For the position of Vice-Chair:
James Parmiter, Cahill Group (ACCLAIMED)
For the position of Treasurer:
Christian Somerton, Pennecon (ACCLAIMED)
For the five positions open for Directors:
Jennifer Haley, Aker Solutions
Sheldon Lace, Atlantic Towing
Kristina Kearney, Avara Solutions
Jonathan Mahoney, Cougar Helicopters
Gregory Stacey, KCA Deutag Drilling Canada
Penni Whelan, Levert Personnel Services
Denis Mahoney, McInnes Cooper
Dorothy Keating, Noseworthy Chapman
Rob McGrath, NSB Omega
Katie Mercer, PAL Airlines
Bill Warren, RBC Financial
Shara Patricia Ciravolo Fesser, Schlumberger Canada
Heather Beresford, TechnipFMC
Darren Zwicker, Terrapure Environmental
Candidates for Vice-Chair
James Parmiter (ACCLAIMED)
Cahill Group
James was born and raised in Harbour Grace. He received a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance from Memorial University and completed his MBA in strategy at the Yale School of Management.
James started his career in oil & gas with Technip (Coflexip Stena at the time) in 1997 in Paris, France, and worked on the Terra Nova project along with other strategic initiatives in offshore West Africa, Egypt and the Caspian Sea. After completing his MBA, he joined the energy practice at a leading management consulting firm (Oliver Wyman) and consulted global leaders within Petrobras, ExxonMobil, KBR, McDermott and many of the largest integrated utilities in the United States.
James joined The Cahill Group in 2009 and is currently Vice President – Strategy and Development, with primary responsibility for strategy, contracts, business development and marketing.
Outside of work James served on the board of PEGNL, PanGeo Subsea and the Riverdale Tennis Club. James is also a cub scout leader and youth soccer coach.
James and his wife Jennifer have two children (George and Grace) and live in St. John’s.
James is currently the Treasurer of Energy NL and chaired of the 2018 Energy NL Fall Seminar. James has played an active role in multiple Energy NL initiatives including the Imagine the Potential campaign.
As Vice-Chair James hopes to continue to work with Energy NL’s membership and others to promote our oil & gas sector. Prospectively and planned drilling are at historic high levels however many of our members are under pressure and maintaining a strong local, sustainable oil and gas industry will require significant efforts with all the stakeholders over the coming months.
Candidates for Treasurer
Christian Somerton (ACCLAIMED)
Pennecon
Christian Somerton was born and raised in Newfoundland and Labrador, making hard work, creative problem solving and a community-wide focus second nature.
In his role as Vice President, Services & Maintenance and Marine, Christian is responsible for Pennecon’s technical and maintenance services, hydraulic systems, marine base and warehousing teams. Prior to this appointment, Christian was the General Manager of Marine and Logistics and was responsible for all activities and functions at Pennecon Marine facilities.
Christian began his career at Pennecon in 2007 while attending Memorial University. Since then he has worked with government, operators, major EPC contractors and the local supplier base. Christian has a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management and International Logistics from the University of South Wales and is currently a Director on the Energy NL’s Board of Directors and Chair of the Victoria Park Foundation.
Candidates for Director
Jennifer Haley
Aker Solutions Canada
Jennifer Haley has been contributing to both onshore and offshore major resource development projects within Newfoundland and Labrador since 2002. For the past 9 years, she has held the position of Supply Chain Manager for Aker Solutions Canada Inc.
Jennifer has supported many of the offshore production facilities including the Husky Energy Sea Rose, EMCP Hebron Platform, HMDC Hibernia Platform (including Hibernia South Extension) and the Terra Nova FPSO. Her experience in Supply Chain Management has allowed her to work with major Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Management companies such as Aker Maritime Kiewit Contracts (AMKC), AKCS Offshore Partner, Wood Group and Aker Solutions Canada Inc. During this time, Jennifer has formed valuable relationships throughout all levels in the supply chain community from start of manufacture and vendor engagement through the delivery to the end-user. Her partnered approach is prominent in her working relationships with all stakeholders.
Jennifer is a graduate from Memorial University with a Bachelor of Business Administration (2001), and a Master’s Certificate in Project Management (2008).
Leadership and collaboration are a few of Jennifer’s strongest qualities. She sets the example, inspires, and empowers in a friendly and approachable manner.
Sheldon Lace
Atlantic Towing
Sheldon Lace is the Offshore Business Director for Atlantic Towing Limited, Canada’s leading marine provider of offshore supply vessels, that support oil and gas exploration and production, with offices in St. John’s NL, Saint John NB, Dartmouth NS, Victoria BC and Point Fortin Trinidad.
Sheldon was born and raised in Grand Bank Newfoundland and following graduation from the University of New Brunswick where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Forest Management, he embarked on a successful 19-year career with J.D. Irving, Limited. Sheldon also holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the Ivy School of Business at the University of Western Ontario.
Sheldon has gained extensive business and leadership experience in multiple roles within J.D. Irving Limited’s Sawmills, Woodlands, and Transportation Divisions. In 2012 he transitioned from his position as Regional Forester to Atlantic Towing in a new role as Coastal Business Manager. Promoted to lead the organization’s offshore business in 2014, Sheldon currently oversees a fleet of 13 offshore supply vessels and in this role he is responsible for all commercial and operational aspects associated with Atlantic Towing’s offshore business.
Sheldon’s broad business experience and knowledge of both the local and international oil and gas markets, combined with his collaborative approach to business and partnerships, enables him to have a unique skill set that would bring tremendous value to the Oil and Gas Industry Membership in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Sheldon is married with two daughters and outside work enjoys boating, water sports, spending time with his family and coaching the local minor hockey league.
Kristina Kearney
Avara Solutions
Let’s make history. If you are passionate about keeping the people of our province at home with their families – you’re in good company. Kristina Kearney has been doing just that the people in our Oil & Gas industry for years – and she’s just getting started.
Her roots span the province from the Northern Peninsula to the heart of our city. Through serving two years as president of our 35+-year-old Business Association (BANL), as well as on various not-for-profit committees and leading local initiatives, Kristina Kearney is already demonstrating her strengths as a voice for small business.
As Business Development Manager at local engineering and advisory service firm – Avara Solution’s Inc., as well as Director at WORKFORCE by Avara Inc., Kristina dedicates her time in support of our industry as an advocate who is committed to helping our post-secondary and high-school students to appreciate our oil and gas industry and the incredible opportunities and jobs that are upcoming and in demand. You can find her in classrooms and in panels across the province teaching our students about what’s possible, right here at home.
Our BoT-nominated emerging young professional is excited to steer the professional development of students and newcomers in the industry through mentoring, with a focus on driving a vision for more women entering the field.
“I started in a small local business – these are the networks I want to represent at the table. There are so many of us working hard and have a lot to contribute. Our perspectives are relevant to our industry. That’s what I want to achieve above anything – a greater and more inclusive bond between the incredible leaders in our industry today, and the ones of tomorrow like me who want to move their legacy forward.”
Vote for an advocate and relentless voice for the future of our industry – Kristina Kearney.
Jonathan Mahoney
Cougar Helicopters
Jonathan Mahoney joined Cougar Helicopters in 2013 as Accounting Manager and in December 2015 was appointed Finance Manager.
In this role, Jonathan’s portfolio is far reaching into the organization: he is responsible for the overall financial management of the corporation; holds responsibility for the administration of all customer and vendor contracts and aircraft leases; and he oversees facilities management for Cougar’s three structural assets and land which collectively occupies almost 17 acres at St. John’s International Airport. Jonathan also provides support to the Chief Operating Officer from a business development perspective.
Prior to joining Cougar, he was Senior Corporate Accountant at Verafin Inc., a company specializing in fraud detection and anti-money laundering software for the banking industry, where he led a team of finance professionals for a still young and up-and-coming organization. Previously, he was Senior Accountant and Associate with Grant Thornton LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP respectively, where through years of auditing organizations in various industries, he developed his keen attention to detail.
Mr. Mahoney received his Bachelor of Commerce degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland & Labrador in 2005 and has been a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Newfoundland & Labrador since 2009.
Jonathan’s interest in joining the Energy NL Board of Directors stems from his desire to play a more active role in the oil and gas industry in which Cougar Helicopters plays a primary role and in ensuring the future viability of the industry for the province and the country as a whole. He has a keen interest in administering local benefits and ensuring a level playing field for local companies.
Gregory Stacey
KCA Deutag Drilling Canada
Since starting in the Oil and Gas industry in 2000, Gregory Stacey has contributed to onshore and offshore drill teams in many capacities. While based in in Newfoundland and Labrador and working throughout Southeast Asia, he led drill teams in various leadership roles including Assistant Driller, Driller, Tool Pusher and Assistant Rig Manager.
He joined the Hebron Team in 2014, developing Control of Work systems, competency systems and computer-based training integration. During commissioning and testing of the Hebron drilling systems in 2017, he created and executed the Hebron Competency System for the drilling area systems and equipment.
Since transitioning from a Competency and Training Advisor role into the QHSE & T Manager position for KCADeutag Canada in 2018, he helps manage and maintain the highest levels of safety within Hebron’s drilling department. With a strong operational background, he is also involved in multiple projects aimed to increase safety and efficiency using modern technology. These projects include the digitization of Control of Work documentation, implementation of digital/tablet-based hardware and support for drilling system automation.
Penni Whelan
Levert Personnel Resources
Penni Whelan began her career with Levert in 2012. Levert quickly recognized Penni’s work ethic, commitment and reliability, promoting her to the role of Offshore Recruiter and Personnel Coordinator in quick succession. In these roles, Penni successfully placed hundreds of employees in offshore, marine, mining and industrial sectors for over 7 years with an exceptional safety record. She has worked with significant projects and has worked with partners across Newfoundland and Canada. Penni uses her extensive knowledge, experience, and industry connections to stay up to date on upcoming projects and trends, helping her clients find the most suitable candidates. As the local Assistant Branch Manager for Levert, Penni continues to support the oil and gas industry as a recruiter while supporting sales and recruiting staff.
Thank you kindly for your time and consideration.
Denis Mahoney
McInnes Cooper
As an active Energy NL volunteer, I want to devote more of my time and experience to representing the interests of Energy NL members on our Board of Directors.
Most recently, I served on the 2019 Fall Seminar Planning Committee and was a moderator for a panel presentation at that conference. I also attended as a member of the 2019 NL delegation to OTC and have registered to attend again this year. I commit to using my industry experience and advocacy skills in support of Energy NL’s call for the sustainable development of our oil and gas industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.
As a partner at McInnes Cooper, I have more than 25 years of experience as legal counsel working with businesses in our province, many of whom are Energy NL member companies in our oil and gas industry. I have been recognized annually since 2006 in Best Lawyers in Canada for my work as a labour & employment lawyer. I know the industry, the issues, the regulatory framework and our Atlantic Accord, and I can bring this expertise to the work that the Energy NL Board and staff are doing on behalf of members. I believe my legal experience will be a valuable asset to the Energy NL’s Board of Directors.
I have solid background volunteering as a director, which presently includes serving as Vice-Chair of Memorial University’s Board of Regents and member of the Board of Directors for both Boys and Girls Club of St. John’s and McInnes Cooper. I will also complete the ICD Directors Education Program this year.
Life also allows me family time with Jacqueline, our grown children and grandchildren.
Dorothy Keating
Noseworthy Chapman
Dorothy is a graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland with a Bachelor of Commerce (Cooperative) degree and obtained her Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in 1992. Dorothy was awarded the distinction of FCPA (Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants) in 2012 in recognition of her outstanding achievements in the areas of community leadership and contributions to the profession.
Dorothy brings with her a strong track record of leadership and experience. She has worked and partnered with outstanding organizations locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. With a professional practice deeply rooted in advising and assisting private businesses operating in Newfoundland and Labrador and in the global economy, Dorothy is keenly in tune with the impact and benefit of the oil and gas industry on businesses success in the province. A strong advocate for business, Dorothy is fully engaged in ensuring that she understands the issues at hand and can clearly articulate those issues during the decision-making process. Dorothy is passionate about the vital role private business contributes to our economy and the significant role those supporting and servicing the oil and gas industry play in the future prosperity of our province.
Dorothy is a Partner with Noseworthy Chapman the largest locally owned Chartered Professional Accounting Firm in the province. Dorothy’s career has spanned both public practice and industry and she has been a trusted business advisor for over 25 years, bringing her knowledge to entrepreneurial, multinational and non-profit clients of all sizes in Newfoundland and Labrador. Her primary areas of service to her clientele include audit and assurance, finance, taxation, mergers and acquisitions and business advisory services.
With a strong belief in community, Dorothy has been involved in many board and volunteer activities throughout her career and is currently serving as a Board Member of the Faculty of Business Administration Advisory Board, and Finance Chair of Holy Trinity Parish, Torbay. She is a member of 100 Women Who Care and member of the Women President’s Organization. Dorothy is Past Chair of the St. John’s Board of Trade, Past Chair of the Association of Chartered Professional Accountants and Past Chair of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Newfoundland and Labrador. Dorothy also serving for eight years as a municipal councillor with the Town of Torbay. She is currently completing her ICD.DEP designation.
Rob McGrath
NSB Omega
Rob has been working in the Newfoundland and Labrador oil and gas industry for 10+ years. Currently, as Vice President – General Manager of the NSB-Omega Group of Companies, Rob is primarily focused on growth within the Newfoundland and Labrador oil and gas market, but he has also been instrumental in the expansion and diversification of the company’s operations. This includes recent expansion into the burgeoning Guyana oil and gas industry, as well as several initiatives across Canada.
Prior to joining NSB-Omega, Rob spent several years with the Department of Natural Resources where he worked very closely with oil and gas operators, local supply and service companies, prospective new entrants and the CNLOPB. As Director of Industrial Benefits with Government, he was intimately involved in the negotiation and monitoring of several commercial benefits agreements with operators. This experience gives Rob an in-depth and very unique knowledge of all interests within the industry – Government, Operators, the Regulator and the supply and service community.
Rob is very passionate about the local supply and service community and believes strongly that Newfoundland and Labrador must be the principle beneficiary of its offshore resources. He hopes to utilize his unique background and experience in both the public and private sectors to serve Energy NL’s member companies on the Energy NL Board of Directors.
Rob has a Graduate Degree from Memorial University and is an active volunteer in the local community. He has Executive-level Board of Directors experience, and lives in St. John’s with his wife and two daughters.
Katie Mercer
PAL Airlines
Katie Mercer currently holds the position of Commercial Project Manager with PAL Airlines. In her role, she is accountable for overall project delivery and stakeholder management. Katie guarantees the successful delivery of projects by leading and working with a strong team across commercial, maintenance, operations, regulatory, and finance departments. She brings a wealth progressive management experience across multiple industries, including Technology, Oil & Gas, Logistics, Aviation, and Aerospace. Prior to joining PAL, Katie spent over 10 years working in technology and digitalization, with roles of Solutions Director, Business Analyst, Project Manager, and Client Delivery Manager.
Katie holds a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Commerce from Memorial University, and a Masters Certificate in Project Management from Schulich Executive Education.
Community, partnerships, and industry building are a strong interest. Currently sitting on Energy NL’s Membership Advancement Committee, Katie is also a previous volunteer member for GlobalNLs Tech Start-up Roundtable and Nor’ester Golf Classic. Katie is currently engaged with Energy NL, NATI, Genesis Women-in-Tech, and GlobalNL.
Katie would love the opportunity to represent Energy NL’s membership, and work for you and contribute to the exciting projects ahead!
Bill Warren
RBC Financial
Bill Warren is a senior commercial banker with RBC Royal Bank for Newfoundland and Labrador. With 20 years of finance industry experience, he has led RBC’s, oil and gas relationships in Newfoundland, since 2013.
As the primary contact point for RBC’s Oil and Gas portfolio, Bill is responsible for the overall relationships and deals directly with all credit, transaction and investment-related matters as well as co-ordinates and monitors the delivery of all operational requirements. Bill joined RBC in 2005 and has held roles of increasing responsibility in both financial advisory and management.
Bill holds a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Memorial University. Originally from Mt. Pearl, Bill resides in St. John’s with his wife and two children.
Shara Patricia Ciravolo Fesser
Schlumberger Canada
Shara Patricia is currently the Schlumberger Managing Director for Atlantic Eastern Canada, based in St. John’s Newfoundland. In this role, Shara Patricia is responsible for optimizing results in the geographical area and for strategically positioning Schlumberger Oilfield Services in the marketplace. This position is responsible for growing the business and driving the development of multi-PL opportunities in their assigned area of responsibility. The Managing Director acts as the official Schlumberger executive representative in the geography, ensuring business continuity and promoting the values, brand, and reputation of Schlumberger. This role is responsible for establishing strong professional relationships with executive-level customers, key governmental agencies, officials, educational institutions and professional organizations in the region. This position utilizes their strong understanding of the market to contribute to the GeoMarket strategic marketing plan, with focus on developing existing and new market segmentation opportunities.
The Schlumberger Manager Directors capital investment program ensures strategic allocation of capital and improves equipment productivity through optimization of assets. Additionally, the role is key in order to provide feedback to manufacturing centers on future needs as well as developing the competencies of the workforce. The Schlumberger Managing Director support the process of new technology introduction and provides a process to feedback technology requirements from the Field to the Technology Centers providing strategic direction and market positioning for all service and product lines. Furthermore, Schlumberger Managing Directors are the key stakeholders ensuring customer operational efficiency, best technical solutions, highest safety, and quality standards.
Shara Patricia has more than eighteen years of experience in technical, administrative, human resources, and managerial positions for the Oil & Gas industry. She has held a variety of professional assignments covering different management and technical positions for Schlumberger in a broad geography which includes Europe, South America, Africa, and Russia. She is proficient in a wide range of technical and human resource applications and has a thorough understanding of technical and non-technical processes in an interacting environment. Shara Patricia’s strength is in the approach of solving operational challenges, leading and networking people, and has a proven record of optimizing resources to achieve set targets.
Shara Patricia was born in Caracas, Venezuela and holds a bachelor’s degree from the Universidad Central de Venezuela as Petroleum Engineer, and a Master’s Program Degree from Heriot Watt University from the Business and Petroleum Engineering Schools. She is married with 2 daughters.
Heather Beresford
TechnipFMC
Heather Beresford was born in St. John’s, NL where she received a Bachelor of Engineering Degree with focus in Mechanical Engineering from Memorial University. Upon graduation Heather moved to Houston Tx for eight years where she was employed with Schlumberger, Allseas and Subsea 7. She also moved to London, England for two years during this time while working on West Africa projects. Throughout these eight years she worked as Solutions Engineer for Drilling operations, then moved into Offshore construction as an Installation Engineer and became Lead Construction Engineer. In these positions, she worked both onshore and offshore focused in pipeline installation for multiple large deep water projects such as GulfTerra Phoenix, Shell Magnolia, Chevron Lobito Tomboco, ExxonMobil Saxi Batuque, BP Atlantis, and Marathon Oil Droshky.
Upon returning to St. John’s in 2009, Heather joined TechnipFMC as a Lead Construction Engineer for HMDC’s OLS Replacement Project, followed by Assistant Project Manager for ExxonMobil Sable Venture Pipeline Replacement Project. In 2012, Heather moved into Business Development and Tendering. Through these positions of increasing responsibility, Heather has attained the position of Tendering Manager, and is responsible for TechnipFMC’s tendering activities from kickoff to contract award for various projects.
Heather continues to maintain a strong relationship with Memorial University through volunteer activities with Alumni Affairs, and as an occasional Guest Lecturer with the Faculty of Engineering. Heather is also a volunteer and supporter of the Boys and Girls Club of St. John’s.
Darren Zwicker
Terrapure Environmental
Darren Zwicker is the Vice President, Environmental Solutions – Atlantic for Terrapure Environmental. He is accountable for the overall performance of Atlantic operations (10 sites). Providing leadership to drive EHS performance, business development and retention, development and communication of strategy, achievement of financial targets, identification and pursuit of acquisitions, and the development and retention of employees. He joined Newalta in 2013 and after the sale of the industrial division of Newalta and the recent acquisition of Envirosystems Inc by Birch Hill Equity Partners, he is now responsible for over 100 employees in the St. Johns area at sites on Logy Bay Road and in Foxtrap. The employees at both of these sites are dedicated to providing safe, reliable and cutting edge waste management solutions for the oil and gas industry.
Darren has experience in board involvement first spending over 10 years as a volunteer on the Kennebecasis Valley Minor Hockey Association board (KVMHA), lastly as President for 2 years. More recently he was the Chair of the Maritimes Energy Association and has involvement in several non profit organizations, most recently on the advisory board for Think Like Cancer, a group of senior executives who came together to raise $1 million for cancer research.
”I am committed to the Newfoundland offshore oil and gas industry to ensure the long term employment of my team. We intend to continue to work with our existing customers, using the newest technology to improve safety and operations. My goal is to continue to grow our business which will mean growing our workforce and being a sustainable employer in the Newfoundland market. I am committed to playing an active role on the Energy NL board, using my board and industry experience to have a positive impact as a board member.”
