Our People
ENBIX Executive Advisory Committee
Ben Ethier
Ben Ethier is a sustainability leader with over 13 years of experience advancing environmental performance in Alberta’s built environment. He spent 10 years with the City of Calgary, where he collaborated with the homebuilding and land development sectors on water and climate change initiatives. Building on that foundation, Ben joined Mattamy Homes as Sustainability Manager, where for the past three years he has helped develop and deliver thoughtful strategies to reduce both operational and embodied carbon.
In his current role, Ben has led impactful programs, including standardizing solar panels on new homes across Alberta. This program supported the division in achieving a 32 percent carbon reduction over code, nearly doubling the original target. His work also includes a focus on operational and embodied carbon modelling and accounting, the relaunch of an employee-driven sustainability committee, and the adoption of low-carbon concrete in all footings and foundations.
Ben holds a Master of Science in Environment and Management, with a research focus on the impacts of climate change on the City of Calgary. He is passionate about fostering collaboration and driving innovative solutions that align climate action with business strategy.
Bill Black
Bill’s diverse construction industry career spans 42 years, most recently in executive leadership roles. In particular he has been fortunate enough to experience significant levels of engagement over these years with those who are incorporating new definitions and realizations of value and performance while often adapting to significant threats or crisis, in their construction business strategies.
Many of the activities that Bill engages in are associated with changing perceptions towards new ideas, approaches and technologies. Bill seeks to work with stakeholders to learn their perspective and help them discover new opportunities for value that change their viewpoint and allow them to realize value that they may have been missing. It is this continuous learning through hands on involvement and activity over more than 25 years that has provided him with a constantly evolving set of best practices and examples of new approaches and results that can be achieved through such a strategic role.
A regular speaker at industry events, contributor of articles for industry publications and co-author of the Commercial Real Estate Revolution, Bill was also awarded the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal (Alberta) in early 2023 for his services in support of the construction industry.
Deborah Cooper
Deborah Cooper has an extensive professional background in municipal planning and urban development, with over 25 years of experience. Her expertise includes policy planning, subdivision development, and land use redesignation applications. Her comprehensive understanding of municipal planning allows her to navigate its complexities and consider its impact on environmental sustainability.
Deborah currently oversees various industry committees and working groups associated with BILD Calgary, BILD Alberta, the Canadian Homebuilders Association (CHBA), and The City of Calgary, including BILD’s Climate and Environment Committee. These opportunities have allowed her to showcase her skills in relationship management, negotiation, and advocacy, effectively balancing development objectives with environmental stewardship.
Her professional development includes a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Regional and Urban Development (Planning) from the University of Saskatchewan and a Continuing Studies Certificate in Urban Design from Simon Fraser University. She has also completed a custom-designed program in Real Estate and Development at the Real Estate and Development Institute (REDI) in Calgary, Alberta, and holds an Advanced Building Science Certificate of Completion and Net Zero Builder and Renovator Training Certificates from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) in Calgary, Alberta.
Dick Ebersohn
Dick Ebersohn is The City of Calgary’s Climate Mitigation Manager. His work on climate change includes the development and implementation of a climate strategy and program for Calgary. His current work focusses on leading the energy and carbon portfolio for The City of Calgary, both corporately and in the community. It includes policy, planning and implementation in the building, transportation, utilities, and funding sectors. Dick also played leadership roles in Sustainability, Planning and Transportation plans and waste diversion policies and programs in Calgary.
In the past 30 years, Dick studied and worked in the fields of Sustainability, Urban Planning and Local Environmental Management in South Africa, Sweden and Canada. He worked on housing projects, land development, transportation, energy, public engagement, sustainable development, waste and recycling, environmental management and gender equality.
Dick studied Sustainable Development and has a Bachelors in Anthropology as well as a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning.
Max Graham
Mr. Graham brings over a decade of experience in real estate to his current role. Throughout his career he has contributed to significant transactions and projects for a multi-family residential REIT and a major accounting firm. As Chief Performance Officer, Mr. Graham leads strategic initiatives across the organization to maximize building performance, increase environmental sustainability, and improve the overall resident experience. He is also involved in capital deployment, revenue maximization, financing, stakeholder relations, funding requirements, risk mitigation, and policy review. Mr. Graham holds a CPA, a CA, and an MBA from the University of Calgary.
Jen Hancock
Jen has worked for Chandos for the last 15 years and has helped lead many of the company’s innovative practices in that time. She works primarily as a coach, facilitator and trainer for project teams with a focus on Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), collaborative construction practices, lean, sustainability and is a driver of EDI initiatives. She worked on some of the first IPD projects in Canada and has been a key champion in bringing it across the country from BC to Ontario. She oversees Lean integration and training; and, was instrumental in setting up and managing the waste diversion policy in 2010 that has seen the company divert over 75% of its waste in the last 12 years. Jen is on the board of directors and is Vice Chair for both the Edmonton Construction Association and Alberta Construction Association, and is a past Director of the Integrated Project Delivery Alliance.
Jim Gilliland
Through his career, Jim has led many projects across Canada, from Vancouver Island to the Maritimes and the Arctic. He has worked to find cost-effective solutions that support the local economy, suit the local environment, address the effects of climate change, and make the community more resilient to extreme environmental events. This requires teams to maintain expertise in rapidly evolving technologies so they can take advantage of opportunities new technologies provide to improve building design.
Jim’s experience and training allow him to provide insight and leadership at all stages of community development. Jim is committed to creating sustainable designs while considering environmental issues on both new and existing facilities. Jim enhances the depth of building design expertise at Williams Engineering Canada.
Shafraaz Kaba
Shafraaz Kaba is a Senior Sustainability Consultant with Stōk, formerly EcoAmmo, where Shafraaz provides expertise in collaborative project delivery and sustainable design. He is a registered architect and has loved creating high performance buildings, including deep energy retrofits. Shafraaz is a founder of Media, Architecture, Design Edmonton (M.A.D.E.) – an organization that stimulates design discussion within the community and specifically creates a public forum for design debate and is celebrating it’s 25th year of operation.
Shannon Fitzsimmons
Shannon Fitzsimmons is the Regional Director for MAKE Projects in Alberta, bringing over 25 years of leadership in facility planning, design, construction, and capital program development. Known for her collaborative approach and strategic insight, Shannon has led major public infrastructure initiatives across Edmonton and Western Canada, including deep energy retrofits, supportive housing delivery, and modernization strategies for large-scale civic venues.
Her work spans both public and private sectors, with a focus on aligning infrastructure investment with sustainability, operational efficiency, and community impact. She contributes her expertise in built environment innovation, governance, and stakeholder engagement to help building owners optimize investments in infrastructure renewal as a pathway to net-zero solutions.
Shannon is a trusted advisor to government and industry partners and a champion of inclusive, forward-thinking project delivery models.
Steve Oslanski
Steve Oslanski is a visionary leader focused on the energy transition by providing renewable energy systems across multiple industry sectors. As Partner & CEO, Steve leads the Envirotech Group of Companies which includes Envirotech Geothermal Ltd. (Canada’s largest ground source heat pump contractor), Envirotech Geothermal Drilling Corp. (A geo-exchange drilling specialist), and Envirotech Solar.
Steve’s background includes 20 years of land acquisition & regulatory/environmental experience, navigating the complexities of Municipal Government Act (MGA), Alberta Environment & Parks (AEP), and the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER). Steve has also served on several other industry committees, and currently holds the chair as President of the WCGeo Association – a non-profit association dedicated to advancing the Net Zero transition by promoting the adoption of Ground Source Heat Pumps.
Steve enjoys world travel, camping, playing and coaching hockey, golfing, snowboarding and practicing guitar.
Steve, along with his wife and 2 young children reside in an all-electric, near Net Zero home in rural Strathcona County, AB.
Chad Rich
Chad Rich is the General Supervisor of Compliance, Learning & Innovation within the Safety Codes section at the City of Edmonton. In his two decades with the City, Chad has worked through multiple roles including permit administration, inspections, operations and leadership.
Chad contributes to various provincial committees and maintains multiple Safety Codes Certifications as well as Red Seal Journeyman Trade Certification.
With a passion for positive change in the development and construction environment, Chad is continually looking to advance operational innovation, technology strategies and collaborate with change mindsets.
Melanie Ross
Melanie Ross joined SAIT’s Green Building Technology Access Centre (GBTAC) team in 2019. She is responsible for overseeing business, strategy and research activities within the 16,000 ft² GBTAC Labs and Demonstration Centre, a Tech Access Canada-funded initiative since 2013 and Calgary’s first net-zero commercial building.
Melanie brings 17 years of experience with recognized architecture, planning and engineering firms to her role as the GBTAC lead in addition to experience in marketing and communications. She has an extensive background in delivering many projects ranging from green building certifications to energy management, existing building performance, innovative technologies, sustainability planning and policy development, and architectural design and construction for both residential and commercial markets.
Education and industry transformation are a key part of Melanie’s contributions to green building through her work at GBTAC and on many boards and committees, most notably as an Ambassador with the Energy Futures Lab, National Vice-Chair for the Tech-Access Canada Board, Board Director for the Smart, Sustainable, Resilient Infrastructure Association, past-Chair of the Alberta Chapter of the Canada Green Building Council, past-Board Director for Attainable Homes Calgary, Member of the National Research Council Resilient Residential Retrofits Advisory Council, and Member of the National Canadian Home Builders Association Net-Zero Committee. She also delivers several conference presentations and workshops on a number of green-building topics on an annual basis as well as contributes to curriculum and workforce training development at SAIT and for industry.
Finally, Melanie is an active member of Commercial Real Estate Women, working towards the advancement of women in commercial real estate, as well as a 20+ year advocate for persons with disabilities as she herself is a person with a physical disability. She won SAIT’s 2021 International Women’s Day Achievement Award, recognizing someone who has made significant achievements in their field. Melanie is dedicated to lending her voice to advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion for both the environment and society.
Vedran Škopac
Vedran is Principal at Reimagine Architects and Adjunct Professor at the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (SAPL) at the University of Calgary. Working at the intersection of practice and academia, Vedran brings people together to turn challenges into clear, meaningful design strategies that strengthen mental health, well-being, and a stronger sense of community.
With more than 22 years of experience across Canada, Europe, and China, Vedran’s work focuses on questioning assumptions and developing design solutions that respond to the social, cultural, and historical fabric of each place. He sees architecture as a catalyst for human connection; a way to cultivate irruption of events, spontaneous encounters, and opportunities for action that bring the built environment to life.
Vedran’s designs include the priMED Mosaic Centre, Eastgate Offices for Environment Canada, Red Deer Polytechnic Student Residence, Northern Lakes College Trades Training Centre, and Concordia University of Edmonton’s Braaksma Hall. Each reflects a commitment to thoughtful design, environmental responsibility, and the collaborative process that turns shared ideas into lasting impact.
Kristin Tollovsen
Kristin Tollovsen is the Manager of Sustainability and Social Purpose at Centurion Infrastructure Canada. Kristin has a B.Sc. from UBC and over 13 years of environmental experience including roles as an Environmental Scientist and as a Sustainable Project Manager. Kristin has worked with sustainable building certifications, sustainable operations and policy, and life cycle analysis for buildings and is now using those skills to lead Environmental, Social, & Governance (ESG) reporting initiatives and improve workplace diversity. Kristin is the co-founder of the Carbon Leadership Forum – Alberta Hub and was named one of Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 recipients by Edify for 2021.
ENBIX Staff
Andrea Linsky
Director – Emissions Neutral Buildings, Alberta Ecotrust.
ENBIX Team Lead. Edmonton
Andrea has over 15 years of experience in the fields of renewable energy, demand-side management, corporate emissions reductions, training and capacity-building for energy management, and high-performance construction. Andrea is a Professional Engineer with extensive technical training in energy management and high-performance building. To compliment her technical expertise, she also holds a Master of Education in Leadership.
Andrea’s passion lies in bringing people together to create positive change. She looks for innovative ways to get things done and focuses on communication to ensure projects are successful. Andrea has been actively involved in utility advisory committees and boards for over ten years and is always looking for ways to support discussions around energy efficiency and emissions reductions.
In her spare time, when not dreaming about how to support Emissions-Neutral buildings in Alberta, Andrea loves to ride her bicycle, cook with friends, and spend time with her family in the mountains.
P: 403.209.2245
E: a.linsky@albertaecotrust.com
Director, Emissions-Neutral Buildings, Alberta Ecotrust
ENBIX Team Lead, Edmonton
Juan Monterrosa
Program Manager – Emissions Neutral Buildings, Alberta Ecotrust.
ENBIX Team Lead. Edmonton
Bio to come..
P: 403.209.2245
E: j.monterrosa@albertaecotrust.com
Program Manager, Emissions-Neutral Buildings, Alberta Ecotrust
ENBIX Team Lead, Edmonton
Andrea Johancsik
Program Specialist – Emissions Neutral Buildings, Alberta Ecotrust
ENBIX events lead, Calgary.
Andrea’s passion for the environment stems from childhood adventures in Alberta’s prairie, boreal, and alpine ecosystems. Connecting with these landscapes, and realizing they may be at risk, ultimately led her to pursue a degree in Environmental Sciences from Queen’s University.
Andrea has since worked in the environmental field in a variety of non-profit and public sector roles related to conservation, waste management, environmental education & interpretation, and climate action.
At the heart of her work is a drive to reduce barriers to action for individuals and communities to achieve a livable, equitable future.
Outside of working to advance Emissions Neutral Buildings, Andrea can be found exploring the outdoors by foot, bike, or skis, or stretching her creative muscle through writing, baking, gardening, and knitting.
P: 403.209.2245
E: Andrea Johancsik is on temporary leave; please email info@albertaecotrust.com if you require assistance
Program Specialist – Emissions Neutral Buildings, Alberta Ecotrust
ENBIX Events Lead, Calgary
Kate Woloshyn
Program Specialist – Emissions Neutral Buildings, Alberta Ecotrust
ENBIX resource lead, Edmonton
With her diplomatic mindset, creative thinking, and commitment to a sustainable future, Kate envisions a world where innovation and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
Kate has established herself as a catalyst for facilitating a culture of communication and growth. She excels in encouraging collaboration and inspiring innovative approaches to address challenges.
As a Certified Engineering Technologist holding an Architectural Technologist diploma, Kate integrates her technical expertise with our vision. With over a decade of diverse experience in consulting, project management, municipal government, and systems efficiency, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the table across all disciplines.
When she is not working, you can find Kate exploring the great outdoors, biking, skiing, playing sports, coaching, or spending time with family and friends.
P: 403.209.2245
E: k.woloshyn@albertaecotrust.com
Program Specialist – Emissions Neutral Buildings, Alberta Ecotrust
ENBIX Resource Lead, Edmonton
Joseph Henke
Program Specialist, Alberta Ecotrust
ENBIX, Cross-Alberta Lead
Joseph (Joe) Henke is dedicated to reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and developing a healthy community. Before joining ENBIX Joe was working as a Residential Energy Advisor (REA) under the Greener Home program – working with home owners to reduce their emissions.
He is a recent graduate of the Lakeland College Sustainable Energy Technology program and a became a Certified Energy Manger (CEM). He has also study GHG emissions accounting and Sustainability Management.
Joe is a Materials engineer with a degree in Materials Science from the University of Alberta. Prior to working on a emissions reductions and the built environment he worked in heavy industrial processing and steel manufacturing.
When Joe is not working he can be found playing hockey, and spending time with family.
P: 403.209.2245
E: j.henke@albertaecotrust.com
Program Specialist – Emissions Neutral Buildings, Alberta Ecotrust
ENBIX Cross-Alberta Lead, Edmonton
Alicia Couto
Program Specialist, Alberta Ecotrust
ENBIX, Events Lead
Alicia Couto is a dedicated sustainability professional and educator who is committed to driving Alberta’s energy transformation while fostering positive social and environmental change. With a deep passion for both innovation and collaboration, Alicia brings a unique blend of expertise and devotion to her work, aiming to reshape the future of Alberta’s energy landscape for generations to come. Her academic journey has laid a solid foundation for her career, with a Master’s of Sustainability in Energy Security and a Diploma in Renewable Energy and Conservation. This blend of knowledge provides her with a systems thinking approach to tackle the challenges and opportunities in the built environment. Her professional experience spans many verticals, including green building design, renewable energy, energy policy development, standards implementation, and cleantech. Alicia’s diverse background equips her with the tools to create tangible change in the way we think about and approach sustainability.
At the heart of Alicia’s mission is her unwavering commitment of empowering communities to achieve their emission-neutral targets. As the Program Specialist of the Emissions-Neutral Building Information Exchange (ENBIX) at Alberta Ecotrust, she fosters collaboration among multiple sectors, helping stakeholders connect, learn, and access vital resources that drive progress toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in building construction, renovation, and operation across Alberta. Alicia’s work is driven by a strong belief that sustainability is not just about technology or policy but about people – about coming together, sharing knowledge, and building capacity in communities. Her role at ENBIX perfectly aligns with this philosophy, blending her passion for sustainability with her dedication to supporting others in achieving their environmental goals. Her lived experience, which spans both rural and urban settings, enriches her perspective and approach, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities that communities face, whether in the heart of a bustling city or in the more tranquil settings of rural communities. This connection to both environments informs her work and drives her passion for creating inclusive solutions that can benefit all Albertans.
Outside of her professional life, Alicia finds joy in exploring the world around her. Whether it’s travelling, spending time in nature, enjoying her family, or exploring new culinary delights, she embraces the richness of life with the same enthusiasm she brings to her work. Through her dedication and passion, she aims to inspire others to join her in the pursuit of a more sustainable and equitable future.
P: 403.209.2245
E: a.couto@albertaecotrust.com
Program Specialist – Emissions Neutral Buildings, Alberta Ecotrust
ENBIX Events Lead, Calgary
Andrea Soler
Communications Director, Alberta Ecotrust
ENBIX communications lead, Edmonton
Andrea Soler is a communications, marketing and community relations professional with over 15 years of experience. She specializes in energy transition, climate resilience and environmental initiatives.
She has developed award-winning communications campaigns and social marketing programs, with the purpose of reducing our impact on climate change. She has led programs to encourage collective climate action,adoption of electric vehicles, waste reduction, energy retrofits and the generation of renewable energy.
Andrea has a Master of Arts in Communications and Technology from the University of Alberta, a Certificate in Public Relations from Toronto Metropolitan University, and a Bachelor in Fine Arts from Universidad de Los Andes in Colombia.
Creating is Andrea’s passion. Be it creating art, a garden or a story that inspires positive change.
P: 403.209.2245
E: a.soler@albertaecotrust.com
Communications Director,
Alberta Ecotrust
ENBIX Communications Director, Edmonton
Julia Vachon
Communications Specialist, Alberta Ecotrust
ENBIX Communications Specialist, Calgary
Julia brings her enthusiasm and creativity into everything she does. Throughout her career, she has helped non-profits, businesses, and start-ups stand out through strategic communications and marketing efforts that highlight their unique strengths.
With a background in public relations and over 5 years of proven success, she excels in leading strategic communications projects, telling compelling stories, and building meaningful connections. Julia has successfully raised awareness for incredible non-profit organizations that address some of the most pressing needs in our community.
In her free time, Julia likes to do just about anything outdoors including hiking, camping, rollerblading, exploring new places, and attempting to grow veggies in the garden. She also takes Latin and ballroom dance lessons.
P: 403.209.2245
E: j.vachon@albertaecotrust.com
Communications Specialist,
Alberta Ecotrust
ENBIX Communications Lead, Calgary
Mike Mellross
Vice President, Alberta Ecotrust
ENBIX Strategic Direction, Edmonton
For the past two years, Mike has taken a lead role in establishing the Climate Innovation Fund. Mike has nearly a quarter century of experience in climate change, sustainability, and environmental management working across the private, public and charitable sectors.
Mike is a published author with articles in popular science journals on the application of market transformation theory for the achievement of climate change goals. Mr. Mellross has degrees in Environmental Science, Water Pollution Studies, and Natural Sciences and is a registered Professional Agrologist with the Alberta Institute of Agrologists.
Mike was a recipient of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Best for Canada Innovator award and a 2019 winner of the Charles Labatiuk award for environmental excellence.
P: 403.209.2245
E: m.mellross@albertaecotrust.com
Vice President, Alberta Ecotrust
ENBIX Strategic Direction, Edmonton
Rod Ruff
Chief Executive Officer, Alberta Ecotrust
ENBIX strategic direction, Calgary
Rod Ruff is the Chief Executive Officer at Alberta Ecotrust Foundation and loves to work across boundaries and build creative partnerships to advance a more sustainable future in Alberta.
Rod is passionate about program design, evaluation, and collaboration. He has led strategic projects for Alberta Ecotrust which includes participating as a founder of the Low Carbon Cities Canada initiative which established the Climate Innovation Fund in Calgary and Edmonton, and Project Blue Thumb – Canada’s first social innovation lab aimed at addressing water quality issues.
When he isn’t at work, or spending time with his wife and daughter, you can find him nestled in a book, fly fishing in the Bow River, or hunting in the prairies near his hometown of Medicine Hat.
P: 403.209.2245
E: r.ruff@albertaecotrust.com
Chief Executive Officer,
Alberta Ecotrust
ENBIX Strategic Direction, Calgary
Pamela Goertzen
Executive Director, Smart Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure Association
ENBIX Innovation Lead, Edmonton
Pamela Goertzen serves as the founding Executive Director of SSRIA, where she has successfully instituted a wide range of programs and initiatives designed to advance the organization’s mission of promoting low-carbon building solutions. Her strategic leadership and unwavering commitment to forging meaningful partnerships have played a pivotal role in SSRIA’s growth and its positive impact on both the environment and the economy in Alberta.
Over the past two decades, Pam has demonstrated her dedication to the development and management of energy efficiency and social change programs in Alberta. Her career highlights include a senior position at Summerhill, where she oversaw the implementation and marketing of residential energy efficiency programs on behalf of Energy Efficiency Alberta. Prior to that, she spent 14 years at C3 (formerly Climate Change Central), where she contributed to the development and delivery of energy efficiency programs to Alberta homeowners and businesses.
Pam’s educational background includes a Business Diploma with a specialization in marketing and a Bachelor of Management. These qualifications have equipped her with the necessary skills to effectively communicate sustainability initiatives, exercise financial due diligence required for nonprofit organizations, and lead the growth of a burgeoning organization.
E: pam@ssria.ca
Executive Director, Smart Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure Association
ENBIX Innovation Lead, Edmonton
Want to join our growing team?
Visit the Alberta Ecotrust careers page to see current opportunities.