Chief Executive Officer, econext

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 Role

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.

Key Areas of Oversight

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.

The Ideal Candidate

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.

Qualifications and Experience

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.

• A university degree and at least 10 years of progressive leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success in team leadership, relationship-building, and strategic communications.
• Experience engaging with government, media, and other public-facing stakeholders.
• A collaborative leadership style, grounded in transparency, humility, and vision.

Skills and Attributes

• A purpose-driven leader who is energized by networking and engaging with people at meetings and events.
• Exceptional communication and relational skills, able to quickly build trusting relationships.
• Decisiveness combined with a facilitative style, leading with integrity and creativity, and sound judgment.
• Superior skill in strategic financial and organizational management.
• Excellent communication skills – able to seamlessly translate complex information for different audiences.
• A “pitch in” kind of leader who supports and empowers their team.

Why Join econext?

• Competitive salary
• Employer-matched RSP (up to 6% of salary)
• Benefits and insurance package, including flexible options
• Cell phone and expense allowances
• Paid vacation (20 days), personal leave (7 days), holidays (15+), and extended year-end break
• Flexible, modern co-working office in downtown St. John’s

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.

Learn More & Apply

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.”

Download Discussion Paper

“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.”

About econext

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
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:

• create 120 full-time jobs in energy efficiency, construction, and skilled trades
• facilitate energy efficiency training for 300 contractors
• reduce home energy consumption in St. John’s by 17,104 GJ per year
• cut greenhouse gas emissions by 512 tonnes annually

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.

About the FCM’s Green Municipal Fund

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.

About econext

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.

Quotes

“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

For Immediate Release
February 26, 2025

econext has published a discussion paper which explores the potential for the application and development of digital, remote, and autonomous operations technologies within Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean energy industry.

“The objective of this discussion paper is to advance a conversation locally on the potential for innovation in these subject areas,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO. Hanley says that the province has strong expertise in the development of these types of technologies, but much of that expertise is ocean-based. “We believe there is an exciting opportunity to understand how Newfoundland and Labrador’s technology strengths can be applied within the growing clean energy industry – a lot of which will be terrestrial.”

Download the Report

Hanley says that digital, remote, and autonomous operations can help industry improve its productivity and reduce operating costs – both of which will be important for the future of clean energy in the province. “We think there are all sorts of interesting applications for these types of technologies as they can relate to wind turbines, transmission lines, storage systems, both small- and large-scale generation facilities, and other infrastructure.”

The report was completed in partnership with SEM Ltd., and is intended as a first step for econext to define more concretely the opportunities that exist and inform its future efforts to help innovators pursue them. “There’s a lot different ideas presented in this discussion paper – and that’s the point,” said Hanley. “Over time we will work with industry, businesses, entrepreneurs and others to narrow in on some more specific areas of opportunity.”

Hanley said that econext is planning an event in the near future for businesses to engage in a discussion on the topic – and workshop ideas together. “We will have more information soon on this event!”

Innovation challenge underway

The release of the discussion paper is also meant to help businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador generate ideas that might be suitable for the Clean Energy Infrastructure Optimization Challenge, said Hanley.

“Earlier this month we launched a competition in partnership with Foresight Canada for innovative ideas that our emerging industry can embrace to reduce operational costs, and we are hoping that this document is a bit of a catalyst to stimulate local submissions.”

More information on the challenge can be found here.

About econext

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.

For Immediate Release
February 4, 2025

St. John’s, NL — Foresight Canada and econext have launched the new Clean Energy Infrastructure Optimization Innovation Challenge, inviting Canadian innovators to present advanced technology solutions that reduce maintenance costs and improve operational performance of remote clean energy infrastructure in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). This includes wind turbines, transmission lines, storage systems, and both small- and large-scale generation facilities.

NL is emerging as a strategic leader in clean energy development, including green hydrogen, with key advantages that position the province for global competitiveness:

• A clean electricity grid powered by nearly 100% renewable energy
• Significant energy storage potential to support long-term grid stability
• Abundant natural resources and access to land and freshwater for further development
• Established port infrastructure with proximity to major export markets and global shipping routes
• A skilled workforce and deep supply chain expertise in large-scale energy projects

Advanced technologies and innovative solutions are key to unlocking this potential and maintaining the province’s leadership position. By focusing on operational efficiency and cost reduction, NL can maximize productivity and profitability while aligning with national net zero objectives.

More information on NL’s clean energy industry can be found here.

Innovators competing in this challenge have the opportunity to win up to CAD $50,000 in cash prizes and access tailored support to accelerate their proposed solutions. Winners will also gain valuable exposure to the energy industry and its stakeholders, providing a springboard for further development and commercialization.

Click To View the Challenge!

Industry Leaders Supporting the Challenge

The Clean Energy Infrastructure Optimization Challenge is backed by key Industry partners including ABO Energy, EverWind Fuels, North Atlantic, Pattern Energy, World Energy GH2, Newfoundland Power, and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. Their support underscores the importance of addressing operational challenges while fostering sustainable growth and innovation.

Driving Economic Growth Through Innovation

In today’s rapidly evolving market, maintaining a competitive edge requires continuous improvement in cost management, productivity, and operational excellence. It’s also key to meeting net zero targets. Foresight’s Innovation Challenge program connects industries with practical, de-risked cleantech solutions designed to address real-world challenges. By facilitating the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies, Foresight supports industries in achieving measurable results, driving sustainable growth, and enhancing overall efficiency.

“We are honoured to collaborate with econext on this Challenge, deepening our connection with the Atlantic provinces. Clean energy infrastructure is a critical gateway to decarbonization, and by linking the right innovations, we can deliver turn-key, high-impact solutions that can be deployed swiftly—driving sustainability and economic growth across Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond.
Jeanette Jackson CEO, Foresight Canada

“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. We are excited to be working with Foresight Canada on this challenge to help draw attention to what is happening here – while exploring the application of new and innovative clean technologies.
Kieran Hanley CEO, econext

About econext

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.

About Foresight Canada

Foresight Canada helps the world do more with less, sustainably. As Canada’s largest cleantech innovation and adoption accelerator, they connect public and private sectors to the world’s best clean technologies, de-risking and simplifying the adoption of innovative solutions that improve productivity, profitability, and economic competitiveness, all while addressing today’s most urgent climate challenges.

This Challenge is made possible through support from RBC and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). Click here to view the official challenge website.

Media Contacts
Heather Kingdon
Communications Manager
Foresight Canada
hkingdon@foresightcac.com

Kieran Hanley
CEO
econext
kieran@econext.ca

For Immediate Release
December 13, 2024

econext is congratulating the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and its negotiating team on the historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed yesterday with Quebec to chart the future for Churchill Falls.

“The Churchill Falls hydroelectric resources are world class and are admired by all those econext and its members engage with nationally and internationally,” said Kieran Hanley, econext’s CEO. “We commend both provincial governments for seeing the importance and value of this enormous clean energy asset, and are excited and ready to contribute to its future development.”

The MOU signed between Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec includes an agreement to terminate and replace the 1969 Upper Churchill Contract, expand the capacity of the existing Churchill Falls plant, develop Gull Island, and build important new transmission infrastructure.

“Gull Island is well known across the continent as being one of the most attractive undeveloped hydroelectricity projects in North America,” said Hanley. “All told, this agreement will increase clean energy generation capacity in Labrador by almost 4GW, with the province maintaining majority ownership of the generation assets and having access to almost 2GW.”

Hanley said that the agreement will mean a number of things from a clean energy perspective. “First, this expanded access to clean energy will allow the province to attract new investment and new low-carbon industrial activity,” noting that it has the potential to enable new critical minerals activity in Labrador. “Second, this will mean many green jobs and business opportunities for people in our province over a sustained period of time.”

Also significant, said Hanley, is the involvement of the Innu Nation in the negotiations and the announcement of the MOU. “We are seeing a trend here in Newfoundland and Labrador where Indigenous groups are becoming directly involved in clean energy project development, and this is a very positive thing.”

Hanley observed that the MOU is the result of the hard work and determination of many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. “This MOU is a win for all parties to the agreement; econext would like to extend a congratulations to all of those involved.”

About econext

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.