For Immediate Release
April 30, 2025

econext is holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) during the week of May 1-7, 2025. The AGM featured the election of its Board of Directors.

Newly elected members of the Board of Directors include:

• Joshua Barrett (Stantec)
• Laurie Coady (North Atlantic)
• Kristina Kearney (Waterford Energy Services)
• Heather Murphy (SEM Ltd.)
• Dave Pinsent (World Energy GH2)

These Directors join:

• Alex Templeton (Chair – McInnes Cooper)
• Jennifer Crane (Corner Brook Port Corporation)
• Shem Evans (Hatch)
• Krista Langthorne (Newfoundland Power)

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
kieran@econext.ca

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 26, 2025

Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy is expanding, and with that comes new career opportunities.

Yesterday econext hosted an event called ‘Green Horizons’ designed for job-seekers looking to enter or transition into the green economy.

Over 90 attendees in person and online had the opportunity to network with employers and industry leaders, while:

• Learning about career opportunities;
• Gaining insights into training programs and certification pathways;
• Hearing from industry experts; and
• Participating in interactive and networking activities.

The event agenda was created with a specific interest in helping new Canadians in their career development and job searches, featuring ‘success stories’ and tips from those who have been able to establish their careers in NL’s green economy.

‘Green Horizons’ is part of a series of events econext has been delivering to help create greater education and awareness of job opportunities in the province’s green economy.

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
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.