Who We Are

Green Calgary is made up of a diverse group of people. The organization has many dedicated staff, volunteers, and members. Green Calgary would like to thank everyone who gives their time and energy to make this organization a success.

Staff

Executive Director - Patricia Cameron
Bio Coming Soon!

Office Manager - Jessica Duchin

Jessica was born and raised in Calgary, though many of her childhood summers were spent swimming the days away in London, Ontario. After taking the last year off with her sweet little son, Finn, Jessica is happy to be back at Green Calgary where she can fully engage her environmental heart once again! Jessica LOVES babies and dogs and is passionate about natural healing, photography and yoga. She runs a website called Calgary Is Awesome, creating a positive venue to highlight all the amazing things our city has to offer. Jessica has extensive education in photographic arts, received her reiki certification in 2007, and is slowly working towards becoming a certified holistic reproductive health practitioner. A graduate of the Green Calgary Master Composter course and Ecologic 201, Jessica is excited to share her passion for the environment with her little one and take her knowledge (and guerrilla water conservation techniques) to the streets and convert anyone who will listen!

Operational Support - Lynn Meadows

Bio Coming Soon!

Office & Green Products Assistant - Jen Freudenthaler

Jennifer is a native Calgarian who is passionate about community and the environment. After many years of volunteering, Jen became involved with the Clean Air Champions program for the Green Calgary. She has also helped out with the Waste Wise Outreach Program in the Dalhousie Community, as well as having led Waste in Our World and Water for Life workshops. Jen graduated from the Master Composter Course, class of 2007. Currently Jennifer helps out where she is needed at Green Calgary - in The EcoStore and on some administrative Projects.

Program Staff

Manager, Programs - Sarah MacDonald

Sarah is originally from Burlington, Ontario. She graduated from Brock University in 1999 and received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Geology. Sarah has been the manager of the Commercial Environmental Services program since 2004. The program has evolved throughout this time from being the Foothills Waste Exchange to the Calgary Materials Exchange (CMEX) in 2005 and to Commercial Environmental Services in 2009. Although the program changed names, the purpose has remained the same; to assists companies to reduce their environmental impact associated with waste, by changing their behaviour and perception of commercial waste. The program has been the recipient of an Emerald Award, a Calgary Award and a RCA R’s of Excellence Award. Sarah is active in pushing the environmental agenda through by involving herself with other organization including sitting on the board of the Recycling Council of Alberta Board, and committee work with BOMA Calgary EH&S committee, University of Calgary solid waste committee, Mount Royal University Environmental Science Advisory Committee Sarah is now a 'veteran' with Green Calgary, but is still a ‘dumpster diver’ at heart. She lives in a LEED certified, mixed-use building, where she enjoys the inner city life. Sarah tries to practice what she preaches by using public transit to get to work.

Program Assistant, Healthy Homes Calgary - Lynn MacCallum

Lynn moved here from Vancouver in 2009, and came to us through the Healthy Homes volunteer program. She’s a big believer in giving back to her community and has volunteered with organizations such as the David Suzuki Foundation, Projecting Change Film Festival, and Green Drinks to name a few. She has a background in fashion design and consulting, but most recently worked in sales and marketing with SkyFire Energy and Sedmek, solar installers and distribution companies here in Calgary. When Lynn isn’t taking classes to complete her certificate in Environmental Management through the University of Calgary, you will find her tending her patio garden or hiking in the mountains with her husband Paul.

Advisor, Healthy Homes Calgary - Lauren Mangion

Lauren has, in her adult life, become a constant explorer of the big questions of our time; defining what it means to build healthier relationships with each other and the natural world. This exploration brought her to Calgary to complete a BA in International Development Studies. In 2007, she started a business offering "eco-coaching" to Calgarians, which was created as an extension of her own passion and dedication to maximizing positive human impact on the environment. She still maintains the business, and is overjoyed to be part of the Healthy Homes team as well.Lauren is active in the social/environmental justice community in Calgary, volunteering with several sustainability-based non-profits. She writes about the environment for both on-line and print publications, has self-published a book on toxicity in the home, and conducts workshops around a variety of environmental issues. Lauren feels a keen confidence in the potential of sustainable communities, and belief in the power of the individual to make change. She advocates hope, not fear, and believes in solutions that promote “a brighter shade of green”.

Liaison & Researcher, Commercial Environmental Services - James Emerson

James spent much of his youth exploring the vast breadth of British Columbia’s costal temperate rain forest. After completing his B.A. at the University of Victoria he began working for recycling companies where his love for all things outdoors was met with a growing knowledge of environmental issues and solutions. James has recently moved from Vancouver to Calgary where he has joined the Green Calgary team as a Program Liaison and Researcher, helping businesses find different options for their waste and recycling needs.

Liaison & Researcher, Commercial Environmental Services - Kate Zago

Kate joined Green Calgary in February 2008. She is working as "Liaison and Researcher" on the Commercial Environmental Services program, helping to connect businesses to their recycling needs and increase the rate of diversion among Calgary's commercial sector. Kate joined Green Calgary from another environmental non-profit organization located in her hometown of Guelph, Ontario. Kate’s background also includes an Environmental Biology degree from McGill University.

Liaison & Assessor, Commercial Environmental Services- Gina Staley

Becoming a rare species, Gina is a true Calgarian born and raised. She has graduated from SAIT and the University of Lethbridge with a diploma and a degree in Business Management. After doing a bit of travelling she has settled into creating a career for herself and continues that path with Green Calgary. Before joining us, she already had an interest in the environment and social issues having done her own reading and research to help create a greener home. She is thrilled that she has the opportunity to make a difference in her home town!

Board of Directors

Theresa Howland - President

As Vice President of Retail Markets, Theresa Howland is an intergral part of the ENMAX team. Theresa has held progressively more senior positions in marketing and product development since joining the electricity industry in 1996. Prior to joining ENMAX, Theresa was a leader in Bullfrog Power’s operations for Western Canada, she has overseen business development activities for leading wind power developer, Vision Quest Windelectric, an independently operated division of TransAlta. From 2004 to 2005, Theresa served as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Wind Energy Association, and from 2002 to 2006, served as a Director. In this capacity, Theresa led and participated in cross-functional industry teams to develop strategies and policy recommendations to support wind energy growth in Canada. Theresa has also severed on the Board of CASA since 2003 and was a participant on the ImagineCalgary Roundtable committee. Earlier in her career, Theresa spearheaded a successful green power program for a major utility. Theresa received a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Calgary.

Scott McRae - Vice President
Scott McRae works as a Fund Development Coordinator at the Heart and Stroke Foundation and is proud to be continuing as a part of the dynamic team at Green Calgary. Born and raised in Calgary, he helped build an organization in Montreal to distribute free bicycles and teach bike mechanics, worked for several years as a fine furniture maker to create lasting objects from sustainable material, and enjoys camping and hiking with his family.

Russell McPherson - Treasurer, B.Comm.(Hons), MBA, CMA.
Russell studied business at the University of Manitoba and Queen’s University, and completed his accounting designation in Manitoba. He has over twenty years of progressively responsible experience in a variety of industries, including public transportation, financial services, agriculture, staffing, and oilfield services. His experience includes working for companies ranging in size from ten to thousands of employees, both publicly traded and privately held. In his most recent role, he was CFO of a privately held oilfield services company, where he was responsible for all aspects of administration, including accounting, payroll, and IT. Recently, Russell began a consultancy aimed at helping entrepreneurs with great ideas build great companies. Russell has been in Calgary for eight years, and lives with his wife and two daughters. Russell currently volunteers on three other community boards; he enjoys meeting new people and believes strongly in sharing his talents and giving back to the community.

Renée Glasier - Secretary
Renée was born in Calgary and aside from a year in spent in Ontario and four years living in Fort McMurray, Calgary is where she calls home. She holds a Master’s Degree in Industrial Relations and has spent the last fifteen years working as a Human Resources Professional in industries from media to oil and gas. Renée is also a yoga instructor, who has been teaching for the last four years. Renée is passionate about creating a healthy home for her family and contributing to a healthy environment. She is always ready and willing to share a helpful tip on how to reduce your personal footprint.

Matt Mayer - Director
Matt’s initial passion in life manifested itself through sport (particularly hockey). Leaving this to explore another was a watershed shift in Matt’s paradigm. Matt went on to complete a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Victoria; his theoretical studies deepened by studying, working and traveling abroad, specifically in China and South Africa. He decided to continue his education with a focus on aligning his studies with his personal values which led him to the MSc. - Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability program in Sweden. He graduated in June 2010 energized and engaged to make a meaningful difference in this world. He finds himself doing so by empowering and enhancing the capacity of change-makers to inhabit the role of societal leader with the LeadWell Initiative. Matt has long been a volunteer at Green Calgary (even in the days of Clean Calgary) at the EcoStore, with the Healthy Homes program and as part of several outreach initiatives. He is humbled by the opportunity to serve on the Green Calgary Board of Directors as he believes that Green Calgary is a brilliant role model in bringing forward a sustainable future in the local context.

Christine Oudijk - Director
Christine moved back to Canada from The Netherlands in 2004 where she graduated with her Bachelor of Commerce majoring in International Business. In 2011 Christine earned her Executive MBA from the University of Calgary, with an interest in Strategy and Innovation. Christine has been an Adult Learning and Development Professional since 1998 and has provided coaching, customized learning solutions and leadership development to over 1000 different front line, middle managers and senior executives with various sized companies in a wide range of industries. Christine is an active member of The Canadian Society for Training and Development (CSTD) and The American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) and is passionate about giving back to the community through education and environmental preservation. Christine has founded numerous award winning environmental partnership programs for various corporations and has led teams in the Alberta Adopt a Highway Program and The City of Calgary’s Parks and Pathway Cleanup Program for the past 7 years. In her spare time she enjoys travelling (36 countries so far!) and practicing yoga. Christine is looking forward to collaborating with the Board at Green Calgary to build on its strengths and achieve the next level as an organization.

Jessi-Ann Riddell - Director
Born and raised in Calgary, Jessi-Ann is always excited to share her passion for the environment with fellow Calgarians. She has been involved with Green Calgary as a volunteer at the EcoStore, Rain Barrel Sale, and Calgary Home & Garden Show. She was also a member of the first graduating class of EcoLogic 101.Jessi-Ann holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies from the University of Calgary with a minor in Art. She has a broad range of strategic communications experience and currently works in Community Relations for the hydro power portfolio at TransAlta. There she was instrumental in founding an Eco-Action Team in spring 2009 to educate and engage fellow employees to take action that leads to positive change for the environment. The growing team has hosted an annual Eco-Challenge for three years running and launched various programs which have reduced environmental impacts and increased awareness. Jessi-Ann volunteered for several years with the International Association of Business Communicators and has served on their Board of Directors. Her interests include green living, gardening, photography, and health and nutrition.

Rajen Shah - Director
Rajen is a Certified Public Accountant with the Calgary office of PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), where he is a senior manager in the Audit and Assurance Group. He received his Bachelor of Commerce from Gujarat University in his native India. He became a member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants in 2004, and earned his CPA designation 2 years later. Rajen has been working in Calgary for more than a decade. His financial acumen, especially with respect to audits and taxation, will be a great asset to Green Calgary.

Julia Watson - Director
Julia has a wide-range of experience in communications and social responsibility. She has worked at SiMPACT Strategy Group, a social impact & CSR consulting firm, as well as in a communications capacity for Suncor Energy, The Environmental Careers Organization (ECO), as well as a number of non-profits. Currently, Julia works at ENMAX in corporate communications. Julia is a graduate from the University of Calgary Communications Program and holds a minor in Management from the Haskayne School of Business. A volunteer at a young age, most of Julia’s recently volunteering is for ENGOs, including Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS), Young Environmental Professionals (YEP), and Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (CWRS). With a love for the outdoors and a strong interest in building sustainable communities, she is excited about joining the Green Calgary team.

Nagu Yaddanapudi - Director
Nagu has been a mechanical engineer for 15 years, and last year added an MBA from Cornell University to his already impressive resume. He has worked on a great variety of engineering projects, among them the development of innovative, alternate-energy fuel cells. He is relatively new to Calgary, having grown up in India followed by academics and professional employment in various locations in the United States. He plays tennis and golf, and remains engaged with his native country as a member of the Association for India’s Development.

Thank you so much to all the past Directors of the Board.