SKYLINE ENERGY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director With the Solid Waste Association of North America ( SWANA ) Northern Lights Chapter
- General Manager, Biogas
- Licensed Professional Engineer
Brent plays a pivotal role in identifying and cultivating a pipeline of growth opportunities within Skyline Energy's Biogas division. Hiss day-to-day responsibilities encompass overseeing operations, designing growth strategies, maintaining budgets, setting policies, and ensuring productive employee development.
Brent is a graduate of the University of Guelph's Environmental Engineering program, and after living and working in Guelph for nearly 15 years, he relocated to Alberta where he led several corporate growth initiatives, functioning as both an Associate and Partner to establish a national and local technical presence for two separate major consulting firms. He returned to Ontario in 2021 and joined Skyline Energy in 2022.
Brent is a Licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario, bringing over 15 years of experience in organics management and sustainability. Brent's technical focus centered on developing innovative and cost-effective solutions to manage and promote waste being utilized in its highest value form through the waste hierarchy. Brent has also been responsible for growing carbon accounting and sustainability businesses and has completed over 300 auditing assignments globally.
Brent is a Director with the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Northern Lights Chapter and actively works to educate and promote progress within the waste management field.
Job Titles:
- Operations Manager, Solar
Dan is responsible for the day-to-day monitoring and maintenance of all solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to ensure they operate at or above optimal performance. His duties include analyzing the systems, identifying under-performing areas, providing an understanding of system behaviour, and taking corrective measures when required.
Dan joined Skyline Energy in 2023, bringing over 12 years of experience in the renewable energy industry through his previous work at Anvil Crawler Development Corp. (ACDC). As a 309a licensed electrician with hands-on experience in the field, he possesses a deep understanding of solar PV systems and the technical expertise required to address any performance challenges that may arise.
Dan takes a proactive approach to system maintenance, constantly seeking ways to enhance the assets' performance and optimize energy generation. Ultimately, his goal is to maintain 100% capacity at all solar sites within Skyline Clean Energy Fund to deliver as much value as possible to the Fund's unitholders.
Job Titles:
- Operation Manager, Biogas
- Operations Manager, Biogas
Darcy is responsible for the operational excellence of Skyline Energy's biogas assets, providing leadership and expertise in operational issues, projects, and compliance.
Darcy is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the food and food recycling industries. Prior to joining Skyline Energy in 2023, he served in a variety of roles, including Federal Meat Inspector in various slaughterhouses in Southern Ontario, managing food manufacturing facilities, and overseeing one of Canada's largest biogas facilities, including a Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) injection station. His diverse working experience across the entire food supply chain, from farming to food manufacturing to food recycling, allows him to provide valuable insight and strategy for the optimal operation of Biogas Facilities at Skyline Energy.
Darcy aims to formalize the operations of each biogas site and subsequently harmonize operations across different sites, whether developed or acquired by Skyline Clean Energy Fund. His goal is to maximize the efficiency of both the Fund's workforce and assets within a short period of time.
Darcy holds a Diploma in Agriculture from the University of Manitoba and proudly considers himself an "Aggie for life." He also served as a former secretary of the Board of Directors for the Ontario Rett Syndrome Association (O.R.S.A), a position that was especially meaningful to him as his daughter has Rett Syndrome.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Special Projects, Biogas
Deanna (Dee) manages the daily operations for Skyline Bio-En Power's portfolio of biogas facilities. In this role, she oversees a large team of plant managers, operators, and general labourers across Alberta and Ontario.
A seasoned ambassador of Ontario's clean energy and agriculture sectors, having served on the Boards of Directors of the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), as well as on the Finance Committees of Farm Credit Canada, IESO and the Grand River Agricultural Society.
Deborah Whale's clean energy expertise extends to the installation of biodigesters and solar net metering systems for farm and residential use. Inducted into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2016, Deborah has also been designated an Honourary Professional Agrologist (2011) by the Ontario Institute of Agrology, and an Honourary Doctor of Laws (2017) by the University of Guelph.
Geoffrey (Geoff) is responsible for conducting various aspects of the due diligence process for the clean energy assets within Skyline Clean Energy Fund. This includes creating financial valuation models, analyzing property leases and energy offtake contracts, conducting market research in the Canadian energy market, and coordinating with the operational team and landlords to ensure a smooth transition of asset ownership. Geoff also collaborates with additional entities within Skyline Group of Companies to ensure the ongoing accuracy and effectiveness of Skyline Clean Energy Fund's documentation and communications materials.
Geoff joined Skyline Energy in 2022, bringing a diverse background and industry experience to his position. During his undergraduate studies as part of Wilfrid Laurier University's co-op program, he gained valuable work experience at PCL Constructors Inc. as a Business Analyst, as well as at Kingsett Capital Inc. as part of its business development team. He also completed a co-op term at Ecobee, where he worked in the energy marketing department. Geoff aspires to continually develop a stronger understanding of the asset valuation process and the Canadian energy market while fostering strong business relationships with external stakeholders such as landlords, vendors, and other third parties.
Geoff holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a specialization in Finance and minor in Economics from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Job Titles:
- CEO & Co - Founder, Skyline Group of Companies
Jason has been in the business of purchasing, owning, managing, and financing income-producing real assets since 1991. His passion for asset acquisitions, management, and investment has served him well as the CEO for Skyline Group of Companies since its inception in 1999.
Recognized for both his entrepreneurialism and industry expertise, Jason believes that although Skyline has its roots in real estate, it is in the people business. By never losing sight of the fundamentals that spurred Skyline's early growth, Jason has built a major Canadian real estate company spanning coast-to-coast, consistently attracting passionate, like-minded investors and employees with "star" qualities. As Skyline continues to expand its national presence, Jason maintains a belief in providing accessible and personal service to the business' investor client group that is an integral part of the company's growth and success.
A graduate of the Ivey School of Business' exclusive Quantum Shift Program, Jason has been named one of Canada's Top 40 Under 40, as well as one of Canada's 40 Most Promising Entrepreneurs. He was also designated a finalist for the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year award.
Jason holds degrees from both the University of Guelph and York University. He has strong roots in Guelph, ON, where Skyline is headquartered, and still calls the area home with his wife and three children.
Jason sits on the Skyline Apartment REIT Board of Trustees, the Skyline Industrial REIT Board of Trustees, the Skyline Retail REIT Board of Trustees, and the Skyline Clean Energy Fund Board of Trustees. He is also a Board Member for the Grand River Agricultural Society.
Lindsay oversees all financial reporting and financial administration for the Skyline Clean Energy Fund (SCEF).
First joining the Skyline team in 2017, Lindsay has drawn from her experience in both public and private accounting to constantly seek ways to improve all financial outputs. She diligently ensures that SCEF's financial reporting is both accurate and meaningful for its investors and stakeholders.
Matt leads the facilitation of all acquisitions and business operations for Skyline Energy. He supervises all internal operations including asset due diligence and underwriting, negotiating transactions, purchases and sales, management of third-party operations and maintenance service providers, and liaising with vendors and brokerages.
Matt joined Skyline in 2017, previously working for Skyline Asset Management Inc., the acquisitions department for Skyline's apartment, commercial, and retail real estate assets. His knowledge of the asset acquisitions process including financial analysis, as well as his expertise in valuating clean energy systems, are assets to the Skyline Energy team.
Prior to Skyline, Matt had a career in professional hockey, playing at an entry-level contract with the Carolina Hurricanes before returning to the University of Waterloo for a degree in Accounting and Financial Management (BAFM).
Matt sits on a cleantech constituents committee for Mike Schreiner, MPP Guelph, Ontario, which lobbies for the adoption of clean energy production in Ontario. He also volunteers as a hockey coach in Guelph, and is a past-committee member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph's Have a Heart for Kids' Sake Gala.
Rob is responsible for the operational and financial performance of Skyline Clean Energy Fund's portfolio.
As Associate Director, Skyline Energy, Tanner is responsible for securing, negotiating, and underwriting all aspects of acquisitions and investment opportunities for the Skyline Clean Energy Fund (SCEF) portfolio. His duties include negotiating transactions, leading financial modeling efforts and asset due diligence, as well as liaising with vendors and brokerages.
Tanner joined Skyline in 2019 with a background in accounting and financial management. He gained valuable experience during his undergraduate studies, working for leading financial service providers like Welch LLP and Manulife Asset Management in various capacities ranging from public accounting to portfolio management. His experience and expertise in asset valuation have helped SCEF's portfolio grow to where it is today, positioning the portfolio to surface maximum value for investors.
Tanner holds an Honours Bachelor of Accounting and Financial Management degree from the University of Waterloo, with a Finance specialization and a minor in Economics. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
Job Titles:
- CFO, Skyline Group of Companies
As the Chief Financial Officer for the Skyline Group of Companies Wayne Byrd is dedicated to the responsible financial performance of Skyline and all of its associated real estate assets. With over 17 years in private sector finance, Wayne's proven business experience and insight make him an integral leader within the ownership group as it vigorously pursues its vision for growth.
Wayne's financial expertise and commitment to Skyline's vision result in a balanced approach to managing fiscal obligations and operational responsibility. He understands and appreciates the challenges facing today's business, and the changing role of the Chief Financial Officer. His unique blend of analytical and leadership skills are fundamental to leading Skyline's operations and growth beyond the numbers.
Wayne holds an Honours Bachelor of Accounting degree from Brock University and a Certified Management Accountant designation from the Society of Management Accountants of Canada.