Atlantica Centre For Energy Welcomes New President
SAINT JOHN–The Atlantica Centre for Energy welcomes a new leader as longtime president Colleen d’Entremont announces plans to retire this spring.
Incoming president Michelle Robichaud told Huddle the prospect of taking over from d’Entremont, who has led Atlantica for almost a decade, is daunting but exciting.
“The first thing I’m trying to do is really get up to speed on all of the issues. I’m trying to understand the role of energy in our Atlantic Canadian economy and communities and will be paying attention to all of the concerns that relate to the economy, community, and energy sector as a whole,” Robichaud said.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”
Robichaud said she’s excited to advocate on behalf of Atlantic Canada and the Maritimes–a place she said has a lot going for it.
“We have a tremendous amount of expertise and we have strong infrastructure – and some deficits as well in that area – and we’re in a strategic location along the coastline that’s going to afford us some favourable positions in a number of areas,” she said.
Robichaud will gradually transition into the role until d’Entremont’s departure in April.
Robichaud, the founder of Saint John-based Accent Events, has more than two decades’ worth of experience in business management, economic development, community engagement, and public relations.
She has most recently served as a business administration marketing instructor with New Brunswick Community College’s Saint John campus.
“I have a strong sense of community and I’ve always volunteered and value contribution to the greater good. I truly enjoy building relationships and trying to understand perspectives so I can navigate complex topics,” she said.
“One of the things that really attracted me to Atlantica is that its model attempts to see all perspectives and provide that independent point of view.”
Under d’Entremont’s leadership, Atlantica grew its scope, reach, and outlook, with d’Entremont serving as an ambassador between the public and energy sector stakeholders and advocating for clean energy in the region, whether through multi-sectoral partnerships or promoting the potential of clean energy innovations like hydrogen in helping Atlantic Canada reach its renewable energy goals.
D’Entremont said she looks forward to hiking and exploring, a topic she discussed at length with Mark Leger on the Huddle “Home Office” podcast.
PODCAST: Colleen d’Entremont On Himalayan Hikes And People Power In Atlantic Canada’s Evolving Energy Sector
She plans to continue to work with the University of New Brunswick Energy Fundamentals program, to keep apprised of strategic energy issues.
Sam Macdonald is a Huddle reporter in Moncton. Send him your feedback and story ideas: [email protected].