Meet the SPF Alumni

I’m a sustainability officer and chemical engineer at Dizolve, where I lead the research, development, and formulation of innovative, environmentally sustainable laundry detergent products. With a strong foundation in chemical engineering and a passion for green chemistry, I focus on enhancing product performance while reducing environmental impact. I also oversee Dizolve’s sustainability reporting, including Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions assessments, life cycle assessments (LCA), and third-party verifications aligned with GHG Protocol and ISO 14064-1 standards. My areas of expertise include sustainable product design, emissions quantification, and value chain accountability. I’m driven by a commitment to science-based sustainability and motivated by the opportunity to support responsible procurement, improve corporate transparency, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

As a Sr. Consultant with Rise, Najah works with large and small clients to help them design, build, and implement Indigenous Inclusion policies and processes into their Supply Chain and ESG practices. 

Najah works with the Rise team to co-create Reconciliation action plans and road maps to integrate Inclusion into the client’s strategic vision, values, and commitments by increasing their spending with Indigenous suppliers, improving the social procurement programs, and building an environment where Inclusion enhances the company’s competitive advantage, increases supply chain resiliency, and ultimately improves the organization’s ESG rating. Najah helps organizations advance and track their sustainability and inclusion impact by building measurable tactics into their operations where the company achieves its triple bottom-line goals. 

Najah has 13 years of experience in Supply Chain management in both the private and public sectors. Najah is a casual instructor with Bow Valley College in Calgary, and she completed her MBA in 2021, focusing on data analysis and sustainability. Also, Najah is a certified professional in Project management and a Certified Supply Chain Professional. 

Leaya leads the development of Maple Leaf Foods Annual Sustainability Report, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Index, Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) Report and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) Climate and Forests Reports. She also supports the coordination and implementation of sustainability initiatives across Maple Leaf Foods’ operations to move the Company closer to achieving its sustainability goals. More recently, Leaya has taken on responsibility to help Maple Leaf Foods determine the impacts of its supply chain and procurement decisions on climate, nature, deforestation and biodiversity. She aims to better understand the challenges that exist within the organization to identify, measure, monitor and manage these impacts in order to advance the Company’s supply chain visibility, engagement and sustainable procurement plan.

Prior to joining Maple Leaf, Leaya completed her Masters of Sustainability at Brock University and her undergraduate degree in Communication Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University. Leaya also completed an internship as Sustainability Coordinator of General Motors (GM), where she helped to integrate sustainability into the culture and business.

Janet Annesley is Chief Sustainability Officer at Kiwetinohk Energy Corp. and brings a breadth of communications, stakeholder engagement, policy and sustainability experience to her role.  

A former executive at Shell and Husky Energy, and a former chief of staff to Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, Janet has developed and implemented corporate and government policies and programs on stakeholder engagement, climate change, Indigenous reconciliation, and diversity and inclusion. Janet worked as part of several leadership teams to deliver major projects.  

Janet holds an MBA from Queen’s University. She was named to The Hill Times Top 100 in Power and Influence List in 2017 and is a Public Policy Forum Fellow. An award-winning, accredited business communicator, she sits on the advisory board for Clean Prosperity and Export Development Canada, and on the boards of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and the City of Calgary Green Line LRT Project. 

As the Procurement Programs Manager with the University of British Columbia (UBC) Financial Operations group, Carolyn Arthur, is responsible for leading, developing and implementing UBC’s approach for Indigenous procurement, Inclusive procurement, Sustainable procurement and other strategic procurement projects. Carolyn’s professional experience includes work public procurement, partnering with organizations that support Indigenous owned businesses, Black owned businesses and business owned by other equity seeking groups in Canada, and supporting entrepreneurs in building successful business streams through public sector procurement. Carolyn seeks to create sustainable, equitable and diversified business practices, relationships and environments.

Carolyn lives and works in the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations (Vancouver, British Columbia).

As the Senior Manager, Sustainability at High Liner Foods, Josh helps bring to life the company’s purpose of Reimagining Seafood to Nourish Life by crafting, integrating and executing the company’s sustainability strategy. He has focused heavily on partnering with colleagues from operations and logistics to analyze High Liner Foods’ GHG emissions footprint including the creation of a process to identify and quantify the Scope 3 emissions from the company’s supply chain. Josh’s passion for improving the health of surrounding communities and environments drives his pursuit to create meaningful, material impacts. Two fiery daughters, 6 and 4 years old, keep Josh on his toes when he’s not in the office. He spends any remaining time pedaling his bike or hiking with his not-so well-behaved dog.

Cade joins the Sustainable Procurement Fellowship from Reeve Consulting, a Vancouver-based firm that helps public and private sector organizations leverage their buying power to drive positive social and environmental change. In his current role, he supports organizations to define their strategic sustainability priorities and then creates procurement tools that deliver on those priorities.

Prior to joining Reeve Cade lived in New Zealand where he worked for the New Zealand Government delivering large-scale indigenous investment programmes and advising on housing and urban development. Through different consulting roles, Cade has worked across a range of industries including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, hospitality, construction and utilities.

Cade has a science background and is passionate about circularity, a low-carbon economy and new ways of tackling problems with indigenous solutions.

Tammy is a career procurement professional with over 20 years experience spent across the supply chain and corporate procurement space. In her role as Director, Procurement Governance and Operations at Wawanesa Mutual Insurance she is responsible for developing and delivering procurement policy, process, standards and establishing governance oversight across the supplier landscape. This includes advancing responsible procurement practices throughout the supplier lifecycle that align to the sustainability objectives of the organization to build a safer, healthier, more sustainable future for our members and communities.

Eric Böhne has been a General Organizer with the Ironworkers International since 2011. He represents the Canadian manufacturing sector for Shop Ironworker Local’s across Canada.

With over 10 years’ experience in procurement and supply chain, an incredible passion for environmental sustainability and social capitalism, paired with studies on business and climate change; Natalia is now supporting TELUS’ efforts to evolve the sustainability program within the procurement team.

As the AVP Procurement and Third-Party Risk Management for Definity Financial Corporation, Michael Bowers is responsible for sourcing, procurement, third party oversight (TPO), and supplier control assessment for Canada’s most long-standing and innovative property and casualty insurance brands and companies, including Economical Insurance, Sonnet Insurance, Family Insurance Solutions, and Petline Insurance.

Jason Boyce is the Director of Sustainability at Panago Pizza and works with the leadership team to set the strategic direction and programs that help us achieve our mission to be the most sustainable pizza company in Canada. Jason Boyce has been working as a sustainably professional for over 15 years, working both with non-profit and for-profit companies. With a Bachelor of Science from UBC in ecology, Jason started his career at the Vancouver Aquarium, helping found the Ocean Wise program. After obtaining his MBA in 2008, Jason began working with Nature’s Path Foods, shepherding the zero waste certification of its manufacturing operations and leading the development of the Sustainable Supply Chain program that allowed Nature’s Path to launch North America’s first Fair Trade Toaster Pastry and Granola in 2012. In 2015 Jason obtained a Green Belt in Lean operations. Jason is a previous board member (and former board president) of the Sustainable Food Trade Association, an industry trade group focused on assisting organic food companies be more sustainable across all their operations, and a former board member of the National Zero Waste Council in Canada.

Annick Champoux places sustainability at the heart of her professional and personal life. She joined CBC/Radio-Canada in 2022 after more than 16 years of career with the Government of Canada, for the most part in sustainable procurement roles. Annick helps the organization achieve its Environmental goals by promoting environmentally sustainable products, services and suppliers. She also wants to have a positive impact on employees and communities by promoting a more accessible, inclusive and diversified supply chain.

Mayuri Chauhan serves as the Director of Supply chain and Strategic sourcing and is an integral part of the Senior Leadership Team at Agrifoods International Cooperative, headquartered in Burnaby, British Columbia. With a strong educational background, Mayuri holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Furthermore, she has obtained her Supply chain designation CSCMP, showcasing her commitment to the field and her expertise in Supply chain and Strategic sourcing.

With over 26 years of experience in supply chain management, I bring extensive expertise in ConsumerPackaged Goods (CPG) manufacturing, including the food industry with a focus on Dairy , Bakery and Aerosol products. My career in diverse field is marked by a proven ability to build and lead high-performing supply chain teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that drives innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

I excel in developing and implementing comprehensive supply chain strategies that align with organizational goals. My skills span a broad range of supply chain processes, including customer service, forecasting, inventory management, production planning, procurement, distribution, warehousing, and co-packer management. My technical proficiency includes working with various software systems such as Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Navision, Lotus Notes, QuickBooks, SAP, Macola software, Crystal Reports, AutoCAD, Visual Basics, Oracle, and Power BI. Notably, I played a key role as a core team member and Subject Matter Expert in the successful implementation of Microsoft Dynamics NAV. With a strong track record of analytical problem-solving and decision-making, I am adept at leading and motivating cross-functional teams. My exceptional communication and negotiation skills have been instrumental in driving results and achieving objectives.

Outside of work, I have a passion for traveling, exploring diverse cuisines, watching movies and learning about different foods, ingredients, their benefits, and I enjoy applying this knowledge to my cooking. Additionally, I practice Oxygen yoga, which supports my well-being and enhances my overall productivity and creativity. These interests fuel my curiosity and creativity, which I bring into both my professional and personal life.

Kyla Cuthbertson is the Manager, Sustainability Analytics and Performance Reporting at ATCO and currently oversees external and compliance reporting, audit, collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, and implementing sustainability strategy including decarbonization. Over the last 15 years, Kyla has worked in a variety of sustainability focused roles within the Canadian energy industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science with a Minor in Environmental Studies from Dalhousie University.

Daniel is the Procurement Manager of Tru Earth®. a leading eco-friendly household product company, committed to eliminating plastic from landfills and oceans. With more than 20 years of experience in Procurement, Quality systems and Supply chain management, Daniel is an international manager who has been part of world class companies in Mexico and Canada, as well as demanding projects in USA and Brazil. Daniel has a Bachelors in International Trade (Tec de Monterrey, Monterrey Campus) and a Masters in Quality Engineering (Universidad de LaSalle, Leon Campus), and is passionate about the environment and making our planet a better place for everyone!

Doug focuses on advancing sustainability, resilience, and ESG performance for the infrastructure engineering / construction firm and its clients in the energy, water, transportation, telecommunications, and industrial sectors.

With a Bachelor’s in Science, Technology, and Society from Stanford and an MBA in Finance from the University of Missouri, Doug leads the initiative to halve carbon emissions by 2030 in line with science-based targets for the 13,500-person firm operating in the US, Canada, and UK.

He chairs a Construction Industry Institute research team on Capital Projects Decarbonization; has served as a Greenbuild Summit and Program Working Group member; and participates in the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council, Procurement Executives Group, and the Sustainable Supply Chain Alliance.

Doug brings diverse stakeholders together to align environmental and economic goals with community values, articulate priorities, define success criteria, evaluate alternatives, build business cases, drive innovation, and achieve breakthrough milestones.

He has lead several multi-disciplinary teams – integrating owners, architects, engineers, scientists, specification writers, procurement professionals, materials suppliers, and construction contractors – on landmark LEED and Envision gold and platinum projects.

Doug reports to CDP and EcoVadis using ISO-aligned sustainability software to analyze Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions according to the GHG Protocol. He also leads collaboration with Burns & McDonnell’s value chain partners to support their collective carbon reduction programs.

Actively maintaining credentials in sustainable building design and construction, resilience, environmental stewardship, and community revitalization – he is also a BREEAM Infrastructure Assessor and Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure Envision Verifier.

A member of the Climate Reality Leadership Corps, Doug holds certificates from Harvard’s Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment; and Executive Education programs of the UC Berkeley Law School on Sustainable Capitalism & ESG, and the Villanova Engineering and Business Schools on Sustainable Value Creation.

Ms. Dubois has worked in the non-profit and community development sector for nearly 20 years.

Her work has brought her across Canada as well as internationally working with communities in agro and aquatic ecosystems, climate science and ecological conservation. Since co-founding Ocean Legacy in 2014, Ms. Dubois has spent nearly a decade organizing operations across six countries, and has engaged hundreds of thousands of people in direct-action cleanups, research and education, media as well as recycling initiatives worldwide. She holds a Master’s degree in International Studies from Simon Fraser University, Canada and a Honours Undergraduate Degree in Environment and Resource Management with a Diploma in Strategic Environmental Assessment from the University of Waterloo, Canada. Ms. Dubois lives her life with curiosity, dedication, compassion, integrity and deep reverence for the people and ecosystems that she has the absolute pleasure of serving. Ms. Dubois now spearheads the first and largest marine plastic recycling facility in Canada, which she began co-developing in 2016 to manage materials collected during ocean, shoreline and marine industrial cleanup efforts. Ms. Dubois and her team have now raised significant capital towards funding cleanup and infrastructure developments including its affiliated depot network to capture wasted material as well as their worldwide educational efforts.

These integrated components comprise of one of the most comprehensive pollution mitigation strategies called EPIC, used to assist in ending the plastic pollution crisis. This strategy is built on the four pillars of Education, Policy, Infrastructure and Cleanup, and continues to serve as a model for communities to build localized capacity to manage plastic waste, mitigative policies and create pragmatic solutions which stimulate resource circularity and the plastic circular economy.

Craig Duvall is the Operations Manager for Profoundry, supporting a wide range of business activities across the group of companies. With over 10 years of operations experience, Craig has been engaged in sustainable procurement and internal ESG efforts, including B Corp certification. Prior to joining Delphi, Craig worked in the field of aviation operations and studied at Carleton University

Kristy Ehman is three-time business owner, two-time mom and one-time wife. Based in Lumsden, Saskatchewan, Kristy launched tech company Hyon Software Inc in 2018 to help advance the circular economy in Canada. Hyon works with large organizations in the public and private sectors.

Kristy currently chairs the Governance and Nominations Committee within Saskatchewan Trade and Export’s Board of Directors and is on the board with the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council. Kristy is an active member in technology hubs such as CoLabs, Cultivator, Communitech, C100, NextFounders and Foresight. Hyon was recently awarded funding through Sustainable Development Technology Canada – a national fund supporting innovative and environmentally sound projects.

When she’s not working, you’ll find Kristy playing board games with the kids or shovelling snow.

Jennifer has more than 15 years of expertise in ESG and sustainability leadership, energy and environmental policy, and regulatory frameworks in Canada. She has curated this experience through her work for multinational consulting organizations, energy producers (oil, gas, and renewables), service companies and volunteer opportunities. She has directed sustainability planning and ESG strategic priorities, created robust environmental policy outcomes for energy sector activities, and leveraged a growing knowledge of business development and communications to elevate these successes.

Jennifer is most known for her ability to deliver precedent-setting initiatives and thrives under the challenges of managing never-been-done-before projects. Through her work in the Canadian energy sector, she has demonstrated her aptitude working with diverse groups of clients and stakeholders and identifying areas of mutual benefit and consensus with these stakeholders—all while meeting environmental and social objectives and increasing industry competitiveness.

As Vice President of ESG & Strategy at CDN Controls Ltd, Jennifer has positioned CDN as the dominant leader in the energy services sector for ESG performance, driving forward both internal strategy and external ESG-linked services. Her passion for environmental issues and strong skill set in collaborative problem solving, technical analysis, and relationship building have played an essential role in CDN’s ongoing growth and success.

Sarah is the Senior Manager of ESG and Sustainability Reporting at Meridian Credit Union. Having joined the organization in January 2023, she has been immersed in Meridian’s purpose-based culture and is focused on ESG reporting and measurement. Her role allows her to collaborate with several teams across the company on sustainability-related initiatives, and has taken an interest in advancing the company’s sustainable procurement initiatives. Prior to her time at Meridian, Sarah spent 6+ years at Equitable Bank, most recently as the Manager of ESG and Investor Relations.

Noreen is Director, Sustainability and Reporting at Capital Power. In her current role, she is responsible for leading the development and execution of the company’s sustainability strategy and reporting. She supports the integration of sustainability across all aspects of Capital Power’s strategy and business. Providing recommendations on near and long-term initiatives for the company to continue to demonstrate commitment and leadership with respect to sustainability in the development, construction, optimization, and ownership of power generation assets.

Prior to her time working in Sustainability, she held roles in Commercial and Business Development, which provide a strong understanding of the company’s objectives and value drivers.

​Bio coming soon!

Shawn Fitzgerald is the Vice President of Enterprise Procurement and Workplace Services at The Co-operators Group Ltd, one of the largest multiline insurance and financial service organizations in Canada. Since his arrival at The Co-operators, he has built the Enterprise Procurement department from the ground up, including the sourcing and selection of highly skilled procurement professionals, and the creation and implementation of all procurement related policies and procedures. Shawn has worked to develop, establish and implement standardized procurement best practices and has implemented a centre led Procurement function between several previously decentralized insurance companies including expense reduction strategies, sourcing and selection, contract management, and vendor risk management. The results for The Co-operators have been significant cost savings, a streamlined procurement and contract review process, integrated risk mitigation, and an ever growing awareness of the value that high level procurement talent can provide to the organizations bottom line. Shawn has also implemented the organizations sustainable procurement strategy, including the integration of sustainability as a factor in vendor selection decisions to increase environmental responsibility in the vendor community.

Shawn is also accountable for the Real Estate and Workplace Services portfolio, including the Workplace Strategy which has resulted in the build of Co-operators headquarters in Guelph, which aims to achieve Leed gold, WELL certification, and Zero Carbon design.

Shawn brings over 20 years of procurement and strategic sourcing leadership experience that spans across manufacturing, retail, distribution, and financial services sectors.

Giulia is an ESG Strategy Consultant in EY’s Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) team. She supports organizations to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into their operations, aligning them with evolving sustainability standards in both public and private sectors. By collaborating with clients, she embeds sustainability into core business strategies, helping organizations drive long-term value, enhance resilience, and meet stakeholder expectations. Giulia is particularly passionate about advancing sustainable procurement practices, recognizing the critical role supply chains play in achieving ESG goals and targets. With a focus on delivering measurable impact, Giulia empowers organizations to turn sustainability challenges into strategic opportunities, enabling them to build a more sustainable, competitive, and future-ready business.

Being born and raised in Jamaica, Brian has a strong appreciation for the environment, and an understanding that it is integral to the social and economic wellbeing of all of us who live in it.   

Since moving to Canada 15 years ago, Brian has further developed his skills and interest in the field through the completion of a BSc in Biology, MASc in Applied Environmental Science, and a post graduate certificate in Sustainable Business Management.   

With this he went for a career in procurement, as he believes that being in a position close to money is one of the most meaningful ways to drive positive environmental and social change.  

Brian’s career so far has provided him with meaningful experience in direct and indirect sourcing, having worked at Hellofresh, Goodfood, Walmart, and now Accor where he can have an impact not only in Canada, but across North and Central America as it relates to our Sustainability and Supplier Diversity Initiatives.  

When not working, you can find Brian cooking new recipes, biking, and doing photography.  

Rod Hoffelder is a Procurement Manager at Lafarge Canada Inc., responsible for the Manitoba and Saskatchewan markets. With over 14 years of experience, he has worked towards sustainable procurement in different countries, across various sectors of economy, such as manufacturing, energy and construction (both public and private sectors) and translating best practices into results. He has a MBA in People Management, which has enhanced his capabilities as a leader. Rod has a strong background in providing excellent service for large corporations that encounter detailed and ever fluctuating purchasing needs. Extremely detail oriented, with a positive, upbeat personality, he is looking to share and learn from other fellow members about their challenges and opportunities.

David Huck, MNRM, currently serves as the Director of Sustainability for Canadian Pacific Railway Company. Based in Calgary, Alberta, David oversees a team of sustainability professionals in the delivery of the railway’s ESG programs, strategy development and sustainability disclosure practices.  David has a background in environmental sciences and sustainability, including a Master of Natural Resources Management from the Natural Resources Institute at the University of Manitoba.  With over 20 years of industry experience, David has worked in various environmental management and sustainability roles across the agribusiness, mining, transportation and watershed management sectors.  When not learning about innovative ways to address complex social and environmental challenges, David enjoys spending time with his family exploring the Canadian Rocky Mountains near his home. 

David is Manager for Indigenous & ESG Procurement at Canada Post Corporation. He has many years’ experience in procurement as a consultant and practitioner, spanning industries including public sector, arts & media, vehicle manufacturing, technology, charities and the military. He has worked with and for public-sector, private-sector and third-sector organizations in North America, Australia/NZ, Africa, Europe, and Asia. He currently lives in Ottawa, on unceded Anishinaabeg Algonquin territory.

Ebere is a dedicated early career sustainability professional with a robust background in mine reclamation research and greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting within the telematics/fleet management industry.

As a Sustainability Specialist at CPKC, Ebere contributes to the seamless execution of processes and tools, ensuring the exemplary reporting and communication of CPKC’s sustainability practices and objectives. Serving as a vital member of CPKC’s sustainability team, Ebere actively collaborates with and supports CPKC’s functional groups and external stakeholders in the development, implementation, monitoring, and communication of CPKC’s comprehensive sustainability strategy.

Ebere’s diverse skill set is underpinned by a Bachelor of Environmental Studies (BES) with a concentration in Geography and Environmental Management, complemented by a Climate Change Policy and Practice Certificate from the University of Toronto.

Jerome James is currently an Energy Management Specialist managing the implementation of various energy conservation initiatives with the newly founded consortium, ONxpress Transportation Partners tasked with delivering the GO Transit Expansion Project. Prior to joining ONxpress, he was the Energy Manager at Magna Rollstamp where he led the creation of a strategic energy management program with target metrics for the entire Magna Rollstamp Manufacturing division. He holds a Master of Mechanical Engineering with a Specialization in Applied Sustainability from Queen’s University as well as a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from The University of Western Ontario. Jerome has over 7 years of experience within the energy space and has published research within fuel cell technology.

Wura is the Sustainability Manager at Gore Mutual, where she collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities and implement impactful sustainability initiatives. In her current role, she leads the development of the annual greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, monitors key environmental and climate-related metrics, and plays a pivotal role in executing Gore’s comprehensive sustainability action plan. With a decade of experience across environmental engineering, energy services, and project management, Wura is dedicated to advancing sustainable practices throughout the organization and strengthening ESG strategies to deliver meaningful results.

Nisha is a Supply Chain Management and Sustainability expert with 7 years of experience in responsible supply chain management, sustainable reporting frameworks, sustainable procurement, and climate change analytics. She has worked in academia as a tenure-track faculty conducting and managing empirical research projects on sustainable procurement strategies. Nisha worked in the private sector as a Senior Sustainability Advisor providing sustainability advisory support to C-level executives in publicly traded companies across the United States and Canada on corporate sustainability reporting, climate policy, and sustainable procurement strategies. Currently, she works as a Sustainability Consultant at Works Design. Nisha holds a Ph.D. in Operations and Supply Chain Management from the University of Texas Arlington.

In post since February 2020, Patrick manages the development and implementation of Pomerleau’s ESG strategy. Patrick led the production of Pomerleau’s first-ever ESG report, published in June 2022, and the first integrated report in 2023. In his role, Patrick oversees Pomerleau’s decarbonization strategy and circular economy initiatives. With a master’s degree in international development from Queens University and a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from Concordia University focused on sustainability, Patrick is working to transform Pomerleau and the Canadian construction industry towards net zero 2050.

Olivia is passionate about the importance of supply chains in the transition to Net Zero. As Cogeco’s Sustainable Procurement Advisor, she is responsible for the implementing of a supplier engagement plan to reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions to meet Cogeco’s science-based targets, a program to increase supplier diversity and local procurement, as well as new processes to reduce ethics and human rights risks in Cogeco’s supply chain

Katherine Larocque is Director of Ecolabels and Resources at the Global Electronics Council, and brings almost 15 years of sustainability experience to her role, where she is responsible for managing the EPEAT Program, a global ecolabel for electronic products. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Global Ecolabelling Network.

Katherine plays a critical role in ensuring the credibility of the EPEAT Program and programmatic alignment with external stakeholder needs. She is also focused on identifying opportunities to increase the impact of EPEAT, and supports both purchasers and manufacturers as they seek to increase the availability of sustainable electronics globally.

Katherine has extensive experience as a sustainability professional and has provided customized sustainability advice and solutions to a wide variety of organizations and industries ranging from multinational food and beverage companies, and technology sector clients, to small non-profits. Prior to joining GEC, Katherine lead the extended producer responsibility and recycling efforts at Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd.

Katherine holds a Master of Science in Environmental Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science from Queen’s University. She resides in Ottawa.

Sheree is currently the Director of Supply Chain for ENMAX in Calgary, Alberta. Sheree leads a dynamic team of supply chain professionals overseeing the end-to-end supply chain for all business units within the company, ensuring seamless access to essential materials and services critical to the success of the organization. With over 20 years of supply chain experience, Sheree has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan and has worked in various industries including government, transportation, utilities and oil and gas. Sheree is at the forefront of implementing a sustainable procurement program at ENMAX. This initiative aligns with ENMAX’s overarching Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and commitments. Her strategic vision and operational experience contribute to ENMAX’s supply chain journey toward environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

Ruth Legg is the Americas Head of Supply Chain Sustainability and Diversity at HSBC. She works to advance HSBC’s net zero ambition in its supply chain, as well as increase procurement opportunities for diverse-owned businesses. Ruth has 15 years of experience in leading Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) programs and currently serves as Board Chair of Modo, a climate change-focused car-sharing cooperative in British Columbia. Ruth is based in Vancouver, where she enjoys spending time in nature with her husband and two daughters.   

As Manager, Sustainable Procurement at Air Canada, Clare Li (she/her) is responsible for leading, developing and implementing various initiatives including policies, process and programs to promote and drive Sustainable Procurement best practices across all procurement categories at Air Canada. This includes furthering the company’s commitment to sustainable corporate objectives through awareness initiatives and ensuring procurement mandates are viewed through a sustainable lens.   

Prior to joining Air Canada, Clare was the Communication Director for ILL-Abilities, an International Breakdance Crew comprised of professional dancers with different disabilities providing motivational entertainment worldwide. Clare lives with stage 4 breast cancer and identifies as a person with invisible autoimmune disabilities.   

Clare believes that in order to make meaningful change, you must seek out or create opportunities for learning. Cancer gave her the ability to pause and hone her powers of introspection to affirm her goal to affect change in the community by committing to lift others up and helping them grow. She spends her time outside of work advocating for breast cancer awareness, disability (Disability Without Poverty), volunteering in a patient partnership program (MUHC), continuing to support ILL-Abilities’ initiatives, and maintaining an active lifestyle through sports.    

Ella is passionate about the intersection of finance and sustainability. As a CPA, she brings experience from financial planning, analysis, and reporting to the world of ESG strategy and reporting. Ella joined Waterfront Toronto in 2021 as the Senior Analyst of Corporate and ESG Reporting, where she is currently building out a Climate Action Plan that covers greenhouse gas emissions reduction and sustainable procurement.

Carla Mae Mamangun is Manager, Sustainability Innovation and Capacity Building at CN. In this role, she collaborates with key functions in identifying opportunities and solutions, provides support in implementing and advancing sustainability initiatives, and facilitates internal and external stakeholder awareness. In the last year, she has worked hand in hand with the Procurement and Supply Management function to launch CN’s sustainable procurement program. She also oversees EcoConnexions, CN’s employee engagement program, and EcoFund, its capital program to fund energy efficiency, waste reduction, and housekeeping projects.  

Outside of sustainability, Carla is experienced in accounting, financial planning, and investor relations, and is currently the Treasurer of Action Réfugiés Montréal.  

Trina Manning is the Senior Manager, Sustainability at EPCOR. She is accountable for the performance, implementation, execution, monitoring and reporting of EPCOR’s sustainability strategy. This includes the integration of sustainability practices across EPCOR’s operations and creating, leading and participating in the cross-functional teams planning, executing and achieving the company’s ESG targets.  

Trina has had numerous roles with EPCOR since joining the company in 2002, including 13 years in project management at various locations within Alberta. Most recently she has led projects at Edmonton’s water and wastewater treatment plants, and she is on the project team for the kīsikāw pīsim solar farm now in operation. 

Trina earned a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering in 2002 from the University of Alberta and a M.Sc. in Environmental Engineering in 2007 from the Hamburg-Harburg University of Technology in Germany. She is registered as a professional engineer in Alberta. 

Katie has been with Hydro One Supply Chain for the past 5 years and has had the opportunity to plan and execute multiple procurement events ranging from sourcing steel to site inspection services. This past year Katie has been leading the Governance Team, where Hydro One’s Sustainability portfolio resides. Management at all levels within Supply Chain is ready to support efforts from within the team to push Hydro One into a leadership position on sustainable procurement. Katie also has experience in Asset Management, Environmental, and Project Delivery departments, which provides her with higher level knowledge of planning and execution processes that will be vital to the successful implementation of the Sustainability Procurement Plan at Hydro One. She completed her BAH in Economics and Environmental Studies at Queen’s University in 2008, and earned a PMP designation in 2013. In Katie’s spare time she enjoy the outdoors, and editing photos and videos of her family.

Calum Matthews is the VP of Sustainability and Strategy at 4VI. In his role, he leads a team responsible for the organization’s sustainable development programs and supports a range of clients with strategic planning and engagement. 
 
He grew up in Victoria, British Columbia and holds a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree from Quest University Canada and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Toronto. 
 
Matthews joined the tourism industry more than 10 years ago in a front-line service role. What started as a great summer job quickly grew into a passion and an exceptional career. 
 
He worked for the Island Coastal Economic Trust supporting communities with a range of projects relating to corporate communications, as well as tech sector and tourism development. Tourism projects were always his area of interest, and it was one of these projects that led him to joining Tourism Vancouver Island. Matthews loves working with the business owners and community members to help them grow a vibrant and sustainable tourism industry across the region. 
 
During his personal time, Matthews enjoys surfing and visiting Vancouver Island’s many hidden gems with his family and his hyperactive golden retriever, Murphy. 

Jen has over 20 years’ experience leading sustainability programs at a global scale. As the Senior Manager, Climate and Sustainability Operations at RBC, Jen is responsible for the oversight of sustainability programs, the operational climate data disclosure process, Scope 3 operational emissions strategy, supplier climate risk and operational climate risk and resiliency. She specializes in risk and compliance and their integration into business processes. Jen has won numerous sustainability awards. Before joining RBC, she led sustainability, environment, health and safety programs across a variety of sectors including tech, construction, industrial and chemical

Jenny Miles is a supply chain management professional with over 15 years of procurement experience in both private and public sector organizations. Jenny is passionate about helping organizations integrated social and sustainable practices into their value chains. She is currently working with the BC lottery corporation in social purpose and sustainable procurement.

Rachel Mitchell is a Senior Manager of Programs with Clean Foundation. Rachel oversees community-based climate programming including the Community Climate Capacity Program, supporting communities in Nova Scotia to accelerate their adaptation and mitigation efforts. With a background in regional and municipal climate planning, Rachel has experience working with local governments on climate change resilience, energy efficiency, policy development, and asset management. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from StFX University and a Master’s in Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo, in addition to being a Certified Asset Management Professional.

Erin brings a wealth of experience from the Energy, Tech, and Non-Profit sectors into her current role as a Senior Sourcing Engineer at Ovintiv. Erin’s professional journey has been marked by her commitment to creating a more sustainable and equitable world, a passion that has been the driving force behind her impressive career.

In addition to her role at Ovintiv, Erin has been actively involved in the Energy Futures Lab and Tech Stewardship, where she has championed initiatives aimed at shaping the future of energy. Erin’s participation in these platforms underscores her unwavering commitment to sustainability and her dedication to making a positive impact on the energy industry. Erin’s ability to bridge the gap between technology and sustainability has made her a valuable asset in these roles.

As a participant in the Sustainable Procurement Fellowship, Erin aims to further her commitment to sustainable practices in the energy sector. She is excited to share her unique blend of experience, passion, and technical knowledge in the fellowship as well as learn from the other fellows.

Jennifer is the Director Environmental, Social and Governance for Ballard Power Systems, a global leader delivering hydrogen fuel cell solutions to support a global net zero energy transition. She has built and operationalized organizational capacity to drive ESG performance and stakeholder value in the automotive and clean transportation sectors for more than a decade. She has held a variety of senior roles focused on advancing organizational value through business process design, governance, effective project management, and most recently, integrating ESG in global public company strategy, policy, risk management, governance frameworks and performance disclosures aligned with globally recognized ESG reporting standards. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Entrepreneurial Leadership, and a certificate in Sustainable Capitalism and ESG from Berkeley Law Executive Education.

Brooke is the Sustainability Manager at Trudell Medical Limited. This work includes overseeing the creation of action plans aligned with the Shaping a Sustainable Tomorrow ESG strategy by each of the operating companies within the Trudell Medical Group. In addition, Brooke works to promote the organization’s sustainability philosophy to internal and external audiences, continuously weaving sustainability into each of the corporation’s core values. Furthermore, Brooke is establishing and maintaining a corporate emissions database to gain a better understanding of the corporate carbon footprint. With a Bachelor of Biology and Environmental Science from McMaster University and a Masters of Environment and Sustainability from the University of Western Ontario, Brooke has always had a passion for sustainability. Through a blend of personal interest, academic experience and a career path in the environment and sustainability sector, she has been able to gain knowledge on various facets of the field and continues to learn and grow constantly. Brooke is really excited about the future of sustainability within the Trudell Medical Group as they continue to innovate and integrate sustainability into the business.

Sherrie leads the enterprise Sustainable Procurement and Value Growth teams at BMO Financial Group. Sherrie is an experienced leader in financial services with 20+ years experience spanning across retail, operations, change management, communications and procurement. Sherrie also acts as the National Chair for BMO’s largest employee resource group, BMO Alliance for Women.

Anna is a Sustainability Manager at Purolator. In her current role, she manages all aspects of Purolator’s emissions inventory, which encompasses target setting and the development emissions related tools for both Purolator and it’s customers. She also leads a variety of strategic initiatives focused on achieving Purolator’s targets, including the development and execution of a Scope 3 strategy.

Anna completed her MBA with a specialization in Sustainability. She has a strong background in information technology and project management.

Steve Olstead is the Packaging and Logistics Manager for Blindman Brewing where he is responsible for all the purchasing of raw materials and packaging for the brewery. He has previously worked as a commodity purchaser and trader in the agriculture and forestry sector in Alberta as well as an analyst in the trucking industry. 

Jenn Packer is the Manager of Environmental Sustainability at GFL environmental. In her current role, Jenn oversees the development of the annual GHG inventory, reporting on environmental and climate metrics, decarbonization strategy development and supports the implementation of GFL’s sustainability action plan. Jenn has over 15 years of experience realted to GHG accounting, auditing, decarbonization strategy, and environmental engineering supported by a Masters of Science in Sustainable Energy Development.

Audra is an accomplished Environmental, Health, & Safety professional, in addition a Sustainability (ESG – Environmental, social, and corporate governance) professional with over 20 years of experience in building and managing sustainability, environmental, health and safety programs. She has honed these skills working in the energy industry in the following types of companies: exploration and production, oilsands and midstream. Most recently she pivoted from the energy industry to learn and apply her knowledge in the distribution industry.

As the Sustainability Manager, she is a persistent collaborator, engaging, educating, and mobilizing executive leadership and operational levels of the organization on sustainability trends, projects, and strategies. Audra takes time to assess business priorities and market influences before integrating sustainability into her organization’s day to day activities. Her corporate experience considers financial, supply chain and human capital influences which propels collaborative paths forward.

When integrating sustainability into any business function, be assured that Audra will bring a dynamic approach where business champions have a voice and personal accountability. She believes it is important to align teams on the objective at hand, ensure responsibilities and accountabilities are defined, and where possible, find opportunities to foster growth and develop talent. While she is outcome focused, she will always ensure the teams efforts are acknowledged and that there is some fun had along the way.

Tori-Rae Park holds a diverse tenured career in procurement and supply chain transitioning between manufacturing and service-based industries. Throughout that time, she has continued to learn and adapt to new industries and requirements. Sustainability has been a growing focus and interest of Tori-Rae as the supply chain can strongly influence and shift industries towards sustainable practices and structures. As a mother of two young children, her goal is to positively impact the people and space that surround her so that future generations can experience the magnificence of our planet.

Dipesh Pattni, is the Sr. Vice President of Strategic Sourcing & Procurement at Green Infrastructure Partners (GIP) Inc, one of Canada’s largest and most diversified infrastructure companies. We offer vertically integrated infrastructure solutions for public and private projects of every size and scale. He leads the enterprise spend of $1B+ from the ground up. Dipesh is known for transforming the function with a 5-year roadmap to enhance the top-line and bottomline while creating a competitive advantage in the industry. The roadmap includes sourcing strategies, procure-to-pay, supplier relationship management, business stakeholder engagement, governance, business intelligence and team upskilling. Dipesh is leading the organization’s sustainable procurement strategy, including bringing transparency in the supply chain. Integration of sustainability as a decisionmaking factor to drive environmental responsibility in the supply chain is a core focus.

As the Sr. Director of Facilities, Sustainability, Sourcing and Procurement for Staples Canada. Leigh is responsible for the facility maintenance, repair, and service-related programs and partners/contractors for all Canadian properties (320+ locations) inclusive of Retail, Corporate, Warehouse and closed-door locations. Leigh is responsible for setting the sustainability agenda and identifying key focus areas for the company inclusive of numerous customer facing recycling programs, internal waste diversion, community-based recycling initiatives and energy management inclusive of Staples commitment to renewables. For her efforts, Leigh was named to Canada’s 2014 and 2016 Clean50, which offers recognition to Canada’s leaders in sustainability for their contributions over the prior two years and has been honored by Retail Council of Canada twice in the area of Sustainability.

Leigh has fiscal responsibility for the capital and expense budgets for all Facility related initiatives for all Staples locations in Canada and oversees procurement inclusive of non-trade supplies and Corporate Travel. Leigh started with Staples in 1997 as a Management Trainee and has held several store management roles. In 2001 Leigh assumed responsibility for centralizing facility management for the retail locations. A team of one that over 22 years as grown is size, scope and sophistication of process. Leigh leads a diverse team in a fast-paced environment and strives to bring awareness to the Facility Management industry through her work with Connex. Leigh was elected to the Connex (formerly Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association) Board of directors in 2014 and was elected as the 2016-17 Chair of Board. The second female in 25 years to hold the role and the first Canadian in the position.

Currently Leigh is the Vice Chair of the Connex Charitable foundation and sits on the associations ESG committee.

Deanne holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Cooperative) Degree from Memorial University and is a Supply Chain Management Professional. She has over 20 years of experience in supply chain in both public and private sectors. Her supply chain experience includes, food service, manufacturing, health care, core government and post-secondary education sections. She is currently the Associate Director of Strategic Procurement with Memorial University. During her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities with her husband Jim, son Luke and family dog Dusty.

Mike (Mehdi) Khajeh Pour is the founder and CEO of Allego Global Group, dedicated to fostering sustainable business practices since 2008. With over 15 years of experience, Mike has successfully built a multinational network of companies across seven countries, including Canada, Germany, China, Turkey, UAE, South Korea, and Iran. His vision centers on promoting zero waste and discharge treatment technologies, as well as eliminating microplastics from the supply chain.

In addition to Allego, Mike established Envirowise, an ecommerce platform that distributes environmentally friendly products and provides expert guidance to ensure clients adopt sustainable solutions tailored to their specific needs and regulatory environments. His commitment to sustainability drives him to collaborate with businesses in their transition to greener alternatives, aiming to make a meaningful impact in the industry.

As a Board Member of both the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau, Mike actively contributes to discussions on corporate responsibility and ethical business practices in the community.

Mike holds a Business Management Certificate from Simon Fraser University, an MBA from Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg, Germany, and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Through his work, he strives to set a benchmark for environmental responsibility and corporate citizenship in Canada and beyond.

As Senior Director, Climate Services, Claire focuses on building partnerships with clients to help them navigate the complexity of a low-carbon transition. Claire has a strong background in climate change and sustainability consulting, working with clients in Canada, the US, the UK and Europe and focusing on GHG inventories, target setting, decarbonization, stakeholder engagement, reporting and disclosures and climate risk. She has worked across industries including Real Estate, Private Equity, Asset Management, Financial Services, Healthcare, Agribusiness, IT and Transportation. Claire has a Master’s in Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo and is certified in Sustainability and Climate Risk through GARP.

Carrissa is currently a Sourcing Manager at Canfor and has a wide range of both employment and education within procurement and supply chain. Carrissa has worked at Canfor for 6 years in numerous roles within the Sourcing & Supply Chain team and she is currently apart of Canfor’s Sustainability working group where she is supporting with the development of Canfor’s sustainability strategy. In addition, she has experience working in public sector procurement within post-secondary and completed her Public Sector Procurement designation.

Carrissa has Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Supply Chain Management as well as a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Central Arkansas.

My name is Ximena, and I’m originally from Mexico City. I’ve been living in Canada for over three years now. Currently, I’m working at Reeve Consulting, where we help clients develop and strengthen their sustainable procurement programs. Before joining Reeve, I gained experience working with multinational supply chain and procurement teams, focusing on demand forecasting, inventory analysis, and building strong supplier relationships in the private sector. I’m passionate about promoting environmentally responsible practices across diverse organizational settings. I also hold a Master’s degree in Sustainable Business and Innovation from EADA Business School in Barcelona. Outside of work, I love traveling, learning about different cultures, and preparing vegetarian dishes. Practicing yoga and running along Vancouver’s beautiful Sea Wall are some of my favorite ways to unwind!

With over 15 years in procurement and vendor management, Tarah is a seasoned professional specialized in Information Technology Sourcing and Third Party Governance. Starting in hospitality and pivoting successfully to financial services, Tarah brings a unique blend of adaptability and client-focused experience.

Passionate about sustainability, she strives to be a catalyst for change and is eager to enhance impact within her organization. Tarah hopes to share program insights not only with her team by also across her extensive network.

Tarah envisions a future where sustainable practices are integral to every procurement process, fostering positive change within the organization and beyond.

A highly skilled and results-driven professional with a diverse background in project management, procurement, supplier relationship management, and organizational development. With extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, I have a proven track record of delivering strategic programs, driving organizational change, and fostering high-performance teams. I am PMP certified and hold advanced qualifications in leadership, inclusion, change management, and project management. I thrive in roles that require collaboration across departments and with external partners to meet business objectives while aligning with diversity, equity, and sustainability goals.

Nameeta Sharma is an environment and sustainability professional with six years of professional experience. In her current role as a Sustainability Specialist with Parkland, she works on the company-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, annual sustainability reporting, emissions reductions planning, and corporate sustainability strategy development, among many other things. Through her work, she hopes to contribute to sustainable growth initiatives and the transition to a low carbon future. She has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Calgary and Master’s degree in Resource and Environmental Management from Dalhousie University.

Tessa has worked in sustainability for 10 years, specializing in environmental education, communication, and engagement. Tessa received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from McGill University, with a double-minor in Environment and Field Studies from the McGill School of Environment. She also holds a Master of Development Practice from the School of Environment, Enterprise & Development at the University of Waterloo. As an experienced sustainability practitioner, Tessa plays a key role in developing the vision, framework and strategies that support Humber College’s progressive understanding of environmental stewardship and leadership in campus sustainability.

Colleen Steele holds an M.Sc. in Environmental Engineering and is currently working as the Sustainability Manager with Federated Co-operatives Limited in Saskatoon. Colleen has experience in the private and public sectors in the areas of sustainability, government relations, contaminant transport modelling, remediation and impacted sites management, and environmental policy and regulatory frameworks. Colleen loves doing anything and everything outside, adventuring and laughing with her family, reading, and the oxford comma.

John has 15 years of supply chain / procurement leadership experience across Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, and Consumer Packaged Goods industries; including Fortune Global 500 companies such as British Gas, Statoil ASA, and McDonald’s Corporation. In his previous roles, John has built a reputation for successfully implementing corporate wide procurement processes, procedures, and systems for procurement functions exceeding $100 million in controllable spend in both the private and public sectors. In addition to his procurement and supply chain career, John has also founded a successful business, Mission Overland Trailers, which was build on his passion for his outdoor pursuits. John is passionate about sustainable business practices and wants to further understand how standard procurement procedures can incorporate organization ESG goals more effectively.

John earned his Executive MBA from Queen’s University, where he specialized in Project Management, and a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Saint Mary’s University with a specialization in Global Business Management.

Adnan Tambawala is the ESG Manager at Lactalis Canada, leading the company’s efforts in sustainable business practices, ESG strategy and implementation. At Lactalis Canada, Adnan oversees the climate roadmap, reducing scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and working with Group Lactalis and the ESG committee to achieve its sustainability business goals. Adnan holds an MBA from The George Washington University, which has provided him with a robust understanding of business and sustainability integration. His career in sustainability was kickstarted with the prestigious EDF Climate Fellowship program, equipping him with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle climate challenges. Before joining Lactalis Canada, Adnan gained valuable experience in the sustainability sector through roles at Quinn+Partners and T-Mobile.

Rico Tomsha has been with SaskPower for 20 years and has held varying roles within Procurement over his career. In his current role as Manager, Major Procurement and Strategic Planning at SaskPower, Rico is responsible for leading and implementing sustainable procurement initiatives in conjunction with managing large infrastructure procurements.

Rico believes sustainability is becoming more crucial for the longevity and success of a corporation and procurement is positioned well to influence Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices in industry. Through large infrastructure procurements Rico has been able to highlight the importance of sustainability practices by implementing ESG concepts into evaluation criteria, which are ever evolving and growing.

Liza Tsimbal is the Director of SCM at TransAlta Corporation, where she leads a global supply chain team managing a multi-million-dollar portfolio of projects and day-to-day operations. With nearly 20 years of diverse leadership experience in various areas of supply chain, including Operations Procurement, Category Management, and Capital Projects Procurement, Liza brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Before her current position, Liza spent a decade with Canadian oil and gas industry giants Husky Energy and Cenovus Energy. Liza also led the supply chain team at Endurant Energy, an American infrastructure solutions developer, where she was responsible for supply chain management strategies for solar and battery energy storage projects, governance, and risk management. A proud Calgarian since 2011, Liza holds an MBA from the Haskayne School of Business, a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Oil & Gas in Moscow, a designation in Supply Chain Management (SCMP), and a certification in Project Management (PMP)

Kevin has more than 20 years of experience in management and leadership roles, having held positions of Associate Director Purchasing at Humber College, Director, Strategic Sourcing at Revera Inc., and Director, Supply Chain Services at Plexxus.

Kevin holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Athabasca University, Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (BCom) from York University, and a Certified Supply Chain Management Professional (CSCMP) designation from Supply Chain Canada.