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Our people and partnership team

Interested in joining a passionate and committed team?

Do you believe in the power of human ingenuity to solve the wicked sustainability challenges of our generation? Do you want to help unlock it? You belong with us.  Join a  Canada-wide partnership of industry leaders and practitioners, academic researchers and policy experts, highly-trained convenors, facilitators, and program designers committed to solutions.

Explore Opportunities

Meet Generate Canada’s Board of Directors

Board member since 2022

Andrew Heintzman is a managing partner and a co-founder of InvestEco Capital. Founded in 2001, InvestEco was one of the first Canadian investment companies to focus on sustainability. InvestEco manages a number of venture capital funds that invest in companies that promote health and sustainability in the food sector. As part of his work at InvestEco, Andrew sits on a number of corporate boards, including Mara Renewables, Maple Hill Creamery, LesserEvil and Maison Le Grand. Andrew has been a director of a number of Canadian charities, including MakeWay Foundation and CanadaHelps, and is the author of The New Entrepreneurs: Building a Green Economy for the Future, published by The House of Anansi Press. Andrew has a BA and an MA from McGill University.  

Board member since 2022

Nishadi Liyanage (she/her) is the Responsible Supply Chain Program Manager, Maker Well-being at lululemon. She has more than 13 years of broad experience in corporate sustainability and non-financial risk management in Sri Lanka, Australia and Canada. This includes strategy development, managing strategic projects, measuring impact, and ESG reporting in several industries, including leisure, apparel, construction and mining and metals. Nishadi holds a Master of Sustainability degree from the University of Sydney, which she completed on a full-ride Australia Awards scholarship administered by the Government of Australia. Nishadi is also a UN SDSN Fellow, and an alumna of the Global Shapers, the youth arm of the World Economic Forum.

Board member since 2019

Velma McColl blends her deep understanding of business, government and policy to create opportunities for her clients. As a Managing Principal in Ottawa, Velma works on a range of economic and social issues including M&A, innovation, energy, environment and emerging technologies. She has been a driving force in the growth and diversification of Earnscliffe’s business.

Prior to joining Earnscliffe in 2004, Velma advised Federal Cabinet Ministers on political strategy, policy and communications. She has also worked provincially in British Columbia and Alberta. She has worked to find creative solutions across federal/provincial/territorial, North American and international boundaries. Her career includes success as an entrepreneur and experience working collaboratively with business, academia, think tanks, not-for-profit organizations and the public sector.

A proud mother and Westerner with twenty years’ experience in Ottawa, Velma studied at the University of British Columbia and the Banff School of Management. She is a co-founder of the Canadian Clean Technology Coalition and Women in GR. She has taken leadership roles with several organizations including Smart Prosperity, the Ryan’s Well Foundation and Ecotrust Canada.

Generate Canada is uniquely positioned to turn collaboration into impact. I’m excited to join the board and help scale solutions that deliver both economic resilience and real progress on sustainability—especially in the sectors that matter most to Canada’s future.

Board member since 2026

Amr leads the Farm Credit Canada team dedicated to promoting financial and non-financial solutions that support the implementation of sustainable practices in the Canadian agriculture and food industry.

Since 2010, Amr has offered advisory services to financial institutions on developing investing strategies, serving on investor sustainability advisory boards, and working with groups that highlight Montreal as a global hub for sustainable finance. This includes the Finance and Sustainability Initiative, Finance Montreal’s Sustainable Finance Working Group, and the advisory committee for developing a sustainable finance roadmap for Quebec. In 2025, Amr was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of his work in advancing sustainable finance in Canada. Amr has an MBA from the University of Michigan and a B.Sc. in mechanical engineering from the American University in Cairo

The best way to protect our environment is to collaborate across sectors to identify creative and practical solutions that also bring economic benefits. I look forward to working with Generate Canada to advance this approach.

Board member since 2026

Michael Bernstein is the president and chief executive officer of Clean Prosperity, a
Canadian non-profit that works toward practical climate solutions that reduce emissions
and grow the economy.

Michael is also the chair of the advisory board for Carbon Removal Canada, a policy
non-profit that works to grow the carbon dioxide removal sector in Canada. In 2023,
Michael was appointed to the Canadian government’s Net-Zero Advisory Body. In
addition, Michael is vice-chair of Canada’s Carbon Competitiveness Commission, and
was the co-chair of the Carbon Management Working Group at the Public Policy Forum
from 2020-2022.

Michael is an economist by training. He is an advisor to elected leaders across the
political spectrum, and a frequent commentator on climate policy. He was named on
The Hill Times’ Top 100 Lobbyists List for 2021. He was also selected as a Clean50
Honouree in 2023 for his work advancing Canadian climate policy.

Michael joined Clean Prosperity in 2018. His career has spanned business,
management consulting, international development, and politics.

Prior to Clean Prosperity, Michael was the CEO of Mama Earth Organics, a small
business that delivered organic produce from local farms to families around the Greater
Toronto Area. He worked directly with dozens of farmers and saw first-hand the effects
climate change was having on the farms he worked with. As a father of two young kids,
he’s also very concerned about the future that we’re leaving to the next generation.
Before working in the local food sector, Michael was a business management consultant
at McKinsey & Company, where he advised Fortune 500 companies, institutional
investors, and governments on key strategic and business issues. He also worked with
InvestEco Capital to set up an advisory service that offered support to companies in the
sustainable food sector.

Michael holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the Harvard University Kennedy
School of Government, and a B.A. in Economics from Yale University.

When he’s not working on climate change, you can find him building Lego airplanes with
his kids or doing his best karaoke impression of Vanilla Ice.

Solving Canada’s biggest sustainability challenges requires people who can work across silos — and that’s exactly what Generate Canada does. I’m excited to contribute to solution spaces that are founded on collaboration and action.

Board member since 2026

Lara Ellis has spent her career working at the intersection of land, nature, and the communities that depend on both. Currently the Executive Director of the Centre for Land Conservation, she brings deep experience in conservation sector strategy, philanthropy, and the policy conditions that determine whether conservation succeeds in Canada.

At ALUS Canada, Lara helped scale a groundbreaking program supporting nature restoration on working farms and ranches through payments for ecosystem services — experience that connects directly to Generate Canada’s Nature Investment Hub and CANZA mandates. At the Ivey Foundation, she developed expertise in conservation philanthropy and funder strategy, supporting cross-sector efforts to mobilize capital for nature.

Earlier in her career, Lara worked on protected areas establishment and sustainable forestry with Wildlands League and Nature Canada — experience that grounded her in the on-the-ground realities of conservation policy and land stewardship. That foundation, combined with her subsequent work in ecological goods and services, conservation philanthropy, and sector capacity-building, gives her a whole-landscape perspective on what it takes to move conservation from commitment to action in Canada.

Lara holds a BA and a Master of Management from McGill University, where she completed the McGill-McConnell program — a pioneering graduate degree designed for leaders in Canada’s non-profit and voluntary sectors.

I’m passionate about systems transformation for more just and thriving long-term futures and how we bring those into the present by together reimagining and rebuilding policies, institutions, and practices. I see Generate Canada’s potential for collaborative innovation and action towards these better futures, and I’m excited to contribute alongside a wonderful team and growing ecosystem of partners.

Board member since 2026

Dr. Jayne Engle is a civic innovator, systems change practitioner, facilitator, and executive working to advance thriving futures for all. She co-leads 7GenerationCities alongside Indigenous community leaders and stewards Civic Futuring, a systems innovation and participatory futures practice. Her experience across Canada, Europe, the United States, and in Haiti includes leadership roles at the J.W. McConnell Foundation, Dark Matter Labs, and Future Generations University. Her work spans civic and democracy innovation, philanthropy, social infrastructure building, and long-term systems transformation. Jayne is Adjunct Professor at McGill University and was a Futures Fellow with the Future of Canada project at McMaster University. Her publications include Sacred Civics: Building Seven Generation Cities (Routledge, 2022). Her work is grounded in commitments to reconciliation, intergenerational justice, and building capabilities for wiser collective action.

I’m pleased to extend my longtime admiration for and association with Generate Canada and its work to wrestle big challenges by establishing common ground and energizing action among partners.

Kevin Groh is a corporate affairs and communications executive, responsible for high-profile initiatives including large corporate brand building, trust and crisis management, transformation and corporate culture for the nation’s largest workforces, M&A and capital markets communications, and governance of a range of sustainability and social impact programs. He has been an executive leader in consulting and at leading corporations in the retail industry: Walmart Canada, Loblaw Companies Limited, and currently Canadian Tire. He has been central to broad stakeholder relationships with media, government, complex workforces, boards of directors, NGOs, and industry alliances. 

While new to the board in 2025, Kevin was a partner and executive contributor to the founding of various Generate Canada innovations, including the Circular Economy Leadership Canada, the Canadian Plastics Pact, and the Canadian Alliance for Net-Zero Agri-Food. He is a board director and co-chair of the strategy committee for Second Harvest, the nation’s largest food recovery organization. He has served on the boards of two of Canada’s largest corporate charities, PC Children’s Charity and Shoppers Drug Mart Women’s Health Foundation, and advises Jumpstart.

Generate Canada’s bold vision for inclusive innovation and its commitment to shaping a sustainable future deeply inspired me—joining the board is an opportunity to help drive that impact forward.

Marie-Chantal Lamothe has been BDC’s Chief Human Resources Officer since 2019. She is recognized for her expertise in human resources management and her interest in business adaptation and evolution. She has implemented major technological and organizational transformation initiatives throughout her career.

With over 30 years’ experience, Marie-Chantal has held a variety of roles in human resources, including change management, organizational development and talent acquisition. She has worked for the Jean Coutu Group, Laurentian Bank, Bombardier Aerospace and Deloitte. 

Marie-Chantal holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from HEC Montréal and a master’s degree in human resources management from Université de Sherbrooke. She is also a certified administrator with the ICD.A designation, awarded by the Institute of Corporate Directors. An active member of the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés (CRHA) and a Fellow since 2025, she is a recognized author and speaker.

Joining Generate Canada’s Board offers an opportunity to apply my expertise in strategic finance, growth management, and circular economy to advancing its mission of developing innovative, sustainable solutions.

Board member since 2024

Marianne Lépinoit is a seasoned finance professional with experience in strategic planning, risk management, fundraising, and mergers and acquisitions. As CFO at Polystyvert, she raised several financing rounds in equity and non-dilutive capital, contributing to the company’s growth as a leading innovator in plastic recycling technologies.
Before joining Polystyvert, Marianne held senior roles in global organizations, including CFO at BCA Research and Ned Davis Research, where she led the acquisition of Ned Davis Research. She also served as Corporate Controller at Pollock NationaLease, playing a key role in its successful divestiture. Marianne began her career at EY as a Senior Auditor, building her expertise in financial reporting and compliance.
An advocate for entrepreneurship, Marianne also coaches teams building business cases at the HEC/McGill EMBA program. She was recognized in Canada’s Clean50 for her contributions to sustainable business.
Marianne holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance from the Institut Commercial Supérieur Bégué in Paris, along with a Diplôme d’Études Comptables et Financières (D.E.C.F.). She is a certified public accountant in Quebec and Ontario and serves as Treasurer on the Board of Alliance Française de Montréal. Outside of work, she is passionate about environmental causes, including beekeeping and permaculture.

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Meet the Generate Canada Management Team

Generating solutions to the complex challenges at the heart of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution gives me a strong sense of purpose which I hope will benefit future generations.

David Hughes is the President and CEO of Generate Canada.

Under David’s leadership Generate Canada has experienced seven-fold growth, forged an expansive partnership base of leading public and private sector organizations, and scaled impact through a distributed network of new ‘Solution Spaces’.  These pre-competitive systems-change labs now include  CANZA (the Canadian Alliance for Net-Zero Agri-food, the Canada Plastics Pact, Circular Construction Canada, the Energy Futures Lab, the Nature Investment Hub, and a soon-to-be launched sustainable oceans investment platform.

David previously served as President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada and Pathways to Education Canada during periods of unprecedented growth and impact.  Prior to that he spent 10 years working for the Secretary General of the SOS Children’s Villages International which included senior postings to Africa, Asia, Europe, USA and the United Nations (New York and Vienna).  

David is a Senior Fellow of the Smart Prosperity Institute and has previously served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Stem Cell Foundation, AIESEC Canada, and the Canadian branch of Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project.  

He holds a degree from the University of Western Ontario in economics, a postgraduate degree from the London School of Economics (LSE) in social policy and not-for-profit management, an executive leadership certificate from Harvard University, and has been recognized as a Clean50 Honouree for “outstanding contribution to clean capitalism”.  

Learn more at www.linkedin.com/in/dwhughes

I’m here because the work we do everyday, has real tangible impact.

Cher is one of Canada’s leaders in food system sustainability. She has dedicated her 20+ year career to enabling companies with embracing sustainability, purpose and circularity in order to create a more resilient food system. Her work has focused on many facets of circularity including circular plastics, food waste prevention, upcycling, regenerative culture and behaviour change.

Before founding Provision Coalition Inc., recently acquired by Anthesis Group, Cher’s career included time with the Guelph Food Technology Centre (now NSF International) where she established and directed the Sustainability Consulting Business Unit, and held several executive positions in environmental economics and policy with the George Morris Centre, a Canadian agri-food think tank. Cher holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Economics and Policy and is certified in both project and change management. Cher has also been the recipient of the Canadian Grocer Generation Next award for her leadership, innovation and excellence in sustainability within the food and beverage industry. Learn more at LinkedIn.

The whole is greater than the individual parts. That’s what inspires me about the power of Generate Canada… the synergies that come from connecting across our various solution spaces.

Paul Shorthouse is a distinguished business leader whose career has spanned three decades, driving sustainability-inspired innovation and impact.
Paul has held executive roles at Generate Canada, including as Managing Director of Circular Construction Canada (CCC) and Circular Economy Leadership Canada (CELC), as well as the Interim Managing Director of the Canada Plastics Pact (CPP). His experience extends to other impact-focused roles with sustainability strategy consultants (Delphi Group and GLOBE Advisors), as the Conference Director for the GLOBE Forum, and as a researcher and SCUBA dive biologist in the first half of his career.
Paul has a proven track record of providing strategic solutions and engaging with senior leaders from business and government. He has a demonstrated ability to build national-level partnerships and collaborative platforms, which he has leveraged to provide thought leadership and technical expertise for clients and partner organizations across the country.
Paul possesses a unique blend of scientific and business acumen, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Diploma of Technology in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Paul’s career is marked by his capacity to lead and manage complex and diverse projects, inform policy, and advise both corporate and non-profit institutions through board and committee memberships. 
Paul lives in Victoria, BC, with his wife and two children.

I have been a passionate advocate for sustainability for over twenty years. I have previously worked with UN Agencies, the trade union movement, academia and the federal government on issues related to natural resource governance, corporate sustainability performance and sustainable finance. 

I hold an MA and PhD in Political Science from the University of British Columbia and an MA in Conflict Analysis and Management from Royal Roads University. I serve on the advisory boards of Diversity in Sustainability and the Academy for Sustainable Innovation. 

I cherish my South Asian roots, am mom to an aspiring track cyclist, and have varied interests in art, travel, hiking and transformational leadership practices. 

Ashleigh is a strategist, problem-solver, and systems thinker who thrives in dynamic and evolving environments. With over 15 years of experience in finance and operations, she has worked across sectors ranging from humanitarian NGOs to student journalism and high-growth startups. Her expertise lies in financial planning, data analytics, and operational strategy, helping organizations build sustainable, scalable systems that drive long-term impact.

She brings a data-driven approach to decision-making, leveraging clarity and transparency to build meaningful narratives in support of collaborative solutions. Whether developing financial KPIs, implementing new accounting systems, or optimizing funding models, she is committed to creating structures that support organizational success.

Ashleigh is passionate about learning, engagement, and tackling complex challenges from multiple perspectives. Originally from Muskoka, Ontario, she has since had the privilege of making her home in cities across Canada and around the world—experiences that shaped her appreciation for diverse cultures, systems, and ideas.

Outside of work, Ashleigh is an avid reader, writer, poet, and songwriter. She enjoys skiing, hiking, and camping with her husband and their merry band of five teenagers, who keep her active and humble in equal measure.

Ashley is a strategic collaborator with over 20 years of experience in the agriculture and agri-food sector. Passionate about sustainability and building strong relationships, she excels in managing initiatives that address key industry needs. With a focus on partnerships and impactful solutions, Ashley brings an entrepreneurial spirit, backed by expertise in sustainability, association management, and industry connections.
She has held leadership positions with the Agri-food Management Institute, Poultry Industry Council, and the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association. Ashley holds a master’s degree in Capacity Development and Extension from the University of Guelph, lives outside of Guelph, Ontario and farms with her husband in Grey County.

(she/her)
Kaleigh is a dynamic leader and strategic communicator with over ten years of experience spanning the non-profit, public and private sectors. Through the development of accessible communications strategies, she works with purpose-led organizations to tell their stories, engage community members, and drive long-term positive change.

A storyteller at heart, Kaleigh holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia and is a life-long believer in the transformative impact that well-told narratives can have on individuals, their communities and society at large.

When she’s not story-telling at work, you can probably find her story-reading at home with her young family.

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Meet the Generate Canada Team

Ismahan is a Toronto-based professional with a background in research, web development, and operations. She has supported startups and nonprofits by improving their digital presence, organizing workflows, and providing bookkeeping support to help teams stay on top of their finances and day-to-day operations. More recently she contributed to a research project that studied how doctoral students work, learn, and collaborate. Ismahan enjoys exploring new cafes in Toronto, rewatching Downton Abbey and attending concerts!

Andrea M. Gal is dedicated to supporting the sustainability of Canadian agriculture. She is passionate about advancing initiatives that benefit farmers, communities, and the environment. For over four years at Wilton Consulting Group, she collaborated with farm and commodity organizations on sustainable agriculture programs and research. She facilitated extensive consultations with industry representatives to develop recommendations on programming and policy updates to best meet industry needs. She is an experienced project manager, overseeing initiatives ranging from field-scale trials to national research projects. Andrea is a skilled communicator. She served as the managing editor of Farms.com, Better Farming, and Better Pork. Here, Andrea built, mentored, and led the editorial team through the expansion of Better Pork to a national publication and the launch of Better Farming Prairies. Andrea also brings a grassroots perspective to her work in the industry. Together with her family, Andrea runs a grain farm and cow-calf operation in southwestern Ontario. She serves as the Vice Chair of Farm Management Canada and as a representative on the Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s Policy Advisory Council.

Communication Specialist, CANZA

I’m here because I believe bold, coordinated action is the only way to tackle challenges as complex as plastic waste.

Holly Hendershot brings over 15 years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, and organizational transformation. She has led communications for some of Canada’s most recognized organizations, including one of Ontario’s largest pediatric rehab centres and has overseen public affairs and investor relations for TSX- and NYSE-listed companies.

Holly specializes in aligning communications with business strategy, ensuring that organizations effectively engage stakeholders, build trust, and drive meaningful impact.

Holly has been actively involved in the social sector for over a decade, serving in leadership roles such as Board Chair for Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington and Chair of Fundraising for UN Women National Committee. Holly is a Certified IAF Endorsed Facilitator and Certified Adaptability and Change Practitioner.

She is passionate about helping organizations communicate with clarity, inspire action, and drive transformation.

Sarah Jay is an award-winning sustainability leader with over 20 years of experience advancing circularity, ESG strategy, and systems change across the fashion, textiles, and consumer goods sectors. With a background spanning journalism, design, and environmental science, and expertise in material health and the forensic traceability of complex supply chains, she is known for creating compelling, science-based narratives, developing innovative solutions, and driving diverse stakeholder engagement.
Sarah has held international leadership roles, most notably as Executive Director of Fashion Revolution, where she worked with brands, policymakers, and civil society to advance transparency, accountability, and the adoption of more responsible material and energy systems in global apparel manufacturing. Her master’s research provides the first and only end-use market assessment of the prevalence of shark-derived squalane in cosmetics.
Her work as a journalist and producer of the Emmy-nominated documentary Toxic Beauty reflects a commitment to elevating the human stories behind toxin exposure in personal care and catalyzing meaningful change through artful, science-based communication across platforms.
Sarah joins the Canada Plastics Pact as Head of Communications, bringing a collaborative, systems-oriented approach to addressing the global plastics challenge. An avid open water swimmer, mixed-media artist, upcycler, and devoted dog mom, she is driven by the belief that circular systems are not only an environmental imperative, but a reflection of optimal design.

With over a decade of administrative and operational expertise, Kelly brings a unique blend of adaptability, intuition, and organizational excellence to her role as Executive Assistant at CANZA. Throughout her career, she has supported executives across diverse industries, excelling at prioritizing competing demands and fostering seamless collaboration. Her experience spans office administration, operations management, and executive support, where she has consistently driven efficiency and elevated team performance. Her approach is anchored in understanding the nuances of leadership, anticipating needs and delivering tailored solutions that enable her team to focus on achieving strategic objectives. Kelly is deeply passionate about cultivating environments where collaboration and innovation thrive. She believes that by working together to implement forward-thinking, practical solutions, we can transform the agri-food system into a model of sustainability and resilience. Guided by a shared commitment to progress, Kelly is dedicated to helping CANZA advance initiatives that pave the way for a more equitable, purpose-driven, and sustainable future.

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Meet our Strategic Advisors

I’m here to work with the problem-solvers. Yes, the challenges are big and complex. Making progress is hard AND it’s possible. Our work proves that.

Jessie is a passionate, purpose-driven senior strategic communications executive with deep expertise in sustainable finance, ESG, and climate communications.

As an SVP at Argyle/Believeco: Partners, Jessie led a talented team of corporate communications and public affairs professionals serving clients across multiple sectors and industries (finance, tech, real estate and the built environment). She established the firm’s Sustainable Value portfolio, supporting businesses, NGOs, governments, and academic experts in their work to bring climate and sustainable economy solutions to bear.

Prior to her time at Arygle, Jessie was the founding Communications Director and brand architect for Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission, helped launch the Smart Prosperity Leaders Initiative, and was the Head of Strategic Communications for WWF-Canada.

Jessie lives in Toronto with her two teen-aged sons, partner, and gigantic dog (Cooper). Her happy place is the muddy trail along Grenadier Pond.

Dr. Mike Moffatt is the Senior Director of Policy and Innovation at the Smart Prosperity Institute and an Assistant Professor in the Business, Economics and Public Policy group at Ivey Business School, Western University. Mike’s research at SPI focuses on the intersection of regional economic development, building child-friendly, climate-friendly housing and communities, and clean innovation. In 2017, Mike was the Chief Innovation Fellow for the Government of Canada, advising Deputy Ministers on innovation policy and emerging trends. He has also previously held the titles of Director (Interim) of the Lawrence National Centre for Policy and Management, Directory of Policy at Canada 2020, and Chief Economist for the Mowat Centre at the University of Toronto. Mike has worked with politicians and policymakers of all political stripes in several countries to craft more effective public policy. From 2013 to 2015, Mike served as an economic advisor to Liberal leader Justin Trudeau. Mike holds a Ph.D. in Management Science from Ivey Business School and an M.A. in Economics from the University of Rochester. Outside of his clean economy work at SPI, Mike is a disability-rights activist.

Dr. Ollie Kaiser is Director, Policy and Research at SPI, where they lead and advise interdisciplinary research focused on accelerating Canada’s transition to a low-carbon, circular, and inclusive economy. Dr. Kaiser works closely with decision-makers across public, private and academic sectors to inform and influence climate and economic policy. Their research focuses on advancing agile governance approaches to drive clean innovation and growth with applications in sustainable finance, cleantech, low-carbon energy systems and permitting processes. With more than a decade of experience spanning academia, applied policy and government advisory, Dr. Kaiser brings deep expertise in the design and management of complex, policy-driven research programs. They hold a PhD in Environmental and Urban Change from York University, an MSc in Environmental Policy and Regulation from the London School of Economics, and a graduate certificate in Green Business Management from Seneca College.

Dr. Geoff McCarney is Executive Director of the Smart Prosperity Institute and Director of the Institute of the Environment at the University of Ottawa, where he also serves as Associate Professor of Environment and Development in the School of International Development and Global Studies. Dr. McCarney brings more than a decade of experience leading large interdisciplinary research teams, multi-stakeholder partnerships and major grants focused on the environment-economy nexus. He specializes in policy-oriented research and knowledge mobilization in environmental, natural resource and development economics. His work has supported more than 200 research projects and mobilized findings to inform federal climate and economic policy to accelerate Canada’s transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy. He holds a PhD in Sustainable Development (economics and climate science) from Columbia University.

Paige is an environmental scientist whose research focuses on how we account for, make decisions about, and value nature – from a personal as well as economic standpoint. At SPI Paige is leading the conservation finance initiative, examining financial mechanisms and enabling conditions to catalyze interest and investment to support ecosystem services and the natural environment. Her expertise centers around ecosystem services, nature-based solutions for climate change, ecological economics, and environmental and relational values. With a common thread of connecting people and nature, her work has spanned rural agricultural settings in Latin America and South East Asia, to advocating for change in international policy settings, to providing sustainability guidance to private sector actors. In this work and past positions at the Earth Institute in New York City and UNEP in Geneva, she enjoys working with a range of stakeholders to address conservation challenges — including local communities, NGOs, various scales of government, academia, and the private sector. Paige maintains affiliations with the CHANS (Connecting Human and Natural Systems) Lab at UBC, and the Copenhagen Business School as part of the Impact for Innovation Lab. She holds a PhD from the Institute of Resources, Environment and Sustainability at UBC and a Master’s of Environmental Science and Policy from Columbia University.

Michael is a Research Associate with the Smart Prosperity Institute. Prior to joining SPI, Michael worked at Trans Canada Trail, a non-profit organization that supports the development of active transportation routes and recreational trails as fundamental to the well-being of Canadian communities. Michael has also worked at the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (UNSCDB) in subnational and local implementation and with the Office for Disability Issues at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Michael holds a Master of Environmental Policy from the Institut d’études politiques de Paris (Sciences Po) and his research interests are focused on the nexus between urban nature, human health, and climate change. When not at his desk, Michael can be found cycling, rock climbing or exploring the great outdoors with his growing family.

Mark is President From Here to There Consulting and Associate of Tamarack – An Institute for Community Engagement. Mark’s current focus is building the practice of Developmental Evaluation integrating real-time feedback and learning in emerging, complex, and fast-moving environments.

Jean Paul (JP) Gladu is currently Principal of Mokwateh and dedicated to creating innovative partnerships and solutions to reveal equitable opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous business communities.

JP previously served as the President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) from September 2012 until April 2020. Anishinaabe from Thunder Bay JP is a member of Sand Point First Nation located on the eastern shores of Lake Nipigon, Ontario. JP completed a forestry technician diploma in 1993, obtained an undergraduate degree in forestry from Northern Arizona University in 2000, holds an Executive MBA from Queen’s University and the ICD.D from Rotman School of Management University of Toronto. JP has over 30 years of experience in the natural resource sector. His career path includes work with Indigenous communities and organizations, environmental non- government organizations, industry and governments from across Canada.

Currently, JP serves on the board of Suncor, Institute for Corporate Directors, Broden Mining, First Nations Major Projects Coalition Advisory Centre, Chair of Canada’s Forest Trust, as well BHP’s International Forum for Corporate Responsibility committee. He previously served on the Board of Ontario Power Generation, Noront Resources and past Chair of the Mikisew Group of Companies. He is a senior fellow with the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and served as the Chancellor of St. Paul’s University College Waterloo from 2017 to 2020. His previous appointments include Canadian Electricity Association Public Advisory Panel, Colleges and Institutes Canada (previously ACCC), the Northern Policy Institute, Canadian Foundation for Economic Education, advisory member to the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, a committee member to the Ontario Provincial Forest Policy Committee.

JP is a sought-after public speaker both nationally and internationally, sharing insights into the challenges and successes of Indigenous business and the growth of the Indigenous economy within Canada today. His achievements are being recognized by the Public Policy Forum as a 2024 Honouree.

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Meet the Smart Prosperity Institute Team

The expertise of the Smart Prosperity team is an essential ingredient in Generate Canada’s success–bringing world-leading research and policy expertise to help shape, inform, and guide our Solution Spaces’ work.

Visit the SPI “Our People” page to learn more about their team.