globally unique organization providing funding and education to municipalities to help them both reach net-zero and build resilient communities, while also delivering economic and social benefits such as jobs, housing and infrastructure. Since inception in 2000, it has helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.9 million tonnes, funded over 13,100 person-years of employment, enabled nearly 30,000 sustainable affordable housing units, and contributed $1.24 billion to the national GDP via more than 2,300 approved projects. GMF manages approximately $2.4 billion in programs funded by the Government of Canada.
econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities. econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.
“Energy efficiency means lower costs for residents and a healthier environment for all. Today’s investments will help make home retrofits more affordable and accessible in St. John’s—helping homeowners cut energy bills, reduce emissions, and improve living spaces. By investing in sustainable housing, we’re creating local jobs, strengthening communities, and moving Canada closer to a net-zero future.”
—The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
“Helping households make deep energy retrofits will reduce emissions across entire neighbourhoods. By working together, we can lower the cost of construction and reduce energy emissions right here in St. John’s.”
—The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
“This investment will make it easier for homeowners in St. John’s to access energy-efficient upgrades that reduce costs and lower emissions. By supporting sustainable retrofits, we are not only improving home comfort but also creating jobs, strengthening our local economy, and building a more resilient community. The City is proud to be part of this initiative, which will help residents take meaningful action in the fight against climate change and drive forward our commitment to being a sustainable city.”
—Sheilagh O’Leary, Deputy Mayor and Lead for Sustainability, City of St. John’s
“Better home energy efficiency is key to reducing power consumption, energy bills and emissions to make life healthier and more affordable for homeowners. With climate change and affordability being two of Canada’s biggest challenges, GMF, supported by the Government of Canada, is proud to enable residents in St. John’s to make home energy upgrades that will lower their utility bills while also advancing toward net-zero.”
—Rebecca Bligh, FCM President
“Accelerating energy efficiency retrofits in Newfoundland and Labrador grows our green economy. It will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve the effectiveness of our electricity use, and allow customers to save money – all while creating business opportunities for those providing green products and services. We are looking forward to working with the City of St. John’s and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities on this initiative.”
—Kieran Hanley, CEO, econext
In April econext will elect its Board of Directors for 2025/26.
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. There are a total of five (5) positions to be filled.
Interested individuals can contact econext’s CEO, Kieran Hanley, at kieran@econext.ca for more information about the nomination process. Nominees will be asked to provide (1) a photo, (2) a biography – 500 words or less, and (3) a statement as to their objectives for serving as a member of econext‘s Board of Directors – 250 words of less.
econext Directors must represent a voting member of the organization’s membership in good standing.
The deadline for nominations is April 11, 2025. Voting for director positions shall take place online April 21 – 25, 2025. Nominees will have an opportunity to speak directly to members at econext‘s 2025 Annual General Meeting and Industry Awards Reception taking place on April 16. Click here for more information on this event.
Date: March 18, 2025
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Co. Innovation Centre | 710 Torbay Rd (Suite A), St. John’s NL A1A 5G9
At this workshop, SEM Ltd. will present on recent research undertaken examining the potential for the application and development of digital, remote, and autonomous operations technologies within Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean energy industry. A facilitated discussion will follow to help better define priorities and explore potential collaborative industry-led research and development projects.
To advance a conversation locally on the potential for innovation within Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean energy industry relating to digital, remote, and autonomous operations.
Representatives from businesses within the province who develop and/or provide digital, remote, and/or autonomous operations technologies or services who are curious about their potential application within Newfoundland and Labrador’s emerging clean energy industry.
Participation is free, but registration is required.
