I currently act as Lead Cleantech Advisor at the Toronto-based MaRS Institute, which supports the commercialization of Canadian research and development. Before joining MaRS, I was a successful entrepreneur, founding Voice Courier Inc. in 1991, a telecommunications software company. I led its expansion to more than 100 employees in three countries. In 2005, I also started VCi Green Funds, a private venture fund to provide angel and venture capital to companies developing emission-reduction technologies. This included taking hands-on leadership roles in clean-tech companies ranging from geothermal and wind to green buildings and hydrogen.

As co-founder of Planet Traveler, the greenest hotel in North America, I exhibited a talent for innovation. I also have broad experience on leading clean-tech organizations and was the manager for the Green Bonds public policy team, a high-profile initiative presented to federal and provincial governments in Canada. Recently, I was appointed an Action Canada fellow.

I have a bachelor of science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Waterloo, a master’s in science from the University of London, and a master’s and PhD in Philosophy from the University of Toronto. I am single, live in Toronto and can often be found navigating the busy streets on my trusty bicycle—even through the Canadian winter.