The following candidates are seeking election for the 2024-2025 Energy NL Board of Directors:
Vice-Chair (Acclaimed)
Richard Mandeville
Vice President of Subsea – Canada & Country Manager
TechnipFMC
Richard Mandeville currently serves as Vice President of Subsea Canada and Country Manager for TechnipFMC. He was born in St. John’s, NL, and spent his childhood between his home province and Northern England. Following his graduation from Barnard Castle School in County Durham, England, Richard earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree with a focus in ocean and naval architectural engineering from Memorial University. While attending university, he received the Dean’s Honour Award for Academic Excellence and Leadership and earned a commission in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Richard joined TechnipFMC in 2005 as a flexible pipeline designer and dynamic system analyst before moving into project work. He has authored two technical papers relating to subsea system components that have been published through Offshore Technology Conference (OTC). Richard has been involved in several projects on the Grand Banks while based at TechnipFMC’s St. John’s office, interspersed with onshore and offshore work in the North Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Following his assignment as Project Manager for TechnipFMC’s work on Hibernia Unit BNA, he relocated to Aberdeen in 2015 to serve as an Asset Manager, responsible for all aspects of the company’s fleet of Construction and S-lay vessels.
Richard was awarded Energy NL’s Rising Star award in 2017 and returned to Canada in July of 2019 to assume his current role as TechnipFMC’s Vice President of Subsea Canada and Country Manager.
Richard is a licensed Professional Engineer and lives in St. John’s with his wife and two daughters, spending his free time cycling, paddling, and fly fishing. Richard continues to maintain a strong relationship with Memorial University through volunteer activities with Alumni Affairs and industrial outreach programs. He is active on several boards related to industry and community organizations, including as a Director of Energy NL since 2022.
Treasurer
Stephanie Gruchy
Director of Business Strategy & Development – Services, Maintenance & Marine
Pennecon Limited
Stephanie Gruchy is a dynamic leader with a diverse background in business strategy, operations management, and community engagement. As the Director of Business Strategy & Development – Services, Maintenance & Marine (PSMM) at Pennecon, she plays a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth and expansion initiatives across Atlantic Canada. With a keen focus on client management and project delivery, Stephanie has demonstrated her ability to lead teams with expertise in technical, commercial, and regulatory domains.
Born, raised, and still residing in Witless Bay, Stephanie’s deep-rooted connection to her community fuels her commitment to making a difference. She embarked on her career journey with Pennecon in 2012 and has since excelled in various operational roles, culminating in her current leadership position. Her strategic vision and proactive approach have been instrumental in positioning PSMM as a leader in providing technical services and specialized solutions to a diverse client base.
Stephanie’s academic achievements include a Professional Engineering Technologist (P.Tech) designation, a business certification, and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Heriott Watt University in Edinburgh where she graduated with distinction. Her dedication to continuous learning reflects her commitment to personal and professional growth.
Outside of her role at Pennecon, Stephanie is involved with several community and industry organizations. She has served on the Energy NL Board of Directors for the last two years, leveraging her experience and insights to contribute meaningfully to the sector’s advancement. She was also a part the organization’s finance committee, involved with reviewing and approving finances for Board review/submittal along with recommending changes to facilitate easier financial review. With this experience, Stephanie is now hoping to be re-elected to the Board for the open Treasurer position to continue and build on these efforts. Additionally, she volunteers with Women in Resource and Development Corporation (WRDC), serves as a Chair Ambassador with the St. John’s Board of Trade, and is a member of the Women in Resources Advisory Committee with the department of Industry, Energy and Technology advocating for diversity and inclusion in the energy sector.
Stephanie’s passion for diversity and inclusion extends beyond her professional endeavors. She is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Through her advocacy efforts, she strives to promote responsible and sustainable development in the energy sector, recognizing its crucial role in driving economic growth and prosperity in Newfoundland and Labrador.
In her leisure time, Stephanie enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying new local restaurants, and staying active through travel and activities. With her dedication and leadership, Stephanie continues to make a positive impact both professionally and within her community.
Andrew Short
Chief Operations Officer
Integrated Logistics
Andrew’s career has been focused on commercial finance and his current role is COO of Integrated Logistics (IL). He has a fair and reflective approach to problem-solving, and has always been excited by, and moves directly into, complex and challenging situations. These skills have made him a trusted friend and colleague in his professional and personal life.
These skills have also served him well in his most challenging role: starting as the first employee and partner at IL. In that capacity, he has grown the team to 150+ while providing world-class stevedoring and marine logistics solutions across industries. In this role, he has gained the respect of clients, suppliers, and competitors alike, with a straightforward yet relaxed communication style, and a proven record of valuing integrity above commercial gain.
Andrew started at IL by leading from the hold of the ship, through all areas of the business from the RFPs to the financial statements. He has been a project manager for IL on the largest industrial projects. In 2012, Andrew led IL into Labrador with the establishment of the Indigenous business Integrated Nunatsiavut Logistics.
In the last two years, Andrew has served on the Board of Directors for Energy NL, where he has applied his communication skills, and desire to be “in the thick of it” to both the general director role and his position on the Finance Committee. Andrew is never shy on tough questions, different points of view, or challenges to traditional thinking, and has contributed significantly to the debates and shaping of the discussions while respecting the process of board decisions.
Andrew‘s interest in our energy sector is best highlighted in his words:
“Oil and gas saved this province from an almost certain financial destruction. My start in banking was possible because local business flourished in this new industry. Today, our hydro-based grid is unlocking the value of our other natural resources, with green products leading the demand curve. Now, with wind power export looking for its place, the future is bright, but there is no guarantee. Our governments need reminding of the important role our energy contributes. National policies must consider the global competition for investment. New developers need education on our supply communities, so we can continue to gain the benefits of adjacency that our founders want for us. I am ready for my turn to continue that work.”
Board Experience
11 Years on the Board of Directors for Integrated Nunatsiavut Logistics – Professional
Seven Years on the Board of Directors for Newfoundland Handball – Volunteer
Five Years as VP of Board of Directors for Canadian Handball Associations – Volunteer
Two Years as General Director for Energy NL – Professional Volunteer
Volunteer Work
YMCA Handball Instructor- On most Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays you can find Andrew at the St. John’s YMCA teaching kids and adults the game he loves.
Andrew considers himself to be very blessed to share all these experiences with his wife Jennifer and their three children. In the coming days, he looks forward to asking for your support directly.
Director
Jon Didham
Owner & Founder
Metchem Corrosion Specialties
Jon Didham is the owner and founder of MetChem Corrosion Specialties in Newfoundland and Labrador, representing Cortec Corporation, a global leader in innovative, environmentally responsible VpCI (Vapor Phrase Corrosion Inhibitors) and MCI (Mitigating Corrosion Inhibitors) control and preservation technologies.
Since starting MetChem in Newfoundland and Labrador, Jon and his team of dedicated professionals have expanded its operations across Canada.
Jon’s commitment to stellar customer service has set the foundation for one of MetChem’s core values of supporting customers through real people in real time.
Jon has also worked on various mega projects from Newfoundland and Labrador to Alberta as a Construction Electrical Journeyperson. He has seven years of experience in the automotive industry as owner/partner of Car Care Specialties with his father, Bill, that serves dealerships and automotive service garages across Newfoundland and Labrador with automotive chemical cleaning supplies and other essentials.
As an active member of Energy NL, Jon is excited to run for a position with the Board of Directors, bringing a new face and energy to the table. As a business owner, Jon has seen the benefits of the support received from the organization on all levels and is committed to supporting all Energy NL members.
Raised in Mount Pearl, Jon is dad to a beautiful daughter, Maddie. He is a strong advocate for Mental Health Awareness, donating to various community organizations, and sponsoring, planning and hosting charity fundraisers.
Good luck to all running members. Thank you, Energy NL members, for your consideration and vote!
Justin Fillier
Senior Director
Bird Heavy Civil
Justin Fillier is a Senior Director for Bird Construction (Bird). Bird is a publicly traded construction company with annual revenues of $2.8 billion and over 5,000 employees in Canada. Bird operates within many market sectors, including oil and gas, wind, utilities, hydroelectric, nuclear, and mining. Justin joined Bird in 2012 and leads the Bird Heavy Civil Operations in Eastern Canada, residing in the St. John’s Office. Prior to joining Bird, Justin was employed by Kiewit Construction (Kiewit) for ten years. Kiewit is an employee-owned construction company with revenues greater than $12 billion annually that mainly operates within Canada and the United States. During his 20+ year career, Justin has built and managed construction and mining projects throughout Canada.
Justin was born and raised in the community of L’Anse-au-Loup on the South Coast of Labrador. Like many people growing up in outport Newfoundland, Justin left his hometown to attend college and university after graduating from high school. He has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Athabasca University and an Industrial Engineering Technology Diploma from the College of the North Atlantic. He is a Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) with the Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologists of Newfoundland and Labrador (AETTNL). Justin currently lives in Conception Bay South with his wife and three sons.
Justin has a diverse background, both educationally and professionally. He has worked with unions and tradespersons his whole career. He has negotiated local union agreements and maintained productive relations. He has an in-depth understanding of the challenges facing skilled trades in the province and Canada as a whole. For over 20 years, Justin has maintained a positive relationship with Indigenous partners. He sits on the Board of Timmiak Construction Limited. Timmiak is a joint venture company between Nunatsiavut Group of Companies and Bird Heavy Civil Ltd. Justin also manages one of the largest heavy equipment fleets in Canada. This fleet includes 200-ton excavators, 100-ton haul trucks, large dozers, and other mining and construction style equipment.
In his spare time, Justin enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He also tries to live a healthy lifestyle. He is currently training for his third Tely 10 race, and he hopes it will not be as hot this year on race day.
Erin Gillis
Director, Business Development & Client Relations
DF Barnes
Erin Gillis is a strategic leader and proficient problem solver, with a proven ability to steer high-caliber technical teams to success in the global energy sector. As the Director of Business Development for DF Barnes, Erin is focused on corporate strategy and client relations spanning the energy, mining, and marine sectors on local, national, and international projects.
Hailing from the close-knit community of Loch Leven on the Southwest Coast of Newfoundland, Erin transitioned to St. John’s to pursue her academic studies at Memorial University of Newfoundland, where she earned both her BSc and MSc degrees in Earth Sciences and was named a Fellow of Graduate Studies for her master’s thesis work.
With a geoscience career spanning 17 years in the oil and gas sector, Erin initially worked as a geologist at Canadian Natural Resources Limited in Calgary, Alberta. She then returned to Newfoundland to work in frontier exploration of the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore. From 2010 to 2023, Erin served as a geologist and then Manager of Exploration for the former Nalcor Oil and Gas (now Oilco), leaving a significant mark on Newfoundland and Labrador’s oil and gas landscape.
During her tenure, Erin led numerous projects aimed at advancing oil and gas exploration in offshore Newfoundland and Labrador, including annual resource assessments, the Regional Metocean Study, biostratigraphy studies, sea bed coring projects, and was fully integrated into the extensive 2D and 3D multiclient seismic acquisition programs and interpretation teams from 2011-2022. Her contributions culminated in the publication of over 25 peer-reviewed papers on the geology of offshore Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as engagements as a speaker at various international conferences and presentations to major and midsize oil and gas companies, highlighting the prospectivity of the Newfoundland and Labrador margin.
Transitioning her focus to the business aspect of the energy services industry, Erin assumed the role of Director, Business Development & Client Relations at DF Barnes. Concurrently, she pursued further academic enrichment, enrolling in the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, where she recently completed her Executive MBA, with convocation slated for June 2024.
Erin is a licenced Geoscientist with PEGNL and has participated in WISE NL as a mentor for budding engineering and science students. Previously, she dedicated her time as a volunteer with Scouts Canada. Erin and her family make their home in St. John’s, where they enjoy an active lifestyle. In her leisure time, she supports her children’s sports teams and embraces outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and running.
Beth McGrath
Partner
McInnes Cooper
Beth McGrath is a partner at McInnes Cooper with almost 20 years of experience as legal counsel working with businesses in our province, many of whom are Energy NL member companies, and is currently a director of Energy NL. She practices in the areas of corporate and business law, energy and natural resources, and corporate finance. Beth’s practice has a particular focus on energy-related projects, both renewable and non-renewable. She has been involved in all offshore projects in our province in various capacities and is expanding her practice and expertise to best serve the wind-hydrogen development in our province. Beth has a diverse client base including private and public companies, oil and gas companies, government entities, financial and international institutions, mining and exploration companies, renewable energy companies, engineering and construction firms, and fisheries and technology firms.
Beth is committed to ensuring the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and our expertise in the energy sector continues to play a significant role on the global stage. Our energy industry is evolving and requires a collaborative and innovative approach from leaders like Beth who are energetic and forward-looking. Beth continues to be a strong advocate for her clients and our province in supporting this industry.
She is also now heavily involved in advancing our newest frontier into green hydrogen. Newfoundland and Labrador has placed a significant emphasis on renewable energy and the hydrogen sector, recognizing the potential for the province to drive sustainable development and mitigate climate change. It is imperative to lend support not only to the adoption of renewable energy sources but also to embrace the opportunities and innovations emerging within the hydrogen sector, which Beth is committed to supporting.
Beth is passionate about education and mentorship and has been a part-time instructor of business and contract law within the Faculty of Business at Memorial University of Newfoundland. She teaches yearly at the Bar Admission course for new lawyers in our province. Beth regularly leads seminars for industry groups on matters of corporate and business law and is a guest instructor for the Director’s Education Program Course through the Institute of Corporate Directors on Corporate Governance. Beth also completed the Business Leadership for Women Lawyers program at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.
Beth was selected as a Lexpert® Rising Star for 2016, a national award celebrating Canada’s leading lawyers under 40. She is ranked by Best Lawyers® Canada for her practice in Corporate Governance, Corporate Law, Energy Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, and Natural Resources Law, and by Chambers Canada for her corporate/commercial practice.
Beth has held various director positions throughout her career and is currently serving as a Vice Chairperson on the board of the St. John’s Port Authority, Commissioner to the Legal Aid Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador, and a member of the Board of Directors for Energy NL and SportNL as well as a member of the Canada Games 2025 Governance Committee.
Beth lives in St. John’s with her husband Andrew and their two boys Benjamin and John Raymond. When she is not at the office, you can usually find her at the hockey rink in her most important role as a Hockey Mom!
Aaron Mulrooney
Manager Offshore Operations, Logistics & Sales
Rhenus Logistics Canada
Aaron Mulrooney enjoys his work and finds that a fast paced, pressure filled environment is where he thrives. Relationship building has allowed him over the years to successfully experience working across the oil and gas, aquaculture and now, renewable energy sectors. He has been an active volunteer in his community for the last eight years coaching kids in minor hockey, baseball and basketball. Life is interesting and exciting.
Professionally, Aaron is an experienced operations manager with a passion to succeed. Using his organizational skills and logistics knowledge has provided success for his organization’s clients and his employers. Warehousing, supply chain, port operations, scheduling, planning and business development are his areas of expertise. Aaron is proud of the team’s large project completion times and ability to remain within budget. His attention to detail has helped them reach their desired goals.
Experience: QA/QC, ISM, SMS, vessel, supply chain, materials, inventory and warehouse management. Vessel management, including refit planning and scheduling. Port operations, including crew management, vessel audits, surveys and stevedoring. Transportation: scheduling, loading, equipment utilization and route optimization. Facilities management and project management.
Throughout his career, Aaron has gathered experiences that have made him an effective member of each organization. Communication and collaboration are priorities in the success of any operation. The collaborative efforts he champions lead to a superior level of customer service. Aaron’s penchant for collaboration will help to achieve even more success at Energy NL.
Observation, openness to new ideas and best practices have helped Aaron adopt new operational safety SOPs and implement them across each company. Working relationships with government agencies and regulators have led to both operational and development success.
Aaron’s passion, energy to jump in, ask questions and acquire new operational skills have provided him with perspective from the various industries he has served. This somewhat unique set of experiences allows him to discuss issues from these varied industry viewpoints. If you would like to discuss potential opportunities or have questions, please contact Aaron as he is a trustworthy, honorable and dedicated individual. He is looking forward to working on your behalf.
Gillian Pearson
Director of Client Relations & Corporate Communications
Robot Interactive + Marketing
Gillian brings over 15 years of experience in public policy, communications, and advocacy to the table. Currently serving as the Director of Client Relations and Corporate Communications at Robot Interactive + Marketing, she’s been closely involved with key players in the energy sector, both locally and nationally, and has been instrumental in fostering and maintaining relationships with a diverse clientele in areas such as:
• Resource extraction
• Renewable energy
• Industrial supply chain
• Engineering Consulting, and
• Legal
Her knack for collaboration has led to involvement in technical bids, Indigenous community engagement initiatives, and strategic information campaigns. In addition to working with clients directly within the sector, Gillian collaborates with various nonprofits such as the Janeway Children’s Hospital Foundation and the East Coast Trail Association, who significantly benefit from contributions by the industry.
Beyond the boardroom, Gillian has an extensive volunteer background and extends her expertise and counsel to local organizations on policy formulation, program delivery, stakeholder relations, and navigating regulatory landscapes and legislative frameworks. She has served on numerous local boards and committees, including as past co-chair of Equal Voice NL, and has volunteered with several organizations including:
• Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
• Kilbride to Ferryland Family Resource Centre
• Mount Pearl Paradise Skating Club
• Mount Pearl Minor Hockey Association
Gillian attended Memorial University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and English, followed by graduate studies with a focus on social and economic policy, earning her recognition and a fellowship from the Institute of Social and Economic Research. During her undergraduate studies, Gillian spent two months in a Somali refugee settlement located in the Tanga Region of Tanzania, working alongside local nonprofits and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees in the areas of environmental management, community development, and education.
With a family of tradespeople who have worked directly on major projects, Gillian understands the importance of the legacy of our energy industry and the opportunities it has offered to people all across the province. As we continue to stake our claim as a global energy powerhouse, Gillian cannot think of a better way to contribute to a more sustainable, prosperous future for Newfoundland and Labrador than committing to expanding and delivering the value propositions of our industry as a member of the Board of Directors of Energy NL.
Gillian grew up in the small town of Salmon Cove located in Conception Bay North, but calls Mount Pearl home with her husband Steve, and two young boys, Kacey and Riley. If she’s not working or volunteering, you can find her cheering on the boys at the hockey rink (Go Blades!).
Stephen Penton
Director, Engineering Consultancy
Aker Solutions Canada
Stephen Penton is Director of Engineering Consultancy with Aker Solutions Canada in St. John’s, NL. In this role, he leads a specialized techno-economic team, providing clients with low-carbon oil and gas and renewable energy solutions.
This position allows him the opportunity to match the incredible talent and experience developed in our province’s energy industry to the opportunities and challenges of our next generation of energy systems. It also provides valuable insight on market direction and global opportunities in the energy space that are relevant to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Stephen is a graduate of Memorial University with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) degree and is a licensed professional engineer with PEGNL. Stephen has held leadership roles with owner project management teams as well as with EPC contractors in the areas of engineering, construction, and commissioning of energy infrastructure.
With 20+ years of experience in the energy industry, Stephen has gained extensive knowledge through his work in complex project developments in both Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as internationally. He is passionate about developing further opportunities to apply the experience and skills within the Energy NL membership community to our evolving energy profile.
