Strategic Advisory Committee

Amanda Klein is President & CEO at Elexicon Corporation and its subsidiaries. Through Elexicon Energy, the company owns and operates the electricity distribution system for nearly 200,000 customers across a number of growing communities in parts of the Durham Region, and as far north as Gravenhurst and as far east as Belleville.

Ms. Klein has deep industry and business expertise, and has a proven track record of achieving top-tier results for the benefit of communities, customers and investors. She is a strong believer in the importance of electricity and innovation in sustainable community building, and is passionate about building high-performing teams united by a sense of shared purpose and collaboration. She is a regular speaker and contributor in a wide variety of conferences, forums, and initiatives in the energy sector, and is active in the community.

Colin is the President and CEO of the Association of Power Producers of Ontario (APPrO). APPrO represents generators operating in the province of Ontario, and a variety of organizations and individuals concerned with generation. APPrO members include developers, suppliers and consultants to power enterprises, both public and private, with an emphasis on implementing reliable, affordable and sustainable energy systems in Ontario and around the world.

Previously, Colin was the President of the Association of Major Power Consumers in Ontario (AMPCO). AMPCO is a not-for-profit consumer interest advocacy organization with members representing Ontario's major industries.

Prior to that, Colin worked as a power plant engineer at a large generating company, a design engineer at a power generation sector OEM, a management consultant at a major consulting firm and a regulatory professional within the energy sector.

Colin is a Professional Engineer in Ontario, earning his degree from Queen’s University at Kingston. He also holds an MBA from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.

As President and CEO of Essex Power, John Avdoulos leads a team that is committed to innovation, technology and strong performance management. Through innovative technologies the Essex Power Group of Companies has successfully built the foundation to establish a diverse set of energy products and services that provide value to its customers.

John joined the energy industry in 2006 and has been able to transfer valuable lessons learned from his previous experience in the manufacturing sector. John provides a unique view as he has already experienced many of the changes that the energy world is currently undergoing.

John previously served as the President of Utilismart Corporation. Utilismart’s focus, under John’s direction, was assisting their customers in implementing a Digital Utility Platform and transforming 'data into decisions'.

John holds a Board of Directors position at the Electricity Distributors Association.

John holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Windsor, a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Lawrence Technological University, a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Windsor and a McLaughlin Masters Certificate in Project Management. John obtained the Chartered Director designation from The Directors College. He is also a member of the Association of Energy Engineers and is a Certified Energy Manager.

Cory Basil is a distinguished executive with a proven track record of successful leadership in renewable energy development, business growth, and strategic partnerships. With a career spanning over two decades, Cory has played a pivotal role in advancing utility-scale energy projects across Canada and the United States.

As Regional Senior Vice President at EDF Renewables North America, Cory leads strategy and high-performing teams in project origination, development, and execution—driving a renewable energy portfolio exceeding 2,500 MW, representing over $5 billion in invested capital.

A business development strategist, Cory has successfully built and managed commercial partnerships with independent power producers, utilities, Indigenous communities, and municipalities, fostering collaborative and impactful energy solutions. His expertise in policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and financial oversight has positioned him as a key voice in shaping the future of renewable energy.

Cory’s leadership in the renewable power sector includes serving on the Board of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association since 2020 and as Board Chair for the Canadian Wind Energy Association. A sought-after industry speaker on a broad range of subjects including policy, technology, partnerships and finance, he actively contributes to market development initiatives and policy frameworks supporting renewable power integration.

Holding a Bachelor’s Degree from Western University, Cory combines deep technical knowledge with entrepreneurial acumen, driving innovation and sustainability in the energy sector. As a board director, he brings strategic vision, governance expertise, and a commitment to advancing clean energy solutions.

Abram Benedict is currently the Ontario Regional Chief (ORC) for the Chiefs of Ontario. Regional Chief Benedict was elected to a three-year term in June 2024 and advocates, supports, and lobbies for all 133 First Nations in Ontario. Regional Chief Benedict is the first Haudenosaunee person to hold the position of Ontario Regional Chief. Prior to his election, only Haudenosaunee to have held the position for the last 50 years since the inception of the Chiefs of Ontario.

Regional Chief Benedict prioritizes mining, additions-to-reserve (ATR), asserting First Nation Rights, and relationship building. In addition to his regional priorities, the Chiefs-in-Assembly provide the ORC and the Chiefs of Ontario with mandates and directives that form part of the many of his responsibilities.

Abram has spent the last 19 years in community leadership, first elected a District Chief for the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne in 2006 and later elected the Grand Chief in 2015. As the Grand Chief for Akwesasne, Abram has successfully led several successful negotiations, including two significant land claims that will help advance Akwesasne’s priorities with proceeds of over $280 million. Other negotiations include cooperative land use agreements, union negotiations, government contribution agreements, and civil disputes.

Abram Benedict also served as a volunteer board member as the Aboriginal Representative to the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) board, a member-based agency representing the 47 children’s aid societies in Ontario, including the nine Aboriginal Agencies. Abram has also served in multiple board positions, including as chair for St. Lawrence College’s board for six years, and as a former board member of Cornwall Community Hospital.

Heidi Bredenholler-Prasad is a charismatic executive with a proven track record of successful leadership in energy, projects, and innovation. Delivering value and committed to excellence, Heidi is a forward thinker, strong communicator, and problem solver of highly complex issues.

As Vice President Commercial, Strategy & Business Development, Heidi is accountable for the long-term strategy of North America’s largest natural gas utility – from identifying and developing new business opportunities to leading residential and industrial markets through Energy Transition in support of the business’ 6.3 million customers across Ontario, Ohio, Utah and Wyoming.

Heidi joined Enbridge in 2008, after launching her career at Lafarge 10 years prior. At Enbridge, Heidi has led various teams in Major Projects across the globe, including Calgary, Houston, and Hamburg, Germany – where she led the execution of Enbridge’s two German offshore windfarms. Heidi has also held roles in Strategy, Finance, and HR – where she led the Culture Change and Engagement work for the Enbridge-Spectra integration. Heidi joined Enbridge Gas in Toronto as the Vice President, Engineering and Integrity, accountable for ensuring compliance, reduced risk and optimization of the utility’s assets. Prior to her current role, Heidi was the Vice President & Chief Customer Officer for Ontario, where she actively led the company’s strategic response to the unprecedented Enbridge Gas 2023 Phase 1 regulatory decision.

Heidi holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Architecture) and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Manitoba; and completed her MBA at Queen’s University.

Michael Di Lullo is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Municipality of Middlesex Centre. Prior to this role, he was the City Clerk at the City of Cambridge and worked in a local government capacity in Huron County, City of Brampton and for the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.

Michael is originally from London, Ontario and completed his studies at Western University with undergraduate degrees in Political Science and Public Administration followed by a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.

He has also taught on a part-time basis at Conestoga College and is a board member of the Ontario Municipal Administrators’ Association (OMAA).

Ryan Docherty is the Interim Executive Vice President, Capital Portfolio Delivery at Hydro One Limited and Hydro One Inc., a position he assumed in December 2024. Mr. Docherty is responsible for the safe, efficient and cost-effective delivery of Hydro One’s strategic capital plan to meet the growing demands of electrification.

Mr. Docherty has more than 25 years of proven success leading large scale teams responsible for the safe construction and operation of the province’s electricity network.

In his current interim position, Mr. Docherty is responsible for the project management, transmission and stations engineering, construction and environment functions.

Mr. Docherty joined the company in 2009 and has held progressively senior positions including Vice President, Engineering and Construction Services 2023 – 2024. Mr. Docherty holds an Electrical Engineering Technologist Degree from St. Clair College, and a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.), Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Windsor.

David Fell is the President & Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Utilities Kingston and Kingston Hydro Corporation since January 2022.

David has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Queens University, as well as an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from McMaster University.

Previous to working at Utilities Kingston, David was the CEO of the Eastern Ontario Regional Broadband Network (EORN). Since 2010 EORN invested over $400 million into Eastern Ontario to extend high speed fixed and mobile broadband access for rural residents. EORN is a nonprofit corporation that also owns a for-profit company called EORN Consulting Services (ECS). David also spent 7 years as Vice President, founder, and co-owner of an eLearning software company called Operitel. Operitel was recognized in 2008 by Profit Magazine as one of Canada’s Top 100 fastest growing profitable companies.

David is a member of the Board of Directors of Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) and currently chair of the Governance Committee.

Jacqueline French is a member Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. She recently held two-two-year terms as Chief (2019-2023), in her community of Chippewas of the Thames-Ontario. During this time Jacqueline, was able to establish a relationship with Hydro One, with a strong focus on transmission lines, relationship building, and community inclusion. This work led to an established 50-50 First Nations-Hydro One partnership with a focus on equity, procurement, and revenue. Prior to becoming Chief, Jacqueline was in office for four years as a Councillor (2015-2019) in her community and held portfolios in education, social and health. She was appointed to a community Trust that was created to manage Clench Fraud Land Claim settlement. Jacqueline currently sits as a Board of Director, in her second two year-term (2022-present) for the First Nations Major Project Coalition; where she is chairperson of the Human Resource-Governance Committee, and Cultural Practices committee. Prior to being an elected official, Jacqueline worked for 11 years as an advocate for families and children involved in the Child Welfare System.

Monica Gattinger is Founding Chair of Positive Energy, Director of the Institute for Science, Society and Policy, and Full Professor at the School of Political Studies at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Gattinger is an award-winning researcher and highly sought-after speaker, strategic adviser and media commentator in the energy sector. Her innovative research programme convenes business, government, Indigenous, civil society and academic leaders to address complex policy, regulatory and governance challenges. Gattinger is Fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, board member of the Clean Resource Innovation Network, and serves on advisory committees for the National Research Council Canada, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, the Ontario Energy Board, the Ottawa Science Policy Network, the University of Calgary and Women in Nuclear Canada. She chaired the Council of Canadian Academies’ Expert Panel on International Science and Technology Partnerships and was a member of the Government of Ontario’s Electrification and Energy Transition Panel. Monica is a columnist for DOB Energy and she received the 2020 Clean50 Award for her thought leadership in the energy sector. She holds a PhD in public policy from Carleton University.

Paul Grod is President and CEO of Rodan Energy, a leading North American energy services company focused on making sustainable attainable through power grid optimization, demand side management, and integration of clean energy resources. Prior to founding Rodan Energy in 2003, Paul was a corporate and investment banker with CIBC World Markets and later practiced corporate finance and Mergers and Acquisitions law with Gowlings WLG. He actively works with many North American energy industry associations, agencies, ISOs and their boards. Paul actively supports many local, national and international not-for-profit organizations and is the President of the Ukrainian World Congress. He is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and holds Bachelor of Political Science, Juris Doctor (law), and Master of Business Administration degrees.

Tom is one of Canada’s sustainability and renewable energy leaders. For 20 years, Tom has run and advised a broad range of companies in the energy transition space, including renewable electricity, renewable fuels, electrification of transportation and heating, and carbon offsets and credits. Tom founded Bullfrog Power in 2004, which became a household energy brand from coast to coast. In recognition of his contribution, Tom was named the Ontario Energy Association Leader of the Year and one of the original Canadian Clean 16.

Prior to founding Bullfrog Power, Tom was a management consultant with McKinsey & Co., where he led a number of engagements in the energy, mining and metal manufacturing sectors. Tom began his career as a lawyer with Goodmans and then Ecojustice.

Tom has both civil and common law degrees from McGill and an undergraduate degree from Harvard.

Dave Landers is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Corporation of the City of Timmins. Prior to joining the City, he led the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board as its Chief Administrative Officer. To complement that professional experience, he has an Executive Masters of Business Administration through Athabasca University and a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching.

Dave has spent his career in local government. He leads multi-disciplinary teams to meet the goals outlined in a variety of strategic plans, legislative mandates and political directions. His internal focus is on team building and negotiation and his external focus is on community development, indigenous relations and government relations.

Kim Lauritsen is the Senior Vice-President of Enterprise Strategy and Energy Markets at Ontario Power Generation (OPG), where she leads the development of OPG’s corporate strategy and oversees OPG’s participation in energy markets. Kim has more than 20 years of experience in the energy industry with a focus on strategy, commercial transactions, energy markets, project development, joint venture management and financial modeling. Prior to joining OPG, Kim worked at Origin Energy in Australia and Shell in Europe.

Kim holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University, a Master of Science in Renewable Energy Development degree from Heriot-Watt University and a Master of Business Administration degree from INSEAD. Kim is also a certified Chartered Management Accountant.

Tonja Leach became Executive Director of QUEST in October of 2018. Working with all three levels of government, utilities and energy providers, the development community, and solution providers to help Canada become a nation of Smart Energy Communities. Prior to her role as Executive Director, Tonja held a number of roles at QUEST, including as the founding Coordinator of the organization starting in 2007.

Through collaboration, Tonja supports and advises Canada’s energy sector, governments and community builders in the transition to a sustainable energy future. Tonja is currently an active advisor on a number of committees including the Energy Futures Lab Partners Council and Steering Committee, National Coherence Working Group, Clean Resource Innovation Network Steering Committee, Positive Energy Advisory Council, and the Low Carbon Community Energy System project steering committee.

Mr. Lyle is responsible for legal services, support for the IESO’s Board of Directors, contract management and the creation and maintenance of market rules.

Mr. Lyle has extensive experience in the regulation of the electricity sector in Ontario. Previously, he was Vice-President, Planning, Legal, Indigenous Relations and Regulatory Affairs at the IESO; and General Counsel and Vice-President, Legal, Aboriginal and Regulatory Affairs at the Ontario Power Authority. Mr. Lyle has also served as counsel for the Ontario Energy Board and, before that, counsel at the Ministry of Energy.

Mr. Lyle obtained his law degree from the University of Toronto and also holds a BA in economics from the University of Western Ontario.

Scott McFadden was the Mayor of Cavan Monaghan from 2014 to November 2022. Previous to his time as Mayor, he served as Deputy Mayor of Cavan Monaghan Township for four years.

He has been an active member of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Energy Task Force since 2017, which he served as chairperson. He was also a task force member of the Provincial Conservation Authorities Working Group, where he provided feedback on proposed changes from a municipal perspective.

Scott is an Electrical Engineer, who graduated with Honours from the Queen's Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science in 1996.

Carla Y. Nell is responsible for providing strategic leadership in the areas of communications, stakeholder and community engagement, government affairs, corporate strategy, and managing and enhancing all relationships on behalf of the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO).

Ms. Nell has extensive senior leadership and operational experience within the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Her expertise includes development of comprehensive engagement and advocacy strategies, overseeing initiatives to ensure a robust and responsive customer experience, and fostering transparency and mutual accountability with internal and external audiences to transform relationships into true partnerships.

Ms. Nell holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Ottawa, completed her Masters degree at Western University, and is a paralegal licensed by the Law Society of Ontario.

Paul Norris is the President of the Ontario Waterpower Association (OWA) – a non-government organization established in May 2001 to represent the collective interests of the province’s waterpower industry.

Under Paul’s leadership the OWA has grown to include over one hundred and fifty (150) members with a shared commitment to the advancement of environmentally sustainable economic development and resource management. Waterpower – Ontario’s First Choice – is expanding and remains the province primary source of renewable energy.

Paul has a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Toronto and is a graduate of Ryerson’s Public Administration Program. He holds an MBA from Queen’s University and the Certified Association Executive designation.

James Nowlan is the Executive Director of Environment, Climate and Forestry Division at the City of Toronto, where he oversees the team responsible for the development and implementation of key city strategies and plans to build a more sustainable and resilient City, such as TransformTO the City's strategy to be net-zero by 2040, a renewed approach to climate resiliency, work on a Circular Economy Roadmap and actions to grow Toronto’s urban forest, working with the City’s Divisions, agencies, and external community partners.

James joined the City in January of 2022 after more than 17 years in Ontario’s Public Service, where he held progressively more responsible policy/program, management, and Executive leadership positions in several Ontario ministries. In his last position with the Province, James was the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Agency Oversight and Partnerships Division at the Ministry of Transportation, where he worked closely with ministries, agencies, and other levels of government to support investments in public transit.

Prior to this, James has had the opportunity to work on many high-profile environmental and resource management initiatives in the Ontario Public Service including the establishment of the Greenbelt, renewable energy policy, Great Lakes protection, air quality, climate change and transportation and transit policies, programs and delivery. Under his leadership these teams developed and delivered significant legislation, regulations, programs, policies, and infrastructure investments.

Justin Wahid Rangooni is a lawyer with over a decade of experience in Canada’s energy sector, specializing in policy, government, and stakeholder relations. Since assuming leadership of Energy Storage Canada in 2019, Justin has driven substantial growth in the organization’s membership, staff, and conference offerings—aligning with the rapid expansion of the energy storage sector. Under his leadership, ESC has successfully positioned itself as the definitive voice of energy storage in Canada.

Justin holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from the University of Toronto and a Law Degree from the University of Western Ontario.

Lauren Tedesco is the Chief Operating Officer at the APMA.

She leads Project Arrow, Canada’s globally recognized automotive technology showcase, and the Future of Work portfolio. The latter won her the US-based CADIA Impact Award - Champion for Diverse Talent. Lauren was recently named one of WXN's Top 100 Most Powerful Women and received the global Reuters DRIVE Award for Women in Auto. Profiled in the Globe and Mail as one of “Five Trailblazing Women in the Male Dominated Auto Industry”. She is a sought-after speaker with regards to Canada’s technology and talent leadership.

Lauren served as an advisor to the Law Society of Ontario in addition to teaching Communications at Sheridan College. Her experience at leading public relations agencies set the groundwork for senior roles in the public sector including Director of Communications to the President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Education. At each step, her insight and foresight guided the formulation and launch of major public policy initiatives, underscoring the need for strong strategic planning for disruptive agents of change.

Lauren is currently a member of the Board of Governors at Sheridan College. She holds an Honours B.A. from the University of Toronto, a Postgraduate Certificate in Communications from Sheridan College and a certificate in International Project Management from the University of Toronto.

With over 20 years of experience in engineering, technology, and sustainability strategy, Greg brings a wealth of expertise in optimizing client facilities by reducing both operational expenses and carbon emissions. His background in building systems engineering has shaped a career dedicated to creating smarter, high-performance buildings. Greg’s technically led leadership approach fosters innovation, helping clients implement forward-thinking energy and utility reduction strategies across their portfolios.

Steven Zucchet is a Managing Director of OMERS Infrastructure Management Inc. (OMERS Infra), the infrastructure investment arm of OMERS, an Ontario based pension plan. He joined OMERS Infra in 2003. Prior to this role, Steven served as the Chief Operating Officer of Enwave Energy Ltd., where he was responsible for all district heating and cooling operations, and the infrastructure project known as Deep Lake Water Cooling.

Steven is an experienced executive with knowledge in managing large-scale energy infrastructure investments and leading strategic initiatives. He is skilled in corporate governance, project oversight, and stakeholder engagement, and has a proven track record of driving growth and value creation in the energy sector through board leadership roles.

In his role as a Managing Director of OMERS Infra, Steven led the pursuit of several energy investment opportunities and is currently responsible for leading the asset management of several of its portfolio investments. Among his many roles, Steven has served on the Board of Directors for: Bruce Power (2004 – present), Oncor Electric Company (2009 – present), Puget Sound Energy (2019 – present), East West Tie (2023 – 2024), and Midland Cogeneration Ventures (2012 – 2015).

Steven holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Mechanical Engineering) and Master of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) from the University of Toronto.