For National Electricity Month, Electricity Canada’s Faces of the Industry award highlights the work of six industry professionals, who have demonstrated leadership in every aspect of the electricity sector from linework, to operations, to engineering, to safety, to construction and everything else.
The electricity sector has some of the most talented people working today. We have innovators. Visionaries. Leaders. Heroes.
This award is given to any member utility employee who demonstrates the following qualities:
- Outstanding achievement in their field
- Innovation
- Leadership
Applicants can be from any sector of the industry, at any level.
Nominations will be evaluated by an external judging panel.
Award winners will be invited to Ottawa to participate in a video/photoshoot.
Past Recipients
2024
Gary Smith, Executive Vice President, Operations and Innovation
Gary’s current responsibilities span the entire operation of Fortis Inc, with $66 billion in assets in 18 locations and close 10,000 employees. He has shown leadership in the organization on the energy transition, reliability, safety and expanding access to the grid. Gary has also managed major power outages including Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Irma.
2024
Kim Griffin, Manager Sustainability and Corporate Communications
During the three-week restoration effort of Hurricane Fiona, Kim was the “face and the voice” of Maritime Electric as she conducted hundreds of press conferences to keep customers informed. Kim has led a wide range of projects that have kept the customer at the heart of Maritime Electric’s work, including implementing a virtual contact centre and building their sustainability program.
2024
Barmak Khosravi, Ingénieur télécom, Architecte de reseaux
Barmak has been an innovator in the telecommunications portion of the electricity sector, using cellular networks and broadband to enhance operations and safety. Barmak’s work has made significant impacts on Hydro-Québec’s work, and, through his leadership working with other Electricity Canada members, on a national stage as well.
2024
Rick Putman, Superintendent, Distribution Lines
Rick helped develop the Canadian Mutual Assistance agreement in 2013 that modernized how utilities share resources during large-scale restoration events. This helped create the Ontario Mutual Assistance Group, or OnMAG, Mutual assistance has now become a North America wide effort, and Rick has overseen power restorations both in Ontario and elsewhere in Canada and the U.S..
2024
Lara Ludwig, Manager, Stakeholder Relations
In 2022, SaskPower began talking with residents about how Saskatchewan will be powered in the future. Since then, Lara and her team have reached out to over 60,000 Saskatchewan residents and engaged them in meaningful conversations about Saskatchewan’s future power supply.
2024
Keyra Hawley, Environmental Specialist
A self-proclaimed “bird nerd”, Keyra has used innovative technology including drones and 3D models to prevent wildlife from being electrocuted – which can be harmful to both wildlife and humans alike – and developing novel methods to keep crews and the environment safe, while saving money and improving reliability.
Questions?
For further information, please contact Daniella Bidin, Electricity Canada's Manager of Communications Projects.