Vancouver, BC – January 20, 2025 – The Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC) announces a leadership transition within its Board of Directors, following the resignation of Colleen Giroux-Schmidt as Chair of the Board. Having served in the role since May 2024, Colleen is stepping away to focus on new commitments, leaving CEBC’s board well-positioned for continued success.
Colleen, who previously made history as the first female Chair of the CEBC Board from 2014 to 2017, brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. As Vice President, Corporate Relations at Innergex, she has led engagement and relationship-building activities with government, communities, and strategic partners. Her deep involvement in provincial and federal clean energy working groups and task forces has played a pivotal role in shaping policy initiatives that support BC’s clean energy transition. Her tenure as Board Chair coincided with significant milestones for the clean energy sector, including BC Hydro’s 2024 call for power—a critical step in ensuring British Columbia’s energy supply remains affordable, reliable, and sustainable as the province continues to grow.
CEBC is pleased to announce that Stephen (n̓aasquʔisʔatḥ) Rayner, who served as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, will assume the role of Interim Chair, ensuring continuity and stability during this transition. Stephen is a Geomatics Technologist with over 20 years of experience in infrastructure projects, covering feasibility, planning, design, construction, and commissioning. He currently serves as an elected Councillor for the Huu-ay-aht First Nation, holding portfolios in Green Energy, Climate Sustainability, Capital Raising, and Law and Policy. Stephen is also the business development advisor at Barkley Project Group, where he supports First Nations in developing viable and sustainable projects. Prior to this, Stephen served as Director of Infrastructure for the Huu-ay-aht First Nation, where he oversaw the comprehensive community plan, asset management, program development, and infrastructure planning development and operations. He is deeply committed to supporting Indigenous governments and communities in developing projects that empower Nations to be self-reliant and drive sustainable economic growth.
Additionally, Ina Gjoka, Strategist, Government Relations at Innergex, will step into the CEBC Board of Directors on behalf of Innergex, continuing the company’s long-standing engagement with CEBC.
With BC Hydro’s 2024 call for power, British Columbia continues to build a clean energy future, ensuring that as the province grows, its energy supply remains affordable, reliable, and sustainable. CEBC looks forward to supporting its members and working with government, industry, and First Nations to continue powering reconciliation and economic growth through clean energy innovation.
CEBC thanks Colleen Giroux-Schmidt for her leadership, contributions, and dedication to advancing clean energy in British Columbia and welcomes Stephen Rayner as Interim Chair of the Board. Please join us in welcoming Stephen and thanking him for his service.
About Clean Energy Association of British Columbia
For over 30 years, the Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC) has been the voice of BC’s clean energy sector, advocating for policies and partnerships that drive the transition to a low-carbon future. CEBC represents over 170 members, including clean energy developers, First Nations, service providers, academic institutions, and students.
CEBC fosters collaboration between industry, government, and First Nations, with a focus on economic reconciliation and Indigenous self-determination. By championing projects that benefit local economies and the environment, CEBC supports a clean, equitable, and sustainable energy future for all British Columbians.
For further information, please contact:
Ombrielle Neria
comms@cleanenergybc.org
