Executive and Board

Jennifer Williams
President & CEO

Jennifer was appointed CEO in June 2021, having served as President of Hydro since February 2019. Jennifer had served as Hydro’s Vice President, Production, since August 2016 and held earlier positions including General Manager, Hydro Production, as well as Manager, Regulatory Engineering. Jennifer joined our team in 2014, having previously worked with both Newfoundland Power and the St. John’s International Airport Authority. A Memorial University graduate, Jennifer has a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and is a member and former member of the Board of Directors of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL). Jennifer was awarded the Fellow of Engineers Canada in 2016 and was elected as a Fellow to the Canadian Academy of Engineering in 2020. Jennifer currently sits on the Board of Directors for Cancer Care Foundation Newfoundland and Labrador as well as the Board of Directors for the Canadian Academy of Engineering. In October 2022, Jennifer was awarded with the ‘Canadian Woman of Renewable Energy Award for 2022’ presented by Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE).

Gail Collins
VP, People & Corporate Affairs

Gail started with us in 2018 and in her role as Vice President, People and Corporate Affairs she is responsible for Human Resources; Corporate Strategy, Risk and Sustainability; Safety, Health and Environment; and Strategic Communications, Culture and Brand. Gail is a graduate of Memorial University and Royal Roads University with over 20 years experience in senior corporate and operational leadership roles in both public and private sectors, leading the development of business, organizational change, and corporate relations strategies. Gail is a change leader who seeks to share her passion for people, and her work, with those around her. She has served on a variety of not-for-profit and enterprise Boards of Directors and is currently a Board member of Ronald McDonald House Newfoundland and Labrador and Reddy Kilowatt Credit Union.

Robert Collett
VP, Hydro Engineering & NL System Operator (NLSO)

Rob was appointed as our Vice President of Engineering and NLSO in June 2021 and is responsible for engineering, project delivery, asset planning and system planning. In this role he provides strategic direction to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our interconnected and rural electricity systems throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Rob started his career with Hydro in 2006 after completing his Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering at Memorial University. Since then, he’s worked in progressively senior roles, primarily in the area of Transmission Planning. Rob is a member of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL) and continues to support Memorial University as a guest lecturer as well as through his role as a board member of the Angus Bruneau Student LIFE Program.

Scott Crosbie
VP, Regulated Operations

Scott was appointed Vice President, Regulated Operations in 2021 and is responsible for all of our regulated field operations throughout Newfoundland and Labrador – our assets and the people who work to maintain and operate them. This includes all a/c transmission and distribution systems, all isolated diesel systems, all conventional thermal, gas turbine and diesel generation, and all hydro-electric generation on the island. As a 1992 graduate of Memorial University’s Engineering Program, Scott has since completed studies in Asset Management, Project Management, and Leadership. Scott has over three decades of experience in heavy industry and electrical utility business in Newfoundland and Labrador – including previous Director level positions with Hydro and as our Chief Operating Officer. Scott is very active in outdoor recreational activities around the province and is proud to serve people and communities through volunteer work with the Royal Canadian Legion and minor hockey programs.

Gerard Dunphy
VP, Churchill Falls & Muskrat Falls

After over thirty years with Hydro, in June 2021 Gerard stepped into his current role of Vice President, Churchill Falls and Muskrat Falls where he is responsible for operations, long term asset planning, and engineering for the Churchill Falls Generating Station and associated facilities, as well as the newly commissioned Muskrat Falls Generating Station. Gerard is a 1989 Memorial University graduate with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering and went on to achieve his Master of Engineering in 1999. He gained a Master of Business Administration in 2010 and is a certified Project Management Professional. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) at both the provincial and national levels and as Chair of the Board of Directors of PEGNL. In 1999 he was awarded the designation of Senior Member by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and was made a Fellow of Engineers Canada in 2018.

Lisa Hutchens
VP, Chief Financial Officer

Lisa joined as our Vice President, Finance, Regulated Operations in January 2017 and took on the role of Vice President, Chief Financial Officer in 2021. As a Chartered Professional Accountant with over 25 years of senior financial and leadership experience in the utility and energy sector, Lisa is accountable for achieving our financial goals and objectives. She provides strategic leadership in the areas of regulated and unregulated utility finance and manages change, utilizing financial information and technology to help us build an operational culture focused on appropriate cost management. Previously Lisa served as Secretary-Treasurer and CEO of Petroleum Research Newfoundland and Labrador and Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Newfoundland Power. In these senior roles, Lisa was responsible for leading corporate strategy development as well as a broad range of finance and administrative functional areas.

Michael Ladha, K.C., ICD.D
VP, Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary

Michael joined us in 2015 as in-house legal counsel. In 2021, he took on his current role of Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary and is responsible for oversight of our legal, governance and supply chain matters. After graduating from Memorial University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Michael went on to receive his Bachelor of Laws from the University of New Brunswick in 2009. Michael is currently an elected Bencher of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador and a member of the Executive of the Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter of the Institute of Corporate Directors. He currently serves on the Canadian Law Awards Advisory Panel and was appointed King’s Counsel in 2022. Michael is a strong advocate for the advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion through his governance and volunteer work and has extensive experience serving on boards of non-profit, member-based, community-based and professional organizations. Michael’s hard work and passion were recognized as the 2020 recipient of the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association’s Up and Comer Award and as an Honoree of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2021.

Walter Parsons
VP, Transmission Interconnections & Business Development

Walter joined our executive team in 2017 as Vice President accountable for non-regulated transmission and community affairs, based in Churchill Falls. In 2021, he assumed his current role as Vice President, Transmission Interconnections and Business Development, which holds accountability for our business development activities including energy marketing, industrial customer accounts, contract negotiation and alternative energy projects. He also holds operational accountability for our non-regulated transmission operations as well as our relationships with Indigenous communities. Prior to joining the Hydro executive team, Walter served as Executive Director for the provincial Department of Natural Resources (Iron Ore Industry) from 2012 to 2016 and as Assistant Deputy Minister of Energy Policy from 2016 to 2017. Walter is a professional electrical engineer who graduated from the University of New Brunswick in 1998 and currently volunteers as President of the Newfoundland and Labrador branch of Canadian Parents for French.

Dana Pope
VP, Regulatory Affairs & Stakeholder Relations

Dana took on the role of Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Stakeholder Relations in July 2023, having most recently held the position of Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs. Dana joined Hydro in 2014 in the regulated financial group and has also worked in financial roles related to Churchill Falls, Energy Marketing, Menihek and Twin Falls. In her role as Vice President, Dana is responsible for building strong and strategic relationships with a view to continued enhancement of regulatory performance as well as the execution of robust customer service and public engagement strategies. She previously held roles in internal audit, financial reporting and enterprise risk management in the private sector, having worked with the Fortis Group of Companies for a period of 9 years. Dana has also served on a variety of not-for-profit and enterprise related Boards of Directors and is knowledgeable in strong governance practice. Dana graduated from Memorial University with a Bachelor of Commerce in 2000, she holds a CPA designation as well as a Masters of Business Administration.

Board of Directors

Albert Williams (Chair)

Albert Williams was the owner/president of a private consulting firm until its merger with BAE Group in 1995, where he held senior positions of Vice-President of Major Projects, and then Chief Executive Officer until retirement in 2014. Mr. Williams has conducted feasibility studies and carried out pre-design, design and construction supervision and management of many diverse projects, in a variety of industries, including hydro-power.

Bob Barnes

Bob Barnes joined Hydro in 1977 and has been involved with multiple aspects of design, construction, maintenance and monitoring of most generating facilities and major structures on the Island and Churchill Falls. He served many roles in the company including Manager of Hydro Dam Safety, Project Manager for major feasibility studies for Gull Island and Muskrat Falls, Project Manager for the Granite Canal Hydroelectric Development and Manager of Engineering for the Lower Churchill Project before his retirement in 2014. He was vice-Chair of the E&O Division of the Canadian Electrical Association and President of the Canadian Dam Association. Bob graduated from Memorial University in 1975 with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and is a member (retired) of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador.

John Green, QC

Previously with McInnes Cooper, John Green, QC, has represented provincial, national, and international clients. A significant part of his practice has been in the oil and gas, mining, and forestry sectors. He has worked on general corporate and commercial law cases with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, securities, and related matters. In securities matters, Mr. Green has represented venture capital investors, private placement companies, and publicly listed issuers and has acted for underwriters. Mr. Green has been an active member of the Canadian Bar Association and the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador and has served as a member of the Canadian Bar Association’s National Executive. Mr. Green received a BA from Memorial University in 1966 and an LL.B. from Dalhousie University in 1969.

Geoff Goodyear

Geoff Goodyear spent the majority of his working career as a helicopter pilot. He recently retired as the President and CEO of Universal Helicopters Newfoundland and Labrador LP. During his tenure with Universal, he received Transport Canada’s Aviation Safety Award and also received the first Innovation in Safety Award presented by Eurocopter Canada. Geoff has served in a number of official roles throughout his aviation career, including serving as chair of several organizations such as the Helicopter Association of Canada and NavCanada’s Advisory Committee. Geoff is also a Past Director, Institute for Environmental Monitoring and Research. In addition to his career interests, Geoff has also contributed his expertise to the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce and the Battle Harbour Historic Trust as a board member, and he also served as president of the Happy Valley-Goose Bay Rotary Club. He is a co-founder of the Labrador Peregrine Falcon Monitoring Program and was recognized as an Honorary Colonel for 5 Wing, Goose Bay.

Jack Hillyard

J. J. (Jack) Hillyard is the former Vice President of BMO Bank of Montreal, Newfoundland and Labrador. During his 37-year career with the financial institution, Mr. Hillyard was a leader in achieving corporate results through corporate planning, strategic development, financial analysis, financial management, budgeting and forecasting, operational management and leadership development. Mr. Hillyard is a graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland (B.Comm) in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, and in 2002 earned his MBA in financial management from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Active in his community, Mr. Hillyard has served as a Director and Chairman of the Governance Committee of the Federal Government of Canada’s – Canada Development Investment Corporation (CDEV) from 2009-2015, a member of the Provincial Advisory Council on the Economy, a member of the City of Corner Brook Economic Development Committee, a Vice-Chairman of the Western Memorial Hospital Foundation, a Chairman of the Faculty of Business Advisory Board for Memorial University of Newfoundland, a member of the Newfoundland Ocean Industries Association, and on the St. John’s Board of Trade.

Jim Haynes

Jim Haynes attained a degree in Electrical Engineering at Memorial University in 1977 and upon graduation started work with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. He has worked in virtually all areas of the electrical utility industry since then in engineering, planning, operations, maintenance, and at executive levels as General Manager, Vice-President, Senior Vice-President and President. Following twelve years at Hydro, he spent ten years in Labrador at Churchill Falls (Labrador) Corporation and returned to Hydro where he worked for 14 years before retiring in 2013. He returned to Hydro in 2016 as President, and moved to Nalcor in early 2019, retiring in late 2021 after over 41 years working with the company. He completed the Rotman Directors Education Program in 2020. He has been a member of the Professional Engineers & Geoscientist Newfoundland Labrador (PEGNL) for over 40 years and The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) for more than 30 years. He has served on several councils of the Canadian Electrical Association, primarily Transmission and Generation. As well has served on the Engineering and Applied Science Advisory Committee at MUN, The Board of Directors of the Canadian Hydro Power Association and the Canadian Cancer Society (NL Division).

John Mallam

John Mallam joined Hydro in 1975 and has been involved in the design, construction, commissioning, maintenance, and modification of most of our major generating facilities. He became our Vice President, Engineering Services and later held the same position at Nalcor before retiring in 2012. A past member of the Canadian Electrical Association (CEA), he served as a member of its Generation Research and Development Committee for 25 years. He chaired the CEA Hydraulic and Alternate Energy Working Group and is a past member of the Thermal Generation Interest Group of CEA Technologies International. Mr. Mallam graduated from Memorial University in 1975 with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Chris Loomis

Dr. Christopher Loomis received his PhD from Queen’s University in 1983, where he served as an assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and the Department of Anesthesia until 1987. He joined Memorial University’s School of Pharmacy as an associate professor in 1988, was appointed full professor in 1996 and became director of the school in 1998. He was appointed Vice President (Research) of Memorial University in 2002 and was renewed for a second term in 2007. He has also served as Vice President (Academic) Pro Tempore and President and Vice-Chancellor Pro Tempore of Memorial University. Dr. Loomis serves on the Board of Directors for the Labrador-Island Link Operating Corporation, a subsidiary of Nalcor Energy.

Debbie Molloy

Debbie Molloy is an executive leader with 25 years of experience in government, healthcare, energy and hospitality sectors. She has worked in both the public and private sectors and brings a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing today’s competitive, fast paced work environment. Her career path has allowed her to develop expertise in the areas of leadership, organizational effectiveness, talent management and employee relations. Ms. Molloy holds both a Bachelor of Commerce (Co-operative) and Masters of Education (post-secondary studies) degrees from Memorial University.

Mark MacLeod

Mark MacLeod holds a Bachelor of Science degree in earth science from LaSalle University and a Master of Science degree in geophysics from Stanford University. Mark MacLeod’s career with Chevron began in 1980 in San Francisco after completing his Master’s Degree. While in the US, he held positions in exploration, development and upstream research. In 1996, Mr. MacLeod transferred to Aberdeen, Scotland and was appointed UK Exploration Manager. In 2000, Mr. MacLeod moved to Calgary to work on the Hebron project and in 2004 he opened Chevron’s office in St. John’s, Newfoundland. In 2007, he moved to Oslo where he was Country Manager for Chevron’s Norway operations. In 2009, he transferred back to St. John’s to take on the role of Vice President, Atlantic Canada for Chevron. Mark retired from Chevron in 2016 after 36 years of service. Mark serves on the Stella’s Circle Foundation Board and the C-CORE Board.

Trina Troke

Trina Troke has over 20 years of experience working with, and for, the electric utility sector, advancing though positions of increasing seniority and responsibility and leading the growth and development of diverse teams of engineers and project managers. Over the course of her career with Newfoundland Power, Fortis Ontario, Worley Parsons, Nalcor and, most recently, the Cahill Group, Ms. Troke has overseen capital projects, and led operational improvements, for electricity generating stations, transmission and distribution systems, as well as high voltage substations and HVdc infrastructure throughout Newfoundland, Labrador and Canada. Ms. Troke previously served on two CSA technical committees, related to overhead systems and overhead transmission lines, and was a member of CEATI’s Distribution Assets Lifecycle Management group. She served on the Board of Directors for Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland & Labrador (PEGNL) from 2019 to 2021 and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Newfoundland & Labrador Construction Safety Association (NLCSA). Ms. Troke holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Memorial University. She is a Professional Engineer and a Project Management Professional and has completed the ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program.

David Oake

David Oake holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Memorial University and an MBA (specializing in finance and international business) from Queen’s University. His career began in several executive roles with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, including Deputy Minister of Treasury Board and Deputy Minister of Industry, Trade, and Technology. Mr. Oake was deeply involved in negotiations with Hibernia and Terra Nova project proponents regarding royalty, project finance, taxation, and industrial benefits issues. Upon entering the private sector, he progressed through successively more senior roles in the Canadian telecommunications sector and, from 2000 to 2008, served as Executive Vice President, Corporate Development at Stratos Global Corporation, the world’s largest provider of remote satellite communications services. Mr. Oake has served on the boards of several private companies and not-for-profit organizations, including as a director of Stratos Global Corporation, Moscow Teleport Ltd., Navarino Telecom, and xwave; and as Chairman and Director of Marystown Shipyard Ltd., Bull Arm Site Corporation, and C-CORE (1995 -2001). He rejoined the Board of Directors of C-CORE in 2008 and currently resides as chair of the board.

Dr. Edna Turpin, ICD.D

Dr. Edna Turpin, who holds a doctorate in education, is recognized globally as a leader, policy maker, strategic planner, educator and communicator. She has played a leadership role in the development of the education system of Newfoundland and Labrador at both the secondary and post-secondary levels. She was the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cabot College of Applied Arts, Technology and Continuing Education and held various positions within the Department of Education at the assistant deputy minister and director level. Dr. Turpin was also the director of marketing and international development at the College of the North Atlantic and worked with the aerospace industry in public relations and marketing. She completed the Rotman Directors Education Program acquiring the ICD.D designation. Dr. Turpin is currently a member of the St. John’s Rotary Club and has served with various other community and business organizations including Newfoundland Ocean Industries Association, St. John’s Board of Trade, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. Patrick’s Mercy Home Board of Governors, St. John’s Civic Centre, YM/YWCA, the Bannerman Park Revitalization Project, and Canadian Red Cross Corporate Campaign.

Derek Purchase

From more than three decades with Ernst & Young LLP, Derek Purchase possesses a unique combination of Board skill sets spanning governance, strategy, risk management and operations. As senior partner specializing in public company audits, he has attended over 350 Audit Committee meetings of some of EY’s largest clients in North America in a variety of sectors including power and utilities. Mr. Purchase has a B.Comm (Honours) from Dalhousie University, received his CPA in 1985, completed programs from Northwestern University (Executive Development), Institute of Corporate Directors (Directors Education Program) and is currently enrolled in the Sustainable Investment Professional Certification program at Concordia University. A past Board member and executive treasurer of the St. John’s Board of Trade, Mr. Purchase has recently become involved in global corporate purpose and sustainability as a consultant with Goodman Sustainability Group.

Jennifer Williams

Jennifer was appointed CEO in June 2021, having served as President of Hydro since February 2019. Jennifer had served as Hydro’s Vice President, Production, since August 2016 and held earlier positions including General Manager, Hydro Production, as well as Manager, Regulatory Engineering. Jennifer joined our team in 2014, having previously worked with both Newfoundland Power and the St. John’s International Airport Authority. A Memorial University graduate, Jennifer has a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and is a member and former member of the Board of Directors of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL). Jennifer was awarded the Fellow of Engineers Canada in 2016 and was elected as a Fellow to the Canadian Academy of Engineering in 2020.

Brian Walsh

Brian Walsh had a very successful career with two electric utilities, beginning in 1976 as an Engineering Technologist and retiring in 2013 as a Vice President. He has worked and lived in St. John’s, Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner Brook, and Turks and Caicos Islands. Within the province, he was responsible for leading a team of professionals delivering electrical service to every community served by Newfoundland Power, which gave him a good appreciation of the issues affecting the people and communities in our province. Mr. Walsh is very proud of the work he accomplished during his six-year posting in Turks and Caicos Islands, changing the utility from one with poor service reliability and very limited competencies to one with safe, well-trained employees operating a modern electrical system.