Meet the
Speakers
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Kristina Háfoss
Engaging in a diverse educational journey, Kristina has acquired a Certificate of Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University & Edinburgh Business School, an MSc in Politics from the University of Copenhagen focusing on Economics, and a Master of Laws also from the University of Copenhagen in Law. This academic foundation solidified her expertise in various fields. Transitioning into the professional realm, she held significant roles: She is currently serving as the Secretary General at The Nordic Council Secretariat since 2021, she was also the Minister of Finance from 2015 to 2019. Earlier, she provided advisory services to reputable entities such as Tryggingarfelagið Føroyar, Betri pensjón, and TF Holding between 2011 and 2015. Her impactful leadership was evident during her tenure as the Minister of Education, Research, and Culture in 2008 and as the Director of the Department for Development, IT, and Marketing at Tryggingarfelagið Føroyar, Betri pensjón, and TF Holding from 2007 to 2011. Prior to this, she honed my financial acumen as a Project Manager and Investment Advisor at Føroya Banki in 2006 and as an Economist and Lawyer at Landsbanki Føroya from 2004 to 2005. Kristina’s professional journey began with pivotal roles as a Student Assistant in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry
Kristina Háfoss
Engaging in a diverse educational journey, Kristina has acquired a Certificate of Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University & Edinburgh Business School, an MSc in Politics from the University of Copenhagen focusing on Economics, and a Master of Laws also from the University of Copenhagen in Law. This academic foundation solidified her expertise in various fields. Transitioning into the professional realm, she held significant roles: She is currently serving as the Secretary General at The Nordic Council Secretariat since 2021, she was also the Minister of Finance from 2015 to 2019. Earlier, she provided advisory services to reputable entities such as Tryggingarfelagið Føroyar, Betri pensjón, and TF Holding between 2011 and 2015. Her impactful leadership was evident during her tenure as the Minister of Education, Research, and Culture in 2008 and as the Director of the Department for Development, IT, and Marketing at Tryggingarfelagið Føroyar, Betri pensjón, and TF Holding from 2007 to 2011. Prior to this, she honed my financial acumen as a Project Manager and Investment Advisor at Føroya Banki in 2006 and as an Economist and Lawyer at Landsbanki Føroya from 2004 to 2005. Kristina’s professional journey began with pivotal roles as a Student Assistant in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry
Secretary General, Nordic Council
Mike Eman
Mike is a politician and civic leader, who served as the Prime Minister of Aruba from 2009 to 2017, designing and implementing a vision of sustainable and shared prosperity that put Aruba on the path to greater use of renewable energy, a diversified knowledge-based economy and a stronger sense of community and social cohesion. Mike also served as President in 2016 of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association of the European Union, promoting a strategy to pursue sustainable development among its members. He advocated for a global transition to renewable energy, becoming a strong voice on the climate change threat facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS), speaking at key fora, including the U.N. Security Council (2015) and the U.N. 3rd International Conference on SIDS (2014). Today, Mike continues his political work as Leader of the Opposition and resides in Aruba, working tirelessly to support sustainable development for island communities and as an advocate for renewable energy.
Mike Eman
Mike is a politician and civic leader, who served as the Prime Minister of Aruba from 2009 to 2017, designing and implementing a vision of sustainable and shared prosperity that put Aruba on the path to greater use of renewable energy, a diversified knowledge-based economy and a stronger sense of community and social cohesion. Mike also served as President in 2016 of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association of the European Union, promoting a strategy to pursue sustainable development among its members. He advocated for a global transition to renewable energy, becoming a strong voice on the climate change threat facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS), speaking at key fora, including the U.N. Security Council (2015) and the U.N. 3rd International Conference on SIDS (2014). Today, Mike continues his political work as Leader of the Opposition and resides in Aruba, working tirelessly to support sustainable development for island communities and as an advocate for renewable energy.
Former Prime Minister of Aruba
Hon. Dennis King
Dennis King has served as the 33rd Premier of Prince Edward Island since May 2019 after forming the first minority government in Prince Edward Island since 1890. Dennis adopted a collaborative leadership style that continues to this day, seeking input from all parties on key government policies, legislation, and budget investments.
King’s tenure as Premier has been marked by navigating major public events such as two hurricanes, cyberattacks, an international trade dispute, and a global pandemic.
Before being elected Premier of Prince Edward Island in 2019, Dennis worked as a journalist and communications advisor; as an entrepreneur and industry executive; and as an author, broadcaster and storyteller.
Dennis grew up in Georgetown, graduating from Montague Regional High School in 1990. He and his wife Jana live in Brookfield and they are the proud parents of Jacob, Camdyn and Callum.
Hon. Dennis King
Dennis King has served as the 33rd Premier of Prince Edward Island since May 2019 after forming the first minority government in Prince Edward Island since 1890. Dennis adopted a collaborative leadership style that continues to this day, seeking input from all parties on key government policies, legislation, and budget investments.
King’s tenure as Premier has been marked by navigating major public events such as two hurricanes, cyberattacks, an international trade dispute, and a global pandemic.
Before being elected Premier of Prince Edward Island in 2019, Dennis worked as a journalist and communications advisor; as an entrepreneur and industry executive; and as an author, broadcaster and storyteller.
Dennis grew up in Georgetown, graduating from Montague Regional High School in 1990. He and his wife Jana live in Brookfield and they are the proud parents of Jacob, Camdyn and Callum.
Premier of Prince Edward Island
James Michel
James Alix Michel was the third President of the Republic of Seychelles between April 2004 and October 2016. Prior to this he was the Vice-President and the longest serving Cabinet minister in Seychelles, serving a total of 39 years in the Cabinet. He is the patron of the James Michel Blue Economy Research Institute and also patron of the Jj Spirit Foundation. He is the Chancellor of the University of Seychelles.
James Michel
James Alix Michel was the third President of the Republic of Seychelles between April 2004 and October 2016. Prior to this he was the Vice-President and the longest serving Cabinet minister in Seychelles, serving a total of 39 years in the Cabinet. He is the patron of the James Michel Blue Economy Research Institute and also patron of the Jj Spirit Foundation. He is the Chancellor of the University of Seychelles.
Former President of the Republic of Seychelles
Hon. Kerryne James
Hon. Kerryne Z James Biography: Kerryne Zennelle James is a level-headed, calm, and enthusiastic individual who can carry out any role professionally and effectively. Through her many years in service to her community and country, she has meaningfully contributed to team success through hard work, attention to detail, and excellent organizational skills. She was born in Gouyave, in the parish of St. John. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from St. George’s University, and an Associate Degree from the School of Arts, Science, and Professional Studies, at the T.A. Marryshow Community College, in Law, Geography, and Sociology. In 2018 she was appointed to the House of Senate – becoming the youngest Senator in the history of Grenada and the Commonwealth of Nations. There, she was more instrumental in her quest for change by supporting and reviewing laws for the betterment of her peers and country. Today, she is the youngest elected member of Parliament in the History of Grenada; and the only female elected member for the winning party. She is now the Minister for Climate Resilience, The Environment, and Renewable Energy, Grenada.
Hon. Kerryne James
Hon. Kerryne Z James Biography: Kerryne Zennelle James is a level-headed, calm, and enthusiastic individual who can carry out any role professionally and effectively. Through her many years in service to her community and country, she has meaningfully contributed to team success through hard work, attention to detail, and excellent organizational skills. She was born in Gouyave, in the parish of St. John. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from St. George’s University, and an Associate Degree from the School of Arts, Science, and Professional Studies, at the T.A. Marryshow Community College, in Law, Geography, and Sociology. In 2018 she was appointed to the House of Senate – becoming the youngest Senator in the history of Grenada and the Commonwealth of Nations. There, she was more instrumental in her quest for change by supporting and reviewing laws for the betterment of her peers and country. Today, she is the youngest elected member of Parliament in the History of Grenada; and the only female elected member for the winning party. She is now the Minister for Climate Resilience, The Environment, and Renewable Energy, Grenada.
Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment & Renewable Energy, Government of Grenada
Hon. Steven Myers
Steven Myers was first elected in 2011 and re-elected in 2015, 2019, and 2023. In May 2019, Myers was appointed Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy. In February 2021, Myers was sworn in as Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action.
Steven has served as Leader of the Opposition, Opposition House Leader and Opposition Critic for Education, Economic Development and Tourism, Transportation, and Rural Development. As Opposition Education Critic, he was instrumental in helping prevent the closure of several schools across Prince Edward Island, including Georgetown Elementary.
Steven’s community involvement includes being Past-President of Cardigan Minor Ball and Montague Minor Hockey, Chair of the Cardigan Ball Field Renovations Committee and the 2011 Midget Female Atlantics Host Committee, as well as a Board Member of the Cardigan Communities Development Association and the PEI Minor Hockey Council.
Steven has four children, Brad, Luke and twins Mila and Arthur, and lives with his partner Sheryl in Burnt Point.
Steven was re-elected as the MLA for District 2, Georgetown- Pownal, on April 3rd, 2023.
Hon. Steven Myers
Steven Myers was first elected in 2011 and re-elected in 2015, 2019, and 2023. In May 2019, Myers was appointed Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy. In February 2021, Myers was sworn in as Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action.
Steven has served as Leader of the Opposition, Opposition House Leader and Opposition Critic for Education, Economic Development and Tourism, Transportation, and Rural Development. As Opposition Education Critic, he was instrumental in helping prevent the closure of several schools across Prince Edward Island, including Georgetown Elementary.
Steven’s community involvement includes being Past-President of Cardigan Minor Ball and Montague Minor Hockey, Chair of the Cardigan Ball Field Renovations Committee and the 2011 Midget Female Atlantics Host Committee, as well as a Board Member of the Cardigan Communities Development Association and the PEI Minor Hockey Council.
Steven has four children, Brad, Luke and twins Mila and Arthur, and lives with his partner Sheryl in Burnt Point.
Steven was re-elected as the MLA for District 2, Georgetown- Pownal, on April 3rd, 2023.
Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, Prince Edward Island
Hlynur Guðjónsson
Ambassador Gudjonsson has 30 years experience in international trade and investments as well as a strategist and managing director in the fields of public relations, advertising, and political campaigns. Prior to joining the Embassy of Iceland in Ottawa he served as the Consul General and Trade Commissioner at the Consulate of Iceland in New York, Trade and Investment Office where he was responsible for the trade and investments portfolio for the United States and Canada. There he served concurrently as the General Manager of the Icelandic- American Chamber of Commerce, co-founder and chairman of the Nordic Innovation House New York as well as AMPlify and Nordic City Solutions. He founded and served on the board of the Foreign Trade Commissioner’s Association in New York, of which he was the Chairman from 2006-2012. Gudjonsson was appointed to the Export and Marketing Council of Iceland in February 2019 for four years.
Prior to the Consulate General’s office, Gudjonsson served as brand manager for Icelandic USA, Inc., a global seafood importer, wholesaler, and manufacturer, where he developed and executed the company’s branding initiatives.
Ambassador Guðjónsson holds degrees in Integrated Marketing Communication as well as History from Emerson College (USA) and the University of Iceland, respectively.
Hlynur Guðjónsson
Ambassador Gudjonsson has 30 years experience in international trade and investments as well as a strategist and managing director in the fields of public relations, advertising, and political campaigns. Prior to joining the Embassy of Iceland in Ottawa he served as the Consul General and Trade Commissioner at the Consulate of Iceland in New York, Trade and Investment Office where he was responsible for the trade and investments portfolio for the United States and Canada. There he served concurrently as the General Manager of the Icelandic- American Chamber of Commerce, co-founder and chairman of the Nordic Innovation House New York as well as AMPlify and Nordic City Solutions. He founded and served on the board of the Foreign Trade Commissioner’s Association in New York, of which he was the Chairman from 2006-2012. Gudjonsson was appointed to the Export and Marketing Council of Iceland in February 2019 for four years.
Prior to the Consulate General’s office, Gudjonsson served as brand manager for Icelandic USA, Inc., a global seafood importer, wholesaler, and manufacturer, where he developed and executed the company’s branding initiatives.
Ambassador Guðjónsson holds degrees in Integrated Marketing Communication as well as History from Emerson College (USA) and the University of Iceland, respectively.
Ambassador of Iceland to Canada
Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke
Senator the Hon Dr Joyelle Trizia Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment is easily described as a Climate Action advocate, defender of youth involvement in decision- making, and a climate and gender justice specialist. Professionally, she became one of the youngest females to become a Director of a government office, the Department of Constituency Empowerment in 2012. Shortly thereafter, Dr Joyelle Clarke worked as an educator, bridging her passion for environment and youth together under the banner of one of the strongest youth-led environmental programmes in St Kitts and Nevis. The Cayon High School Environmental Club members became ambassadors for the students to a project called the St Mary’s UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Project which allowed for even more advocacy and youth-led conservation work. Dr Clarke has been involved in Social Impact Assessments and Sustainable livelihoods research for over 15 years. During this time, she has led projects on livelihoods-transition, conducted research and developed programs in various capacities as a government official and community activist. Her key livelihoods research focused on assessing the transition of former female sugar workers to tourism and agricultural livelihoods, post-sugar production in St Kitts. Dr Clarke has also been intimately involved in retraining exercises with key female groups of former sugar workers to retool and reskill women with the necessary assets for succeeding in new tourism-based livelihoods. The Honourable Minister’s project-related work ranges from livelihood support, community-based development initiatives, sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. She was engaged in developing and executing community-based projects in collaboration with community groups on behalf of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis. Projects included climate change initiatives such as reforestation programs, and the establishment of school-based agricultural programs. She has worked extremely close with female farm cooperatives, assisting with the transition from traditional farming to environmentally friendly, climate resilient farming methods. So far, she has co-founded a mentorship program called, “Women Empowering Girls”; She serves as a mentor in GirlsCare Jamaica; Co-founder of a consultancy firm that assists companies and communities to shape mutually beneficial relationships, called Relate Consultancy. In addition to being a director and an educator, she sat on the Opposition benches as a Senator and advocated extensively for matters relating to the environment, climate action, youth empowerment and gender justice. Added to that, Hon Dr Clarke served as a Research Supervisor for the University of the West Indies and the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College. All of her hard work, passion and dedication has now transitioned to this period of public service as she holds the title of Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action, and Constituency Empowerment. A portfolio aligned to her passion, her training and her advocacy.
Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke
Senator the Hon Dr Joyelle Trizia Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment is easily described as a Climate Action advocate, defender of youth involvement in decision- making, and a climate and gender justice specialist. Professionally, she became one of the youngest females to become a Director of a government office, the Department of Constituency Empowerment in 2012. Shortly thereafter, Dr Joyelle Clarke worked as an educator, bridging her passion for environment and youth together under the banner of one of the strongest youth-led environmental programmes in St Kitts and Nevis. The Cayon High School Environmental Club members became ambassadors for the students to a project called the St Mary’s UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Project which allowed for even more advocacy and youth-led conservation work. Dr Clarke has been involved in Social Impact Assessments and Sustainable livelihoods research for over 15 years. During this time, she has led projects on livelihoods-transition, conducted research and developed programs in various capacities as a government official and community activist. Her key livelihoods research focused on assessing the transition of former female sugar workers to tourism and agricultural livelihoods, post-sugar production in St Kitts. Dr Clarke has also been intimately involved in retraining exercises with key female groups of former sugar workers to retool and reskill women with the necessary assets for succeeding in new tourism-based livelihoods. The Honourable Minister’s project-related work ranges from livelihood support, community-based development initiatives, sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. She was engaged in developing and executing community-based projects in collaboration with community groups on behalf of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis. Projects included climate change initiatives such as reforestation programs, and the establishment of school-based agricultural programs. She has worked extremely close with female farm cooperatives, assisting with the transition from traditional farming to environmentally friendly, climate resilient farming methods. So far, she has co-founded a mentorship program called, “Women Empowering Girls”; She serves as a mentor in GirlsCare Jamaica; Co-founder of a consultancy firm that assists companies and communities to shape mutually beneficial relationships, called Relate Consultancy. In addition to being a director and an educator, she sat on the Opposition benches as a Senator and advocated extensively for matters relating to the environment, climate action, youth empowerment and gender justice. Added to that, Hon Dr Clarke served as a Research Supervisor for the University of the West Indies and the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College. All of her hard work, passion and dedication has now transitioned to this period of public service as she holds the title of Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action, and Constituency Empowerment. A portfolio aligned to her passion, her training and her advocacy.
Minister of Sustainable Development, St Kitts and Nevis
Hon. Carlos James
Honourable Carlos James, Esq. MP is an elected Parliamentarian and serves in the Cabinet of the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as the Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture. He is a former Speaker of the House in the Parliament of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and also served as a Senator and Deputy Speaker. Minister James has ministerial responsibility for Tourism, Aviation, Sustainable Development, Climate Change, Oceans, Heritage and Recreational Sites, National Parks and Beaches, Culture, Filming, Copyright, Memorial Hall, the National Trust and a number of government agencies and statutory bodies, which provides services covering the aforementioned areas. Minister James brings a wealth of professional experience to the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, having spent over a decade as a practising Barrister-at-Law and Solicitor. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) Hons. and a Master of Laws (LL.M). He is a graduate of the City Law School (formerly Inns of Court School of Law), London UK and is a member of the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn (London, UK). He is called to the Bar of England and Wales and the Bar of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines respectively.
Hon. Carlos James
Honourable Carlos James, Esq. MP is an elected Parliamentarian and serves in the Cabinet of the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as the Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture. He is a former Speaker of the House in the Parliament of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and also served as a Senator and Deputy Speaker. Minister James has ministerial responsibility for Tourism, Aviation, Sustainable Development, Climate Change, Oceans, Heritage and Recreational Sites, National Parks and Beaches, Culture, Filming, Copyright, Memorial Hall, the National Trust and a number of government agencies and statutory bodies, which provides services covering the aforementioned areas. Minister James brings a wealth of professional experience to the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, having spent over a decade as a practising Barrister-at-Law and Solicitor. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) Hons. and a Master of Laws (LL.M). He is a graduate of the City Law School (formerly Inns of Court School of Law), London UK and is a member of the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn (London, UK). He is called to the Bar of England and Wales and the Bar of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines respectively.
Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks
The Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks became the Minister of Sustainability and Climate Resiliency in 2023. Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 2021 and duly installed as the youngest Speaker of the House of Parliament on December 7, 2022. In her Speakership role, she was the Chair of the Parliament Management Council, President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Cayman Islands Branch, and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Youth Parliament Organising Committee Chairperson.
Hon. Ebanks-Wilks has also served as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Parliament, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Financial Services, and Commerce and Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education. In addition, she served as Acting Minister of Financial Services, Commerce, Investment, Innovation, and Social Development and as acting Minister of Education.
Hon. Ebanks-Wilks has over 15 years of experience in the legal profession, first working as a Financial Services Paralegal in the private sector and as a Research Paralegal at the Cayman Islands Law Reform Commission.
Hon. Ebanks-Wilks is deeply passionate about her community and the Cayman Islands. As well as representing the constituency of West Bay Central, she is a founding director of the United Against Bullying Foundation. This non-profit organization focuses on the prevention and education of bullying behavior. She is also a director of the Cayman Islands Youth Development Consortium, a non-profit organization that supports at-risk youth. In her new role, the Hon. Minister has been avidly working with the Ministry team to implement the Climate Change Policy and the updated National Energy Policy.
Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks
The Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks became the Minister of Sustainability and Climate Resiliency in 2023. Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 2021 and duly installed as the youngest Speaker of the House of Parliament on December 7, 2022. In her Speakership role, she was the Chair of the Parliament Management Council, President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Cayman Islands Branch, and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Youth Parliament Organising Committee Chairperson.
Hon. Ebanks-Wilks has also served as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Parliament, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Financial Services, and Commerce and Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education. In addition, she served as Acting Minister of Financial Services, Commerce, Investment, Innovation, and Social Development and as acting Minister of Education.
Hon. Ebanks-Wilks has over 15 years of experience in the legal profession, first working as a Financial Services Paralegal in the private sector and as a Research Paralegal at the Cayman Islands Law Reform Commission.
Hon. Ebanks-Wilks is deeply passionate about her community and the Cayman Islands. As well as representing the constituency of West Bay Central, she is a founding director of the United Against Bullying Foundation. This non-profit organization focuses on the prevention and education of bullying behavior. She is also a director of the Cayman Islands Youth Development Consortium, a non-profit organization that supports at-risk youth. In her new role, the Hon. Minister has been avidly working with the Ministry team to implement the Climate Change Policy and the updated National Energy Policy.
Minister of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency, Government of Cayman Islands
Robert Greenwood
Rob Greenwood assumed the role of Deputy Minister, Rural and Regional Development and Engagement, and Chief Economic Development Officer, for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on September 5, 2023. Prior to that, he served as Associate Vice President (Public Engagement and External Relations) at Memorial University, and was founding Director of the Leslie Harris Centre of Regional Policy and Development. His responsibilities also included the Signal Hill Campus, Alumni Engagement, Strategic External Relations, the Botanical Gardens and the Newfoundland Quarterly.
Before working at Memorial, Rob served as a Director and Assistant Deputy Minister of Policy in Economic Development departments in Newfoundland and Labrador and in Saskatchewan. In Saskatchewan, he led the development of the provincial economic strategy. He was Vice President, Corporate Development, Information Services Corporation of Saskatchewan, and was founding Director of the Sustainable Communities Initiative, a partnership of the University of Regina, the City of Regina and the National Research Council of Canada.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, he was Director of Research and Principal Author of the 1995 Report of the Task Force on Community Economic Development, and led the process to establish Regional Economic Development Boards in 20 Economic Zones. He also led the development of a strategy for small-scale manufacturing in Newfoundland and Labrador, which was launched in 1999.
Rob has taught, consulted, published and presented extensively on community economic and regional development, strategic economic planning, innovation, sectoral and cluster development, public engagement and knowledge mobilization.
Rob holds a Ph.D. in Industrial and Business Studies from the University of Warwick, England, which he attended as a Commonwealth Scholar and an Institute of Social and Economic Research Doctoral Fellow. He completed his Masters in History at York University and his B.A. (Hons.) at Memorial University. He has been awarded lifetime achievement awards from the Economic Developers Association of Canada, the Newfoundland and Labrador Economic Developers Association, and the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation, and was awarded the Pinnacle Award for Organizational Leadership from the International Association of Business Communicators, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Robert Greenwood
Rob Greenwood assumed the role of Deputy Minister, Rural and Regional Development and Engagement, and Chief Economic Development Officer, for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on September 5, 2023. Prior to that, he served as Associate Vice President (Public Engagement and External Relations) at Memorial University, and was founding Director of the Leslie Harris Centre of Regional Policy and Development. His responsibilities also included the Signal Hill Campus, Alumni Engagement, Strategic External Relations, the Botanical Gardens and the Newfoundland Quarterly.
Before working at Memorial, Rob served as a Director and Assistant Deputy Minister of Policy in Economic Development departments in Newfoundland and Labrador and in Saskatchewan. In Saskatchewan, he led the development of the provincial economic strategy. He was Vice President, Corporate Development, Information Services Corporation of Saskatchewan, and was founding Director of the Sustainable Communities Initiative, a partnership of the University of Regina, the City of Regina and the National Research Council of Canada.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, he was Director of Research and Principal Author of the 1995 Report of the Task Force on Community Economic Development, and led the process to establish Regional Economic Development Boards in 20 Economic Zones. He also led the development of a strategy for small-scale manufacturing in Newfoundland and Labrador, which was launched in 1999.
Rob has taught, consulted, published and presented extensively on community economic and regional development, strategic economic planning, innovation, sectoral and cluster development, public engagement and knowledge mobilization.
Rob holds a Ph.D. in Industrial and Business Studies from the University of Warwick, England, which he attended as a Commonwealth Scholar and an Institute of Social and Economic Research Doctoral Fellow. He completed his Masters in History at York University and his B.A. (Hons.) at Memorial University. He has been awarded lifetime achievement awards from the Economic Developers Association of Canada, the Newfoundland and Labrador Economic Developers Association, and the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation, and was awarded the Pinnacle Award for Organizational Leadership from the International Association of Business Communicators, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development and Engagement, and Chief Economic Development Officer, Government of Newfoundland & Labrador
Zachary Franklin
Zachary Franklin is the current managing director for the Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC), the national economic development agency for the Falkland Islands. Previously, Mr. Franklin spent more than 12 years living and working in the Asia-Pacific region, where he served as director at LehmanBush, the Beijing-based investment advisory firm founded by Edward Lehman and Neil Bush, son of George H.W. Bush. He holds degrees from Fudan University and the University of Southern California.
Zachary Franklin
Zachary Franklin is the current managing director for the Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC), the national economic development agency for the Falkland Islands. Previously, Mr. Franklin spent more than 12 years living and working in the Asia-Pacific region, where he served as director at LehmanBush, the Beijing-based investment advisory firm founded by Edward Lehman and Neil Bush, son of George H.W. Bush. He holds degrees from Fudan University and the University of Southern California.
Managing Director, Falkland Islands Development Corporation
Dr. Aitazaz A. Farooque
Dr. Farooque’s research focuses on fundamental understanding and development of state of the art precision agriculture (PA) technologies for Eastern Canada’s agriculture industry. Development of innovative and novel PA systems utilizes knowledge of engineering design, development and management, instrumentation, design and evaluation of sensors and controllers, development of hardware and software for automation of machines to sense targets in real-time for spot application of agrochemicals on an as-needed basis to improve farm profitability while maintaining environmental sustainability.
Dr. Farooque is actively working on machine vision, application of multispectral and thermal imagery using drone technology, delineation of management zones for site-specific fertilization, electromagnetic induction methods, remote sensing, and digital photography technique for mapping, bio-systems modeling, artificial neural network, deep learning, analog and digital sensor integration into agricultural equipment for real-time soil, plant, and yield mapping. Dr. Farooque has been evaluating the variable rate technologies for potential environmental risks.
Dr. Farooque has been very successful in securing research funding from Natural Science and Engineering Council of Canada, Provincial and Federal Governments and agriculture industry. He has been supervising undergraduate and graduate students, research assistants, and post-doctoral fellow at UPEI and other collaborating institutions. Dr. Farooque highlighted the significance of his research in peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, workshops, industry meetings and farmer’s field days.
Dr. Aitazaz A. Farooque
Dr. Farooque’s research focuses on fundamental understanding and development of state of the art precision agriculture (PA) technologies for Eastern Canada’s agriculture industry. Development of innovative and novel PA systems utilizes knowledge of engineering design, development and management, instrumentation, design and evaluation of sensors and controllers, development of hardware and software for automation of machines to sense targets in real-time for spot application of agrochemicals on an as-needed basis to improve farm profitability while maintaining environmental sustainability.
Dr. Farooque is actively working on machine vision, application of multispectral and thermal imagery using drone technology, delineation of management zones for site-specific fertilization, electromagnetic induction methods, remote sensing, and digital photography technique for mapping, bio-systems modeling, artificial neural network, deep learning, analog and digital sensor integration into agricultural equipment for real-time soil, plant, and yield mapping. Dr. Farooque has been evaluating the variable rate technologies for potential environmental risks.
Dr. Farooque has been very successful in securing research funding from Natural Science and Engineering Council of Canada, Provincial and Federal Governments and agriculture industry. He has been supervising undergraduate and graduate students, research assistants, and post-doctoral fellow at UPEI and other collaborating institutions. Dr. Farooque highlighted the significance of his research in peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, workshops, industry meetings and farmer’s field days.
Professor & Associate Dean, Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation, University of Prince Edward Island
Emma Wendt
Emma Wendt is the Place-Based Strategy Lead at the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations within the U.S. Department of Energy. Her current focus is collaborating with the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas program to shape resources to best serve rural and remote communities across the country. Emma also develops strategy to inform federal investments, and designs new programs that will support communities of all types to benefit from transitioning to clean energy.
Before joining the Dept. of Energy, Emma led the clean energy team at the Island Institute, a Maine-based community development nonprofit, where she guided communities and marine businesses on Maine’s coast and islands in transitioning away from fossil fuels. Previously, Emma served to address environmental sustainability locally and globally in a variety of settings, including running energy generation models and emerging clean technologies research in the renewable energy team at Pacific Gas and Electric; leading the International Finance Corporation’s internal sustainability efforts; teaching environmental education to kids in Maine and Cape Cod; and building fundraising campaigns for a community bicycle repair nonprofit. Emma holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and Public Policy from Harvard College, and an MBA/MS in Environment and Resources from Stanford University.
Emma Wendt
Emma Wendt is the Place-Based Strategy Lead at the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations within the U.S. Department of Energy. Her current focus is collaborating with the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas program to shape resources to best serve rural and remote communities across the country. Emma also develops strategy to inform federal investments, and designs new programs that will support communities of all types to benefit from transitioning to clean energy.
Before joining the Dept. of Energy, Emma led the clean energy team at the Island Institute, a Maine-based community development nonprofit, where she guided communities and marine businesses on Maine’s coast and islands in transitioning away from fossil fuels. Previously, Emma served to address environmental sustainability locally and globally in a variety of settings, including running energy generation models and emerging clean technologies research in the renewable energy team at Pacific Gas and Electric; leading the International Finance Corporation’s internal sustainability efforts; teaching environmental education to kids in Maine and Cape Cod; and building fundraising campaigns for a community bicycle repair nonprofit. Emma holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and Public Policy from Harvard College, and an MBA/MS in Environment and Resources from Stanford University.
Place-based Strategy Lead, US Department of Energy
Amanda McDougall-Merrill
Amanda McDougall was first elected to the Cape Breton Regional Council in 2016 serving as Councillor for District 8 and most recently elected to serve as Mayor of the CBRM in 2020.
As Councillor for District 8 Amanda has proven to be a strong and community-minded leader. With a moral compass to make the right decisions and ask tough questions Amanda has the character and courage needed to lead the CBRM towards a prosperous and sustainable future.
Although Amanda holds a Bachelor in Political Science Degree from Cape Breton University, it was her years of volunteer work with organizations such as the Main-a-Dieu Community Development Association, Cape Breton C@P Society, Lumiere, Cape Breton Community Housing Association and more, that sparked her passion to lead change within the CBRM.
As a CBRM Councillor, the Executive Director of ACAP Cape Breton and a past Program Coordinator at Coastal Discovery Centre, Amanda has helped move our communities forward and is well-aware of the incredible potential our community holds.
Amanda resides in Glace Bay with her partner and growing family, but can be found along the shores of Main-a-Dieu throughout the summer.
Amanda McDougall-Merrill
Amanda McDougall was first elected to the Cape Breton Regional Council in 2016 serving as Councillor for District 8 and most recently elected to serve as Mayor of the CBRM in 2020.
As Councillor for District 8 Amanda has proven to be a strong and community-minded leader. With a moral compass to make the right decisions and ask tough questions Amanda has the character and courage needed to lead the CBRM towards a prosperous and sustainable future.
Although Amanda holds a Bachelor in Political Science Degree from Cape Breton University, it was her years of volunteer work with organizations such as the Main-a-Dieu Community Development Association, Cape Breton C@P Society, Lumiere, Cape Breton Community Housing Association and more, that sparked her passion to lead change within the CBRM.
As a CBRM Councillor, the Executive Director of ACAP Cape Breton and a past Program Coordinator at Coastal Discovery Centre, Amanda has helped move our communities forward and is well-aware of the incredible potential our community holds.
Amanda resides in Glace Bay with her partner and growing family, but can be found along the shores of Main-a-Dieu throughout the summer.
Mayor, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
Michael Drake
Michael Drake is a Partner and Board Member based in McInnes Cooper’s Charlottetown office. His practice focuses primarily on health, energy and administrative law. He has appeared before numerous administrative tribunals, and has acted as counsel to tribunals. He Chaired the Administrative Law Section for the CBA-PEI Branch, and is past Chair and Vice Chair of the PEI Mental Health Act Review Board. He is also a past member of a Federal administrative tribunal. In addition to his experience acting for and before administrative tribunals, Michael is a past law clerk to a Judge of the Federal Court of Appeal, and is the co-author of the legal reference text Standards of Review of Federal Administrative Tribunals, published by Butterworths.
Michael has also represented clients in general and commercial litigation, employment disputes, judgment enforcement, and judicial review proceedings at all levels of court in Prince Edward Island, the Federal Court of Canada and in leave applications to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Michael has extensive experience advising government, institutional and business clients facing unique and urgent challenges requiring media management, policy development and legislative review. From 2013-2015, Michael was Chief of Staff to the Official Opposition Members Office in Prince Edward Island, and during that time provided strategic political advice to the Leader of the Opposition and sitting opposition members of the Prince Edward Island legislature on a wide variety of issues and time-sensitive matters. He also assisted in the drafting of private members legislation, legislative motions, and strategic research.
In his community, Michael has acted as the Advocacy Chair for the PEI Division of the Canadian Diabetes Association; sat on the PEI Regional Council of the Red Cross, chairing the annual Humanitarian Awards Gala for several years; and regularly devotes his time to local charitable, pro bono, and other efforts as an active participant in McInnes Cooper’s Collective Social Responsibility Program. He has participated as an Advisor with Entrepreneur’s Forum, and takes great pride in providing mentorship and coaching to new lawyers and students.
Michael Drake
Michael Drake is a Partner and Board Member based in McInnes Cooper’s Charlottetown office. His practice focuses primarily on health, energy and administrative law. He has appeared before numerous administrative tribunals, and has acted as counsel to tribunals. He Chaired the Administrative Law Section for the CBA-PEI Branch, and is past Chair and Vice Chair of the PEI Mental Health Act Review Board. He is also a past member of a Federal administrative tribunal. In addition to his experience acting for and before administrative tribunals, Michael is a past law clerk to a Judge of the Federal Court of Appeal, and is the co-author of the legal reference text Standards of Review of Federal Administrative Tribunals, published by Butterworths.
Michael has also represented clients in general and commercial litigation, employment disputes, judgment enforcement, and judicial review proceedings at all levels of court in Prince Edward Island, the Federal Court of Canada and in leave applications to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Michael has extensive experience advising government, institutional and business clients facing unique and urgent challenges requiring media management, policy development and legislative review. From 2013-2015, Michael was Chief of Staff to the Official Opposition Members Office in Prince Edward Island, and during that time provided strategic political advice to the Leader of the Opposition and sitting opposition members of the Prince Edward Island legislature on a wide variety of issues and time-sensitive matters. He also assisted in the drafting of private members legislation, legislative motions, and strategic research.
In his community, Michael has acted as the Advocacy Chair for the PEI Division of the Canadian Diabetes Association; sat on the PEI Regional Council of the Red Cross, chairing the annual Humanitarian Awards Gala for several years; and regularly devotes his time to local charitable, pro bono, and other efforts as an active participant in McInnes Cooper’s Collective Social Responsibility Program. He has participated as an Advisor with Entrepreneur’s Forum, and takes great pride in providing mentorship and coaching to new lawyers and students.
Partner & Board Member, McInnes Cooper
Marianne Rodgers
Marianne joined the WEICan staff in March, 2014. As the Scientific Director, she is responsible for the formation and maintenance of a research agenda that will advance the aims and objectives of the Institute. She establishes and maintains collaborations with universities, research organizations, partners, and government. Marianne is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Prince Edward Island. Marianne obtained her bachelor degree in chemistry from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia and her doctorate degree in chemistry from Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia. While completing her doctoral studies, Marianne worked at the National Research Council in Vancouver, British Columbia, researching proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Prior to working with WEICan, Marianne worked at the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) in Cocoa, Florida, where she performed research on several types of energy conversion devices, including fuel cells, batteries, and photovoltaics. At FSEC she worked with industry to improve the performance of these systems and also managed several projects that concentrated on analysis and prediction of the reliability and durability of these systems. Marianne’s research in alternative energy has resulted in more than 50 publications and more than 70 invited and conference presentations. Marianne lives in Summerside, PEI and is excited to be involved in advancing wind energy in Canada.
Marianne Rodgers
Marianne joined the WEICan staff in March, 2014. As the Scientific Director, she is responsible for the formation and maintenance of a research agenda that will advance the aims and objectives of the Institute. She establishes and maintains collaborations with universities, research organizations, partners, and government. Marianne is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Prince Edward Island. Marianne obtained her bachelor degree in chemistry from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia and her doctorate degree in chemistry from Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia. While completing her doctoral studies, Marianne worked at the National Research Council in Vancouver, British Columbia, researching proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Prior to working with WEICan, Marianne worked at the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) in Cocoa, Florida, where she performed research on several types of energy conversion devices, including fuel cells, batteries, and photovoltaics. At FSEC she worked with industry to improve the performance of these systems and also managed several projects that concentrated on analysis and prediction of the reliability and durability of these systems. Marianne’s research in alternative energy has resulted in more than 50 publications and more than 70 invited and conference presentations. Marianne lives in Summerside, PEI and is excited to be involved in advancing wind energy in Canada.
Scientific Director, Wind Energy Institute of Canada (WEICAN)
Camilo M. Botero
Camilo M. Botero is a coastal explorer and geographer. Born thousands of kilometers from the sea, mandatory service in the Colombian Navy ignited his passion for studying coastal systems and being an active pacifist. He has been a professor, a researcher, and a project leader in Latin America, and now in Canada. He’s an indisciplinary researcher, with academic experience in engineering, law, and management. He has published in many scientific journals, but he feels equally proud of the short films, gameboards, and tourist guides he had also produced.
Dr. Botero is a full fellow of the Colombian Geographic Society who travels around the world. His perspective is global, but he considers himself a Latin American citizen. He’s working on the concept of scientific tourism; a new way to engage travellers to learn, practice and support science. He understands tourism as a geographical process, not merely an economic activity. Camilo is seeking to create a tool to conserve at least seven generations more of our coastal heritage.
Camilo's ultimate goal is to positively influence decision-making, with an emphasis on coastal areas. From the academy to communities of practice, his path is the same that he learnt when he was a boy scout in Colombia: leave this world better than he found it.
Camilo M. Botero
Camilo M. Botero is a coastal explorer and geographer. Born thousands of kilometers from the sea, mandatory service in the Colombian Navy ignited his passion for studying coastal systems and being an active pacifist. He has been a professor, a researcher, and a project leader in Latin America, and now in Canada. He’s an indisciplinary researcher, with academic experience in engineering, law, and management. He has published in many scientific journals, but he feels equally proud of the short films, gameboards, and tourist guides he had also produced.
Dr. Botero is a full fellow of the Colombian Geographic Society who travels around the world. His perspective is global, but he considers himself a Latin American citizen. He’s working on the concept of scientific tourism; a new way to engage travellers to learn, practice and support science. He understands tourism as a geographical process, not merely an economic activity. Camilo is seeking to create a tool to conserve at least seven generations more of our coastal heritage.
Camilo's ultimate goal is to positively influence decision-making, with an emphasis on coastal areas. From the academy to communities of practice, his path is the same that he learnt when he was a boy scout in Colombia: leave this world better than he found it.
Coastal Explorer and Geographer, Seascape Global
Ramona Doyle
Ramona Doyle, Vice-President, Program Delivery and Business Development, Clean Foundation: Ramona has 10 years’ experience in program design and delivery, policy development and implementation. Developing and implementing community energy plans, climate action plans, PACE programs, and managing energy performance contracts. Ramona holds a Master’s Degree in Environment & Business from the University of Waterloo, as well as a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Environmental Studies and Anthropology from University of Victoria. Ramona has over ten years’ experience in the environment and sustainability field and has continuously built her knowledge and skillsets in order to increase her ability to make a positive impact in her community and on the natural environment. As a collaborative leader, she is dedicated to investing in the next generation of sustainability professionals by growing her team and coaching them to reach their greatest potential. She has a proven track record in developing strong and effective partnerships with community organizations, academia, municipalities, and other levels of government.
Ramona Doyle
Ramona Doyle, Vice-President, Program Delivery and Business Development, Clean Foundation: Ramona has 10 years’ experience in program design and delivery, policy development and implementation. Developing and implementing community energy plans, climate action plans, PACE programs, and managing energy performance contracts. Ramona holds a Master’s Degree in Environment & Business from the University of Waterloo, as well as a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Environmental Studies and Anthropology from University of Victoria. Ramona has over ten years’ experience in the environment and sustainability field and has continuously built her knowledge and skillsets in order to increase her ability to make a positive impact in her community and on the natural environment. As a collaborative leader, she is dedicated to investing in the next generation of sustainability professionals by growing her team and coaching them to reach their greatest potential. She has a proven track record in developing strong and effective partnerships with community organizations, academia, municipalities, and other levels of government.
Vice President, Program Delivery and Business Development, Clean Foundation
Daisuke Anami
After joining the Oita Prefectural government in 1998, Mr. Anami has worked in many departments including regional development, international exchange, inbound tourism support, trade promotion, and governmental reform. He assumed his current position as Director General of the Eastern Promotion Bureau in April of 2024.
In 2001 Mr. Anami was dispatched to Beijing to participate in a Chinese language proficiency program. Again from 2014 to 2015, he participated in a similar program in the city of Wuhan.
Daisuke Anami
After joining the Oita Prefectural government in 1998, Mr. Anami has worked in many departments including regional development, international exchange, inbound tourism support, trade promotion, and governmental reform. He assumed his current position as Director General of the Eastern Promotion Bureau in April of 2024.
In 2001 Mr. Anami was dispatched to Beijing to participate in a Chinese language proficiency program. Again from 2014 to 2015, he participated in a similar program in the city of Wuhan.
Director General, Regional Revitalization Department, Eastern Promotion Bureau of Oita Prefectural Government
Sonia Smith
Sonia has over 30 years of experience in stakeholder management and logistics services, and is the Maritime Representative for the Atlantic Used Oil Management Association,
Sonia began working with the Atlantic Used Oil Management Association in 2019 when she supported the education and registration of collection facilities across Nova Scotia during its implementation in 2020 and now supports all three Maritime Provinces. She works directly with the Waste Collection Facilities, Schools commercial fishing harbours and aquaculture farms across these Maritime Provinces providing support and education for the Program. www.recylemyoil.ca
Sonia was also one of the co-founders and leads of the Fishing Gear Coalition of Atlantic Canada in 2020 and is now the Co-Executive Director and Stakeholder Manager working under the DFO Ghost Gear Fund and have designed a Regulated Product Stewardship Program (a similar program) to support the collection and recycling of end-of-life fishing and aquaculture gear waste across Eastern Canada.
Sonia Smith
Sonia has over 30 years of experience in stakeholder management and logistics services, and is the Maritime Representative for the Atlantic Used Oil Management Association,
Sonia began working with the Atlantic Used Oil Management Association in 2019 when she supported the education and registration of collection facilities across Nova Scotia during its implementation in 2020 and now supports all three Maritime Provinces. She works directly with the Waste Collection Facilities, Schools commercial fishing harbours and aquaculture farms across these Maritime Provinces providing support and education for the Program. www.recylemyoil.ca
Sonia was also one of the co-founders and leads of the Fishing Gear Coalition of Atlantic Canada in 2020 and is now the Co-Executive Director and Stakeholder Manager working under the DFO Ghost Gear Fund and have designed a Regulated Product Stewardship Program (a similar program) to support the collection and recycling of end-of-life fishing and aquaculture gear waste across Eastern Canada.
Area Representative, UOMA Atlantic
Joseph Borg
Joseph Borg is the president of INSULEUR (the Insular Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the European Union). He was born on the 3rd December 1960. He studied philosophy and theology at the Sacred Heart Seminary, Victoria, Gozo, and obtained a Litentiate from the Lateran University in Rome in 1984. Throughout the years Mr Borg has held a number of executive positions, including director with Francis X Borg Co. Ltd., and managing director of the same firm, the family-owned furniture manufacturing company.
Joseph also served as a director on the board of the Malta Development Corporation from 1989 to 1992. He was involved in the Gozo Committee of the Malta Federation of Industries, from 1988 to 1992 as its secretary, and then as its Chairman from 1992 to 1993. In this post he also served on the Council of the Malta Federation of Industries. Mr Borg was also a director of Bank of Valletta plc.
Joseph Borg was also chairman of Gozo Channel Co. Ltd. from July 2005 to July 2008, and is presently a board member on the newly set up Gozo Regional Development Authority. He has also been a member of the council and secretary of the Gozo Business Chamber from 1999 to 2005. He was again elected to the Council of the same Chamber in January 2010. In January 2012 he was nominated Vice-President of the same Chamber. From October 2018 he became President of the Gozo Business Chamber and also President of INSULEUR as from December 2018. Joseph Borg is also the Chairman of the Gozo Regional Committee which groups all stakeholders within the island of Gozo, and represents the same Committee within the Malta Committee for Economic and Social Development.
Mr Borg serves in a number of voluntary organisations in Gozo amongst others as director of the OASI Foundation (Foundation for Drug and Alcohol rehabilitation) since its inception. He is also a member of the Fondazione Centesimus Annus pro Pontifice since 2009.
Joseph Borg
Joseph Borg is the president of INSULEUR (the Insular Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the European Union). He was born on the 3rd December 1960. He studied philosophy and theology at the Sacred Heart Seminary, Victoria, Gozo, and obtained a Litentiate from the Lateran University in Rome in 1984. Throughout the years Mr Borg has held a number of executive positions, including director with Francis X Borg Co. Ltd., and managing director of the same firm, the family-owned furniture manufacturing company.
Joseph also served as a director on the board of the Malta Development Corporation from 1989 to 1992. He was involved in the Gozo Committee of the Malta Federation of Industries, from 1988 to 1992 as its secretary, and then as its Chairman from 1992 to 1993. In this post he also served on the Council of the Malta Federation of Industries. Mr Borg was also a director of Bank of Valletta plc.
Joseph Borg was also chairman of Gozo Channel Co. Ltd. from July 2005 to July 2008, and is presently a board member on the newly set up Gozo Regional Development Authority. He has also been a member of the council and secretary of the Gozo Business Chamber from 1999 to 2005. He was again elected to the Council of the same Chamber in January 2010. In January 2012 he was nominated Vice-President of the same Chamber. From October 2018 he became President of the Gozo Business Chamber and also President of INSULEUR as from December 2018. Joseph Borg is also the Chairman of the Gozo Regional Committee which groups all stakeholders within the island of Gozo, and represents the same Committee within the Malta Committee for Economic and Social Development.
Mr Borg serves in a number of voluntary organisations in Gozo amongst others as director of the OASI Foundation (Foundation for Drug and Alcohol rehabilitation) since its inception. He is also a member of the Fondazione Centesimus Annus pro Pontifice since 2009.
President, INSULEUR
Marcelle Askew
Marcelle ASKEW is Vice President of Business Development at Seabased Group, where she has worked with governments, businesses, engineers, scientists, environmental groups and finance organizations to develop a pipeline of utility-scale wave energy projects on 5 continents, primarily on islands. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Ocean Energy Europe and is ardent supporter of the promise of ocean energy as a key piece of a holistic, nature-based renewable energy transition. A serial entrepreneur, she has devoted her career to bringing to market products and services aligned with the UN SDGs across a wide range of industries, primarily in the go-to-market phase.
Marcelle Askew
Marcelle ASKEW is Vice President of Business Development at Seabased Group, where she has worked with governments, businesses, engineers, scientists, environmental groups and finance organizations to develop a pipeline of utility-scale wave energy projects on 5 continents, primarily on islands. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Ocean Energy Europe and is ardent supporter of the promise of ocean energy as a key piece of a holistic, nature-based renewable energy transition. A serial entrepreneur, she has devoted her career to bringing to market products and services aligned with the UN SDGs across a wide range of industries, primarily in the go-to-market phase.
Vice President of Business Development, Seabased
Calum Matthews
Calum Matthews is the VP of Sustainability and Strategy at 4VI. In his role, he leads a team responsible for the organization’s sustainable development programs and supports a range of clients with strategic planning and engagement.
He grew up in Victoria, British Columbia and holds a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree from Quest University Canada and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Toronto.
Matthews joined the tourism industry more than 10 years ago in a front-line service role. What started as a great summer job quickly grew into a passion and an exceptional career.
He worked for the Island Coastal Economic Trust supporting communities with a range of projects relating to corporate communications, as well as tech sector and tourism development. Tourism projects were always his area of interest, and it was one of these projects that led him to joining Tourism Vancouver Island. Matthews loves working with the business owners and community members to help them grow a vibrant and sustainable tourism industry across the region.
During his personal time, Matthews enjoys surfing and visiting Vancouver Island’s many hidden gems with his family and his hyperactive golden retriever, Murphy.
Calum Matthews
Calum Matthews is the VP of Sustainability and Strategy at 4VI. In his role, he leads a team responsible for the organization’s sustainable development programs and supports a range of clients with strategic planning and engagement.
He grew up in Victoria, British Columbia and holds a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree from Quest University Canada and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Toronto.
Matthews joined the tourism industry more than 10 years ago in a front-line service role. What started as a great summer job quickly grew into a passion and an exceptional career.
He worked for the Island Coastal Economic Trust supporting communities with a range of projects relating to corporate communications, as well as tech sector and tourism development. Tourism projects were always his area of interest, and it was one of these projects that led him to joining Tourism Vancouver Island. Matthews loves working with the business owners and community members to help them grow a vibrant and sustainable tourism industry across the region.
During his personal time, Matthews enjoys surfing and visiting Vancouver Island’s many hidden gems with his family and his hyperactive golden retriever, Murphy.
Vice President of Sustainability and Strategy, 4VI
Deborah Beal
Dr. Deborah Beal has taught at the University of the Cayman Islands since 2012 after teaching for many years at a private college in the US. She recently served as a principal investigator for a 1.1 Million Euro grant from the EU RESEMBID program (The Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) Resilience, Sustainable Energy and Marine Biodiversity Programme) awarded to the University College of the Cayman Islands. Dr. Beal has received numerous grants and worked for the U.S Dept of Energy, the Illinois Dept of Natural Resources and the Missouri Dept. of Conservation. She is on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Ecosystems and Ecography. Before coming to Grand Cayman, she served as an editor for MERLOT (Multi Educational Resources for Learning and Online Teaching) and was a member of the Research Review Board for the Henson Robinson Zoo in Illinois. Dr. Beal has published peer reviewed papers in the fields of environmental science (Journal of Environmental Toxicology), ecology (Southeast Ecology and Evolution) and faculty development (CHALK Teaching and Faculty Development).
Deborah Beal
Dr. Deborah Beal has taught at the University of the Cayman Islands since 2012 after teaching for many years at a private college in the US. She recently served as a principal investigator for a 1.1 Million Euro grant from the EU RESEMBID program (The Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) Resilience, Sustainable Energy and Marine Biodiversity Programme) awarded to the University College of the Cayman Islands. Dr. Beal has received numerous grants and worked for the U.S Dept of Energy, the Illinois Dept of Natural Resources and the Missouri Dept. of Conservation. She is on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Ecosystems and Ecography. Before coming to Grand Cayman, she served as an editor for MERLOT (Multi Educational Resources for Learning and Online Teaching) and was a member of the Research Review Board for the Henson Robinson Zoo in Illinois. Dr. Beal has published peer reviewed papers in the fields of environmental science (Journal of Environmental Toxicology), ecology (Southeast Ecology and Evolution) and faculty development (CHALK Teaching and Faculty Development).
Associate Professor, University College of the Cayman Islands
Jamie Cook
Jamie is a Senior Community Development Officer leading Island Institute’s clean energy work. By using his experience in sustainable development and by building relationships with sector leaders, Jamie promotes clean energy projects for Maine’s island and coastal working waterfronts and businesses.
Jamie has a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts with a focus on sustainable development from Harvard Extension School and a master’s degree in sustainability leadership from Arizona State University. Jamie’s career has taken him to Nantucket, Maui, and Maine. Jamie’s experience in the clean energy sector includes his time spent as the director of the renewable energy division of Maui Electric. In Maine, he has worked as an independent consultant, helping guide sustainable and resilient clean energy projects.
He is from Manchester, Massachusetts and grew up surfing, sailing, and scuba diving around Cape Ann. Jamie now enjoys skiing and kayaking here in Maine. He lives in Camden with his wife, son, and their mini Australian shepherd.
Jamie Cook
Jamie is a Senior Community Development Officer leading Island Institute’s clean energy work. By using his experience in sustainable development and by building relationships with sector leaders, Jamie promotes clean energy projects for Maine’s island and coastal working waterfronts and businesses.
Jamie has a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts with a focus on sustainable development from Harvard Extension School and a master’s degree in sustainability leadership from Arizona State University. Jamie’s career has taken him to Nantucket, Maui, and Maine. Jamie’s experience in the clean energy sector includes his time spent as the director of the renewable energy division of Maui Electric. In Maine, he has worked as an independent consultant, helping guide sustainable and resilient clean energy projects.
He is from Manchester, Massachusetts and grew up surfing, sailing, and scuba diving around Cape Ann. Jamie now enjoys skiing and kayaking here in Maine. He lives in Camden with his wife, son, and their mini Australian shepherd.
Senior Community Development Officer, Clean Energy, Island Institute
Tracey Hargrave
Tracey Hargrave is the Dean of STEM and Health at the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI), a post she has held since 2020. Prior to this, she was Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Sciences at UCCI since 2003. She is passionate about STEM education, and over three decades of experience as a tertiary level mathematics educator have honed her expertise in this area. She relishes the opportunity to continue to teach classes in calculus, statistics and quantitative methods each academic year.
Born in the UK, Tracey gained her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from University College London (UCL), her master’s degree in Applied Statistics and Operational Research from Birkbeck College, University of London, and she also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Mathematics Education from the Institute of Education, University of London.
At present, Tracey manages the Euro 1.02 million RESEMBID (Resilience, Sustainable Energy and Marine Biodiversity) Programme grant at UCCI titled “Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Planning for The University College of the Cayman Islands”, a project which commenced in April 2023.
Tracey Hargrave
Tracey Hargrave is the Dean of STEM and Health at the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI), a post she has held since 2020. Prior to this, she was Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Sciences at UCCI since 2003. She is passionate about STEM education, and over three decades of experience as a tertiary level mathematics educator have honed her expertise in this area. She relishes the opportunity to continue to teach classes in calculus, statistics and quantitative methods each academic year.
Born in the UK, Tracey gained her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from University College London (UCL), her master’s degree in Applied Statistics and Operational Research from Birkbeck College, University of London, and she also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Mathematics Education from the Institute of Education, University of London.
At present, Tracey manages the Euro 1.02 million RESEMBID (Resilience, Sustainable Energy and Marine Biodiversity) Programme grant at UCCI titled “Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Planning for The University College of the Cayman Islands”, a project which commenced in April 2023.
Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths & Health, University College of the Cayman Islands
Scott Harper
Scott Harper joined the Institute in the summer of 2007 and has overseen the development of the organization since that time. In his role as CEO, Scott works closely with the Board of Directors to develop the strategic direction for the organization which guides the development of the technical program at WEICan. Prior to working with WEICan Scott spent most of his career working for the Government of Canada with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). As an Economic Development Officer, Scott worked in the renewable energy sector and was instrumental in the planning and establishment of WEICan. While employed by the Federal Government, Scott gained a great deal of experience in intergovernmental affairs and sector development planning. Scott also held a position as General Manager of a not-for-profit economic development corporation which was involved in tourism, information technology, business incubation and other initiatives. Scott holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from the University of Prince Edward Island where he sat on the Board of Governors for several years.
Scott Harper
Scott Harper joined the Institute in the summer of 2007 and has overseen the development of the organization since that time. In his role as CEO, Scott works closely with the Board of Directors to develop the strategic direction for the organization which guides the development of the technical program at WEICan. Prior to working with WEICan Scott spent most of his career working for the Government of Canada with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). As an Economic Development Officer, Scott worked in the renewable energy sector and was instrumental in the planning and establishment of WEICan. While employed by the Federal Government, Scott gained a great deal of experience in intergovernmental affairs and sector development planning. Scott also held a position as General Manager of a not-for-profit economic development corporation which was involved in tourism, information technology, business incubation and other initiatives. Scott holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from the University of Prince Edward Island where he sat on the Board of Governors for several years.
CEO, Wind Energy Institute of Canada (WEICAN)
Sandra Moore
Sandra Moore is the Director of the Cleantech Innovation Centre in Georgetown, PEI, and leads a collaborative initiative known as the PEI Cleantech Academy to help grow PEI’s cleantech economy and to become Canada’s first net-zero province.
Sandra has recently completed her ESG Designation for business leaders and has over 20 years of experience in senior leadership, research, and consultancy roles in Canada, Africa, and the South Pacific. As the former Dean of the Faculty of Business, Environment, and Technology at NorQuest College she led a team of innovative faculty and helped to develop and launch diploma programs in energy management, machine learning, and environmental protection.
As a consultant, she has worked with technology entrepreneurs, colleges to develop aviation programs and microgrid projects, municipalities and non-profit organizations for strategic planning, and with rural regions to help them better understand the impacts of large-scale wind and solar projects. Sandra has published research on the socio-economic impacts of energy on rural regions and on livelihoods and capacity building initiatives for development organizations. She has served on various boards and committees, including Energy Efficiency Alberta and the Power and Natural Gas Panel of the Alberta Utilities Consumer Advocate. She is passionate about creating positive change and empowering learners and leaders in the fields of sustainability, energy, and cleantech.
Connect to Cleactech Academy on LinkedIn
Sandra Moore
Sandra Moore is the Director of the Cleantech Innovation Centre in Georgetown, PEI, and leads a collaborative initiative known as the PEI Cleantech Academy to help grow PEI’s cleantech economy and to become Canada’s first net-zero province.
Sandra has recently completed her ESG Designation for business leaders and has over 20 years of experience in senior leadership, research, and consultancy roles in Canada, Africa, and the South Pacific. As the former Dean of the Faculty of Business, Environment, and Technology at NorQuest College she led a team of innovative faculty and helped to develop and launch diploma programs in energy management, machine learning, and environmental protection.
As a consultant, she has worked with technology entrepreneurs, colleges to develop aviation programs and microgrid projects, municipalities and non-profit organizations for strategic planning, and with rural regions to help them better understand the impacts of large-scale wind and solar projects. Sandra has published research on the socio-economic impacts of energy on rural regions and on livelihoods and capacity building initiatives for development organizations. She has served on various boards and committees, including Energy Efficiency Alberta and the Power and Natural Gas Panel of the Alberta Utilities Consumer Advocate. She is passionate about creating positive change and empowering learners and leaders in the fields of sustainability, energy, and cleantech.
Connect to Cleactech Academy on LinkedIn
Director of the Cleantech Academy and Innovation Centre, PEI Energy Corporation, Government of Prince Edward Island
Akshay Gunteti
Akshay is a Social Entrepreneur & Environmentalist, He is Currently part of Circular Start-up, Green Worms as Director of Sales and Marketing, Akshay has previously worked in the Open Innovation & Startup Scouting. Akshay is deeply Passionate about Ocean Conservation, Circularity and Dignified Jobs. Since 2018, Akshay has committed himself to work for the next two decades in solving the waste crisis.
Akshay Gunteti
Akshay is a Social Entrepreneur & Environmentalist, He is Currently part of Circular Start-up, Green Worms as Director of Sales and Marketing, Akshay has previously worked in the Open Innovation & Startup Scouting. Akshay is deeply Passionate about Ocean Conservation, Circularity and Dignified Jobs. Since 2018, Akshay has committed himself to work for the next two decades in solving the waste crisis.
Co-Founder, Green Worms
Diana-Joy Davies
Mrs. Joy Davies is the Mayor of Grosse-Ile, Québec and represents the municipality at the Communauté maritime des Îles-de-la-Madeleine. With a profound commitment to fostering growth within her community, Mrs. Davies brings to her role a wealth of experience in project coordination, particularly in the realms of community economic development and social development. Mayor Davies embodies the essence of dedicated community leadership and has volunteered on many boards and committees, including the Home and School Association, Grosse-Ile’s leisure committee, and the Magasin Coop IGA de Havre-aux-Maisons’s board of directors. She was elected mayor of Grosse-Ile in 2021 and is proud to call the community her home.
Diana-Joy Davies
Mrs. Joy Davies is the Mayor of Grosse-Ile, Québec and represents the municipality at the Communauté maritime des Îles-de-la-Madeleine. With a profound commitment to fostering growth within her community, Mrs. Davies brings to her role a wealth of experience in project coordination, particularly in the realms of community economic development and social development. Mayor Davies embodies the essence of dedicated community leadership and has volunteered on many boards and committees, including the Home and School Association, Grosse-Ile’s leisure committee, and the Magasin Coop IGA de Havre-aux-Maisons’s board of directors. She was elected mayor of Grosse-Ile in 2021 and is proud to call the community her home.
Mayor, Municipality of Grosse-Île, Magdalen Islands
Drew Bernard
Drew Bernard is the Energy Lead and proud member of Lennox Island First Nation in Prince Edward Island. A graduate of Energy Systems Engineering Technology at Holland College, Drew realized a need for the transition to renewables in his community and began a sprawling energy initiative to address this issue. To date, the initiative was able to complete energy evaluations on all community homes and buildings, an extensive energy opportunities assessment, and the installation 65 heat pumps to begin the electrification of on-reserve heating systems along with two EV charging stations. Today he is working to complete significant wind and solar projects across Prince Edward Island before reinvesting to create a net-positive microgrid owned and operated by a band-owned non-profit utility for Lennox Island First Nation in the future. Drew is also a member of the Prince Edward Island Net-Zero Advisory Committee.
Drew Bernard
Drew Bernard is the Energy Lead and proud member of Lennox Island First Nation in Prince Edward Island. A graduate of Energy Systems Engineering Technology at Holland College, Drew realized a need for the transition to renewables in his community and began a sprawling energy initiative to address this issue. To date, the initiative was able to complete energy evaluations on all community homes and buildings, an extensive energy opportunities assessment, and the installation 65 heat pumps to begin the electrification of on-reserve heating systems along with two EV charging stations. Today he is working to complete significant wind and solar projects across Prince Edward Island before reinvesting to create a net-positive microgrid owned and operated by a band-owned non-profit utility for Lennox Island First Nation in the future. Drew is also a member of the Prince Edward Island Net-Zero Advisory Committee.
Energy Lead, Lennox Island First Nation
Jason Aspin
Jason Aspin co-founded AKA Energy Systems (AKA) in 1996. Since graduating in marine engineering from the Canadian Coast Guard College in 1987 with specializations in power engineering and systems integration, he has built over 37 years of progressive experience in systems engineering. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technical Officer of AKA Energy Systems. As an innovator, he designs solutions that are both socially and environmentally responsible often introducing energy storage technologies to new applications. He has collaborated with other global innovators to develop new technologies of which several have been patented and have made a significant contribution in reducing the environmental footprint, increasing reliability, and reducing operating costs.
Jason Aspin
Jason Aspin co-founded AKA Energy Systems (AKA) in 1996. Since graduating in marine engineering from the Canadian Coast Guard College in 1987 with specializations in power engineering and systems integration, he has built over 37 years of progressive experience in systems engineering. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technical Officer of AKA Energy Systems. As an innovator, he designs solutions that are both socially and environmentally responsible often introducing energy storage technologies to new applications. He has collaborated with other global innovators to develop new technologies of which several have been patented and have made a significant contribution in reducing the environmental footprint, increasing reliability, and reducing operating costs.
CEO, Aspin Kemp and Associates
Maylia Parker
Following a career in environmental consulting in both the US and Canada, and five years as a director with Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change, Maylia is pleased to be a leader in the most comprehensive end-of-life electronic stewardship program in North America, and the only government-approved program in Atlantic Canada.
Maylia Parker
Following a career in environmental consulting in both the US and Canada, and five years as a director with Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change, Maylia is pleased to be a leader in the most comprehensive end-of-life electronic stewardship program in North America, and the only government-approved program in Atlantic Canada.
Executive Director - Atlantic, Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA)
CEO, T-Plan & Director for Himeshima Eco-Tourism
Ilive Peltier
Dr. Peltier is an educator, presenter, researcher and author whose work focuses on sustainable education, education, creativity and innovation’s role in sustainability as well as creative problem solving where it pertains to climate and climate mitigation. The work she does involves developing awareness among people of the Caribbean and internationally about such the impacts climate change has on livelihoods and survival. She has also been an island ambassador for the islands of Dominica (her island home) and St John USVI (island home of her husband and children.
Ilive Peltier
Dr. Peltier is an educator, presenter, researcher and author whose work focuses on sustainable education, education, creativity and innovation’s role in sustainability as well as creative problem solving where it pertains to climate and climate mitigation. The work she does involves developing awareness among people of the Caribbean and internationally about such the impacts climate change has on livelihoods and survival. She has also been an island ambassador for the islands of Dominica (her island home) and St John USVI (island home of her husband and children.
Educator, Researcher & Author, Newark Public Schools
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Risk and Insurance Studies Centre
Lisa Hurlston-McKenzie
Lisa Hurlston-McKenzie is an accredited climate change and sustainable design professional with over 28 years advising public and private sector stakeholders on practical applications of adaptation and mitigation measures, and representing The Cayman Islands on environmental issues relevant to the United Kingdom Overseas Territories. Lisa co-authored several publications on public-private partnerships in reducing climate change impacts and vulnerability, and the adaptation guidebook ‘Surviving Climate Change in Small Islands’ launched at COP11 in 2005. She is a Director of Island Offsets ‘ a carbon offsetting NPO, serves on the Cayman Islands National Trust Environmental Advisory Committee, and chairs the National Conservation Council’s climate change subcommittee. As Senior Policy Advisor for Environment & Resiliency at the Cayman Islands Government’s Ministry of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency, she recently spearheaded the National Climate Change Policy 2023-2050 and led consultations to extend the UK’s ratification of the Paris Agreement to the Cayman Islands.
Lisa Hurlston-McKenzie
Lisa Hurlston-McKenzie is an accredited climate change and sustainable design professional with over 28 years advising public and private sector stakeholders on practical applications of adaptation and mitigation measures, and representing The Cayman Islands on environmental issues relevant to the United Kingdom Overseas Territories. Lisa co-authored several publications on public-private partnerships in reducing climate change impacts and vulnerability, and the adaptation guidebook ‘Surviving Climate Change in Small Islands’ launched at COP11 in 2005. She is a Director of Island Offsets ‘ a carbon offsetting NPO, serves on the Cayman Islands National Trust Environmental Advisory Committee, and chairs the National Conservation Council’s climate change subcommittee. As Senior Policy Advisor for Environment & Resiliency at the Cayman Islands Government’s Ministry of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency, she recently spearheaded the National Climate Change Policy 2023-2050 and led consultations to extend the UK’s ratification of the Paris Agreement to the Cayman Islands.
Senior Policy Advisor (Climate Resiliency), Ministry of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency, Cayman Islands Government
Dr. Juliano Franz
Dr. Juliano Franz is the Director of Software Development at Glas Ocean Electric. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science with a focus on supporting decision-making through data visualization. His expertise lies in developing innovative solutions to complex problems, utilizing his extensive knowledge and experience gained from academia and fieldwork. He is passionate about the intersection of technology and innovation and aspires to make a positive impact in the ocean sector.
Dr. Juliano Franz
Dr. Juliano Franz is the Director of Software Development at Glas Ocean Electric. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science with a focus on supporting decision-making through data visualization. His expertise lies in developing innovative solutions to complex problems, utilizing his extensive knowledge and experience gained from academia and fieldwork. He is passionate about the intersection of technology and innovation and aspires to make a positive impact in the ocean sector.
Director of Software Development, Glas Ocean Electric
Kalim Shah
Kalim Shah is currently leading the new Island Policy Lab at the University of Delaware. He is a globally recognized expert on policy and regulatory design and implementation in island states, particularly in environmental, energy, climate and corporate sustainability fields. From his ‘institutional structuration’ model for meeting national clean energy targets; his ‘triple-steam’ sectoral climate adaptation approach; his ‘legitimacy gap’ analysis for building public-private partnerships; and his island-adapted methods for regulatory impact assessments, Kalim continues advancing applied island research. With over thirty research publications, his innovative approaches are being applied by governments, multilateral banks and the private sector in island contexts. Most recently he completed Guyana’s first National Climate Change Policy and is now working with Guam and the Marianas Islands to model their national clean energy transition pathways. He is originally from Trinidad & Tobago, is a Fulbright Scholar and holds a Doctorate in Public Policy.
Kalim Shah
Kalim Shah is currently leading the new Island Policy Lab at the University of Delaware. He is a globally recognized expert on policy and regulatory design and implementation in island states, particularly in environmental, energy, climate and corporate sustainability fields. From his ‘institutional structuration’ model for meeting national clean energy targets; his ‘triple-steam’ sectoral climate adaptation approach; his ‘legitimacy gap’ analysis for building public-private partnerships; and his island-adapted methods for regulatory impact assessments, Kalim continues advancing applied island research. With over thirty research publications, his innovative approaches are being applied by governments, multilateral banks and the private sector in island contexts. Most recently he completed Guyana’s first National Climate Change Policy and is now working with Guam and the Marianas Islands to model their national clean energy transition pathways. He is originally from Trinidad & Tobago, is a Fulbright Scholar and holds a Doctorate in Public Policy.
Professor and Director, Island Policy Lab, University of Delaware
Kathleen Brennan
Kathleen Brennan is a Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives with the Province of Prince Edward Island’s Climate Adaptation Section, in the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action. She holds a Master of Public Health Science from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, undergraduate degrees from St. Francis Xavier University in both Biology and Human Nutrition, and is a Registered Dietitian. As a civil servant for over 15 years, Ms. Brennan has practical experience and strong aptitudes in the area of government relations and a solid appreciation for the complexities of building public policies while working in collaborative, multi‐sectoral environments. She is passionate about creating healthy communities, food security, and climate action. She currently also serves on the Executive Committee of the UPEI Institute of Island Studies, the Planning Board of the Town of Stratford, the Board of STEAM PEI, and is an Executive Member of the College of Dietitians of PEI.
Kathleen Brennan
Kathleen Brennan is a Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives with the Province of Prince Edward Island’s Climate Adaptation Section, in the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action. She holds a Master of Public Health Science from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, undergraduate degrees from St. Francis Xavier University in both Biology and Human Nutrition, and is a Registered Dietitian. As a civil servant for over 15 years, Ms. Brennan has practical experience and strong aptitudes in the area of government relations and a solid appreciation for the complexities of building public policies while working in collaborative, multi‐sectoral environments. She is passionate about creating healthy communities, food security, and climate action. She currently also serves on the Executive Committee of the UPEI Institute of Island Studies, the Planning Board of the Town of Stratford, the Board of STEAM PEI, and is an Executive Member of the College of Dietitians of PEI.
Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives, Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, Government of Prince Edward Island
Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island
Director, Sustainability Division, Environment, Energy and Climate Action, Government of Prince Edward Island
Net-Zero Project Officer, Government of Prince Edward Island
David O’Sullivan
David is from Ireland, a relatively small but formidable island in the Northeast Atlantic. He is a Marine Biologist and has been with Ireland’s Marine Institute for over 12 years across a number of sections.
Initially working with the Pelagic Fisheries team his research involved mapping of commercial fish stocks and larval transportation models, which contributed to sustainable management and provided practical advice on marine-spatial planning.
After moving to INFOMAR, Ireland’s national seabed mapping programme, he developed the value-added and education program to help translate complex seabed mapping data to a range of audiences. He has completed multiple offshore and onshore surveys including hydrographic, geophysical, fisheries and biological exploration. The latter included 152 ROV dives as Chief Scientist of a high impact, marine biodiversity assessment project, the EMFF Offshore Reef Survey ‘SeaRover’, which supported marine management and planning decisions in Ireland.
David was recently appointed Manager of Our Shared Ocean, a new programme to support research, knowledge exchange and capacity building in partnership with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and it is about this programme that he is delighted to speak to you today.
David O’Sullivan
David is from Ireland, a relatively small but formidable island in the Northeast Atlantic. He is a Marine Biologist and has been with Ireland’s Marine Institute for over 12 years across a number of sections.
Initially working with the Pelagic Fisheries team his research involved mapping of commercial fish stocks and larval transportation models, which contributed to sustainable management and provided practical advice on marine-spatial planning.
After moving to INFOMAR, Ireland’s national seabed mapping programme, he developed the value-added and education program to help translate complex seabed mapping data to a range of audiences. He has completed multiple offshore and onshore surveys including hydrographic, geophysical, fisheries and biological exploration. The latter included 152 ROV dives as Chief Scientist of a high impact, marine biodiversity assessment project, the EMFF Offshore Reef Survey ‘SeaRover’, which supported marine management and planning decisions in Ireland.
David was recently appointed Manager of Our Shared Ocean, a new programme to support research, knowledge exchange and capacity building in partnership with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and it is about this programme that he is delighted to speak to you today.
Our Shared Ocean - Program Manager, Irish Marine Institute
Business Development and Partnerships Commissioner, Corporation d’innovation et de développement des Îles-de-la-Madeleine
Director, Policy and Planning, Environment, Energy and Climate Action, Government of Prince Edward Island
Kata Magyar
Since November 2023, Kata has served as the Director of Business Development at Island Innovation, leveraging her expertise in program design and facilitation for startup accelerators. This role perfectly aligns her passion for sustainability with her previous experience. Joining Island Innovation in the summer of 2022, Kata is constantly enriched by learning about the unique challenges and creative solutions specific to island communities. Through her work and the organization’s projects, she feels a deep sense of purpose in contributing to Island Innovation’s mission of leading the world towards a more sustainable future. The international team at Island Innovation holds a special place for her, as many members are part of island communities themselves, bringing invaluable firsthand experience to the table.
Kata Magyar
Since November 2023, Kata has served as the Director of Business Development at Island Innovation, leveraging her expertise in program design and facilitation for startup accelerators. This role perfectly aligns her passion for sustainability with her previous experience. Joining Island Innovation in the summer of 2022, Kata is constantly enriched by learning about the unique challenges and creative solutions specific to island communities. Through her work and the organization’s projects, she feels a deep sense of purpose in contributing to Island Innovation’s mission of leading the world towards a more sustainable future. The international team at Island Innovation holds a special place for her, as many members are part of island communities themselves, bringing invaluable firsthand experience to the table.
Director of Business Development, Island Innovation
Assistant Professor, Sustainable Design Engineering, University of Prince Edward Island
Arianna Abdul-Nour
Arianna Abdul-Nour is a passionate Project Manager at Island Innovation, driven by a holistic approach to sustainability that considers environmental, economic, and social aspects. She thrives on cultivating sustainable practices and fostering innovation to empower communities worldwide.
Arianna’s diverse background includes an MSc in International Relations and experience as Co-head UK Youth Delegate to COP28. This has equipped her with a unique ability to translate theoretical knowledge into impactful action through policy development and collaboration with governments and international organizations.
Arianna’s commitment to youth empowerment and bridging cultural divides shines through her work. She actively engages with diverse communities, translating their challenges and solutions into impactful reports for the UN. Her global perspective and dedication to sustainable solutions make her a valuable asset at Island Innovation and beyond.
Arianna Abdul-Nour
Arianna Abdul-Nour is a passionate Project Manager at Island Innovation, driven by a holistic approach to sustainability that considers environmental, economic, and social aspects. She thrives on cultivating sustainable practices and fostering innovation to empower communities worldwide.
Arianna’s diverse background includes an MSc in International Relations and experience as Co-head UK Youth Delegate to COP28. This has equipped her with a unique ability to translate theoretical knowledge into impactful action through policy development and collaboration with governments and international organizations.
Arianna’s commitment to youth empowerment and bridging cultural divides shines through her work. She actively engages with diverse communities, translating their challenges and solutions into impactful reports for the UN. Her global perspective and dedication to sustainable solutions make her a valuable asset at Island Innovation and beyond.
Project Manager, Island Innovation
Clean Technology Project Coordinator, Government of Prince Edward Island
Vincent Diringer
I am a content writer for Island Innovation. My main responsibilities include researching and writing articles based on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), sustainable development, and how islands are helping lead the way towards a better future. I also contribute to the company’s communications team by drafting official proposals and materials related to events such as the Virtual Island Summit.
With a background in environmental education and science communication, I am always working towards finding ways to encourage social action towards climate change mitigation. This, combined with my mixed background (French & Fijian), has driven me to advocate for island communities. As such, it has been truly inspiring to be part of a dedicated team that share the same passion for promoting sustainable development and calls attention to the work being done by islanders worldwide.
Having been involved with Island Innovation in some capacity for almost two years, I have witnessed how its growth has provided a platform for change-makers to lead a transition towards a sustainable future. It has highlighted how we can all work together to enact change, and I’m excited to see how far we can go.
I am currently splitting time between the United Kingdom and the Netherlands as I finish my Masters at Leiden University. The emphasis put on sustainability in the Netherlands and the UK’s presidency of COP26 combined with the growing social movements in both countries for climate action has been a truly encouraging experience.
Vincent Diringer
I am a content writer for Island Innovation. My main responsibilities include researching and writing articles based on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), sustainable development, and how islands are helping lead the way towards a better future. I also contribute to the company’s communications team by drafting official proposals and materials related to events such as the Virtual Island Summit.
With a background in environmental education and science communication, I am always working towards finding ways to encourage social action towards climate change mitigation. This, combined with my mixed background (French & Fijian), has driven me to advocate for island communities. As such, it has been truly inspiring to be part of a dedicated team that share the same passion for promoting sustainable development and calls attention to the work being done by islanders worldwide.
Having been involved with Island Innovation in some capacity for almost two years, I have witnessed how its growth has provided a platform for change-makers to lead a transition towards a sustainable future. It has highlighted how we can all work together to enact change, and I’m excited to see how far we can go.
I am currently splitting time between the United Kingdom and the Netherlands as I finish my Masters at Leiden University. The emphasis put on sustainability in the Netherlands and the UK’s presidency of COP26 combined with the growing social movements in both countries for climate action has been a truly encouraging experience.
PR & Editorial Lead, Island Innovation
