Charlene Johnson

Charlene Johnson was a Member of the House of Assembly, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, from 2003 to 2014. She was a senior cabinet minister in several departments including, Finance and Human Resource Secretariat, President of Treasury Board; Innovation, Business and Rural Development; Child, Youth and Family Services; and Environment and Conservation. She was also the minister responsible for the Status of Women and parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources. Prior to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Charlene worked as a policy analyst for the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.

Following her time in provincial politics Charlene lived in Brunei. During her time overseas, she completed a Master of Business Administration (with Distinction) from Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. This complements her Bachelor of Science in forest engineering from the University of New Brunswick and Master of Applied Science in environmental engineering from Memorial University. Charlene has the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Charlene became Chief Executive Officer of Energy NL on January 9, 2018.

 

 

Ashley Noseworthy

Ashley Noseworthy is the CEO and founder of Edgewise Environmental. A Canadian and certified “women owned” marine environmental consultancy focused on marine mammals, seabirds and anthropogenic noise mitigation solutions. Accomplished in project management, and an entrepreneur, Ashley has over 15 years of progressive and comprehensive experience in environmental management and regulatory compliance across a variety of marine industries. She has worked globally in the offshore energy sector in management, compliance and training roles. Ashley holds a BSc (Biology) from Memorial University, MSc (International Marine Environmental Consulting) from Newcastle University and a Masters Diploma in Project Management from York University. Ashley sits on multiple cross-appointed boards for industry and academia both in NL and internationally including Oceans Advance and The Destination Canada National Sustainability Task Force.

Recently named as one of the top “100 Inspirational Female Founders of Ocean and Energy” by The Ocean Opportunity Lab and recipient of the NLOWE (Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs) Trailblazer Award, Ashley’s passion is the ocean and celebrating more diversity and inclusion within the blue economy. She is a large supporter of women in STEM fields and increasing general awareness of our reliance on the oceans and their contributions to our everyday lives.

Captain Christopher Hearn

Member of the Nautical Institute, Captain Christopher Hearn began his nautical endeavors in 1996 after graduating from the Marine Institute’s Nautical Science Program. He quickly moved his way through the marine ranks advancing to Master Mariner and Marine Superintendent/DPA (Designated Person Ashore) in less than ten years.

His years at sea as a from Third to Chief officer and finally as Captain has afforded him experiences working with numerous companies engaged in a variety of operations including Offshore Supply, Seismic Survey, Ice Breaking, General Cargo, Crude Oil and Clean Products Tankers, Tugs, Subsea Cable ships, and RO-RO Container vessels.

Since 2008, Captain Hearn has been the Director of the Centre for Marine Simulation (CMS) at the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University. The Centre is the largest and most comprehensive marine simulation training facility in Canada and covers an entire range of training, educational, and research and development capabilities through the use of simulation technology. As Director, Captain Hearn works with maritime and offshore industries to mitigate the risk of accidents, to accelerate training and improve performance, and to test new equipment design and procedures. CMS’s particular areas of expertise include the modelling and simulation of harsh maritime environments, training for polar waters navigation, ship maneuvering and human performance in challenging maritime environments.

 

Jackie Chow

Jackie Chow is the Chief Executive Officer of the Corner Brook Port Corporation, a community based and controlled not-for-profit organization.  Jackie has been in this role since 2005 and is committed to the port’s vision to be a sustainable port creating economic value while connecting Western Newfoundland globally thorough tourism and trade.  Her focus has been on creating meaningful partnerships to drive long term sustainability and to ensure port infrastructure is developed to meet the challenges and growth of the renewable energy industry.

In 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the port added an international weekly container service with the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) connecting the port to the global market with Freeport, Grand Bahama serving as the major hub for worldwide trans-shipment of containers. The port handles containerized, project and bulk cargo and has a growing cruise business.

Jackie is a native of Corner Brook, graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Memorial University of Newfoundland and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.  During her professional career she has worked in public practice, government and industry.  Prior to joining the port, she was Director of Corporate Services and Acting Chief Administrative Officer at the City of Corner Brook.

In addition to her role as CEO, Jackie has held executive positions on the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association, Cruise Newfoundland and Labrador and the Independent Marine Ports of Atlantic Canada. She is past Chair of the Western Regional Hospital Foundation and President of the Corner Brook Rotary Club.