EXPERT SPEAKERS
Wendy Hadwen
Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy-Industry
Department of National Defence
Ms. Wendy Hadwen was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy-Industry) in October 2024. Prior to assuming her current duties, she was Communications Security Establishment Canada’s Deputy Chief responsible for Strategic Policy, Planning and Partnerships.
Previously she held executive positions at NRCan, at Treasury Board Secretariat, Ernst & Young, and the Security and Intelligence Secretariat of the Privy Council Office. Since starting in 1994 at Foreign Affairs working on rapid reaction capacity for international peacekeeping operations, she has spent her policy career almost entirely on peace and security issues including implementing the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines, establishing the counterterrorism capacity building program, and promoting non-proliferation and nuclear security. Ms. Hadwen has an M.A. in War Studies from King’s College London and a BSc in Chemistry and History from the University of Toronto.
Fazil Mihlar
Deputy Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth
Government of British Columbia
Fazil Mihlar was appointed effective December 7, 2022, as Deputy Minister, Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth (formerly Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation). Prior to this role, Fazil was Deputy Minister, Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation; Deputy Minister, Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness; Deputy Minister, Climate Leadership; Assistant Deputy Minister, Institutions and Programs Division, Ministry of Advanced Education; and Assistant Deputy Minister, Oil and Strategic Initiatives Division, Ministry of Natural Gas Development. Before joining government in 2013, Fazil was Associate Editor of The Vancouver Sun newspaper.
Fazil has been nominated twice for a National Newspaper Award for best editorial writing in Canada. Before joining The Vancouver Sun in 1999, Fazil managed the Royal Bank Financial Group’s public affairs department for B.C. and the Yukon. He was also Director of Regulatory and Labour Market Studies at the Fraser Institute and managed a small business consulting group at Simon Fraser University.
Fazil holds a B.A. in Economics from Simon Fraser University, an M.A. in Public Administration from Carleton University and a Marketing Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing in London, England. He has also completed a Certificate Course on Risk Management at Harvard University and the ICD-Rotman Directors’ Education Program with the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Fazil is the author/co-author of many research reports including A Review of the Canada/US Free Trade Agreement, The Cost of Regulation in Canada and The Rational Consolidation of Banking in Canada.
Kendra Johnston
Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals
Government of British Columbia
Kendra Johnston is Assistant Deputy Minister of the Mines Competitiveness and Authorizations Division for the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals, within the Government of British Columbia. Before joining government in late 2025, Kendra was Managing Director at PearTree Securities Inc. and prior to that, was President & CEO of the Association for Mineral Exploration BC and President & Director of Independence Gold Corp.
Crystal Smith
Haisla Nation
Member
Indigenous Advisory Council, Major Projects Office
Former Chief Councillor, Haisla Nation | Indigenous Economic Leader | Advocate for Sustainable Development
Crystal Smith served the Haisla Nation for 12 years, including eight as Chief Councillor (2017–2025), leading a transformative shift from managing poverty to managing opportunity, success, and independence. She is recognized nationally for advancing Indigenous economic self-determination through projects that balance prosperity with environmental stewardship.
Under her leadership, the Haisla Nation played a central role in LNG Canada, launched HaiSea Marine—the world’s first fully electric tugboat fleet—and secured the $6 billion Cedar LNG Project, the largest Indigenous-led infrastructure investment in Canadian history. These ventures have enabled the Nation to fund programs independently and create lasting benefits for future generations.
Crystal is the former Chair of the First Nations Natural Gas Alliance, a former Director of the First Nations Climate Initiative, a Board Director at Taseko Mines and Snowline Gold and is a member of TC Energy and the Major Projects Office Indigenous Advisory Council’s. Her achievements have earned her BC Business Women of the Year, Public Policy Forum Honouree, Energy Person of the Year, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
A proud mother, grandmother, and athlete, Crystal remains deeply connected to her community while championing Indigenous leadership and economic reconciliation across Canada.
Isabella Chan
Senior Assistant Deputy Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Isabella Chan has over 20 years of experience working in the public sector at the federal and provincial levels. She joined Natural Resources Canada in April 2024 as the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister of the Lands and Minerals Sector and was named Special Envoy to the Critical Minerals Production Alliance in September of 2025. Prior to this role, she worked at the Privy Council Office as the Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Social Development Policy, and as the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch at Health Canada. Isabella has also occupied a number of executive positions at Finance Canada and Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, including the role of Director General, Intergovernmental Tax Policy, Evaluation and Research Division in the Tax Policy Branch, and Executive Director, Social and Cultural Sector.
Brian Kynoch
President
Imperial Metals
Brian has been involved in exploration, permitting, development, commissioning, operation and reclamation of numerous mines and mineral properties including Red Chris, Mount Polley, Huckleberry, Sterling, Nickel Plate, Goldstream and Castle Mountain mines. In 1995, as President of Bethlehem Resources Corporation, Brian negotiated the merger between Imperial and Bethlehem. Brian was awarded the E.A. Scholz Medal (2007) for outstanding contribution to the development and sustainability of mines in British Columbia. Brian is a Civil Engineer (B.Ap.Sc. UBC) and a member of the Association of Professional Engineers of BC and the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
Todd den Engelsen
Chief Executive Officer
Tahltan Nation Development Corporation
Todd is a seasoned executive leader with a track record building leaders and organizations to reach their potential. He has led operations, sales, marketing, human resources and safety in diverse public, private and unionized organizations, across heavy civil construction, mine development, oil and gas, industrial health, safety and environment, and health.
Todd has garnered a reputation of guiding organizations through periods of transition, change in ownership, rapid growth, mergers and acquisitions as well as Indigenous partnership and engagement. Of proud Métis heritage, Todd is passionate about creating value for clients, partners and communities, building local capacity and growing talent, while ensuring excellence in quality, safety and sustainability.
Most recently, Todd was Director, Corporate Services with Morgan Group of Companies, a privately held heavy civil construction, mine development and environmental services company. Previously, he held President of Sales and Operations roles with industrial HSE services companies, and was Vice President, Organizational Development with a publicly traded oil and gas service company where he focussed on organizational performance and efficiency. His early career focussed on human resources, labour and employee relations.
Todd was included in the 2025 edition of Business In Vancouver’s (BIV) BC500, a definitive list profiling the 500 most influential business leaders in British Columbia.
He holds a Master of Business Administration – Executive Management from Royal Roads University. Todd is one of only a handful who have received the designation of Fellowship – as a Certified Human Resources Professional (FCPHR). He has additional training in Indigenous relations, governance, leadership, labour and employment law, and workforce management.
Committed to public service, Todd has served on several boards, including chair of the CPHR Board of Directors and its Appeals Committee, chair of Petroleum Services Association of Canada, and Director Employment Placement and Support Services.
Andrew Robinson
CEO
Nisga’a Nation
Andrew is a member of the Nisga’a Nation, People of the Nass River, 9000 strong. Andrew resides in his home community, the Nisga’a Village of Laxgalts’ap, he is Gisk’aast (Killerwhale tribe) and from ‘ the royal house of Ni’isyuus.
Andrew served two decades as Chief Administrative Officer for the Laxgalts’ap Village Government, 1 of 4 united Nisga’a Village Governments, that holds the overall authority for the Nisga’a communities. In 2022, Andrew served as Executive Industry Relations Manager for Nisga’a Lisims Government (NLG). In October 2023, the NLG Executive appointed him to Office of the CEO for the NLG administration that oversees 11 departments and 180 employees.
In the Nisga’a Legislature, Andrew sits on both the Executive Committee and Wilp Si’ayuukhl Nisga’a table. Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge, network contacts in all levels of government, and works along side all when there is hard work to be done.
The CEO works closely with local administration partners:
- 4 Nisga’a Village Governments.
- 3 Nisga’a Urban Local Societies (Terrace, Prince Rupert, & Vancouver)
- Nisga’a Health Authority Board
- School District #92 (Nisga’a) Board
- UNBC/ WWNI Board
- Industry Relations Board
- Nations Royalty Board
- Nisga’a Fisheries & Wildlife Committee
- Nisga’a Finance Committee & Emergency Management
Andrew’s passion for Nisga’a governance and Nisga’a land stems from the roots of his forebearers on the Nisga’a Land Committee, the Nisga’a Tribal Council, & predecessors of NLG knowing the importance of traditional hunting & fishing grounds, cultural beliefs, and Nisga’a Authority over the land
John Mullaly
Head of External Relations and Social Performance
Newmont Canada
John Mullally is a senior executive with extensive experience in Indigenous relations, public policy, and major project development across Canada’s natural resource and infrastructure sectors and around the world. He is currently the Head of External Relations and Social Performance for Newmont Corporation in Canada, where he works at the intersection of government affairs, Indigenous partnership, and sustainable project development — helping advance some of the country’s most significant mining and critical minerals projects.
Over his career, John has built a strong record of fostering long-term partnerships between industry, Indigenous Nations, and all levels of government to enable responsible investment, local participation, and shared prosperity. His work spans strategic policy development, complex negotiations, and multi-party governance frameworks that integrate economic growth with reconciliation and environmental stewardship.
John holds an MBA from INSEAD and has worked around on 4 different continents and is fluent in French and Spanish.
He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with his wife and three young boys, where they enjoy exploring beautiful British Columbia.
Brent Murphy
Senior Vice President, Environmental Affairs
Seabridge Gold
Brent Murphy is the Senior Vice President, Environmental Affairs, having joined the company in March 2008. He is responsible for developing regulatory review and community engagement strategies and for communicating with federal, provincial and municipal regulatory authorities, as well as with Treaty and First Nations who have an acknowledged interest in the company's projects.
A seasoned and collaborative leader, he brought together the necessary technical and social teams and was instrumental in leading the group to obtain federal and provincial environmental assessment approvals in 2014 for the KSM Project, following a seven-year review process. Brent has developed and led the environmental permitting strategy for the company's key projects situated throughout North America, including the KSM, Iskut, Courageous Lake, 3 Aces and Snowstorm Projects.
Over the past 35years, Brent has developed extensive experience in Indigenous, public and government engagement in support of the social acceptance of resource extraction projects and developed a keen understanding of the developmental risks associated with these projects. He has successfully participated in the permitting of several North American-based mining projects.
Brent is a former exploration geologist and holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology from St.Francis Xavier University and a Master of Science in Geology (Geochemistry)from Acadia University.
David Willick
Vice President and Regional Leader Mining,
Metals and Mineral North America
Schneider Electric
David is a Vice President at Schneider Electric Canada and the Mining Metal and Minerals Segment leader in North America responsible for all Mining, Metals and Minerals business in the region.
David is based in Toronto, Canada and has been in the mining and metals industry for over 35 years. He is active inside and outside of Schneider Electric and with several associations, including the Mining Association of Canada, Ontario Mining Association and the Global Mining Group.
David is passionate about sustainability and is often quoted as saying, “There are no substitutes for the mined elements that make up our low-carbon future, so it is critical to start sustainability at the source.
Nicholas Van Dyk
EVP, CFO & Corporate Secretary
NorthIsle Copper and Gold
Nicholas Van Dyk is a mining executive with +20 years experience in corporate development and capital markets. He currently holds a senior leadership position with Northisle Copper and Gold Inc., where he assists with corporate development, financing activities and investor relations. Prior experience includes mining-focused investment banking, mergers and acquisitions as well as equity financings. He has experience with advancing copper and gold development projects throughout Canada and positioning companies for long-term value creation.
Divya Shah
Managing Director
Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB)
Divya Shah is a Managing Director with the Investments team at the CIB. In her role, Divya is responsible for leading a team on CIB’s Public Building Retrofits Initiative and advising, sourcing, evaluating, developing and executing infrastructure investment opportunities in the Trade and Transportation Sector across Canada.
Divya has over 15 years of experience in project financing and developing public infrastructure projects through various roles at the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Manulife Financial. Before joining the CIB, Divya was SVP of Transaction Finance at Infrastructure Ontario, where she structured and negotiated a variety of large and complex P3, commercial and real estate transactions.
Divya is a Steering Committee member for the Women’s Infrastructure Network, Toronto Chapter. She is a CFA who also earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Toronto. Divya was named as one of the 2020 inductees to the Urban Land Institute’s Women’s Leadership Initiative Champions Team.
Divya is based out of the CIB’s Toronto office.
Yannick Beaudoin
President and CEO
Canada Growth Fund Investment Management
Yannick Beaudoin is the President and CEO of Canada Growth Fund Investment Management Inc. (CGFIM). In this capacity, he is responsible for the $15B Fund’s portfolio construction strategy and investment execution activities, in alignment with Canada Growth Fund’s important mandate to unlock investment in Canada’s energy, natural resources and clean technology sectors to grow Canada’s economy and promote efficient and cost-effective emissions reductions across the country.
Until recently, Yannick was Managing Director, Head of Asia-Pacific and Europe, Natural Resources at the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments), where he oversaw a portfolio of over $8 billion. Prior to joining PSP Investments, Yannick was Vice President of Corporate Finance and Development at Gildan Activewear and Director of Strategic Development at Molson Coors Brewing Company in Denver, Colorado. Yannick holds an MBA from McGill University, a BAA from the École des Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC) of Montréal, the Director designation (ICD.D) from the Institute of Corporate Directors, as well as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Martin Turenne
President and CEO
FPX Nickel
Martin Turenne is the President & CEO of FPX Nickel Corp., which is focused on the development of the large-scale, PFS-stage Baptiste Nickel Project in central British Columbia. Martin is a mining executive with extensive hands-on experience in company leadership, mine project development and financing, corporate governance, Indigenous relations and government advocacy. Martin is a CPA, CA with 20 years of progressive and diverse experience in the resources industry, ranging from exploration and development-stage juniors to large multinational producers. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and earned his professional qualifications while working at KPMG Vancouver LLP.
Brock Gill
Senior Vice President, Operations, North America
Teck
Brock Gill was appointed Senior Vice President, Operations, North America in 2024. He is responsible for Teck’s operating and non-operating assets, as well as the growth portfolio within the North America business unit.
Mr. Gill joined Teck in 2023 as Vice President, Operations and Innovation, Base Metals, bringing more than two decades of global leadership experience in large-scale project development, operational transformation, and country management. His career spans complex mining jurisdictions including Mongolia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Greece, Türkiye and Canada.
Prior to joining Teck, Mr. Gill held senior roles at BHP, where he served as Vice President, Projects and led the design and construction of the multibillion-dollar Brock Gillsen potash project. He also held leadership positions at Ivanhoe Mines, including Vice President, DRC and Managing Director, Kamoa, and Deputy Project Director for the Oyu Tolgoi Phase 1 development.
Mr. Gill holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Queen’s University and a Master of Laws in Water Governance and Conflict Resolution (with Distinction) from the University of Dundee.
Claudia Tornquist
President and CEO
Kodiak Copper
Ms. Tornquist is an experienced mining executive whose background includes business development, business evaluation, M&A and financing, at both multi-national companies and in the junior sector. She was formerly General Manager at Rio Tinto working with Rio Tinto’s copper operations and also held the position of Executive Vice President Business Development for the streaming company Sandstorm Gold. Director of American Lithium and Silver One Resources and former director of Kennady Diamonds, leading the $176m sale of the company to Mountain Province as chair of the special committee of the board. Ms. Tornquist has a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of Munich and a Masters of Business Administration from INSEAD.
Doug Parton
Business Manager and Financial Secretary Treasurer Ironworkers Union Local 97
Doug Parton is a union leader in Canada’s construction sector, focused on skilled trades, workplace safety, and fair labour practices. He began as an apprentice ironworker in 1989 and has advanced to become the Business Manager and Financial Secretary-Treasurer of Ironworkers Local 97, representing more than 2,500 ironworkers working on major infrastructure projects across British Columbia and the Yukon.
He is a vocal advocate for workers’ rights and fair employment standards. He has raised concerns about the misuse of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program, calling for reforms to protect opportunities for Canadian workers and improve fairness and sustainability. He also supports Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) to expand apprenticeships, promote workforce diversity, and ensure public investments benefit local communities.
Under his leadership, Ironworkers Local 97 has played an active role in supporting a wide range of charitable initiatives, including meaningful contributions to the Michael Cuccione Foundation, as well as ongoing support for Food Banks BC and other community-based organizations addressing food insecurity and local needs across the province.
Doug continues to represent the union in public and industry settings, promoting the essential role ironworkers play in building critical infrastructure across the province.
M. Colin Joudrie
President and CEO
Selkirk Copper
Mr. Joudrie is an accomplished business leader with over 35 years of diverse mineral resources industry experience with a track record of unlocking investment opportunities across the globe. Prior to his current role as President & CEO of Selkirk Copper, Mr. Joudrie was Vice President Business Development with Teck Resources Limited, a position he held from 2011 through 2024, where he was responsible for advancing several advanced base and precious metal development projects in the Americas through Preliminary Economic Assessment, Pre-feasibility and Feasibility study work, and permitting.
Keerit Jutla
Chief Executive Officer
Invicta Metals
Keerit Jutla is the Chief Executive Officer of Invicta Metals, a Canadian mineral exploration company advancing critical minerals through disciplined execution and consent-based partnerships. A lawyer by training, he has built his career at the intersection of natural resources, Indigenous rights, and public policy. Keerit previously served as President and CEO of the Association for Mineral Exploration, representing the mineral exploration sector across British Columbia. At Invicta, he champions early, respectful engagement with Indigenous Nations and partnership structures designed to create shared economic participation. He believes consent-driven development is both a constitutional reality and a strategic advantage in modern resource leadership.
Jesse Johnson
CEO
Connect Group
Jesse Johnson serves as the CEO of Connect Group Inc., where he has played a central role in the company’s evolution from a start-up to a full-service EPC and general contractor delivering major capital projects and turnaround events. He is an accomplished executive with a proven track record of developing and executing strategic growth plans across both privately held enterprises and publicly traded multinational organizations, with a focus on collaboration, operational excellence, and disciplined execution.
With more than 25 years of experience in construction and maintenance, Jesse has worked across a range of sectors, including mining, oil and gas, petrochemical, power generation, and heavy industrial infrastructure. His background spans senior operational and executive leadership roles, including Chief Operations and senior business leadership positions, where he has consistently driven performance, scalability, and client value.
Since 2012, Jesse has served as a Board Member and Advisor to several industry and government bodies, contributing to initiatives through IOSH, COAA, provincial and federal apprenticeship programs, and CLRA bargaining. He holds a Red Seal Ironworker certification and a Master of Arts in Justice from Royal Roads University.
Raman Randhawa
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Capstone Copper
Raman Randhawa is a Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) with over two decades of financial and leadership experience in the mining industry. He joined Capstone Copper in 2018, bringing strong expertise in financial strategy, operational excellence, and disciplined growth.
Since the 2022 merger between Capstone Mining and Mantos Copper, Raman has played a key role in shaping the financial and operational framework of the combined company. Capstone Copper has grown into a leading mid-tier copper producer with a diversified portfolio of long-life assets across the Americas, a stronger balance sheet, and a clear path for production growth. Raman continues to lead the company’s financial strategy as it advances expansion projects and drives efficiencies across its global operations.
Prior to Capstone, Raman spent 13 years at Goldcorp Inc., a global gold producer headquartered in Canada. During his tenure, he held several senior leadership positions, including Vice President of Business Planning, Vice President of Business Performance & Reporting, and Vice President of Finance, Operations. His responsibilities spanned Controllership, Treasury, and Supply Chain, and he played a key role in overseeing the financial performance of Goldcorp’s Canadian mining operations. Raman’s experience includes significant exposure to capital markets and corporate development, as well as leading the creation of a global supply chain function and managing multi-billion-dollar capital budgets. He began his career at Ernst & Young, where he gained foundational expertise in financial advisory and assurance services.
Booker Cornea
Associate Vice President, Market and Shareholder Engagement
First Nations Bank of Canada
Booker is a proud Citizen of the Saskatchewan Métis Nation and currently resides with his family on Treaty 4 Territory in Regina, Saskatchewan. He brings over 20 years of experience in the financial sector and serves as the National Market Lead, Commercial Banking at the First Nations Bank of Canada (FNBC), where he works alongside Nation Builders across Canada. In his role, Booker partners with Indigenous communities and businesses on a wide range of initiatives, including on-reserve infrastructure projects, land development, business acquisitions, and more. He co-led the development of FNBC’s $100M Infrastructure Lending Program in partnership with the Canada Infrastructure Bank, as well as the Bank’s recently launched $100M Business Acquisition Financing Program in partnership with the Business Development Bank of Canada, both designed to increase access to capital for Indigenous communities. Booker is passionate about supporting Nation Builders across Canada, helping empower Indigenous communities through the creation of self-generated, own-source revenues. As he puts it: “We do the financial part of Nation Building.”
Michael Gray
Partner
Agentis Capital
Michael has been a top-ranked mining equity analyst for the past 20 years covering mining companies at all stages of development. Michael co-founded Agentis Capital Mining Partners in 2019 and had a previous nine-year career with Macquarie Capital Markets, where he was Managing Director and Team Head, Mining Equity Research, Canada. Prior to that, Michael co-founded Rubicon Minerals as a new explorer (1996 -2005) which he helped build into a top-ranked mineral exploration company. Michael's previous experience also includes roles with various senior mining companies including Lac Minerals, Minnova, Falconbridge, and Cominco.
Michael has a B.Sc.(Geology) from the University of British Columbia and an M.Sc.(Economic Geology) from Laurentian University. He is a past president of the 5,000+ member Associate for Mineral Exploration (AME).
Michael Bonshor
Chair
Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation
Mr. Bonshor (Gixkandzi) is an experienced leader and member of the Dzawada’enuxw First Nation of Kingcome Inlet, BC. He has 20 years of experience working with First Nations, specializing in Indigenous business development and investment. He is currently the President and CEO of Visions Financial Services and Managing Director of First Nations Business Development Association. Mr. Bonshor is a highly respected business leader with extensive leadership, Board and Chair experience and holds several roles in organizations, including British Columbia Institute of Technology (Chair), the National Indigenous Economic Development Board (Director and Chair, Economic Progress Report Committee), and the Dzawada’enuxw Development Corporation (Chair). He holds a CPA, CMA from the Charter Professional Accountants of BC.
Michael Bonshor had dedicated his career to supporting First Nations in business and strengthening the economic capacity of Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities.
As the Board Chair, Mr. Bonshor is committed to fostering a path of prosperity that respects the unique needs and priorities of the Indigenous Peoples and create opportunities that will build prosperity and benefit generations to come.
Sean Magee
Vice President Corporate Affairs
Taseko Mines
Mr. Magee joined Taseko in September 2021 as Vice President Corporate Affairs and is responsible for leading Taseko’s public affairs and community relations programs, as well as for government relations, corporate communications, media, and sustainability policy initiatives.
Mr. Magee has more than 25 years’ experience as a public affairs professional supporting mining and other natural resource industries in Canada and throughout North America – most recently as Principal of regulatory and public affairs consulting firm One-eighty Consulting Group Inc., and previously in senior executive roles with a number of publicly traded companies. In these roles, he provided senior public affairs and management counsel to a suite of mineral exploration and development, mining and energy companies, with direct responsibility for strategic communication planning, issues and crisis management, ESG and sustainability programs and partnerships, public and stakeholder consultation, Indigenous engagement, government relations and reputation management.
He is a former journalist, speechwriter and media trainer, with extensive experience working on high-profile development projects in Canada and the United States.
Andrea Ross
Manager, Social, Environmental and Regulatory Affairs
Galore Creek Mining Corporation
Andrea Ross is a geoscientist with 20 years of experience spanning the mine life cycle from exploration to production. She is committed to the sustainable development of natural resources and understands the key role mining plays in supporting BC’s and Canada’s economic and policy goals. She is currently the Manager Social, Environmental and Regulatory Affairs at Galore Creek Mining Corporation and is focused on supporting the Project to move forward through a major regulatory process to update and modernize existing approvals in close collaboration with Tahltan, local communities and regulators. Andrea lives in Smithers, BC, with her daughters and enjoys pursuing time outdoors, making the most of living in the beautiful NW.
Anthony Huston
CEO
Graphite One
Anthony Huston is a successful entrepreneur with a background in the tech sector, business development and finance. Having served as Managing Partner in both public and private companies, he has played an integral role in raising more than $150 million in his career. Mr. Huston has served as an advisor on financial and acquisition transactions in industries ranging from the resource sector and real estate development to bio-technology and information technology. Mr. Huston is active in numerous local and international community service organizations, and lives with his wife and three children in Vancouver.
Melissa Holland
Senior Vice-President of Capital Infrastructure Project Delivery
BC Hydro
Melissa Holland is BC Hydro's Senior Vice-President of Capital Infrastructure Project Delivery. This portfolio comprises Indigenous Relations, Environment, Properties, and Project Delivery. The group is responsible for delivering $22B in capital investment projects, including properties, dam safety, generation and transmission stations, lines, telecom and interconnection projects, ranging in size from approximately $1M to $1B.
Melissa was most recently the Vice President of Project Delivery and has 23+ years of experience in the energy and utilities sector including strategy, regulatory, environmental assessment, aboriginal consultation, project and program management, large capital project development and contractor claims defence. She believes how we work and communicate is as important as what we work on.
Melissa holds an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario and currently serves as Chair of the Powertech Board of Directors.
April Hayward
Chief Sustainability Officer
Li-FT
Dr. Hayward’s career has been dedicated to leading sustainable development in the mining industry in northern Canada for more than a decade. She has a proven track record of developing collaborative working relationships with key stakeholders and successfully navigating projects through the regulatory system to obtain operating permits in the Northwest Territories through her managerial and executive roles with the Ekati mine and Mountain Province Diamonds. Dr. Hayward brings a unique combination of operational and corporate experience, technical expertise, and over 25 years of diverse experience in the fields of environment and sustainability in the public, private, and academic sectors to the Company.
Ashley Glen
Director of Structured and Project Finance
Export Development Canada (EDC)
Ashley Glen of Export Development Canada (“EDC”) has been structuring innovative and complementary financing in support of Canadian exporters and investors for 15 years with EDC.
Since joining EDC in 2011, Ashley has worked exclusively within EDC’s Structured and Project Finance Group with a focus on extractive industries – including mining, metals, pipelines and natural resources.
In 2021, Ashley assumed her current role as Director – Extractive Industries, Structured & Project Finance, leading the team responsible for underwriting project financings in the mining, metals and resources sector. In her current role she is also focused on finding innovative debt solutions that support the build-out of critical mineral supply chains and the integration of sustainable technologies for Canadian exporters in the extractive sector.
Prior to leading the Extractive Industries team, she was a senior underwriter in the same group. Ashley previously worked for TD Securities and she holds a Master of Financial Economics (MFE) from Rotman and a CFA.
Brittney Kerr
Founding Partner
Framepoint Public Affairs
Brittney Kerr is a senior public affairs executive specializing in government relations, strategic communications, advocacy campaigns, and community engagement.
Brittney leverages 15 years of private sector, media, and government experience in her advisory work. Brittney designs effective, innovative and results-oriented strategies to navigate complex policy issues, often in the public domain, in order to secure a win for her clients. Over the course of her career, Brittney has gained a deep understanding of how to effectively articulate the right message at the right time to mobilize an audience to act.
Prior to co-founding Framepoint, Brittney served as Senior Adviser to the executive leadership team at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. Prior to that, she served on the executive leadership team of a national public affairs firm in Canada where she was responsible for client service operations and a 50-person workforce across all geographies and divisions.
Earlier in her career, Brittney was the British Columbia adviser to the Prime Minister of Canada. During her time in the Prime Minister’s Office, Brittney advised senior government leaders on issues and files that intersected with British Columbia, and led teams crossing multiple ministries and departments. She also served as liaison for the Prime Minister's Office with stakeholders, Indigenous communities, and other
levels of government in British Columbia.
Brittney was recognized as one of BC’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2019 by Business in Vancouver and the Top 30 Under 30 in 2014 by BC Business magazine. Brittney was also recognized by Business in Vancouver as one of BC500’s most influential business leaders in British Columbia. In 2025, Brittney was awarded the King Charles III Coronation medal by the Liutenant Governor of British Columbia
Byng Giraud
President
Sedgwick Strategies
Byng is the President of Sedgwick Strategies. He specializes in obtaining approvals for major projects in the industrial, natural resources and infrastructure sectors. Byng has been using his experience to help client’s de-risk large scale projects at early stages to allow for construction. Byng founded Sedgwick Strategies in early 2019.
Previously, Byng was with Woodfibre LNG Limited as the company’s first North American employee. During the development stages of the project Byng served as Vice President of Corporate Affairs and then led the project locally as Country Manager. Byng concurrently served five years as Chairman of Ridley Terminals Inc. a Canadian government owned bulk export terminal in Prince Rupert, BC.
Chad Ulansky
President & Chief Executive Officer
Cantex
Mr. Ulansky has over 30 years of mineral exploration experience. As a graduate of the University of Cape Town, Mr. Ulansky has put his geology degree to good use, leading and managing exploration programs worldwide, from the arctic barren lands to African deserts and most places in between. He began his career working for Dia Met Minerals Ltd., on the project which yielded the Ekati diamond mine. Since then he has been involved in discoveries including gold, base metals and critical metals.
Mr Ulansky serves as CEO and President of Cantex Mine Development Corp and Metalex Ventures Ltd. He also serves as a director of Kodiak Copper Corp.
Charles Morven
Secretary-Treasurer
Nisga’a Nation
Charles Morven is the newly elected Secretary – Treasurer of the Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government. Charles also sits on the BCAFN Board of Directors.
Charles Morven is a member of the Nisg̱a’a Nation and belongs to Wilps Axdii Wil Luugooda and Ksim Xsaan. Charles currently holds the Nisg̱a’a name, Daaxheet. Secretary – Treasurer Morven originates from the community of Gitlaxt’aamiks. Charles holds the responsibility chairing both Nisg̱a’a Finance Committee and Nisg̱a’a Capital Finance Committee. Secretary – Treasurer Morven also oversees and works with the Management of the Nisg̱a’a Settlement Trust.
Secretary – Treasurer Morven has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in First Nations Studies through UNBC and a certificate in Advanced Management attained through the UBC Sauder’s School of Business. A future educational goal for Charles is to obtain a Master’s in Business Administration.
Charles also served as Council Representative for the Northwest on the First Nations Health Council (FNHC) from 2012-2016. Charles had the responsibilities while on the FNHC as chairperson for the Northwest Regional Table, Partnership Table with Northern Health Authority and the Policy Committee.
Secretary-Treasurer Morven currently resides in the community of Gitwinksihlkw, the home of his wife Nicole Morven. Charles and Nicole have one daughter Peyton Azak-Morven.
Sim’oogit K’eex̱kw – Herb Morven, Chairperson – Council of Elders
Christine Walkem
Chief Chrtistine walkem for Cook's Ferry Nation as the chair
Citxw Nlaka'pamux Assembly
Chief Christine Walkem is the elected Chief of the Cook’s Ferry Indian Band (CFIB), and Chair of the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly (CNA) Board of Directors.
Having served as Chief the last 7 years, and 4 previous years as a member of CFIB’s Council team, Chief Christine believes very strongly in the value of team-based work and decision making.
Through her family’s storied history in the region, Chief Walkem has witnessed and participated in both the ranching and mining communities, with a particular focus in the Highland Valley region, being an original village site for CFIB.
A long-time professional and passionate leader, Chief Walkem understands the impacts and benefits that mining can bring to the territories, region, and country.
Evan Salter,
CEO
Tano T'enneh
Evan Salter is an experienced financial executive with a CPA/CMA as well as a certificate in Indigenous Leadership from Harvard Business School. Evan has an extensive leadership background in operational management and economic development.
He has over 15 years of experience in executive roles (CEO & CFO) with Indigenous organizations. Evan has a wide breadth of industry experience and specializes in strategic planning, financial analysis, and stakeholder management. He is dedicated to driving results, with a strong focus on integrity and team collaboration. Evan is a member of the Benoit First Nation and relocated from Nova Scotia. He is looking forward to building his new life in Prince George and leading Tano T’enneh into a future of growth and positive impact for the nation.
Flyn McCarthy
Principal
SysEne Consulting
Flyn McCarthy leads the consultancy in the development of decarbonization pathways for industry, including modelling policy changes, developing energy and carbon mitigation approaches, application of low carbon technology, and identification of financing strategies. As an expert in carbon and energy management, he excels at building pathways that engage all stakeholders.
Flyn's experience includes developing and managing corporate decarbonization and energy strategies for resource-intensive multinational corporations. His demonstrated ability to identify and develop innovative approaches and manage them through to implementation is his greatest strength. Well-versed in systems engineering, policy, technology development and change management. Motivated and passionate about helping organizations quantify and mitigate carbon and energy risks in this rapidly changing environment.
Kody Penner
Vice President, Corporate Development,
Nations Royalty
Kody Penner is a mining professional with diverse experience in the mining industry and Indigenous space. He has helped create strategy and drive value for Indigenous Governments and business while building lasting, sustainable relationships. With experience working in junior and major mining companies, he brings a collaborative approach to decision making, aligning values of rights and stakeholders toward common goals. He advanced from an underground miner to a strategy role at Canada’s largest diversified miner. He is also Vice-Chair of the Tahltan Nation Development Corporation, where he has helped lead the company through major strategic and operational changes by enhancing governance and management structures.
Prior to Nations, Kody worked as Lead, Business Planning at Teck Resources Limited’s (“Teck”) Copper Growth group where he advanced Teck’s development assets through effective business planning, efficient capital allocation, and strong governance frameworks. Before Teck, he worked as a Mining Analyst for Agentis Capital, in Investor Relations with Skeena Resources Ltd. and as Employment Director for the Tahltan Central Government. Kody holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) from the University of British Columbia.
Growing up in the mining industry, Kody worked at Imperial Metal’s Ruddock Creek exploration camp and as an underground miner at Newmont’s Brucejack mine. He is passionate about responsible resource development that benefits communities and shareholders, helping Indigenous groups work toward self-sufficiency while providing the world with much-needed minerals.
Linda Innes
Elected Chief Council
Gitxaala Nation
Chief Linda Innes serves as the elected Chief Councillor of the Gitxaała Nation, leading with a steadfast commitment to upholding Ayaawx, Adaawx, and the Nation’s ancestral governance principles. She brings over 30 years of experience in health, social work, and business administration, supported by a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in Political Science from the University of Northern British Columbia.
Throughout her leadership, Chief Innes has prioritized strong, transparent governance, community unity, and the protection of Gitxaała lands and waters—demonstrated through the Nation’s significant Mineral Tenure Act and DRIPA case victory. She believes in development done responsibly, ensuring that progress never comes at the expense of the environment or the well‑being of future generations, reflecting Gitxaała’s long-standing stewardship values. Her work continues to advance policy reform, community development, and sustainable decision‑making rooted in ancestral teachings
Lisa Davis
CEO
PearTree Securities
With extensive advisory and business experience in the investment industry including over a decade focused on corporate finance to fund mineral exploration and development projects, Lisa oversees the strategic direction of the firm. Lisa also possesses an in-depth knowledge of securities regulation gained while on secondment to the Ontario Securities Commission and as General Counsel for a specialized investment fund business.
While in private practice, Lisa specialized in corporate and securities law with two international law firms including as a partner of Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP (now Dentons). Lisa is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School and was called to the Bar of the Law Society of Upper Canada in 1986. She has earned her ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors and is a member of the Association de L’Éxploration Minière du Quebec, Women in Mining and Women in Capital Markets. Lisa is also on the Advisory Board for LIGHTS, a program in partnership with Community Living Toronto aimed at addressing the significant shortage of independent and appropriate housing for intellectually disabled citizens in Toronto.
Lisa has completed a 6 year term as a Director of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) for which she also served as co-chair of the Finance & Taxation Committee. Lisa continues as a member of the Finance & Taxation Committee and the Securities Committee of PDAC. She is currently a Director of Signature Resources Inc. which owns the Lingman Lake Gold Project in the Red Lake district of Northwestern Ontario.
Mark Tory
President & CEO
Defense Metals
Mr. Tory is a highly experienced resources executive with significant rare earths experience having held key leadership roles at Northern Minerals initially as CFO and then subsequently CEO while they developed the Browns Range Rare Earth Project, including the planning, building and operation of a A$70 million pilot plant.
His previous executive experience includes Managing Director of Crescent Gold Limited, after a period as CFO and Company Secretary. He has had international exposure to resources’ capital markets as well as holding key leadership roles in companies that range from exploration to development through to operating mines across commodities, including rare earths, battery materials, base metals and gold.
Mr. Tory is a Chartered Accountant and holds a BBus, MBA and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
Michael Goehring
President & CEO
Mining Association of BC
Michael brings BC’s mining sector vision, strategic leadership and decades of experience advising leading natural resource firms in BC and across Canada. Michael works directly with his members to develop and advocate for sound public policy solutions that will position BC as a leading global supplier of responsibly produced critical minerals and metals to meet Canada’s decarbonization, technology and national security objectives. Active in the community, Michael served as vice president of the Vancouver Thunderbirds Minor Hockey Association and president of the Turning Point Recovery Society. He lives in Vancouver with his wife Brenda and twin boys, Christopher and Liam. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of British Columbia and pursued Graduate Studies in International Political Economy at Simon Fraser University.
Muhammad Imran
Roger HarrisVice President, Rare Earth Element Division Saskatchewan Research Council
Dr. Muhammad Imran is Vice-President of the Rare Earth Element Division at the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC). With a PhD in Chemical Engineering, he has a strong focus on the rare earth sector. Dr. Imran has consistently demonstrated an ability to navigate complex challenges and identify strategic opportunities, drawing from his keen understanding of various business landscapes. His proficiency in technology solutions has enabled him to lead innovative projects that optimize operations, drive efficiency, and enhance overall productivity. Dr. Imran fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration within the organizations he leads. His leadership skills inspire high-performance teams, facilitating the execution of ambitious projects and driving transformative change.
Monica Moretto
Vice President Sustainbility
Pan American Silver
Monica Moretto is a Senior Executive/Director with over 20 years of experience in the mining industry, providing leadership and strategic advice to industry boards, international committees, and companies of various sizes throughout her career.
Her areas of expertise include Corporate Affairs and Sustainability across the Americas at all stages of project development, including exploration, development, operations, and closure. She has extensive experience in policy development and in overseeing company expansion and acquisitions, including the integration of multi-jurisdictional projects. Monica is the Chair of the International Social Responsibility Committee for the Mining Association of Canada, and she joined Lithium Argentina as an Independent Director in 2024. She is also the VP of Sustainability at Pan American Silver Corp and has been a key executive of the company for the past 18 years. Monica is also the recipient of the Robert H. Hedley Sustainability Award of Excellence, given by the prestigious Association for Mineral Exploration of British Columbia in January 2019, and, in 2021, the Trailblazer Award presented by Women in Mining Canada during the PDAC conference.
Caleb Behn
CEO
BC First Nations Energy and Mining Council
Caleb Behn is Eh-Cho Dene and Dunne-Za from Treaty 8 territory in northeastern
British Columbia. A lawyer by training (UVic Law, Environmental Law and
Sustainability; called to the BC Bar in 2015), his work spans water, energy, and
Indigenous law.
He is the Chief Executive Officer of the BC First Nations Energy and Mining Council,
and was previously the Lands Manager for West Moberly First Nations. Caleb spent six years in Ottawa as Special Advisor on Water to the Assembly of First Nations, Legal Policy Advisor to National Chief Perry Bellegarde, and Director of the Rights Sector at AFN. He has also served as Senior Researcher at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, was a founding member of the Decolonizing Water Research Collective, and is the subject of the documentary film Fractured Land.
Based in his mother’s home community of West Moberly First Nations, Caleb continues to hunt, fish, harvest, and support Elders in Treaty 8. His current work sits at the interface of Indigenous law, technology, and academic research—most recently with the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard Law School and as a founding Advisory Board Member of the Indigenous Research Support Initiative at the University of British Columbia.
Roger Harris
Partner
Harris Palmer
Roger Harris is a Partner in Harris Palmer. He specializes in providing strategic/tactical advice, negotiation, risk assessment and operational management services to First Nations, industry, and governments. Roger has held senior VP positions in the forestry and oil and gas sectors, responsible forthe management of major corporate assets.
Roger was elected representative for Kitimat-Stikine (2001-2005). During his tenure as MLA, Roger was appointed Minister of State for Forest Operations, sat on a number of government committees, including the Treasury Board and the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, Legislative Health Committee,
and Chair of the Northern Caucus. Roger was appointed BC’s first Forest Safety Ombudsman in 2006 and held the position until 2024.
Roopa Davé
Partner, National Leader for Sustainability Services
KPMG Canada
Roopa is a partner in the Infrastructure, Capital Projects and Sustainability practice and is the National Leader for Sustainability Services for KPMG in Canada. She has over 20 years of experience providing advisory services to clients in Canada and internationally. She helps mining companies to understand and respond to their changing environments effectively and profitably by helping to reduce risks, find opportunities and ultimately build more resilient and sustainable businesses. Roopa focuses on a range of services including environmental and social risk assessments and resilience programs, sustainable value creation, measurement & reporting, adoption and implementation of sustainability standards and strategy development.
Sharon Singh
Partner, Co-Head, Environment and Indigenous
McMillan LLP
Sharon Singh is the co-head of McMillan’s Indigenous and Environment practices and is renowned for guiding businesses on environmental, Indigenous, governance, and human rights matters. With nearly two decades of experience, Sharon has a proven track record delivering strategic, practical and tailored solutions to some of Canada’s leading businesses. Her industry expertise encompasses mining, renewable energy, infrastructure, construction, manufacturing and agribusiness.
As a thought leader and leading practitioner, Sharon’s approach emphasizes the importance of collaborative relationships, particularly with Indigenous nations, local communities, and regulatory bodies. She has built trusted relationships with industry stakeholders, government agencies and the non-profit sector, leveraging her extensive experience to provide focused legal advice.
In terms of Indigenous relations, Sharon negotiates benefit, partnership, and other collaboration agreements. She also assists in structuring equity participation by Indigenous communities in natural resources and infrastructure projects, complementing this with advice on securing financing and permitting on reserve or Treaty lands.
In her environmental and regulatory practice, Sharon excels in navigating complex regulatory frameworks and environmental assessments, assisting clients with achieving operational success, partly informed by her experience working for an international mining company. She also advises on transportation of dangerous goods, conducts regulatory audits, as well as on sale and redevelopment of contaminated sites.
Sharon helps organizations build resiliency. She assists clients in evaluating their key and rapidly evolving ESG and sustainability risks and opportunities, including guiding clients on their policies and disclosures, establishing human rights due diligence, and product stewardship.
Stuart McNish
Host
ConversationLIVE
For more than 40 years Stuart McNish has been involved in video journalism and storytelling.
Stu is the host of Conversations Live, a “Public Affairs Dialogue” platform carried ‘Live’ on The Vancouver Sun.
Stu is also the host of Conversations That Matter, a weekly television show, YouTube channel, a podcast and a radio program that can be seen and heard on The Vancouver Sun, CHEKNews and Bell Media outlets in British Columbia.
He is also the founder and President of Oh Boy Productions, an independent video and television production studio in Vancouver. The company produces Carole Taylor’s Journal, BC Legends with Carole Taylor, Donnie & Dhali: The Team, Vancolour and Now You Know.
In March of 2025, Stu was awarded the King’s Coronation Medal by Lt. Gov. Wendy Cocchia.
Tim McEwan
Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs
Mining Association of British Columbia
Tim McEwan is an accomplished leader with more than 25 years of senior executive experience in public policy and economic development in both the public and private sectors. Tim is currently Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs with the Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC), a role he assumed in April 2021. In this capacity he provides senior strategic counsel on public policy, major project permitting and regulatory affairs, and provincial, federal and Indigenous government relations.
During his time in the BC Public Service, Tim served as Deputy Minister of Small Business, Red Tape Reduction, and Minister Responsible for Liquor Distribution; Associate Deputy Minister of the BC Major Investments Office, mandated to accelerate permitting and authorizations for complex major natural resource and infrastructure projects; and founding Executive Director (Assistant Deputy Minister) of the BC Progress Board, a board of blue-chip CEO’s tasked with benchmarking BC’s performance and providing strategic advice to the Premier of British Columbia.
Tim served as President & CEO of Initiatives Prince George — the economic development authority for Prince George, BC — where he drove collaborative local and regional efforts to advance the city and Northern BC as a globally connected, knowledge-based, resource economy.
Tim also worked with the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) as Senior Vice President, Policy & Stakeholder Engagement, leading construction industry and multi-association public policy advocacy on responsible resource and infrastructure development, and labour, employment, and economic issues. Early in his career, Tim was Director, Programs & Policy with the Business Council of BC (BCBC) working on public policy initiatives, including the landmark multi-association, BC Business Summit process.
Tim has also served on the Deputy Ministers Council of BC and the Board of Governors of the Business Council of BC, and as a Director of numerous government and non-profit organizations. Tim holds a B.A and an M.P.A. from the University of Victoria, and lives with his wife Cynthia McEwan in Tsawwassen, British Columbia.
Todd Stone
President and CEO
Association for Mineral Exploration BC (AME)
Todd is the President and CEO of the Association for Mineral Exploration BC (“AME”). His strong advocacy for the role of mineral exploration in British Columbia’s economy is driven by his broad public and private sector experience and leadership.
Todd’s background in government and public affairs includes serving as MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson for almost 12 years, and holding cabinet portfolios of Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Minister Responsible for Emergency Management, and Deputy Government House Leader. During his time in office, Stone was recognized and respected for his results-focused and thoughtful approach that helped shape many successful public policies and programs that the province benefits from today.
Prior to being elected for the first time in 2013, Todd was Founder, President and CEO of iCompass Technologies. Here, he built and mentored a strong team to create cutting-edge tech solutions for hundreds of local government and other public sector organizations across Canada and the United States.
Chris McAndrew
Senior Director, Strategic Project Development
Coeur Mining
Valerie Helbronner
Partner
Torys LLP
Valerie Helbronner is a partner in Torys’ Infrastructure and Energy group, and co-head of the firm’s Indigenous practice. Valerie has been at the forefront of the development and financing of renewable energy projects across Canada. She worked on some of the earliest and most innovative renewable projects, including Erie Shores Wind Farm, Grand Renewables Solar and Henvey Inlet Wind Farm, as well as PPAs in connection with Emera’s proposed Atlantic Link Project. Valerie acts for the spectrum of clients involved in project development and financing, including Indigenous groups, project proponents, lenders, investors, contractors and governmental authorities.
Trusted counsel to Indigenous and non-Indigenous project participants, Valerie advises on complex infrastructure projects impacting Indigenous interests and parties. Her project work related to Indigenous involvement includes the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project in northwestern Ontario and working with The Honorable Frank Iacobucci in advising the Government of Canada in its re-initiated consultation process with Indigenous groups on the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project.
Vick Singh
COO
Dragonfly Energy
Dr. Vick Singh is the Chief Operating Officer of Dragonfly Energy Corporation, where he oversees operational strategy and drives initiatives to enhance efficiency, scalability, and innovation. Previously, Dr. Singh served as Senior Vice President of Technology and Director of R&D, where he helped build and lead Dragonfly’s research division. Under his leadership, the company advanced next-generation lithium-ion technologies and solid-state battery chemistries for deep-cycle energy storage.
Before joining Dragonfly Energy, Dr. Singh was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s Center for Global Security Research, focusing on international nuclear energy and nonproliferation policy. He also served as a Nuclear Regulatory Commission Fellow while completing his Ph.D. in Material Science & Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he researched monitoring techniques for nuclear materials in molten salt systems. He holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Mike McPhie
Managing Director
Regeneration Enterprises
Michael is recognized as a leading authority in the global mining and natural resources sector, bringing over 25 years of senior executive experience within British Columbia, across Canada, and internationally. His expertise encompasses major project design and operations, capital markets and project financing, public policy, Indigenous reconciliation best practices, and regulatory strategy for major projects. Michael currently occupies two key leadership roles. He is the Executive Chairman and one of the Founders of Falkirk Consulting, a nationally recognized, award-winning advisory firm focused on major project realization in the resource sector. He also serves as Managing Director and Chief Projects Officer at Regeneration Enterprises, Inc., where he directs global projects, operations and strategy for this leading remining, metals recovery and land restoration company that works in partnership with leading companies including Rio Tinto, Apple, Caterpillar, and Mejuri.
Michael lives in North Vancouver, BC and serves on the board of directors of several public and private companies and non-governmental organizations. He also co-authored the internationally best-selling book "Weaving Two Worlds – Economic Reconciliation Between Indigenous Peoples and the Resource Sector"