2026 Speakers

Nick Nanos

Chief Data Scientist & Founder
Nanos Research

Chief Data Scientist and Founder, Nanos Research Corporation. Nik is an expert in reputation and risk management and has hands on experience developing and applying machine learning algorithms and business intelligence to the workplace. He is also regularly called upon to provide counsel on demographic changes and workplace culture transformation as millennials become an increasingly important part of the workforce.

He is the Chief Data Scientist and Founder of Nanos Research, a Global Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington DC, and a research associate professor at the State University of New York at Buffalo. He is also the current Chair of Carleton University in Ottawa which has 28 thousand students and a budget of over $500M. Nik leads the team behind the weekly Bloomberg Nanos Canadian Confidence Index, considered a must have resource for senior executives and is also featured in a weekly segment on CTV's News Channel, Nanos on the Numbers, which focuses on the latest political, business and social trends.

Corey Crossan, PhD

Co-Founder and Executive Director
Virtuosity Character

Corey Crossan is a research and teaching fellow at The Oxford Character Project where she develops and facilitates character development programs for students, industry, and university partners. She received her PhD from the Western University in London, Ontario. Her research examines how character can be developed and its impact on performance and well-being. Her undergraduate work in Exercise Science inspired her unique application of exercise and habit development towards her research that shed light on what it takes to implement a daily practice of character development. Corey's love for elite performance developed as she competed in top-level athletics for most of her life, highlighted by competing as a NCAA Division 1 athlete. Corey translated her understanding of elite performance into a passion for helping individuals and organizations develop sustained excellence. She is also the co-founder of Virtuosity Character, a mobile software application created to support the daily, deliberate practice of character-based leadership development.

Bill Furlong (ICD.D)

Board of Directors
CAA Club Group of Companies

Bill Furlong (ICD.D) has been an Executive-in-Residence at the Ivey Business School since 2013, focusing on Leader Character within the Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership. He has co-authored essays on Leader Character published by MIT Sloan Management Review, Business Law International and the Global Risk Institute. In 2020 Bill founded and with Dr. Mary Crossan co-hosts the podcast Question of Character. He is a co-author of The Character Compass which was published in 2023. Since 2019 Bill has been a Board Director of CAA Club Group and its operating subsidiaries CAA Insurance and Echelon Insurance. He is a member of the Investment Committees and the Governance and Nominating committees. He is also the Chair of the Echelon Insurance Board. Since April 2022 Bill has been a Part-Time Adjudicator with the Capital Markets Tribunal. From 2015 to 2019 Bill was a Part-Time Commissioner at the Ontario Securities Commission and was a member of their Board. From 1994 to 2012 Bill held strategic leadership roles at TD Securities including Global Head of Asset Securitization, Global Head of Middle Office (UK) and Global Head, Trading Business Management. Bill retired from TD Securities in 2012 as Vice Chair.

Michael Geller FCIP, RPP, MLAI

Ret. Architect AIBC

Michael Geller is a Vancouver based planner, real estate consultant, property developer, and retired architect with five decades' experience in the public, private and institutional sectors. He serves on the Adjunct Faculty of Simon Fraser University's School of Resource and Environmental Management. He is principal of The Geller Group which specializes in planning, real estate consulting, and development management for large-scale communities and complex residential and mixed-use projects. From 1999 to 2006, Michael was President and CEO of the SFU Community Trust, overseeing the planning and development of UniverCity, an award-winning sustainable community on 200 acres of land adjacent to the Burnaby Mountain campus. Other significant projects include the redevelopment of BC Packers' lands along the Steveston Waterfront, Bayshore in Coal Harbour, and the Furry Creek resort community. Michael has also developed numerous innovative residential and mixed-use projects. He is a past president of the Urban Development Institute of Canada and been honoured as a fellow of the Canadian Institute of Planners and a Life Member of the Architectural Institute of BC for his contributions to urban design and planning, heritage preservation, and affordable housing in Vancouver and throughout British Columbia. A frequent media commentator and public speaker on urban planning and development issues, Michael is recognized as one of BC's most influential people in the real estate industry.

Greg Martin, CEO

Datanest

Greg Martin is the Co-founder and CEO of Datanest, a workflow platform purpose-built for environmental and geotechnical scientists. He holds a MSc. in Geology and began his career as an Engineering Geologist with Golder NZ and later Coffey Geotechnics, working on projects across New Zealand, Australia, New Caledonia, and Mauritania. In 2010, Greg co-founded Geoscience Consulting (NZ) Ltd, which was later acquired by ENGEO Inc., a California-based firm. He continued as Managing Director of ENGEO NZ & Australia until 2020, during which time the business grew to a team of over 100 geotechnical and environmental consultants. In 2024, Greg relocated to Toronto to establish Datanest Inc. in the Canadian market, while also expanding into the UK and US. Greg is a passionate advocate for the scientific and engineering consulting industry, believing that its professionals consistently undervalue their contribution to society. He is driven to elevate the industry through greater productivity, efficiency, and quality.

Mark Lai, President & CEO

ECOH Management Inc.

A leader in Environmental Consulting & Occupational Health, Mark Lai founded ECOH Management Inc. (ECOH) in 2000 with Dr. Om Malik and Mr. John Lewis – both of whom recently exited through a successful MBO. With over 35 years of experience, Mark's leadership has positioned ECOH as an innovative company, pioneering new approaches to work. Known for his strategic and results-oriented approach, Mark consistently delivers original and effective solutions to complex environmental challenges. Notably, in the aftermath of a major propane explosion in North Toronto, Mark designed site-specific clean-up strategies, negotiated support from regulators, and led a diverse team of professionals over a grueling six-week period – garnering widespread community appreciation. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic – and amid the challenges of “quiet quitting” and hybrid workplaces – Mark led a bold transformation of the traditional environmental consulting “fee-for-service” model. He introduced a 4-day work week and an MBI/employee ownership program, placing work-life balance and employee well-being at the core of ECOH's culture. The results: higher productivity, reduced employee turn-over, a sustainable business model, and a thriving workforce. Under Mark's leadership, ECOH continues to be celebrated for its socially responsible practices, rapid response capabilities, and forward-thinking solutions.

Steve Boyce, Managing Partner

Active Earth

Steve Boyce is a Principal and the Managing Partner at Active Earth, a multidisciplinary environmental consulting firm with more than 75 staff in seven offices across BC. Steve obtained a bachelor's in environmental studies from McGill University in 2004, graduating with Great Distinction and as a Loran/CMSF Scholar. Steve has 20 years of environmental project management experience and prioritizes up-front planning and clear communication in all client work. As Managing Partner, Steve is responsible for strategic and operational planning, M&A, and general leadership of Active Earth's executive, shareholder, and management teams. Steve's ultimate business priority is durable revenue and value growth, driven by an unmatched corporate culture and future-focused systems.

Marissa Reckmann, CEO

AGAT

Marissa is a professional chemist with over 18 years of experience in the Analytical Laboratory, Energy Resources and Renewables, and Environmental Consulting industries. In her current role as CEO of AGAT Laboratories, Marissa is focused on developing and leading the strategy and execution of AGAT's continued growth plans globally. Together with her executive and senior leadership teams she has successfully expanded divisional service lines throughout North America, while increasing the international footprint of the company with key Energy and Renewable projects tied to critical and emerging markets such as Hydrogen, Geothermal, Lithium and Carbon Sequestration. In addition to her fulltime roles, she currently sits on the Ovintiv Clean Technologies Advisory Board at NAIT, as well as serves as a Director on the AGAT Foundation. She previously held roles as President of the Canadian Land Reclamation Association within Alberta and has served as a keynote speaker throughout many events. In 2023 she received the Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Medal from the Government of Alberta in recognition of outstanding female leadership in the Energy and Environmental sectors, along with contributions to the community.

Ryan Smith, CEO

360 Engineering & Environmental Consulting

Ryan is a graduate of the University of Guelph where he completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Economics. With a diverse service background, he has leveraged this into ownership positions in multiple oilfield service businesses. From 2011 to 2017 he built and grew Rigless Rentals Inc. prior to its sale to Frac Shack International. During that time, he was also instrumental in successfully launching 360 Energy Liability Management. His vision and energy drives growth for 360 while infusing an entrepreneurial spirit into the corporate culture. Ryan pushes industry engagements and business interactions to propel 360 to the forefront of the liability management sector. The transition to team leader and entrepreneur came easily for Ryan having completed a first career as a professional rugby player. A former captain of the Canadian team, he played 51 games, 3 Rugby World Cups and played professionally in France and New Zealand. Ryan spends his free time in the mountains with his wife and 3 boys, golfing and trying to avoid crashing his mountain bike. He has a love for all sports, coaching rugby, and watching his kids cause trouble.

Ziad Boustany, Co-founder & CEO

BDI Group

Ziad Boustany is the Co-founder and CEO of BDI Group, an investment company that focuses primarily on acquiring or founding Engineering and Construction companies. He holds an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from UBC and an Executive MBA from the Smith School of Business at Queen's University. His earlier career was spent working on large scale infrastructure projects and gaining experience in rapidly scaling up and aligning high performing teams to execute them. He has then transferred these skills to businesses where he continues to empower leaders to build successful enterprises. By 2022, Ziad's impressive track record in startups and acquisitions earned him an award for being in the Top 40 under 40 by Business in Vancouver. His first taste of entrepreneurship started in 2008 when he co-founded RAM Consulting, a Vancouver based EPCM firm with now more than 150 Staff across BC and Alberta. In the last several years he spent his time co-founding other successful businesses such as Quattro Constructors and Torus Talent Management and completing several other acquisitions including Horizon Engineering, Pacific Safety, Encepta and Durwest Construction. Currently Ziad sits on the board of all the BDI companies and is actively pursuing his passion of forming partnerships and sourcing and assessing M&A opportunities for the group across Canada and the USA.

Jennifer Price, President & CEO

McElhanney Ltd.

Jennifer Price, Eng., MBA, is President and CEO of McElhanney Ltd., a 115-year-old firm known across Western Canada for its award-winning engineering, geomatics, geospatial, environmental, and planning services. Headquartered in Vancouver with over 1,500 staff and 30+ offices across Western Canada, McElhanney earned Platinum Club status in Canada's Best Managed Companies and was named one of Canada's Top 100 Employers and BC's Top Employers in 2025. Jennifer brings more than 25 years of leadership experience, having served as CEO, US of Buro Happold and held senior roles at CH2M and GHD. At McElhanney, she is focused on strategic growth, digital innovation, and developing her leadership team, building an inclusive culture. Her leadership is marked by big-picture thinking, decisive action, and team empowerment. She's passionate about community and leadership, having served on Global Diversity Councils and as Past Chair of Leadership Tomorrow in Washington state. Jennifer holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering from UC Berkeley and an MBA from the University of Washington, where she also completed the Women Board Directors Development Program. Jennifer is an avid skier and runner and a proud mom to three boys, ages 18-23.

Scott A. MacFabe, CEO

BluMetric

As CEO since 2018, Scott has guided BluMetric through a time of transition, adaptation, and growth. Scott is a hydrogeologist who holds professional hydrogeology and geology accreditations. Prior to joining BluMetric as CEO, Scott was President/COO of the Industrial and Environmental Division of a large California based environmental consulting company. Previously, he was a Partner and Director at Malcolm Pirnie. As part of that tenure, the firm was merged with a large international publicly traded consultancy in 2009. Scott was responsible for integrating the existing industrial consulting business with the new firm while leading Canadian operations and holding the position of Executive VP of North American Strategic Initiatives. From 1985 to 2002, he was a Senior Hydrogeologist and Officer at Dames and Moore.

Kevin Nilsen, President & CEO

Eco Canada

Kevin Nilsen started his career in leadership as an officer in the Norwegian Army before moving to Canada in 2000. After graduating from the University of Calgary, Kevin worked 7 years for ECO Canada, most recently as Director of Professional Services. Kevin rejoined ECO Canada in September 2016 to commence the role of President & CEO of the organization. During his absence from ECO Canada, Kevin managed large global offshore oil and gas projects for Aker owned companies. The experience in the energy sector gave him great exposure to clients and stakeholders in Europe, Asia, and USA. As a key highlight, Kevin led the development of a cutting-edge Riser Gas Handling tool that ensures a safer and more environmentally friendly drilling process. At ECO Canada, Kevin was responsible for the establishment of the Canadian Centre for Environmental Education (CCEE). He was also instrumental in the launch of regional networking events across the country, the growth of EP certification, and academic partnerships. Kevin holds an Executive MBA designation from the University of Calgary.

Linda Hogg, Senior Partner

Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP

Linda Hogg is a senior partner in Gowling WLG’s Vancouver office. She practices corporate and securities law with a particular emphasis on corporate finance for public and private companies, mergers and acquisitions, mining, and corporate governance. Linda has represented both domestic and foreign companies with interests in mining, oil and gas, alternate energy (wind and run of river), local industries and European business investments. In conjunction with the TSX Venture Exchange and British Columbia Securities Commission, she teaches a course at Simon Fraser University on public companies, financing, governance, and compliance. Linda has been recognized by Chambers Canada, Lexpert Special Edition Mining, and by Best Lawyers in Canada. Linda has served on the TSX Venture Exchange Advisory Committee, advising on policy development for the TSX, and as Chair of the Securities Subsection of the B.C. Branch of the Canadian Bar Association.

Stefania S. Sottile

Associate Director, Environment
Greater Toronto Airports Authority

Stefania is the Associate Director of Environment at the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, where she leads environmental strategy and compliance initiatives. With over 25 years of experience in Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS), and Sustainability, Stefania has worked across consulting, property management, and development, including 14 years with Golder Associates. She holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from York University. An accredited Environmental Professional (EP) through the Canadian Environmental Certification Approvals Board, Stefania is passionate about environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and mentoring the next generation of EHS leaders. She is an active volunteer with Toronto CREW's Real Jobs Day and a frequent guest speaker in schools, encouraging students to explore careers in environmental and real estate management.

Martina Perdue

Vice President, Environmental and Health & Safety
BentallGreenOak

Martina Perdue is a seasoned Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) professional with over 20 years of experience. As Vice President of EHS at BGO, she leads the Canada-wide environmental risk and OHS program for one of the country's leading real estate investment and property management firms. Known for her strategic mindset and hands-on approach, Martina has built her career across diverse sectors – including government, insurance, and consulting – gaining a 360-degree view of environmental compliance, regulatory affairs, and risk management. Martina is a certified Applied Science Technologist (A.Sc.T.) and a long-standing member of OACETT. She holds a BA in Environmental and Resource Studies from Trent University and a post-grad certificate in Environmental Management and Assessment from Niagara College.