Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Brazil to Canada

Ambassador França became Brazil’s Ambassador to Canada in August 2023. Previously, he served as Brazil's Minister of Foreign Affairs from March 2021 to December 2022. He graduated in 1992 from the Brazilian Diplomatic Academy, the Instituto Rio Branco. He holds degrees in Law (1990) and in International Relations (1986), both from the University of Brasilia, as well as a specialization in Economic Planning and Integral Management of Energy Systems from the Universidad Catolica Boliviana San Pablo (2008). From September 1999 to September 2011, he served as diplomat in the Brazilian missions to the United States, Paraguay and Bolivia. Before his appointment as Minister of State, he held the positions of Head of the Science, Technology and Innovation Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2017), Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2018), Chief of Protocol for the Office of the President of the Republic of Brazil (2019) and Chief Advisor to the President for Foreign Affairs (2020). From 2015 to 2017, França was Director of Corporate Affairs and Strategic Business at AG S.A., the holding company of the Brazilian multinational engineering & infrastructure group Andrade Gutierrez. From 2021 to 2023, he was a member of the Board of Directors of Itaipu Binacional, the State owned power generation & transmission company jointly run by the governments of Brazil and Paraguay.

Permanent Representative of Brazil to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

Ambassador Arslanian Neto holds a degree in Economics from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. In 1994, he started his diplomatic career at the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in 1998, he completed a specialization course on European Integration at the Collège d’Europe, in Bruges. At the Ministry´s headquarters in Brasília, he served as assistant at the MERCOSUR Division; Deputy head of the Services, Investment and Financial Affairs Division; advisor to the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs; general coordinator of political and economic planning at the Secretariat for Diplomatic Planning; Director of the Department of Regional Economic Integration; Director of the Department of MERCOSUR and Regional Integration; and Secretary of the Americas. His overseas postings include the Brazilian Mission to the European Union, the Permanent Delegation to the Latin American Integration Association and MERCOSUR in Montevideo, and the Brazilian Mission to the Organization of American States in Washington DC. He took office as Permanent Representative of Brazil to ICAO in July 2023.

Chief Executive Officer, HarvestGreen 4H2 Inc.

HarvestGreen 4H2 Inc., is at the forefront of advancing clean, net zero carbon intensity bio-syngas (an alternative to RNG) and bio-hydrogen solutions. With over three decades of experience in capital markets and project finance, Eric has played a pivotal role in mobilizing billions in international funding for oil & gas, power, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.  Mid-way through his career he recognized the global imperative to confront climate change, and decided to focus on the low carbon economy. Prior to founding HarvestGreen 4H2, Eric held senior leadership roles at Plasco Energy Group, Export Development Canada, and Barclays Bank Canada, where he spearheaded innovative financing strategies for complex, capital-intensive projects. His expertise spans limited recourse project finance, risk management, and structuring public-private partnerships. He brings a unique perspective and insights on scaling up bio-technology including scaling the technology, scaling finance, and scaling of the market demand for clean, bio-energy alternatives.

President, Jaffe Policy Consulting

Jaffe Policy Consulting provides strategic advice on national and international policies involving agriculture and food, with specific expertise in sustainability, climate, bioeconomy, biotechnology, biofuels, sustainable proteins, biomanufacturing, PFAS, pesticides, food safety, and food loss and waste. He recently worked as the Senior Advisor for Regulatory Affairs in U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of the Secretary. Greg was the Department’s Chief Regulatory Officer responsible for managing the Department’s regulatory agenda, interdepartmental review of all significant regulations, and engagement with EPA and FDA on their regulations and policies that impact USDA programs or stakeholders. Before joining USDA, Greg worked for at the Center for Science in Public Interest, a non-profit consumer organization working on food and nutrition issues.

Founder, Government Affairs Accelerator

Ally is a policy strategist, attorney, and venture capital advisor specializing in emerging technologies. A recognized leader in finance and technology policy, she has testified before Congress in the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, contributed to Milken Institute Financial Innovations Labs, and been featured in national publications. She holds a Juris Doctor in International Law from Pace University and has completed U.N. finance training.

Board Chair, GreenSpring BioInnovation Hub; Board Chair, Forest Economic Task Force of Nova Scotia

A natural resource professional, Allan’s Career spanned positions in the Federal and  Provincial governments, as well as in the private sector. In his role as Associate Deputy Minister with the Department of Natural Resources, Nova Scotia, and as Manager of Business Development for Port Hawkesbury Paper, Allan  has been deeply immersed in developing the Bio-economy in Nova Scotia for many years.

Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Zylotex Inc.

Lelia, holds a BSc and MSc in Human Ecology (Textiles & Clothing) and is currently pursuing a PhD in the Department of Human Ecology at the University of Alberta. Her research focuses on regenerated cellulosic fibres derived from hemp feedstock. With over two decades experience in industrial personal protective clothing, Lelia brings deep expertise in textiles, product development, and quality systems. Lelia leads Zylotex’s efforts in sustainable lyocell manufacturing, serves on the Board of Directors for both the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance and the Alberta Hemp Alliance, and is the Co-Chair of the Research & Development Committee for the Canadian Textile Industry Association. Her passion lies in unlocking hemp’s potential as a cornerstone of the green economy, driving a vision of a regenerative, circular future for textiles. 

Owner / Founder, Own Innovation

Jim is a proud supporter of Canadian technology companies. He is an IP lawyer, a patent and trademark agent before the Canadian IP Office, and works directly for Canadian companies with the US Patent and Trademark Office. He is a fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, where he studies IP and innovation policy. Jim has a background in mechanical engineering, and worked in heavy truck manufacturing and fiberglass project management before law school. He has a Bachelor of Engineering from McMaster University, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Toronto. Jim is an assistant professor at Western University where he teaches engineers about IP.  He’s a huge advocate of pro bono legal services, and works with entrepreneurs locally and nationally at incubators and accelerators on IP and IP strategy. He works closely with the Council of Canadian Innovators on Canada’s Innovation initiatives and Canada’s national IP strategy.

Lawyer, Project Lead - Sustainable Finance, Ecojustice

Karine started her career at Davies Ward Philips and Vineberg LLP. She holds an M.Sc. in Environmental Change and Management from the University of Oxford, and a B.C.L./LL.B. from McGill University’s transsystemic law program. She was awarded a King’s Charles III coronation medal in 2025 and Lawyer of the Year / Tomorrow’s Leader in the alternative career category by the Montréal Young Bar Association in 2015. She worked in the office of independent Senator Rosa Galvez where, based on expert consultations, she authored the groundbreaking Climate-Aligned Finance Act introduced in 2022. She also worked to ensure the passage of the Galvez sponsored Canada Net Zero Accountability Act. A member of the Quebec Bar since 2007, she was the director of the Quebec Center for Environmental Law from 2014 to 2018. She was deeply involved in the injunction that protected beluga whales against an oil terminal in the St-Lawrence, and the litigation that lead to the first federal emergency decree order on private land for the western chorus frog, stopping a real estate development in the suburbs of Montréal. She also worked on all files concerning the now defunct Energy East pipeline. Karine joined Ecojustice in March 2024 as project lead for sustainable finance.

President and CEO, ECOSTRAT Inc.

Jordan has been President and CEO of Ecostrat for over 20 years where he oversees the Biomass Advisory Group and the Biomass Supply Group. He has overseen the supply of more than 5MM tons of biomass feedstock to projects around North America. As head of Ecostrat Advisory, Jordan has led supply chain de-risking teams for JP Morgan, Shell, Enviva, NREL, DTE Energy, Macquarie Bank, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Southern Company, Rentech, Noresco, EDF, Sweetwater, Solvay, McKinstry, LaFarge, PGE, Eastman, Coca-Cola, Johnson Controls, Siemens, and the Canadian government. He is presently the leading partner with US National Laboratory INL in a 5 year project to develop the new US National Standards for Biomass Supply Chain Risk for the US Department of Energy.

Senior Advisor, Centre for Greening Government, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

Chris is the Senior Advisor for National Safety and Security Fleets at the Government of Canada’s Centre for Greening Government. The Centre leads and coordinates federal activities toward net-zero, climate resilient and green government operations. Chris leads the Centre’s activities to green the federal government’s air and marine fleets, including the Low-Carbon Fuel Procurement Program.  Prior to this position, Chris worked on plastics and circular economy policies at Environment and Climate Change Canada and delivered sustainability services for various public and private sector organizations. He has a Master’s in Sustainable Community Development (Human Geography), and a Bachelor of Environmental Science from Simon Fraser University.

Air Quality & Greenhouse Gas Manager, Policy and Advocacy, Imperial Oil Ltd

Michelle supports policy and regulatory development as the Air Quality & Greenhouse Gas Manager at Imperial Oil where she has worked for 20 years. She focuses on Provincial and Federal air quality and Greenhouse Gas emission policies. Her previous roles with Imperial have included fuels policy, and environmental compliance positions in headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Canada and the United States. She holds a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from the University of Calgary.

President and CEO, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC)

Derek has been President and CEO of FPAC since March 2016. He is proud to represent Canada’s forest products sector and its workers, families, and communities nationally and internationally. Derek also serves as the industry representative and advisor to the United Nations Forum on Forests, and is the Past President of the International Council of Forest & Paper Associations – an organization of forest sector leaders from 28 countries. He is a member of the Board of Directors of FPInnovations, Canada’s leading forest sector research institute. Prior to joining FPAC, Derek served as Senior Vice President with Food & Consumer Products of Canada, the country’s leading voice for consumer goods manufacturers such as Coca-Cola, McCains, Nestle, Procter & Gamble, and Unilever. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President of Public Affairs with Retail Council of Canada representing over 45,000 retail storefronts including leading retailers like Canadian Tire, Home Depot, Staples, and Home Hardware. He has also held senior political positions with the Government of Ontario, including two years as Chief of Staff to Ontario’s Minister of Consumer and Business Services.

Senior Consultant North America, AFRY Management Consulting

Maryam has over eight years of research and technical experience in the fields of chemical engineering and biorefinery. Since joining AFRY she has managed a number of projects related to bio-based chemicals and materials including  advanced biofuels and lignin. She holds a Master's and  Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and Environmental Science from the University of Toronto where she focused on finding ways to valorize biomass as renewable resources to replace petroleum-derived chemicals. Maryam is an active member of the Canadian Standards Association CSA Group as part of the lignin technical committee.

Partner and Federal Affairs Practice Group Lead, Sussex Strategy Group

Devin has established himself as an expert on federal policy issues spanning across a broad range of sectors. With almost twenty years of government-facing experience in the Nation's Capital, Devin's expertise lies in energy system transitions, agriculture, industrial policy, healthcare, clean technology development and deployment, and environmental policy. He has played a key role in shaping federal policy instruments such as the carbon pricing backstop system and clean technology investment tax credits. Beyond policy design, he has helped secure billions of dollars of federal funding for clean tech, clean energy, and industrial decarbonization projects. His extensive network and experience have enabled him to build lasting relationships between clients and key federal officials. 

Counsellor of Trade and Commercial Affairs, Embassy of Finland in Canada

Jaakko has been Counsellor of Trade and Commercial Affairs, Embassy of Finland in Canada since February 2023. Previously he worked over 30 years in international organizations in various industries for Fiskars, Iittala, L’Oreal, Kellogg’s, Gogrow, Orkla, OlviBreweries, Finnish Design Forum and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. His long experience in international management positions, board work, Finnish government and private businesses give him unparalleled business insight. He has extensive international experience from European, American, Japanese, and MENA markets. He is a graduate of University of Jyväskylä with a Master of Business Administration degree in Economics. 

CEO and Co-Founder, Evercloak

Evercloak is a cleantech startup focused on reducing energy consumption through innovative advanced materials. With over two decades of experience in engineering, technology commercialization, and industry partnerships, Evelyn has led Evercloak’s development of ultra-thin membranes designed to improve energy efficiency in HVAC systems. Her journey into entrepreneurship was driven by a passion for sustainability and her experience in building industry partnerships and managing technology commercialization. Prior to Evercloak, Evelyn worked with organizations such as Eramosa Engineering, Southern Ontario Water Consortium, and the University of Waterloo. She is a Professional Engineer with a Master’s in Environmental Engineering from the University of Guelph and a Bachelor’s in Engineering Physics from McMaster University. She was also selected as one of the six finalists in the Women in Cleantech Challenge.

Executive Director, Greenspring Bioinnovation Hub

Rod is passionate about the bioeconomy and renewable resources, spending the beginning of his career in operational roles with Alberta Pacific Forest Industries and Bowater Mersey Paper Company, where he specialized in forest management. In addition to an MBA from Saint Mary’s University, Rod holds a Bachelor of Science in Forest Engineering from the University of New Brunswick. Rod is also an entrepreneur and has been involved in the launch of several ventures that support product and process innovation in the Canadian bioeconomy.

General Manager, Energy & Technical Services, Walker Industries

Graham has been employed by the Walker for 20 years, serving as the General Manager of Energy & Technical Services for nearly a decade. In this role, Graham is responsible for the day-to-day management of 10 landfill gas utilization and carbon reduction projects which have a combined output of 32 Megawatts of renewable energy generation. With a background in engineering and project management he has been the lead PM on numerous design/build projects dealing with landfill gas capture and utilization, solid waste, biosolids, composting and municipal infrastructure. Graham has been active in the RNG space for last 8 years and is currently completing the development of the first landfill gas to RNG facility in the Province of Ontario. He has been a member of the Canadian Biogas Association (CBA) for many years, most recently in the capacity of Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for them.

President, SixRing Inc.  

Scott joined SixRing as President in 2022, focusing on corporate and strategic development and project realization. He joined from the Oil and Gas and Finance industries, where he focused on equity and debt capital as well as strategic development and M&A. Scott holds an Engineering Degree (Chemicals and Materials) from the Royal Military College of Canada, and a Finance MBA from the University of Calgary. He is a registered professional Engineer, served 9 years in the Royal Canadian Navy, and makes his home in Calgary.

Director of Policy and Communications, Canadian Biogas Association (CBA)

Sarah leads outreach and advocacy activities at the Canadian Biogas Association to raise awareness of the Canadian biogas & renewable natural gas (RNG) sector, and to promote the role of biogas in Canada’s energy transition. Her activities highlight biogas technology and developments to CBA members and stakeholders. Sarah also supports advocacy efforts on critical federal and provincial files to ensure policy tools provide opportunities for the Canadian biogas & RNG sector. She has worked in many areas of the bioeconomy for public, private, and not-for profit organizations.  Sarah has been working with the CBA since 2016, and sees significant potential in bioenergy and waste-to-resource technologies.

Founding partner, BioApplied

BioApplied is a consultancy specializing in business services for the bioeconomy. Greg supports several companies developing and deploying new cleantech materials, products and technologies, primarily through the industrial partner and client engagement process. As a director on the board of Bioindustrial Innovation and the Sustainable Chemistry Alliance, Greg chairs the audit and finance committee. He also serves as a strategic advisor to Greenspring BioInnovation Hub, providing outreach, investment, and project management support.

President, Industries in Transition 

Wendy’s technology/sustainability programs have had an impact on special interest groups regionally, nationally, and internationally. She has worked with some of Canada’s most respected media and communications firms supporting her passion for agriculture, energy production, agri-food and public health. She has launched hundreds of consumer marketing, B2B, cause marketing programs, and orchestrated dozens of events, workshops and research efforts - all serving the need for progress for both business and the societies they serve. Currently, she helps businesses up and down the energy, ag and agri-food value chains better navigate the change spectrum that inherently comes with advancements in technology, sustainability and supply chain optimization. She believes that healthy communication, mutual understanding, and purposeful storytelling are the means to guide our nation’s movement towards such things as greener buildings, more sustainable food production and cleaner fuels.

CEO, Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership

Matthew leads a team of economic development officers focused on investment and workforce attraction, retention and expansion initiatives associated with Sarnia-Lambton’s core industrial sectors. He has helped the Sarnia-Lambton Hybrid Chemistry Cluster, the Ontario’s Hydrogen Hub in Sarnia-Lambton, and the Sarnia-Lambton Energy & Chemistry Cluster gain international recognition, attracting new investment and employment to the Sarnia-Lambton area. Matthew is dedicated to seeing the advancement of the clean, green, and sustainable chemistry industry in Sarnia-Lambton, with a focus on the transition to low-carbon hydrogen and net-zero.

Principal, SF Consulting Inc., Sr. Advisor Bioeconomy Initiatives, Foresight Canada

Sandy is an independent forestry and bioeconomy advisor. Drawing on her background in senior corporate affairs, business development, and strategic roles with private, not-for-profit, and government organizations, she provides consulting services at the strategic, tactical, and interim senior management levels. She is currently a senior advisor to Foresight Canada, a cleantech accelerator for the BioNEXT program and the Bioeconomy sector BC Net Zero Initiative. Previous full time roles included Vice-President of Corporate Affairs at Conifex Timber Inc., and Director of Marketing and Business Development at the BC Bioenergy Network. She served on the 2018 Federal Resources of the Future Economic Strategy Table and is a board member of Bioindustrial Innovation Canada (BIC) and the Canadian Bioeconomy Conference and Exhibition Society.

President & CEO, Ontario Forest Industries Association

Ian has worked as a consulting forester and environmental scientist, undertaking projects for clients in the oil and gas, mining and exploration, nuclear energy, government, and forestry sectors. Since joining the OFIA in 2015, he served in various forestry, manufacturing, and environmental policy roles. Appointed as the OFIA's President & CEO in 2021, Ian currently oversees Association strategy, governance, public relations, and business administration. Working closely with Association membership, Ian developed a comprehensive strategic plan for the OFIA, representing a new direction and approach for the Association. He championed the development and continued implementation of Ontario's Forest Sector Strategy and Biomass Action Plan, focusing on competitive measures designed to attract capital investment and strengthen the sector. Ian is a registered professional forester and has been a full member of the Ontario Professional Foresters Association since 2013.

Co-founder & President, Orfoncé Inc.

Alireza is a young promising entrepreneur dedicated to transforming academic knowledge into practical solutions for real-world challenges. As the co-founder and president of Orfoncé Inc., he leads innovative efforts to replace petroleum-based materials with sustainable bio-materials in the printing industry. Under his leadership, Orfoncé’s bio-material printing project was recognized as a top 20 solution for climate change at the Climate Change Festival 2024. Alireza’s expertise in sustainability and his commitment to addressing environmental issues position him at the forefront of the clean tech industry, where he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Chief Executive Officer, Natural Products Canada (NPC)

As founding CEO of NPC, Shelley King has positioned Canada as a global trailblazer in the natural product sector. For over 25 years, she has married her scientific background in academia with her in-depth knowledge of entrepreneurship and industry to help Canadian innovations go from bright idea to market-ready product. NPC has built a 3000+ network, advanced more than 1500 companies, invested in 13 early-stage enterprises, and experienced two exits. To date, they have an impressive track record of helping clients raise $64 for every $1 distributed by NPC. A risk-taker, relationship broker, and bridge builder, Shelley holds an MSc in medicine and an MBA from Memorial University.

Director, Biocoal Development, Taaleri Bioindustry Ltd.

Juha has over 15 years experience in bioenergy and forestry industries with deep expertise in the development of value chains for by-products in those business sectors. As an entrepreneur in bioenergy and forestry consulting business his work has ranged from planning, executing, and constructing investment projects, identifying potential opportunities for further processing, developing bioenergy procurement, and enhancing service production and operational management within the wood processing sector. Prior to his entrepreneurial career, he served in various leadership roles in bioenergy and wood procurement at Koskinen Ltd and Junnikkala Ltd. For two years he was CEO at Finnish civil engineering company, Maarakennus Kamara Ltd., and served as Chairman of the Board for another two years. Throughout these four years, the civil engineering company engaged in investments in the mining, renewable energy, and forestry industries.

President, Advanced Biofuels Association

The Advanced Biofuels Association, is a Washington-D.C. based association of more than 40 advanced biofuels feedstock, production, marketing, and distribution companies. Michael formed the Association in 2007 and has acted as its lead representative since, building on more than 40 years’ experience in government and public affairs focused on energy, fuels policy, climate change, air policy and tax. In the private sector, Mr. McAdams worked for BP for more than 14 years, and on Capitol Hill, including as legislative director to Congressman Ralph Hall (R-TX). A leading voice in the renewable fuels field, Mr. McAdams has testified numerous times before Congress and federal agencies, speaks regularly at industry and academic conferences, and authors a twice-monthly column in Real Clear Energy.

Founder & CEO, FrontFundr

Peter-Paul has over 20 years experience in banking in Europe. After moving to Canada in 2010, he worked with several young companies and realized there were no efficient channels for attracting capital and that most investors are locked out from investing in private companies. Peter-Paul is the founder and CEO of Silver Maple Ventures Inc., the company that built and operates Canada’s leading investment crowdfunding platform FrontFundr and DealSquare, Canada’s first centralized dealer platform for private placements. He is a member of the advisory committees of the Private Capital Markets Association in Canada (PCMA) and National Crowdfunding Association Canada (NCFA). Peter-Paul holds a Master of Science in business economics and finance from Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Founder & CEO, Circle Bay Capital

Duncan is a seasoned private markets investor, infrastructure developer and advisor. He recently founded Circle Bay to provide capital and advice to companies and project developers in the energy transition and digital infrastructure sectors. Current partners in the bioeconomy include Hughes Energy and CarbonSweep – both of which are in the late stages of developing institutional-scale projects which transform municipal solid waste into high-value, carbon-negative fuels using proven technologies. Prior to founding Circle Bay, Duncan led the private equity business at Forum Asset Management and worked at Macquarie Capital where he focused on principal investing and infrastructure development.

Directeur général, Innofibre

Jean-Philippe holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, and a master's degree in energy and materials science. Working for several years in the family recycling business, Jean-Philippe acquired solid expertise in business development and strategic partnerships. His expertise and leadership then led him to take on a management position at Innofibre in January 2018. Since then, he supervises the research work while maintaining a collaborative project approach. According to Jean-Philippe, teamwork is the key to success in accelerating technological development and scientific innovation.

​Manager Strategic Initiatives, Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group)

Lynn’s is the CSA Group lead for their Bioeconomy Initiative which includes activities across the value chain from biomass source to end of use. She is passionate about helping advance the Canadian Bioeconomy through standards. Prior to taking on this cross-sector role, she managed Canadian and International standards development committees including having a leadership role in the Canadian-held Secretariat as the International Committee Manager for ISO TC/6 Paper, board, and pulps. She has over 25 years’ experience working with a broad set of stakeholders across Natural Resource sectors including Oil & Gas, Forestry, Mining as well as working extensively with municipal governments on environmental issues. She has a degree in geological engineering and a master’s degree in petroleum geology.

CEO, The Transition Accelerator

Dan has spent more than 25 years performing and managing research, driving innovation, and fostering collaboration between industry, government, academia, and civil society. The Transition Accelerator is a pan-Canadian charity that works with groups across the country to solve business and social challenges while building in net zero emission solutions. Dan is also the co-chair of Canada’s Net-Zero Advisory Body, the statutory independent body that advises the federal government on setting interim emission reduction targets on the way to a net-zero emission Canada by 2050, and on the most likely pathways to get there. Prior to the Transition Accelerator, Dan was CEO of Canada’s Oil Sands Innovation Alliance, Executive Director of the Canadian Forest Innovation Council, and a senior manager at Environment and Climate Change Canada and Natural Resources Canada. He was Assistant Professor at the University of Montana, and holds a PhD in Aquatic Ecology from the University of Montana. His initial career was in professional football, as a linebacker for the Calgary Stampeders and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Executive Director, Council on Sustainable Aviation Fuels Accountability (CoSAFA)

Through CoSAFA Madison is working to develop a standardized, publicly available, transparent, and verifiable, environmental attribute accounting framework for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) book and claim transactions. Prior to her work with CoSAFA, Madison spent 11 years as a CH-53E helicopter pilot in the US Marine Corps. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree in Environmental Planning and Management.

CEO, Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy (CRIBE)

Chris is a management professional with over 25 years experience specializing in government relations, strategic planning, sustainability planning and project development, with a focus in the forest products and bio-economy sectors.

Director, Regulatory Engagement, EcoEngineers

Lisa has nearly 20 years’ experience leading government relations and regulatory outreach in North America and Europe. She serves as EcoEngineers policy and regulatory engagement expert. She is responsible for staying current on key local, state, national, and international legislative, regulatory, and policy developments. She analyzes policy developments and how they fit within government decarbonization goals and efforts. In previous positions, Ms. Hanke provided technical and business leadership, advocacy, and support to members of the Canadian Fuels Association. She also spent 16 years leading global government affairs for clean technology companies Enerkem and Iogen. Ms. Hanke advocated for biofuels and renewable energy under the low-carbon fuel standards in Canada, British Columbia, the United States, the European Union, California, and other emerging markets.

Executive Director, Canadian Oilseed Processors Association (COPA)

As Executive Director of COPA, Chris represents its members on matters pertaining to the oilseed processing industry.  Chris is also a senior executive with the Canola Council of Canada (CCC), providing leadership on topics impacting all segments of the canola value chain. His work has focused on the growing opportunities and challenges for the canola industry as the world transitions to a lower carbon future.  He leads the value chain’s efforts on renewable fuels, working closely with government and industry partners on key regulatory initiatives, including Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulation and federal and state programs in the U.S.   

President & CEO, Canadian Fuels Association

Bob, a native of Hawkesbury Ontario, joined the Canadian Fuels Association as President and CEO in September 2020. He is proud to represent Canada’s innovative fuels sector, and the critical role the sector plays to provide reliable, safe and environmentally responsible transportation energy to all Canadians. Bob leads the Association in driving policies that improve environmental performance, protect industry competitiveness and strengthen Canada’s critical energy infrastructure. Focusing on maintaining an open dialogue between industry and government, its stakeholders and the public are priorities. Bob also strongly believes that the Association can offer access to information and analysis in order to help drive informed policy decisions. Prior to joining the CFA, Bob was Senior Vice-President at the Forestry Products Association of Canada where he supported the sector on policy and technical issues relating to climate change, innovation, Indigenous engagement and environmental regulations.  Mr. Larocque was also responsible for supporting the sector in achieving its “30 by 30 Climate Change Challenge”. Bob attended the University of Ottawa graduating with an Honours Degree in Chemical Engineering. He resides in Ottawa with his wife Tara and their three children.

Executive Director, Bioindustrial Innovation Canada (BIC)

Meaghan is a nationally recognized thought-leader in the bioeconomy and has been spearheading research and innovation opportunities across the country for almost a decade. Prior to joining BIC, she was Executive Director of BioNB, a high-impact NGO focused on providing support to companies and stakeholders in New Brunswick’s bioscience sector. She also served as Chief Executive Officer of New Brunswick’s Health Research Foundation. She has a graduate degree in agricultural sciences and several certificates and diplomas in communications and management development. Her influence is national in scope and brings industry and association collaborators together building strong partnerships across a multitude of science, and technology sectors. She serves in leadership roles on several regional and national boards in support of entrepreneurs, research, innovation and investment entities.

President and CEO, Iogen Corporation

Brian joined Iogen in 1982 and became the company’s CEO in 1986. He has been responsible for the formation and operation of the company’s strategic alliances and overseen Iogen’s technology development and positioning. Under his leadership, Iogen became a world leader in cellulosic ethanol, and built a successful business manufacturing industrial enzymes. Brian holds Bachelors degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering and a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, all received in 1980.

Founding Partner, AJW Inc.

Christopher Hessler founded the government relations firm AJW and is recognized as one of the country’s foremost experts in environmental market mechanisms and renewable fuels policy. With three decades of experience, he specializes in leveraging public policy to help clean technologies enter and thriv.e in energy and environmental markets

CEO, Passmore Group Inc.; Chair, Scaling Up

Jeff has worked in the renewable energy, renewable chemicals, and bio-economy sectors for 40 years. His expertise includes strategic investor relations, project capital attraction, site location assessment, and corporate communications. In 2010, he launched the management consultancy Passmore Group Inc. In November, 2016 he created Canada’s inaugural Bioeconomy Conference “Scaling Up” focussing on the commercialization challenges faced by biochemical, bioenergy, biofuels, and bioproducts technology providers. He has served on the CleanTech Advisory Board of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, and on Canada’s National Advisory Board on Energy Science & Technology. He is the Past Chair of the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association, Past Chair of the Canadian Wind Energy Association, Past Chair of the Solar Energy Society of Canada, Past Vice-Chair of the Independent Power Producers’ Society of Ontario, and Past President of the Ottawa Chapter of the International Association for Energy Economics. He currently serves on the Board of the Canadian Association for the Club of Rome.