We are Clean Energy Canada

About Merran Smith

Merran is a fellow at Simon Fraser University and the founder and executive director of Clean Energy Canada, a leading think tank advancing clean energy and climate solutions. For most of her career, she has worked to unite industry, government and civil society organizations to solve pressing social and ecological challenges. Her leadership in the landmark Great Bear Rainforest conservation agreement helped ensure the protection of thousands of kilometres of coastal ecosystem. Merran is a Canadian representative on the International Clean Energy Ambassador Corps, and has recently been appointed co-chair of the B.C. government’s Climate Solutions and Clean Growth Advisory Council. She has received numerous leadership distinctions, including the 2016 Wendy McDonald ‘Community Catalyst’ award from the Vancouver Board of Trade, the ‘Clean 16’ award in 2014 for leadership in clean capitalism and the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award from Clean Energy BC.

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About Sarah Petrevan

A passionate policy advocate and commentator, Sarah works to advance policies that support clean energy and tackle climate change. With more than a decade of public policy experience, Sarah manages our work in clean growth—promoting policies and programs that help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while creating jobs and a strong economy. Sarah serves as a board member of Blue Green Canada, a steering committee member for the Clean Economy Alliance, and regularly collaborates with industry and business leaders to advocate for policies and programs to leverage Canada’s clean energy opportunity. Before joining Clean Energy Canada, Sarah held several senior positions within the Government of Ontario, and worked for a leading non-profit. She holds a degree in political science with a specialization in public policy. Most recently, Sarah is the recipient of the 2018 Clean 50 Emerging Leader Award, in recognition for her leadership in clean capitalism. She is based in Toronto.

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About Trevor Melanson

Trevor manages communications at Clean Energy Canada. He also has a decade of experience as a magazine journalist, having worked as an online editor at Canadian Business, as the associate editor of BCBusiness, and more recently as the senior editor of Vancouver magazine, where he often worked on policy-oriented feature stories. He's also the recipient of multiple national journalism awards and previously taught data journalism at Humber College. Trevor has a master’s in journalism from Western University and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of British Columbia.

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About Natasha LaRoche

Natasha provides the team with strategic organizational development and fundraising support. She has nearly 20 years of experience in fundraising, communications, and public engagement, and has helped raise millions of dollars for leading Canadian universities and not-for-profit organizations. As principal of Mindful Communications, she has helped to develop and coordinate new environmental programs at Dalhousie University and the University of Ottawa. Her interest in sustainability began with her master’s degree from the University of Leuven, Belgium, which focused on evolving environmental policies in an international context. Natasha is a 2004 alumna, and current volunteer organizer, of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference.

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About Jess Dawe

Jess works to advance climate change solutions across Canada, with a focus on British Columbia. She collaborates with governments and industry to implement policies and programs that reduce emissions and promote a strong, clean energy economy. Before joining Clean Energy Canada, Jess worked for the City of Victoria in B.C., where she chaired the interdepartmental climate and energy advisory committee and managed the development and delivery of the city’s first Climate Leadership Plan. Prior, Jess led sustainability communication and engagement efforts at the University of Toronto. Jess holds a Masters in Environmental Studies from York University and a Bachelor of Arts from Memorial University (in her home province of Newfoundland and Labrador).

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About Joanna Kyriazis

Joanna works to develop and advance policy solutions that address climate change while promoting clean growth. Based in Ottawa, she regularly connects with thought leaders, industry stakeholders, and policymakers at the federal level. Before joining Clean Energy Canada, Joanna worked as a management consultant helping businesses identify and manage climate change risks and opportunities. She also practiced as a lawyer advising governments and industry on climate change and energy law. In 2017, she was named one of the Clean50 Emerging Leaders. Joanna has a BSc in natural resources from Cornell University and a JD from the University of Toronto.

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About Keri McNamara

Keri is Clean Energy Canada’s communications specialist. Before starting at Clean Energy Canada, she worked in the U.K. as a freelance science communicator. Keri has a background in research, which includes a master’s degree in geology and a PhD in physical volcanology from the University of Bristol. Along with researching Ethiopian and Chilean volcanoes, Keri worked as a writer for several research organizations and magazines, often covering issues related to climate science. Her PhD also included a policy internship in Wales’s parliamentary research service where she worked in the environment and transport team.

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About Lisa Wu

Lisa creates and curates engaging digital content for Clean Energy Canada. As a storyteller and content creator, Lisa builds awareness and support for clean energy solutions through the creation of compelling multimedia content. Passionate about telling stories that contribute to social change, Lisa has worked as a director and filmmaker for CBC, and as a graphic designer and photographer for numerous non-profits. An ardent social justice and environmental advocate, Lisa regularly volunteers her time as a grassroots organizer with various civil society organizations. Lisa holds a degree in political science and a certificate in community economic development from Simon Fraser University.

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About Deb Thomson

Deb works closely with our executive director, providing organizational support for her leadership and external-relations efforts. She coordinates staff events and oversees a variety of Clean Energy Canada data-management systems. From Deb’s background in educational and nonprofit leadership, program design, and project management, she brings a service-oriented approach to supporting creative problem-solvers, and a commitment to social and environmental justice. Deb holds a master's degree in educational counselling.

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About Kelsey Brooks

Kelsey is an executive and research assistant. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of British Columbia. Before joining Clean Energy Canada, Kelsey worked as a research analyst for the School of Public Health at the University of Calgary. She was also a research assistant with the UBC Liu Institute for Global Issues, helping to develop UBC’s new Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs program. Kelsey also has experience as a viticulturist in the Vancouver Island wine industry (which is much larger than many expect!).

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