Editor & Publisher, The Daily Digest

Jim is the editor & publisher of The Daily Digest, the world’s most widely read bioeconomy daily with 5.9 million readers globally. He is the co-founder of the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference (ABLC) series, and founder of The Circular, Reenergize, and Robin.Stream.

Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM), Market and Industry Services Branch

Tom has been part of the senior management team at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) since 2017, and became ADM, Market and Industry Services Branch in 2021.  His responsibilities include trade negotiations, agriculture and agri-food sectoral competitiveness, emergency management  and departmental regional offices. Previously, Tom served as the department’s Assistant Deputy Minister of Strategic Policy. Before joining AAFC, Tom held senior positions at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Natural Resources Canada.

​President, MJ Rensing Consulting Inc.

Michael was part of the British Columbia public service for 20 years. As Executive Director of the Low Carbon Fuels Branch, Electricity and Alternative Energy Division at the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation, he led the development of BC's Low Carbon Fuel Standard Program which has been responsible for ~30% of the emission reductions achieved by the province, making it one of the most successful low-carbon fuels programs in North America. Michael is the 2021 recipient of the BC Bioenergy Network’s Sector “Champion” Award for outstanding leadership and contribution to the bioenergy sector in BC. As President of MJ Rensing Consulting, he provides strategic guidance to companies seeking to understand low carbon opportunities, and prosper in the low carbon economy. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Victoria.

​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.

Director Strategy and Policy, Boeing Canada

​As Director, Strategy and Policy for Boeing Canada, Pierre contributes to the development of strategic programs and initiatives in support of The Boeing Company’s core business interests in Canada including sustainable aviation fuels. His broad aviation background includes 37 years with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), Ornge, and Transport Canada. He is a former fighter pilot with combat experience and 3500 flying hours. He holds a valid Airline Transport Pilot license (ATPL) with an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) rating and a seaplane endorsement.

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.

Director, Innovation, Bioeconomy and Indigenous Opportunities, Ministry of Forests, British Columbia

Gustavo has been involved in the natural resource sector across Canada as a public servant for over a decade. His work has focused on the socio-economic and business opportunities that resource development projects bring, particularly in rural and remote communities. His work spans mining, oil and gas, and now forestry, with a focus on partnerships with Indigenous communities. Gustavo currently leads the development of British Columbia’s forest bioeconomy, aiming to transition the sector from high volume to high value, increase domestic manufacturing, and create new high paying jobs through research, innovation, and commercialization of novel, forest-based bioproducts.

Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability
Algoma Steel Inc.

Laura has been with Algoma Steel for 19 years. She began her management career in Marketing then moved to Trade and Economics, then Government Affairs and Environment, which lead to her current position as Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability. She is currently active with the Decarbonization Leaders Network, the Association of Women in the Metals Industries, the Metal Service Centre Institute, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters and currently serves as the Chair of the Climate Committee of the Canadian Steel Producers Association.

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.

Managing Consultant, Commercial Sustainability Team, Guidehouse

Anjana has over 15 years experience in the public and private sector in the US and Canada. Prior to joining Guidehouse, she worked with the Ontario Public Sector on developing low-carbon fuel regulations, GHG reduction targets, and helped with developing the biochemical sector in Ontario. Anjana's private sector experience includes working with renewable gasoline and carbon capture start-ups in California and with Dow Chemicals in Philadelphia. She holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and Bachelor' in Chemical Engineering from IIT Bombay. She recently completed her Executive MBA from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. 

Founder and CEO, Transport Energy Strategies

Transport Energy Strategies provides market and policy intelligence, research analysis and strategic advice to clients on a range of global transport energy issues. Tammy runs a member-based consulting service, the Transport Energy Outlook, which provides research analysis and competitive intelligence on global trends across a wide spectrum of sectors. For over 25 years, she has served as strategic advisor for a broad range of clients in the energy industry globally, as well as governments and NGOs. She holds a J.D. from the Georgetown University Law Center and a B.S. in Journalism from the University of Florida. She is a member of the Virginia and District of Columbia bars.

Executive Director, Canadian Council for Sustainable Aviation Fuels

With more than 25 years experience in integrating aviation fuel procurement, environment, and climate risk management, Geoff is a senior leader in commercial aviation, and an engineering professional at the forefront of airline sustainability. This gives him a unique perspective on creating a sustainable aviation fuels market in Canada to support decarbonizing the aviation industry. His past responsibilities centred around setting direction on aviation environmental sustainability strategies, being an industry advocate in the design of aviation climate policy and regulatory measures, and reducing aviation emissions through stakeholder collaborations to advance the use of sustainable fuels and other emissions reduction initiatives. Geoff holds a master’s degree in civil engineering, and is a fellow of the Alberta Energy Futures Lab - a sustainability-driven, innovation-focused initiative whose vision is to accelerate the clean transition of Alberta’s energy system. He serves on the Board of the Clean Resource Innovation Network.

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

Jaakko became Counsellor of Trade and Commercial Affairs to the Embassy of Finland in Canada in February 2023. He previously worked over 30 years in international organizations in various industries for Fiskars, Iittala, L’Oreal, Kellogg’s, Orkla, Olvi Breweries, 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 is a graduate of University of Jyväskylä in  Finland, with a Master Degree in Economics.

Senior Consultant North America Division, 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.

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.

President and CEO, British Columbia Council of Forest Industries

Linda was appointed President and CEO of BC COFI in July 2022. Previously, she was Executive Director of Alberta-based Pembina Institute, a leading Canadian environmental think tank on climate and energy. She also served as Chief Sustainability Officer, Enbridge Inc.; Vice-President Sustainability, Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games; Vice-President Pacific Region, World Wildlife Fund Canada; and Vice-President, Environmental Affairs, MacMillan Bloedel Ltd and the BC Coastal Group of Weyerhaeuser Canada. Linda has been a Distinguished Fellow at the Liu Institute for Global Issues at the University of British Columbia, and has taught corporate social responsibility at UBC’s Sauder School of Business. She has served as a member of the City of Vancouver’s Greenest City Task Force, the 2015 Advisory Panel to the Province of Alberta on Climate Leadership, the 2018 Generation Energy Council on Canada’s Energy Future established by Natural Resources Canada, and Canada’s Net-Zero Advisory Body, which provides advice to the federal government on meeting requirements under Canada’s Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act.

President & CEO Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA)

Since joining the CSPA in January of 2019, and with over 25 years experience in Canada’s national capital, Catherine supported the industry during the disruptive 232 tariff period, spearheaded the development of a leadership climate strategy for the association, and secured critical changes to Canada’s trade remedy regime. Prior to taking the helm at the CSPA, Catherine ran a consultancy providing strategic advice to private and public sector clients in manufacturing, mining, construction, and the forest sector. Catherine also spent 13 years at the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) where, as Executive Vice President, she played a key role in developing the sector’s long-term transformation strategy in response to changing market dynamics and the evolving expectations of civil society. For the last two years, Catherine has been named one of Canada’s Top 100 Lobbyists by The Hill Times. She served on the Premier’s Council on US Trade and Industry Competitiveness & the Advanced Manufacturing Council in Ontario. She is on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Climate Institute. She is a Chemical Engineer from the University of Toronto

Programme Leader, Energy and CO2, ArcelorMittal’s Global R&D Lab

Graeme leads a team of researchers focused on process improvement and industrial greenhouse gas reduction in primary steelmaking. He has over 10 years’ experience in industrial R&D, beginning his career as a researcher in Coal, Coke, and Ironmaking. In recent years, his research work has focused on biocarbon applications in steelmaking. Graeme is also Vice-Chair of the Canadian Carbonization Research Association (CCRA) which has worked with the Canadian Steel Producers Association to develop an R&D roadmap to achieve net-zero steelmaking in Canada by 2050.

Chief Technology Officer, SixRing Inc.

Markus has over 25 years international research and development experience in diverse industrial fields. He holds a PhD in physical and polymer chemistry from the University of Potsdam/Germany and executed his research work at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Potsdam/Germany. He has a profound working knowledge of industrial chemical processes, and the oil and gas industry encompassing fracturing, cementing, heavy oil recovery, and oil field chemistry. Previously, Markus was the lead of a stimulation R&D group of an international Oil & Gas service provider. He has extensive experience in international commercialization of new completion and production chemistry, working closely with engineering, product development, marketing and sales. Markus has co-authored many chemical patents and leads the IP generation activities at SixRing.

Chief, Partnerships and New Initiatives, Delphi Group

Bruce is a senior consultant with Delphi’s Corporate Sustainability and GHG Services and the GLOBE Series of events. His primary responsibility is to offer high-level strategic advice to organizations on various aspects of Sustainable Development and Carbon Management planning and execution as well as program design, implementation, and evaluation. Prior to this, Bruce led Delphi’s Health and Environment practice and was recognized as one of Canada’s leading experts in the strategic integration of health and environmental issues. This involved innovative policy and technology solutions that enabled governments and private corporations to reduce human and eco-system health risks arising from industrial emissions and hazardous products. Bruce has been involved in environmental consulting for almost 30-years and is in the process of transitioning to his next passion play, planting Miyawaki Mini-Forests in Ottawa and surrounding communities. His goal is to plant 24 mini-forests by 2030.

CEO, Ingelia

Ingelia is leading the development of HTC technology to transform wet biomass and biowaste into hydrochar. The firm has operated an industrial HTC plant since 2010, and has commercially launched HTC biocoal into the solid fuel market. Ingelia is also leading an international technology deployment with more than 50 HTC projects in the pipeline - bringing innovation into practice. Marisa has been at Ingelia  
since 2007 and, with responsibility for the commercialization of HTC technology, developing the Spanish market, and company investor relations, has closed three capital raise rounds. She is now structuring Ingelia´s group to implement Ingelia´s technology within Europe establishing Ingelia Italia for Italian deployment and has closed commercial agreements with CPL Industries for the deployment in the UK. She has served as CEO since 2009. Marisa is an industrial engineer (Politechnic University of Valencia) with an Executive MBA, and 20 years experience with innovative startups launching and consolidation.

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.

Graduate student, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Vancouver

An economist/writer turned environmentalist, Aish has over 8 years’ experience in multiple disciplines that give her robust agility and the ability to bring a diverse point of view to the table. Aish is currently a graduate student of Green Business and Sustainability Management at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, British Columbia and spends most of her time involved in youth-led environmental projects be it engagement or education centric. She is interested in creating a circular economy, impact investing, and unlocking innovation to accelerate the transition to clean technology.

Forestry and bio-products Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Canada to Spain

Eugenia joined Global Affairs Canada in 2019 as Trade Commissioner leading the bioeconomy sector and also as commercial infocentre coordinator. She is the first point of contact for Canadian entities seeking to do business in Spain.  In her role as Trade Commissioner, Eugenia helps Canadian companies and organizations expand their bioeconomy business in Spain by providing tailored market information and promising business leads. She has coordinated various successful events in the Bioeconomy connecting Canadian companies with the business ecosystem in Spain and Europe. She coordinates some of the Embassy’s initiatives related to diversity and inclusion and Business Women in International Trade activities. With over 10 years experience, Eugenia has worked as Project Manager for international development cooperation projects funded by the European Commission on private sector development, market access and trade policy. She also worked for the Spanish Export Promotion Agency as International Trade and Policy Advisor based in Brussels. Graduated in Law and Business and holding an MBA on International Business Management, her career has always been linked to international affairs and global business. Eugenia was born and raised in the south of Spain.

​Head of Innovation, Foresa Technologies

Mr. Otero is a chemist with more than two decades experience in innovation and sustainability. He has spent his entire career at Foresa and Foresa Technologies. Established in 1964, Foresa is dedicated to the production of Formaldehyde and Adhesives for use in wood industries. Foresa is part of the group FINSA, one the biggest wood processors in Spain. The company has an environmental policy that highlights its commitment toward developing solutions that enable sustainability. Foresa is a proponent of Green Chemistry, using production systems that respect the environment and that are continuously developing new products and technologies focused along this line.

Associate Prof. Business Management, Forestry Engineering School, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid Spain

Carmen has extensive experience in research, transfer and training projects on entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable organizations with a clear focus on forest bioeconomy and nature-based solutions. As a professor of Business Management, she has participated in numerous educational innovation projects, and published numerous research papers. She has been keynote-speaker at more than 30 international conferences, and is a promoter of the Hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in forest bioeconomic: treeNNOVA. She has coordinated national and international projects focused on nature-based entrepreneurship including Urban Forest Innovation Lab. She was chairwoman of the FAO/UNECE Specialist Team - Green Jobs, as well as member of the Forestry Flagship Decision Support Group, an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).  

Vik Pandit, CEO and co-founder, Phycus Biotechnologies Inc.

Vik has a MASc in Chemical Engineering and a PhD in Metabolic Engineering from the University of Toronto. Phycus Biotechnologies is a company that Vik spun out of the University of Toronto after completing his PhD studies in 2017.  Phycus is a sustainable manufacturer of ingredients for the cosmetics and personal care industry. Its first sustainable ingredient is a 100% biobased glycolic acid for skincare products.

CEO, Hydrogenii Canada Inc.

Martin has over 25 years industrial and manufacturing experience. As the former Senior Director of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Technologies and Cleantech at the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), Martin was responsible for implementing and funding Greenhouse Gas Reduction projects for large scale provincial emitters on behalf of the Province of Ontario. Previously, as Director of Environmental Affairs for St. Marys Cement, Martin led the industry with greenhouse gas mitigation projects including acquiring Ontario’s first ever environmental approval for biomass fuels in the cement industry as well as the first ISO 50001 Certification for Energy Management in North America. Martin is a founding board member of the Ontario Clean Technology Industry Association (OCTIA.ca) and the current Chair of the CIPEC (Canadian Industry Partnership for Energy Conservation) Task Force, a partnership between private industry and Natural Resources of Canada which aims to promote and improve Canada's industrial energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the industrial sector.

Research & Development Specialist, Davey Textile Solutions Inc.

Davey Textile Solutions Inc., is a Canadian manufacturer of high visibility striping. Lelia has a BSc and MSc in Human Ecology (Textiles & Clothing) and is currently enrolled in the Human Ecology Doctoral Program at the University of Alberta researching regenerated cellulosic fibres from hemp feedstock. Her experience in the textile industry spans over 20 years, specializing in industrial personal protective clothing.  Her continuing passion is in hemp, and seeing this amazing plant become part of Canada’s bioeconomy revolution.

Dodds & Associates LLC

David has over 30 years’ experience leading interdisciplinary process development groups combining biological and chemical technologies to create new industrial processes. He established Dodds & Associates in 2002 to provide technical expertise and management to start-up companies in bio/pharma, industrial biotech and renewable chemicals.  He provides technical diligence to the investment community and expert witness service for patent infringement cases.  His current work in biobased chemicals includes the electrochemical regeneration of enzyme cofactors, to allow metabolic pathways to reach 100% carbon efficiency and avoid CO2 production. David pursued post-doctoral work in molecular biology with Marvin Caruthers at the University of Colorado (1984-1986), Boulder. He obtained his Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry under Bryan Jones at the University of Toronto in 1984.

Director, Carbon and Sustainability, Advanced Biofuels Canada

Fred is the Director for Carbon and Sustainability of Advanced Biofuels Canada (ABFC), a national industry association established to promote the production and use of advanced biofuels in Canada. Fred leads ABFC’s work to establish biofuel carbon value, lifecycle analyses in regulations, and sector engagement in sustainability initiatives. Fred has 14 + years experience in the Canadian renewable fuels sector, and is a partner in Waterfall Group.

Executive Chair, Hydrogen Naturally

From a young age, Ian has followed his mother’s sage advice: “When someone tells you that you can’t do something, that just means they can’t do it. It has nothing to do with you.” MacGregor is an entrepreneur who likes to build projects from the ground up. He embraces technical complexity, demonstrated in the $10 billion Sturgeon Refinery project he spearheaded. He also conceived and built the Alberta Carbon Trunk Line, the largest system in the world for the capture and storage of manmade CO2. This system is now fully operational and resulted in the storage of about 2 million tons of CO2 in 2021. After earning his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Calgary in 1971, MacGregor decided he’d earn a better living as a welder. Because he likes commercial opportunity that permits growth to world scale, he often embarks on endeavors others conclude are not economically or technically viable, specializing in building and/or fixing big pieces of missing infrastructure. He is now working on building a world scale carbon removal and green hydrogen hub. Using forest waste (treetops and branches) left behind from existing forest operations, and marginalized trees not processed by sawmills, the hub’s natural air capture facility makes and sequesters CO2, as well as making renewable fuels. The goal is to remove 1 GT of CO2 from the atmosphere and make large quantities of clean hydrogen. The first Carbon Removal and Bright Green Hydrogen hub will be in Western Canada close to existing carbon sequestration infrastructure and forest feedstocks.

Regulatory Engagement Director, 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.

Director Policy & Regulation, Advanced Biofuels Canada

Since 2005, Doug has helped lead the development of Canada’s advanced biofuels sector. He has worked directly on all key federal/provincial energy and climate action policies, including program support to build biofuel production capacity and expand clean fuel use in Canada. He is the Past Chair of the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association.

Partner/Senior Consultant, Navius Research

Navius Research is a Vancouver-based energy and climate policy consultancy. Navius uses quantitative methods to forecast how current and emerging technologies and fuels interact with market drivers, human behaviour, and government policies to impact energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and activity across all sectors of the economy. This includes in-depth analyses of how current Canadian policies affect the transportation sector, and how getting to net-zero will affect the supply and adoption of low-carbon fuels and zero-emissions vehicles across all transportation modes.

VP Strategy and Partnerships, Natural Products Canada (NPC)

NPC is the driving force behind Canada’s Natural Product Innovation Cluster–a strategic and diverse community focused on the development and commercialization of naturally-derived products and technologies including biochemicals, bioplastics and other sustainable bioproducts. NPC offers in-depth advice and a suite of commercialization programs to Canadian early-stage companies and research institutes, provides connections and innovation scouting services to corporations and investors, and leverages an investment fund (NPC Ventures) to help develop and de-risk promising Canadian opportunities. As part of the executive management team, Sue leads NPC’s key relationships and initiatives to help promote and strengthen the Cluster.

Founder & CEO, Digital Networking for Thought-Leaders (DN4TL)

As a natural communicator, leader and entrepreneur, Flo has produced multimedia projects globally since 2008. In 2017, he co-created TheFutureEconomy.ca, an impressive Canadian-focused site of leader interviews on the future economy, and built an influential national network and social media following in the process. Previously, Flo produced high-profile investment profiles in Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and eventually in Canada, where he also organized 3 high-level conferences in Alberta. He speaks 4 languages, has lived and worked in 12 countries and 3 Canadian provinces (AB, BC, QC), has conducted over 1,500 top-level leader interviews globally, 1,000 of which were in Canada. In autumn 2021, Flo launched DN4TL to leverage his passion for business development, his extensive real-life networking experience and connections, and his affinity with technology, to help Canadian leaders connect and grow their social media influence in support of Canadian competitiveness.

Vice-Chair, Sussex Strategy

Over the past 27 years, Bliss has been an innovator, practitioner and commentator in the Public Affairs arena both domestically and internationally. He has been an advisor to two Prime Ministers, Ministers, Members of Parliament and Cabinet. He was a senior advisor to several elected officials including the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Northern Development and Mines. His private sector experience includes Senior Executive roles in the banking and renewables industry and the pipeline industry.  As a former Board Member of the Sierra Club, Bliss has had a lifelong passion for promoting public policies that protect the environment. His clients include a variety of renewable fuels companies, tech and energy-related firms, financial services, agriculture, manufacturing, first nations, clean technology providers, healthcare stakeholders and infrastructure-related firms. Bliss completed his post-graduate degree at the London School of Economics.

Managing Director, TorchLight Bioresources

Dr. Jamie Stephen is the Managing Director of TorchLight Bioresources, a decarbonization strategy and policy advisor for national, provincial, and municipal governments, First Nations, utilities, airlines, large industrial emitters, property developers, and investment funds. Projects range from the development of energy facilities to national strategies on meeting Net Zero targets. He has two decades of experience in the bioenergy industry, working at the interface of the energy, forestry, agriculture, and waste sectors. Dr. Stephen holds a PhD in Forest and Energy Economics and a Masters in Chemical and Biological Engineering from the University of British Columbia. After growing up in the prairies and spending over a decade in Ontario, he now resides with his wife and three daughters in Nova Scotia. 

Green Tech Solutions, Munich Re

Derek is a Chemical Engineer working in the GreenTech solutions group of Munich RE, which offers innovative technology risk-transfer solutions for industrial clients in the bio-circular economy space. A key benefit of the insurance is the transfer of technology performance risk from project investors & lenders to the insurer to enable and improve project financing. The GreenTech focus on the circular economy is aligned with Munich RE’s global decarbonization strategy by providing unique insurance solutions for companies with bioenergy, waste to energy, carbon recycling, and other green technologies. Derek previously worked for LanzaTech as a Technology Manager focused on scale-up and commercialization of a novel gas fermentation technology.

Director, Economic Development, Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point First Nation)

Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek is a formerly displaced First Nation that is in the process of rapidly developing its reserve lands on the south-east shores of Lake Nipigon, Ontario. Jordan is responsible for all on-reserve infrastructure developments, housing and land management, on and off-reserve business developments including the Papasay Value-Added Sawmill operation, forestry and mining agreements, employment and training matters, and regional, multi-First Nation initiatives, all off-reserve consultation matters, and sits on multiple Boards for the community. Jordan is responsible for six staff in his department, budgeting for dozens of projects and initiatives, and all funding applications and reporting requirements associated with these Projects. He has been working with First Nations for the last 13 years in various resource development, lands and economic development-related positions. He received his Master’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Guelph in 2008, and enjoys spending time with his partner, family and friends, travelling the world, fishing, golfing, and heavy metal festivals.    

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.

Consultation Coordinator/Climate Change Specialist & 20/20 Catalyst 2018 Cohort of Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek First Nation

As the first point of entry for all industrial undertakings, Kyla’s main priority is protecting the rights and interests of Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek, along with teaching her community how to adapt to a changing climate. She sees the absolute value in using green/clean energy to fight Climate Change and lower carbon emissions for the next generations. Kyla also works closely with their Community Planner and Development Manager to research best practices as they push forward with the construction of the new community. She has been exploring clean energy initiatives to help her community move forward to achieve its Green Community vision. She has a profound passion for environmental preservation and protection. She believes if humanity works together to understand and carry out these clean energy initiatives, our world will still be here seven generations from now. She has strong feelings towards youth engagement, talking and listening to them, including them in the dialogue, and teaching them new ways of seeing. Kyla is the proud mother of six Ojibway children and co-author of The Palgrave Handbook of Global Arts Education.

Vice President Investments, Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC)

Ziyad joined SDTC in 2016.  As Vice President, Investments, Ziyad ensures that the organization is sourcing and nurturing innovative clean technology companies that have the potential to deliver strong environmental and economic benefits to Canada.  He oversees the day-to-day operation of the SDTech Fund investment process, from intake through to assessment, selection and recommendation of investments to SDTC’s Project Review Committee and Board (approximately $90-100M/year of allocated investment).

Prior to joining SDTC, Ziyad spent 18 years at Iogen Corporation. As EVP Operations and Engineering, and General Manager of Iogen Energy, he successfully led the commercialization of Iogen’s cellulosic ethanol technology, and completed construction and start-up of a US$105M industrial scale facility with its partner Raízen. Ziyad holds an M.B.A., an M.Sc. in Environmental Engineering and a B.A.Sc. in Chemical Engineering.

Chief, Red Rock Indian Band, Lake Helen Reserve

Marcus was elected Chief of Red Rock Indian Band in September 2019. He lives with his wife and is a proud father of 7 beautiful children. At age 36, Marcus is the youngest elected Chief in the history of his community. As Chief, his priorities are the sustainability of his First Nation, Youth, and Elders and the restoration and preservation of the Anishinaabek culture and language. He volunteers as a firefighter, minor hockey coach and President of the Red Rock Minor Hockey Association. A focus area for RRIB is improving existing community infrastructure in addition to exploring and implementing energy-efficient options to suit the needs of the growing community. RRIB manages its forest, which widens the possibilities in the Bio-economy space for his community to explore further initiatives to become self-sustainable and exercise their sovereignty. Before being elected Chief, he had a 16-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces, during which he contributed to the Hurricane Katrina Humanitarian Aid efforts on the Gulf Coast, and led a section of troops on various patrols and successful missions in Afghanistan. Marcus has been awarded several Commendations and Medals. He also earned one bronze and two gold medals at the 2003 NATO Shooting Competition, where he represented Canada against 32 teams from 17 different countries. 

Vice President Research, Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP)

Prior to her current role at IRPP, Rachel was Clean Growth Research Director at the Canadian Climate Institute where she led the development of the report Sink or Swim: Transforming Canada’s Economy for a Global Low-carbon Future. Rachel also spent 15 years as an economist and executive with the federal government, and five years as a consultant working with clients such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on green growth, climate change and biodiversity policy research.

Vice President Innovation, Environment, and Climate Policy Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC)

Mahima oversees the development of the forest industry’s position on key mill-focused environmental topics including climate-change, water, air, and chemicals, as well as advancing the role forest-sector innovation plays in a low-carbon economy. This work is central to supporting industry investment and the sector’s competitiveness in Canada to support decarbonization objectives, and advance a forest-based bioeconomy. She oversees a team that conducts analysis and reporting of key sustainability performance indicators including energy, environment, and health and safety for the pulp and paper and wood products sectors. This work is instrumental in ensuring that FPAC maintains its reputation for housing the latest and most relevant scientifically verified data on environmental performance. Mahima has a Master of Chemical Engineering, as well as two undergraduate degrees in Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry from the University of Ottawa. Most recently, she completed a Certificate of Climate Change Policy and Practice from the University of Toronto. She is currently a Board Director with the Centre for Research Innovation in the Bio-Economy (CRIBE).

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.

Managing 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

Principal, SF Consulting

Sandy heads up SF Consulting, an independent forest and bioeconomy advisory company.  Throughout her career she has worked in senior business development and strategic roles with private, not-for-profit, and government organizations. She most recently served as VP Corporate Affairs at Conifex Timber Inc. a Canadian forest products and biomass power producer, and the Director of Marketing at the BC Bioenergy Network. She is a board member of Bioindustrial Innovation Canada and the Canadian Bioeconomy Conference. 

Advisor, Structured and Corporate Finance, New Energy Risk, California

Christopher Angelo joined New Energy Risk in 2018. He brings with him a wealth of expertise with over 15 years experience in banking, investing, and executive-level corporate finance. Prior to joining New Energy Risk, Christopher was chief financial officer at Silicor Materials Inc (formerly Calisolar Inc.), a solar manufacturing and R&D company. There he led the company’s project financing and financial operations as the company scaled and ramped its solar cell and solar silicon technologies from R&D to two high volume manufacturing plants.Christopher holds a master’s degree in Law and Accounting from the London School of Economics and Political Science, as well dual undergraduate degrees in Finance and Economics from Lehigh University.

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.