On March 10, 2020, QUEST announced Geoff Wright and Jess Nieukerk as two new additions to its board of directors, as well as the departure of Doug Leighton, board director.
QUEST is a national non-government organization that works to accelerate the adoption of efficient and integrated community-scale energy systems in Canada by informing, inspiring, and connecting decision-makers. The organization undertakes research, communicates best practices, and convenes government, utility, private sector and community leaders to works directly with local authorities and implement on-the-ground solutions. The organization grounds all its activities in the “Smart Energy Community.”
Wright is based in Gatineau, Québec and is the vice president of market research at Brookfield Renewable. He contributes to the global group’s market and commercial strategies around its utility-scale renewable and distributed generation businesses.
“I am keenly interested in understanding how local energy systems need to evolve in the face of an increasingly carbon-constrained world and finding cost-effective solutions to enable this transition,” said Wright. “I am excited to be part of an organization that is advancing solutions on the ground in Smart Energy Communities across Canada.”
Nieukerk is based in Calgary, Alberta and is currently vice president investor relations and corporate at AltaGas Canada Inc. He has almost 20 years of experience working in the energy industry in progressively senior roles in commercial management, corporate development, communications and investor relations.
“QUEST offers practical tools and solutions for reducing emissions, through supporting the development of Smart Energy Communities,” said Nieukerk. “Real progress happens when communities unlock opportunities to advance what matters most in their day to day lives – new economic opportunities, more sustainable energy systems, improved local environmental quality, more resilient infrastructure, and affordability.”
“Geoff and Jess will make excellent additions to the QUEST Board of Directors,” said Mike Cleland, chair of the board. “Their combined expertise and influence in the Smart Energy Communities marketplace will serve to reinforce QUEST’s leadership role as the organization that is building a more sustainable energy future for Canada by empowering Smart Energy Communities.”
QUEST also recognizes Leighton’s contribution to the board. Leighton is based in Calgary, Alberta and served on the board of directors for two years. He has more than 35 years of international experience as an urban designer, planner and architect.
“Doug’s insight on how the real estate and development sector is evolving and innovating when it comes to the efficient use of energy in communities and homes and why that matters to Smart Energy Communities has been very valuable to QUEST,” said Cleland. “While his time on the Board is now complete, he will remain a valuable part of the QUEST network.”
For further information on the QUEST board, click here.
