Vancouver, British Columbia, May 14, 2024 – Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC) extends its sincere gratitude to Yuho Okada, President, Barkley Project Group, for his exceptional leadership as Chair of the Board of Directors over the last six years. Yuho’s dedication, vision and leadership have been instrumental in guiding our organization as the foremost authority and leading association representing clean energy industry in British Columbia. His efforts have helped shape the sector into an exciting realm full of opportunities for First Nations and developers to contribute to a clean energy future that is both affordable and environmentally responsible.
During his tenure, Yuho played a pivotal role in advancing CEBC as a leading voice for clean energy in the province. His strategic guidance and unwavering commitment have elevated our association’s visibility and influence within the clean energy sector. Under his leadership, CEBC successfully attracted new members and fostered fruitful collaborations with existing members, including First Nations, academics, and clean energy developers and manufacturers. These efforts have not only enhanced our association’s reputation but also contributed to the continued growth and advancement of the clean energy industry in British Columbia.
Under Yuho’s stewardship, CEBC proactively advocated for the interests of the clean energy sector, ensuring that our association remained at the forefront of industry developments. Despite the absence of a Call for Power – a process where BC Hydro solicits bids from independent power producers to meet future energy needs – and challenges associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic during his tenure, CEBC continued to play a crucial role, advancing critical regulatory advocacy, government relations, Indigenous reconciliation,partnerships, and public awareness initiatives. Collaboration with key stakeholders, including the BC government, BC Hydro, and the British Columbia Utilities Commission, enabled strategic alignment at unprecedented levels, underscoring the vital role clean energy members play in bolstering our power grid’s resilience. Yuho’s stewardship has not only set a high standard of collaboration and integrity but also positioned our association as a cornerstone for the viability and expansion of Indigenous interests and businesses within the sector.
As Yuho transitions to new endeavours, including his appointment as Secretary for CEBC, focusing on management and operations, we are thrilled to announce that Colleen Giroux-Schmidt will assume the Chair role of the Board of Directors. Colleen, who previously served as the first female Chair of the CEBC board between 2014 to 2017, brings a wealth of experience and expertise. She currently serves as Vice President – Corporate Relations at Innergex, where she has lead engagement and relationship-building activities with various stakeholders including government, communities, and strategic partners. Colleen’s involvement in government working groups and task forces for clean energy, both provincially and federally, where she has played a pivotal role in shaping policy initiatives, further strengthens our organization. We are confident that she will continue to build upon Yuho’s legacy and lead us in our mission to support economic reconciliation with First Nations and BC’s transition to low-carbon energy.
With BC Hydro issuing a call for Power in April 2024, there are new opportunities on the horizon for clean energy suppliers to contribute to the province’s renewable energy goals, and we look forward to Colleen’s leadership supporting our members to seize these opportunities. Meanwhile, with Yuho’s continued focus on his role as President of Barkley Project Group, he remains dedicated to supporting the advancement of Indigenous interests in the clean energy sector. His passion lies in being a catalyst for industry and community collaboration, as well as advocating for Indigenous project ownership and capacity development.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to Yuho for his exceptional leadership,” said Kwatuuma Cole Sayers, Executive Director at CEBC. “With Colleen assuming the Chair role, we are positioned to build upon Yuho’s legacy as Chair and propel our organization forward. Colleen’s proven track record in corporate relations and her active involvement in shaping clean energy policy at both provincial and federal levels make her an invaluable asset to our team as Chair. I am confident in her leadership and vision as we advance economic reconciliation with First Nations and BC’s transition to low-carbon energy.”
Colleen expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “I am honoured to serve as the new Chair of the Board of Directors for the Clean Energy Association of British Columbia, as we transition from Yuho Okada’s exceptional leadership. Yuho’s guidance has been invaluable in shaping our organization. We thank him for his ongoing service. As we move forward, our focus remains steadfast on meeting the increasing demand for clean electricity and upholding environmental responsibility. With Yuho’s legacy as Chair as part of our foundation, we are poised to embrace new opportunities and navigate the evolving landscape of the clean energy sector. I look forward to working closely with our esteemed board members, dedicated staff, and growing membership to advance our shared goals in transitioning to low-carbon energy and shaping a clean energy future. Together, we continue to build a sustainable future for British Columbia and beyond.”
In addition to our ongoing commitment to advancing clean energy initiatives, CEBC is excited to present GENERATE 2024, our annual conference, which is set to take place from May 23-24, 2024, at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver. GENERATE, now in its 20th year, is a cornerstone event for First Nations, academics, industry professionals, project developers, innovators, policy designers, operators, and suppliers. This two-day conference and trade show features a dynamic exhibitor hall, plenary sessions on cutting-edge topics, a keynote luncheon, an industry awards presentation, and networking opportunities with top experts in the field. This year’s conference will focus on critical themes such as Indigenous procurement, permitting and the bidding process, supply chain, energy storage, and jobs in the clean economy. GENERATE serves as BC’s largest clean energy conference. Visit cleanenergybc.org/event/generate-2024/ to learn more and register.
CEBC remains committed to collaborating with BC Hydro, the British Columbia Utilities Commission, and the BC government to achieve effective policies so that electricity rates remain affordable.
About Clean Energy Association of British Columbia
Clean Energy Association of British Columbia represents over 130 members, including leading clean energy companies, First Nations, service providers and academic institutions contributing to British Columbia’s renewable energy industry. CEBC’s mission is to support BC’s transition to low-carbon energy through the development of effective climate policy and clean energy electrification.
For further information, please contact:
Kwatuuma Cole Sayers
Executive Director
kwatuuma@cleanenergybc.org
