1st Annual OPIS Canadian Carbon and Biofuels Forum
May 20-21, 2025
The DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Head, Carbon Advisory, BMO Capital Markets
Read BioTD Securities - Managing Director, Carbon Markets Advisory, Sustainable Finance & Advisory
Read BioFortisBC - Senior Manager, Renewable and Low Carbon Fuel Strategy
Read BioVeritree - Director of Carbon Strategy
Read BioFinite Carbon Canada - Director of Canadian Operations
Read BioWeaver - Senior Manager, Energy Compliance Service
Read BioCoalition for Renewable Natural Gas -- Manager, Government Affairs - Canada
Read BioIntercontinental Exchange (ICE) - Head of Environmental Products
Read BioPAAA Advisory - Consultant
Read BioB.C Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions in Victoria - Executive Director, Low Carbon Fuels Branch
Read BioWeaver, Director Advisory Energy Compliance Services
Read BioCanadian Fuels Association, Director of Fuels
Read BioTargray, Environmental Commodities Trader
Read BioVice President, Western Canada, Innovation and Regulatory Affairs, Canadian Fuels Association
Read BioPartner, Calgary - Dentons
Read BioEcoEngineers, Director of Strategic Development
Read BioParkland, Director of Planning and Operational Excellence
Read BioCanadian Oilseeds Processors Association, Executive Director
Read BioHarvestone Commodities, Trader
Read BioModern West Advisory, President & CEO
Read BioS&T Squared Consultants, President
Read BioManaging Director, IETA
Read BioHead of Commercial and Compliance, Greenergy
Read BioPast President, Advanced Biofuels Canada
Read BioPresident, Advanced Biofuels Canada
Read BioPresident & CEO, Nawitka Capital Advisors Ltd
Read Bio
Chelsea serves as Head, Carbon Advisory with BMO Capital Markets, and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. With nearly two decades of experience in commodity markets, investments, and trading, Chelsea focuses on environmental products, carbon market and project design, and corporate strategy development and execution. Prior to joining BMO, she was head of environmental commodities trading, has led a team focused on environmental commodity advisory services and has managed the environmental commodities portfolio for a large, regulated entity with operations throughout North America.
Andrew has 17+ years of experience in environmental commodities across renewables, compliance and voluntary carbon and fuels markets. Prior to TD Securities, Andrew was the Director of Sustainable Finance at TMX Group, built and ran the North American carbon and environmental commodities trading desk at Capital Power and began his career in FX trading at Lloyds Bank.
Dana works at the nexus of energy and climate, developing solutions to support reliable, renewable and low carbon energy systems. She leads business development activities for innovative pathways to expand FortisBC’s renewable and low carbon fuels portfolio and she oversees compliance and reporting of one of the largest renewable gas portfolios in North America. She has extensive experience advancing B.C.’s clean energy and carbon market development, driving climate-aligned solutions through policy advocacy, education, engagement, and partnering with diverse stakeholders.
Dana has previously volunteered her time serving as co-chair on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Biogas Association, as well as serving on the Board of Directors of the Community Energy Association, and the City of Burnaby’s Environment Committee. She holds a Master’s degree in energy and environmental policy, in addition to international economics, from Johns Hopkins University’s Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).
Joseph Pallant is a 20-year veteran of the carbon markets, currently serving as Director of Carbon Strategy at veritree. He specializes in carbon offset methodology development, project innovation, and the application of emergent technology to improve transparency in the carbon market. At veritree, he is building a voluntary offset sales program, and leads the development of the “veritree Experience” technology stack – enabling buyers, developers and the public to better experience the broad benefits that their forest carbon offsets deliver.
David has been a professional forester in Canada for over 25 years working for industry, consultants, and government. David joined Finite Carbon in 2021 and launched the expansion of the company in Canada. Finite Carbon is the global leader in the development and sale of Improved Forest Management (IFM) offset credits having sold more than 100 million credits
since 2009.
Prior to joining Finite Carbon, David worked for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment where for three years as Director of Climate Change Policy and Programs he helped set up the provincial OBPS and industrial carbon pricing regulatory framework. For ten years prior, David led the forest policy and forest renewal programs for the Saskatchewan Forest Service. David
worked as a consultant in Ontario on forest management plans and forest audits prior to working in western Canada.
David is a Registered Professional Forester in Saskatchewan, Alberta, New Brunswick, and Ontario.
Anna is a professional engineer with over a decade of experience in renewable energy, low carbon fuels and lifecycle assessments. She has an extensive background working with organizations to navigate the technical complexities of environmental regulation and sustainable innovation. Her career focus has centered on the carbon intensity of fuels through life cycle assessment and developing and implementing policies, methodologies and regulations that drive greenhouse gas reductions, particularly within low carbon fuel standards. Her work in energy compliance services is complemented by a strong foundation in engineering, with published research on biojet fuels and co-processing LCA methodologies.
A Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), Anna earned a Master of Applied Science focused on renewable fuel systems from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from the University of Calgary. Anna is also a retired professional athlete, representing the United States in speed skating at the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Alex Ripley is Manager, Government Affairs – Canada at the RNG Coalition, where is responsible for all Canadian federal and provincial advocacy work. The RNG Coalition is the trade association and advocacy voice for the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) industry in North America. Since its founding in California in 2011, the RNG Coalition has grown to represent more than 400 member companies in Canada and the United States. Alex previously led the Waste, Recycling, & Biogas Advisory group at the Royal Danish Consulate General in Toronto. In this capacity, his work focused on helping Danish companies do business in Canada and the United States, and on promoting the adoption of Danish solutions and regulatory best practices across North America. Alex holds degrees from Trinity College at the University of Toronto, and Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS.
Mike Kierstead is Director, Environmental Markets at Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), based in Calgary, AB. In this role, Kierstead is responsible for business and product development in the global emissions and renewable energy markets. Globally, ICE is 95% of the tradable futures market in environmental commodities.
Prior to ICE, Kierstead was the Director, Business Development at Skystream Markets where he managed the marketing of a trading platform focused on US based renewable energy credits. Previously, Kierstead traded a portfolio of US environmental products for CP Energy Marketing (US), based in Calgary, Alberta. Before focusing on environmental markets, Kierstead traded power and gas in California, Pacific Northwest and Alberta.
Dan Pfeffer is a Principal Advisor to Renewable Industries Canada where he leads government relations outreach, together with the association’s board members. Dan holds this role as part of his work at PAA Advisory, where he is Managing Director of the firm’s environment and clean energy practice.
Dan holds a Ph.D. in political science from Queen’s University, where he specialized in Canadian politics and political theory. He also obtained degrees from the University of Ottawa and Montreal’s McGill University, and taught politics at Queen’s and l’Université du Québec à Montréal. Dan has researched and published on various aspects of public policy and government decision-making, including such topics as group diversity and how groups engage with government. Dan has helped negotiate policies such as cap and trade, carbon pricing, and low carbon fuel standards in jurisdictions across Canada and has helped clients in their international engagement.
Sean LeRoy was recently appointed Executive Director of the Low Carbon Fuels Branch in the B.C Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions in Victoria, after serving in Director positions in Community Clean Energy and the Major Mines Office, and working for 10 years in the Canadian federal government in Vancouver and Ottawa.
Dr. Michael Rensing is a Consultant with Energy Compliance Services – Regulatory Consulting at Weaver. He was part of the British Columbia public service for 20 years. As Executive Director of the Low Carbon Fuels Branch, Electricity and Alternative Energy Division at the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation, Michael led the development of BC’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard Program. This program has been responsible for approximately 30% of the emission reductions achieved by the province of British Columbia, making it one of the most successful low-carbon fuels programs in North America.
Michael is the 2021 recipient of the BC Bioenergy Network’s Sector “Champion” Award for outstanding leadership and contribution to the bioenergy sector in BC. At Weaver he provides strategic advice and guidance to companies seeking to understand low carbon opportunities and prosper in the new low carbon economy.
Michael holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Victoria.
Devin O’Grady joined the Canadian Fuels Association (CFA) as Director of Fuels in October 2021. In this role, he is responsible for managing fuel quality regulatory files, life cycle analysis of fuels, and international files including ICAO and IMO. Devin joined CFA from having spent more than 12 years in the Canadian federal government, most recently as a senior manager in Natural Resources Canada’s Clean Fuels Branch where he led a technical and policy support team working to grow the clean fuels sector in Canada and leading NRCan’s analysis in support of the Clean Fuel Regulations. Previously Devin worked as a research engineer for Transport Canada’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods Directorate and as a program engineer with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Oil and Gas Division. Devin has a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from McGill University.
Garrett Richardson serves as an Environmental Commodities Trader at Targray, a global leader in renewable energy and carbon market solutions headquartered in Montreal. In this role, he focuses on trading Canadian carbon products including CFR, BC LCFS, BC OBPS, Alberta TIER and WCI credits. Prior to working at Targray, Garrett worked as a data scientist for Microsoft. He holds a B.A.Sc. in Computer Engineering from Queen’s University, and an MBA from McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management.
Dave is Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Innovation and Western Canada at the Canadian Fuels Association (CFA). CFA’s members represent the downstream energy sector. His role includes policy development and government relations at the federal, provincial and local levels. CFA members provide approximately 95% of Canada’s transportation fuels including both conventional and renewable fuels.
Dave has been in the downstream energy business for over 30 years. Since 2007, his roles have focused on public affairs, climate change policies and low-carbon business strategy, seeking to balance the needs of a strong economy and affordable, reliable energy while improving environmental outcomes.
He is chair of the B.C. Bioenergy Network, the Cleaner Fuels Theme Lead for the Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN) and on the advisory board of UBC’s Clean Energy Research Centre. Dave holds degrees in Economics and Sociology from the University of Victoria.
Hazel Saffery is a partner in Dentons’ Energy group and a go-to resource for clients navigating the energy transition landscape. Based in Calgary, she has extensive experience across the energy sector, including oil and gas (upstream, midstream, and downstream), as well as advising emerging players in renewables and energy transition. She excels in guiding clients through complex commercial, project investment, project development and regulatory matters pertaining to carbon credits (voluntary and compliance markets), carbon projects, carbon credit due diligence and carbon trading. She advises on commercialization opportunities and trading in credit markets, and protocols (or voluntary standards), including compliance credits, voluntary offsets, EPCs, BC-LCFS, CCAs and CCOs. Hazel collaborates with the international carbon team to seamlessly coordinate on both globally and locally, earning client praise for her practical knowledge, responsiveness, and actionable advice. Her strategic insight and collaborative mindset empower clients to confidently pursue carbon projects in Canada and abroad.
Sally Taylor is a member of the Board for the Canadian Biogas Association, a member-driven organization that supports a strong, robust biogas & RNG industry in Canada. Sally is also a director of strategic development focused on the Canadian market, for EcoEngineers, a consulting, auditing, and advisory firm with an exclusive focus on the energy transition. Sally has more than two decades of experience working in the energy sector, and has developed a deep understanding of emerging regulations, business impacts, and the challenges of adapting to a clean energy economy.
Rob Pinchuk has a Master’s Degree in Biochemical Engineering from McGill University. He is the Director of Planning and Operational Excellence at the Parkland Refinery in Burnaby, Canada. He leads a team developing novel solutions for the commercial production of biofuels from a variety of feedstocks using existing refinery equipment. He has worked in in different areas of conventional refining, supply and trading and technology development.
Chris Vervaet is the Executive Director of the Canadian Oilseed Processors Association (COPA), representing its members on matters pertaining to the oilseed processing industry. Chris is also a senior executive with the Canola Council of Canada (CCC), providing leadership on topics impacting all segments of the canola value chain.
His work in these roles has focused on the growing opportunities and challenges for the canola industry as the world transitions to a lower-carbon future. He leads the value chain’s efforts on renewable fuels, working closely with government and industry partners on key regulatory initiatives, including Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulation and federal and state programs in the U.S.
Chris Highsmith is a commodity professional with over 16 years of experience in regulatory compliance, derivatives trading, and fuel market research. Currently serving as a Regulatory Compliance Trader at Harvestone Commodities, he oversees all Low-Carbon credit trading activities in the US and Canada.
Prior to joining Harvestone, Chris held various roles at Eco-Energy and Hart Energy, where he gained expertise in market research, international trade, and regulatory consulting. He has in-depth knowledge of the US Renewable Fuel Standard and various LCFS programs and can navigate complex regulatory landscapes.
Chris is well-equipped to provide insightful perspectives on the evolving regulatory environment and its impact on energy markets.
Jackson is President and CEO of the Modern West Group of Companies, including Modern West Advisory, one of Canada’s leading carbon economy advisory firms with expertise in carbon markets, greenhouse gas emissions accounting, and sustainability strategy & disclosure. The Modern West Climate Finance Group is an investment vehicle for nature-based carbon removal projects and clean carbon technology, and Aspenwood Innovations, a US-based consulting firm focused on product life-cycle analysis.
He is the founder and Board Chair of the Methane Emissions Leadership Alliance: an industry association composed of methane reduction technology and service providers, and Board Secretary of BLab US/Canada (a not-for-profit promoting business as a force for good). Finally, he is a Board Director at Eonic Energy, a Canadian-based enhanced geothermal company.
Jackson graduated from Princeton University in New Jersey, USA, with a degree in Environmental Economics.
Mr. O’Connor is President of S&T Squared Consultants Inc. He is a mechanical engineer with a broad background in energy and environmental consulting and in industry. Mr. O’Connor’s background includes over 40 years of consulting, manufacturing, and marketing experience, mostly related to transportation fuels.
Mr. O’Connor developed the GHGenius LCA model for transportation fuels, which is widely used in Canada, the United States and other parts of the world, and has seven patents related to biofuels and food ingredients and has been an author of ten peer reviewed papers.
For 20 years, Katie’s been a trusted leader and facilitator on market solutions to tackle climate change and drive clean private capital at scale. She leads global policy and strategy on behalf of IETA’s 350+ multi-sector business members across the Americas and globally. Recently, Katie led the expansion of IETA’s presence across multiple emerging geographies (LATAM, MENA, Asia Pacific) and cross-cutting market formation activities (digital, aviation, CDR CCUS etc.). She currently sits on the Board of the Climate Action Reserve (CAR) along with several Advisory Groups, including Canada’s Commission on Carbon Competitiveness and the Canadian Climate Institute, and is a member of Osgoode Hall Law School’s Faculty. Prior to IETA, Katie worked at ICF International.
Ian Thomson is Past President of Advanced Biofuels Canada/ Biocarburants avancés Canada, the national voice for producers, distributors, and technology developers of advanced biofuels and renewable synthetic fuels. Since 2005, he has worked directly on all key federal and provincial energy and climate action policies in Canada, including fuel regulations, carbon pricing, and fiscal measures to build production capacity and expand clean fuel use. He has collaborated widely across clean fuels sectors, with NGOs, and other stakeholders. The firm he co-founded in 2005 joint-ventured to build one of Canada’s largest biofuel refineries. He is a former Chartered Accountant and holds a MSc in large systems strategic change.
Fred Ghatala is the President of Advanced Biofuels Canada, an industry association established to promote the production and use of advanced biofuels in Canada. ABFC members are global leaders in the production of advanced biofuels, with over 35 billion litres of installed annual production capacity worldwide. Fred previously led ABFC’s work to establish biofuel carbon value via lifecycle analyses used in regulations and tax programs, and expanding advanced biofuel use into aviation and marine sectors.
President & CEO of Nawitka Capital Advisors Ltd, an investment banking and advisory boutique focused on creating a circular economy. Don has over 40 years’ experience in the financial services sector. Prior to starting Nawitka in 2013, Mr. Roberts was a Vice-Chair of Wholesale Banking, and Managing Director in Investment Banking with CIBC World Markets Inc. In this position, he founded and led the Bank’s cross-functional Renewable Energy & Clean Technology Team. Don has graduate degrees from the University of Chicago and University of California at Berkeley, and currently sits on the boards of two advanced biofuels companies.