The following candidates are seeking election for the 2023 Energy NL Board of Directors:
Vice-Chair (Acclaimed)
Jeremy Whittle
Crosbie
Jeremy Whittle has charted his career in the province’s offshore oil and gas sector, working in progressively senior roles, onshore and offshore, with operator and service sector companies in various disciplines, including Logistics, Commercial and Supply Chain Management, and Health and Safety. Following thirteen years with Husky Energy, with a breadth of experience and a unique perspective, Jeremy joined Crosbie in 2017 and was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2022. Jeremy is responsible for leading Crosbie’s offshore business in Newfoundland and Labrador and is actively engaged in Crosbie’s expansion into new markets, most notably Guyana.
Originally from St. Bernard’s – Jacques Fontaine, an outport community on the Burin Peninsula of Newfoundland and Labrador, Jeremy is committed to helping sustain a globally competitive energy sector that is well-positioned to deliver value for Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, and global energy markets. Jeremy considers a strong energy sector critical to our future. Having served a two-year term as Director on the Energy NL Board of Directors, he is eager to continue applying his industry experience and knowledge as Vice-Chair to foster growth and sustainability for the wider energy industry and Energy NL members.
Jeremy holds a Master of Business Administration from Durham University, Durham, UK, a Bachelor of Maritime Studies from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and a Diploma of Technology in Nautical Science from Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Jeremy resides in St Johns with his wife Karen and their three children.
Director
Samantha Harding
Eastern Composite Services
Having worked with clients across the globe, Samantha is an accomplished public relations practitioner with a specialization in integrated marketing communications, strategic planning and execution, and business and relationship management. As a natural goal-seeker and relationship builder, Samantha brings a sense of care and curiosity to every conversation. Driven by a passion for understanding, she believes that effective communication is a key to success in any industry.
Through working alongside government, corporate, and non-profit organizations, Samantha combines strong communications, problem solving and leadership skills to tackle complex projects and achieve measurable results. As a strategic thinker—widely known for her enthusiasm, personality, and attention to detail— Samantha is passionate about connecting the world through communication, and proudly ensures clients, customers and their experiences are put first.
With more than a decade of combined experience, Samantha now works as Director, Marketing and Communications with Eastern Composite Services; overseeing the full integration of marketing and communications activities for all business functions, ensuring alignment with business development activities, strategic partnerships and the overall long-term strategy for the organization.
Samantha is a Bachelor of Public Relations (BPR) graduate from Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU), and is looking forward to returning to MSVU in September 2023 to further her education through the Master of Public Relations (MPR) program. She also serves on the International Association of Business Communicators – Newfoundland and Labrador (IABC-NL) board of directors.
Caron Hawco, PMP, CITP, ABC, ICD.D
Caron Hawco Group
As President of the Caron Hawco Group, Caron is a consultant who advises leaders on strategy, communications, stakeholders, diversity, regulations, and market development in the energy (petroleum, hydrogen, wind) and clean/ocean tech sectors. She offers significant knowledge relating to Newfoundland and Labrador’s energy, oceantech and cleantech sectors and supply chain. Recently, her work has focused on the wind/hydrogen, energy storage and ocean /clean technology sectors.
Caron is a Professional Project Manager (PMP), an Internationally Accredited Communicator (ABC), a Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) and a Corporate Director (ICD.D.). She was also awarded Newfoundland and Labrador’s Communications Professional of the Year by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).
• Energy Sector Experience: Caron has advised energy industry corporations, innovators, supply chain companies and associations. For over seven years, she worked with Statoil (now Equinor) as a member of its Offshore Canada leadership team, contributing to a number of global initiatives, such its North American communications strategy, its Arctic and East Coast Canada strategies and the Bay du Nord development. In recent years, her consulting work has expanded to include wind, hydrogen, cleantech, innovation and energy storage. Caron has contributed to several studies relating to export, economic diversification, the expansion of the province’s clean energy industries as well as diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Industry Advocacy: Caron is an active business volunteer and industry advocate who has served on over 15 boards of directors. She is a speaker and writer on topics relating to economic growth, diversity and industry. She is currently serving on Newfoundland and Labrador’s Net Zero Council as well as the Energy NL, COVE and Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce Boards of Directors. She served on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Oil and Gas Recovery Taskforce.
• Energy NL (NOIA) Experience: Caron is past Chair of NOIA and has led numerous NOIA initiatives, including co-chairing its international conference and its 30-year anniversary celebrations. She has also contributed to numerous policy / advocacy initiatives and export projects targeting Mexico, Norway, and Guyana.
Kristina Ennis
People Stuff
Kristina Ennis (she/her) is a proud Newfoundlander and Labradorian, outgoing professional, and a dedicated advocate for our energy sector, seeking your support in re-election to the Energy NL Board of Directors.
Kristina is a Senior HR Partner and Business Development Manager with People Stuff, a local registered Indigenous company providing HR expertise to companies in all sectors (energy, healthcare, retail, hospitality, not for profit, municipalities, and more) across Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada – and Norway! She is a dedicated community builder, serving as a Director on the St. John’s Board of Trade and incoming President of Rotary St. John’s East.
She is a Bachelor of Commerce (Co-op) Honours graduate from Memorial University and has been a dedicated member of the Energy NL board of directors since 2021. She started her career in 2012 at WorleyParsons as an HR and Industrial Benefits co-op student with the Hebron Topsides Project, and remained through first oil before transitioning to ExxonMobil as the Industrial Benefits and R&D Analyst in 2018. In 2021, Kristina joined the SEM Ltd team, supporting business development, socioeconomic and community relations, and HR.Kristina believes wholeheartedly in the sustainable benefits that the energy sector brings to Newfoundland and Labrador, and continues to be a diverse voice for local businesses, young professionals, promoting inclusion and diversity, and for advocating for our vibrant, world-class industry.
As a young professional, creating a sustainable life in Newfoundland and Labrador is something that is important to her. Enabling young families to return home, for families to reunite from working outside of the province, and to create meaningful long term employment opportunities where local businesses can thrive and succeed is something that the energy sector is making huge contributions to!
Community building is an integral part of Kristina’s life. She was the recipient of the 2018 Emerging Young Professional Award at the St. John’s Board of Trade Business Excellence Awards, a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, and is a dedicated community volunteer. She is also a Rotary Public Image Mentor with Rotary International for Canada and the Northeastern US. Kristina volunteers with Equal Voice NL, an organization dedicated to elevating diverse voices to decision making tables, and having retired from coaching cheerleading, has taken on the role of Director of Events with NL Cheerleading Athletics to provide youth the opportunity to participate in competitive athletics right here at home. In her spare time, she enjoys exercising and crafting.
Kristina’s past experiences, current work and community participation gives her a diverse perspective that will continue to be of benefit to Energy NL. With her experience in HR and leadership combined with her commitment to governance and serving our members, Kristina is eager to continue with Energy NL as we continue to operationalize our vast potential!
Together we can continue to grow a sustainable, competitive industry that will be beneficial to all stakeholders for years to come!
Brian Hurley
Seafair Capital
Brian is a dedicated and experienced professional with a passion for nurturing and connecting organizations through effective communication and clear expectations. Leveraging his experience with companies of varying sizes and sectors, he brings a unique perspective to local business, informed by his international exposure.
In his role with Seafair Capital, Brian works with the company’s stakeholders to foster a culture of innovation, explore new business, and enhance connectivity across a range of sectors including health, community economic development, and industrial and energy partnerships. Brian is leading the development of Fairport Services which offers turnkey, stream-lined, and reliable business services for Newfoundland & Labrador’s energy, marine, and industrial sectors. He also plays an instrumental role within the company’s rapid development hub, The Dock, providing access to support, energy, space, and investment for system-level solutions.
Prior to joining Seafair, Brian delivered account-level management for software development and data consulting services to large operators in the pharmaceutical and automotive sectors in North America and in the United Kingdom. He was also a senior technical and commercial resource responsible for developing and delivering cementing services and associated equipment for the Terra Nova Extension Project, Sable Offshore Energy Project Decommissioning, and Hebron Development Project, among others. Brian is also an entrepreneur and co-founder of Iron Rock Brewing Co., a small business that he owns and operates with his brother in Labrador West.
Brian’s professional success is built on his ability to work across the service delivery domain to minimize risk and enhance operational value. He proudly hails from Bell Island, and holds a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Engineering from Memorial University and is a registered Professional Engineer.
With exposure and experience within, alongside, and outside of Newfoundland and Labrador’s evolving and exciting energy sector, Brian is confident he can provide a valuable and productive voice to the Energy NL Board of Directors.
Brad Forsey
The Cahill Group
Brad is the Director of Business Development for The Cahill Group of Companies. In this position he has developed strong relationships within both industry and our communities.
Brad started with the Cahill Group in 2008 as Welding Specialist on the Husky North Amethyst and NARL projects. Brad quickly progressed into leadership roles within Quality and Estimating departments before moving into business development.
Brad has always been heavily involved in the energy industry across the country. Brad had played a major role for Cahill on all Atlantic and Western Canada oil and gas projects including Hibernia, Hebron, White Rose and Terra Nova while also leading in Hydro including Muskrat Falls. More recently Brad is leading Cahill’s entry into the wind and Hydrogen space.
Brad grew up in Grand Bank on the Burin Peninsula and graduated from the College of the North Atlantic in 2001 with a Diploma in Welding Engineering Technology. He then moved to Alberta and worked in the energy sector for seven years. During his time in Alberta, he earned his Journeyperson Welding Certificate, and knows firsthand the importance of the energy industry to those that work on projects every day.
Brad is committed to helping sustain a globally competitive energy sector that is well-positioned to deliver value for Newfoundland and Labrador and abroad. As director, Brad will work with EnergyNL’s membership and others to promote our energy sector including both oil and gas and renewables and to support EnergyNLs new mandate. Global demand for energy dictates that renewables and non-renewables must co-exist and be developed responsibly and EnergyNL’s strong, united voice representing our members will be critical during this period.
Brad resides in Paradise with his wife Jaime and three active young boys.
Grant Vivian
SEM Ltd.
Grant Vivian is President and CEO of SEM Ltd., an environmental consulting agency established in 2002 in Nain, Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr. Vivian developed his hardworking demeanour and entrepreneurial spirit working in his father’s sawmill and as a musician with Rising Tide Theatre in the summers, in Port Rexton NL, where he grew up. He started his professional career at C-CORE where he honed his skills in remote sensing with a focus on satellite data planning and processing, to support cutting edge projects in sea ice and iceberg monitoring. In 2007 he made the decision to join the then five-person company, Sikumiut Environmental Management Ltd, now SEM Ltd. Since then, the company has branched out to offer a full spectrum of complementary services through it’s four divisions; Environmental, Project Services, Geomatics and Productions.
Mr. Vivian has conducted work in all corners of the province, as well as in Nunavut, Sweden, and across Canada. In his current position, he has expanded SEM to Labrador West where there’s an office and commercial greenhouse supporting the mining sector in the region. More recently he has established a satellite office in Deer Lake to better serve the budding west coast hydrogen and mining sectors. In the past few years, the company has grown exponentially, and Mr. Vivian is the first to say that the success and growth was and will always be, a team effort. This approach is also reflected in the strong relationships he has built and maintained with his key clients. Mr. Vivian believes that we spend most of our lives working so it’s integral to form relationships that last a lifetime.
Grant’s vast environmental knowledge coupled with his Geomatics background, leadership skills, and vision for the future, has positioned him and SEM at the forefront of the burgeoning green and clean energy sector here in Newfoundland and Labrador. From standing offers with NL Hydro to a Master Services Agreement signed with local clean energy developer, Growler Energy, SEM is now working on wind, hydrogen, and hydroelectric energy projects.
Throughout his career, Grant’s focus has spanned the spectrum of environmental consulting, having led habitat compensation, environmental assessments, schedule 2 amendments, environmental civil construction, and water treatment projects. This experience is crucial to the future of energy production in the province, and Grant’s expertise lends an advantage to all stages of project planning, strategy, execution, and rehabilitation. It is a unique combination of business and industry knowledge, and experience with provincial and federal processes that make him a leader in consulting, but it is his keen eye for what’s on the horizon, that makes him invaluable to EnergyNL, his peers, clients, and employees.
Karen Perry
Hatch Ltd.
Karen Perry was born in Gander and raised in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador. She completed her Mechanical Engineering degree at Memorial University of Newfoundland and is a practicing member of PEGNL. Currently, she works as a Professional Engineer in the Energy Practice of Hatch Ltd. Her primary focus is to help clients navigate and prosper in the Energy Transition.
Since joining Hatch, she has been involved in various decarbonization initiatives including projects for oil and gas clients, mining, and emerging industries such as hydrogen. Karen has experience in greenhouse gas emission reporting and the creation of emission reduction measurement tools and net zero roadmaps. She has led projects focused on emissions reduction and hydrogen adaptation.
To further her knowledge, Karen has enrolled in an Executive MBA Energy Transition at the University of Groningen, Netherlands. In addition, she has completed a Hydrogen Energy Course through the Renewable Energy Institute.
She started her career as an engineer in training supporting platform operations for one of the offshore operators in Newfoundland and Labrador’s oil and gas sector. She has worked offshore ensuring the reliability of operations and was an interface between the offshore and onshore teams.
Karen is actively involved in the community as a mentor with the Associations for New Canadians and as part of the organizing committee for the Cancer Center Fundraiser Inaugural Golf Tournament. At Hatch, she has championed fundraising initiatives including captaining the recent Choices for Youth Coldest Night of the Year team, and Big Brothers Big Sisters Go Girls golf tournament.
Karen resides in St. John’s with her fiancée and two dogs. On weekends, she can likely be found walking her dogs in Bowring Park or enjoying a meal at one of her favourite downtown restaurants.
She is an advocate for inspiring, engaging and recruiting young professionals to join the energy sector. Karen is passionate about the growing focus on energy transition and is excited about the potential Newfoundland and Labrador has in this field!
Jacqueline French
Schlumberger
A trusted strategic business advisor with decades of operational and executional leadership, in complex global business environments within the O&G service sector.
An engineer (McGill University) and business masters (Heriot-Watt) with an expertise in field operations, operations management, health and safety, capital construction, and sales, with a Human Resources professional accreditation (SHRM-SCP). Having lived and worked in the North Sea, Brazil, Gulf of Mexico, West Africa, and Canada, Jacqueline brings a unique global perspective across many domains, to her current role as the Offshore Canada Country Manager for SLB.
As Offshore Country Manager for SLB her role is to serve as the operations manager across all SLB business lines in the region providing efficient management of shared resources including administration, facilities, and customer account management. Jacqueline represents SLB’s interests with customers, coordinates cross-product services, and defines and implements the required resources to deliver efficient and optimized services. As country manager, she ensures a visible commitment to Quality and Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), promotes a One SLB culture, and champions corporate community engagement within the region.
Originally from the east coast of Canada, Jacquie is very passionate about using her 26 years of international experience, to help bring Newfoundland technology and services to global markets.
