SWITCHPACE - Key Persons
Andrew is a graduate of Dalhousie University's electrical engineering program. As a co-op student 12 years ago, he worked on Halifax's Solar City program, which has helped thousands of homeowners to finance and install solar panels on their homes. He also gained experience programming field programmable gate arrays for communications applications. Before starting at SwitchPACE, Andrew worked as a graduate student at McGill University, where his research was on detecting mitotic figures in breast cancer tissue using machine learning. As a data analyst, Andrew is working on the modelling and prediction of energy savings and greenhouse gas emissions reductions for home retrofit projects as well as developing the company's database and analytics.
Anirudh graduated from Acadia in 2022 with a Bachelor of Applied Science. During his time at Acadia, he was able to work on multiple projects such as upgrading a previously made wind tunnel and creating biodegradable plastic. Currently he is a student at Dalhousie University and is completing his undergraduate degree in Environmental Engineering. When he is not studying or working, Anirudh enjoys photography and tennis. After graduation, he would like to work in a field of sustainable solutions, like energy optimization.
Charlotte is a graduate of Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Political Science and Environmental Studies. Her final thesis project analyzed the benefits and limits of Vancouver's climate policy on social equity considerations in the city. Charlotte is passionate about climate justice, green building design, and sustainable transportation networks, and how these principles are implemented in local initiatives. She is looking forward to help make energy efficiency upgrades more accessible and affordable for Atlantic Canadians through her position at SwitchPACE.
John is a prominent real estate developer in Halifax committed to a legacy of green development. The Lindsay legacy is significant in Halifax, having constructed the iconic Purdy's Wharf Towers on the waterfront using the first commercial cooling system using seawater in the 1980's. The system has been replicated in over 10 properties around the Halifax Harbor, inspiring Enwave's Deep Lake Water District Energy System. John's entrepreneurial spirit is embedded within the fabric of Halifax life.
Julian is a pioneer in the field of PACE. During his 12 year tenure as Manager Strategic Energy Policy and Initiatives with Halifax Regional Municipality, he led the design and implementation of Canada's first PACE program - Halifax Solar City. Julian is a professional engineer with over 25 years experience in energy efficiency and has successfully completed over $300M in residential and commercial projects. He wants to retire 100 million tons of CO2 emissions before he retires.
Job Titles:
- Green Energy Marketing Coordinator
Kaden is a recent graduate of NSCC's Business Program with a major in Marketing. Since graduating Kaden has worked closely within the Halifax music industry, working with bands and artists to promote their creations. Kaden has also used his time since graduating to work freelance Marketing jobs within his childhood hometown of Lunenburg. Kaden is very excited to use his creativity, passion and work ethic to help build a strong network of sustainable municipalities within Canada.
Mohamed is an accounting graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Medea in Algeria, he is bilingual and he has more than ten years of experience in accounting and finance management. During his 8 years being part of Daewoo Engineering and Construction Co, Ltd., he led the accounting team successfully to run and manage over $1.3 B US Dollars budget building the first-ever green city in Algeria, Boughezoul New Town Project. Mohamed is passionate about the environment and sustainable development, as he volunteered and encouraged people to plant trees in Algeria, transitioning to clean energy, reducing carbon and saving the environment for future generations.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Professional CFO
Ngan is a professional CFO with nearly 30 years experience in banking, finance and investment including CFO/CAO with JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A, Ho Chi Minh City Branch, Deputy CEO/CFO with Sacombank, a leading retail bank in Vietnam; CEO with Sacombank Leasing Company; Finance Advisory Director with PwC Consulting Vietnam, Investment Director with Temasek Holding Company and Senior Investment Officer with International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank. Ngan has successfully raised $150 mil tier 2 capital for a leading retail bank as well as $60 million loan for a leading renewable energy company in Vietnam. Ngan also provided advisory services to energy efficiency funding programs under World Bank's sponsor.
Obadele graduated from Acadia in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in Environmental Sustainability and a minor in Environmental Geoscience. During his time at Acadia, he developed a passion for environmental justice, sustainable development, and energy efficiency to help build resilient communities. He also served as the Vice President of Acadia's Black Student Association, where he coordinated events to promote equity in the Acadia community. As an intern with the Clear Foundation Leadership Program, he spearheaded research for the pilot project of L'Acadie Vineyard's Horsetail Tea, a fully organic solution to combat mildew pressure during the growing season. Obadele is excited to work with SwitchPACE CIC to help communities have better access to home energy efficiency upgrades and reduce their GHG emissions.
Robert Patzelt is an experienced and successful commercial corporate lawyer with extensive senior corporate experience. He chairs the Investment Committee for the Worker's Compensation Board of Nova Scotia's $1.8B fund and was recognized with a Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contribution to Scouts Canada. When not dealing with Board governance issues, Rob enjoys the fresh air outside the board room camping in the winter with Scouts Canada.
Susan is a community leader and is the CEO of Windsor Elms Village (a long-term care community in Nova Scotia). As a leader in the long term care industry, she successfully navigated a large facility and staff through an unprecedented global pandemic. Susan graduated with a Diploma in Nursing, an MSc in Business, as well as other degrees and leadership certificates. She also volunteers her time in the community and serves on many Boards of Directors/Governors from being the Chair of Corporate Social Responsibility for NSLC, member of the Audit & Finance Committee with Acadia University and the Town of Kentville, and is Past President of the Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce. During her time at Windsor Elms Village, Sue has led a deep energy retrofit of her 12 year old facility that incorporated energy efficiency, solar and battery storage to reduce energy and GHG consumption by over 60%. She has strategically applied herself to the issues and goals that she is passionate about to make the world a better place. Sue currently resides in Kentville where she is an active member of the community.
Thais is currently attending Saint Mary's University, she intends to graduate with a major in Chemistry. During her lifetime, Thais has demonstrated a passion for pursuing knowledge. She showcased her passion for environmental chemistry through multiple award-winning projects, which includes being part of her High School's environmental club, receiving a local environmental scholarship, communicating with municipalities to develop electrical upgrade projects, etc. In her spare time, Thais likes to learn about technology and software development. Thais looks forward to working with SwitchPACE and homeowners to help them decrease their carbon footprint by moving towards more energy efficient systems.
Zoë Cromwell graduated in 2019 from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Arts, Combined Honours in Environmental Sustainability and Society, and Theatre. She is passionate about removing barriers for vulnerable communities to access resources to improve quality of life and, ultimately, create an equitable, hopeful future for generations to come. She is thrilled to team up with SwitchPACE to help communities across Canada access renewable energy and decrease carbon emissions.