34th Annual Emerald Awards Judges

Wendy Coons

Over the past 20 years, Wendy has helped implement software systems and processes to track and report on environmental data, as well as help establish sustainability strategies and programs. As a Chartered Professional Accountant, her focus is on preparing and presenting ESG data to inform and drive continuous improvement in environmental and social performance within her organization.

Ruth Desantis

Ruth is a Corporate Environmental Specialist with Climate Adaptation at the City of Calgary. She is committed to elevating the voices of equity denied Calgarians in climate programming through the privilege that she holds. Ruth holds a Masters and Bachelors in Geography and considers herself a life long learner.

Tina Petrow

Tina Petrow is currently serving in her second term as a City Councillor for the City of Airdrie. As the Chair of Airdrie’s Municipal Planning Commission and a sitting member on the Calgary Metropolitan Region Board, Tina strives to help our communities grow in sustainable, balanced, and responsible ways through innovative practices and traditional values.

Angela Li

Angela is the Certification, ESG & Carbon Project Coordinator at Stok, giving her an in-depth understanding of green building certifications and a broad range of sustainability-related subjects. Her unwavering commitment to environmental excellence, combined with her extensive knowledge, makes her an invaluable addition to the judging panel for the Emerald Awards.

Daniel Schiffner

Dan is a Consultant at Nichols Applied Management. Dan spent several years working in both health care and the oil and gas industry in Calgary prior to moving to Edmonton in 2018 to pursue a Masters of Science degree at the University of Alberta. During this time, he discovered a passion for renewable energy and environmental sustainability as his research investigated the economics of repurposing disused petroleum wells for geothermal energy production.

Jennifer Saldana

Jennifer is the Director of ESG Performance and Reporting at ENMAX. In her career, Jennifer has been an in-house expert in Canadian energy companies where she has integrated environmental, social and governance (ESG) management into corporate strategy and organizational performance tracking. Jennifer has also played key leadership roles in the development of annual ESG reports, as well as having driven a range of different climate and water strategies across organizations.

Victoria Smith

Victoria (Tori) is a Senior Manager at Stok. She spent 10 years in Management Consulting Advisory Services where she specialized  in providing support to public sector clients specifically in areas related to the environment and social services. This experience included advisory support for clients such as Climate Change and Emissions  Management Corporation, Alberta Climate Change Office, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, among others.

Stephanie Bailey

Stephanie is a Policy Specialist of Government Affairs for Cenovus Energy. With over 20 years of professional environmental experience in Canada and the United States as a member of industry, a consultant, an investor, and a leader in a non-profit organization, she has demonstrated expertise in environmental and climate policy, sustainable program development, and ESG strategy.

Heather Shewchuk

Heather is the Director, Stewardship Programs at the Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA). Heather is dedicated to promoting recycling and provides strategic and operational leadership to ARMA’s Stewardship Programs. Through her work in both the public and not-for-profit sectors, Heather has fostered relationships with stakeholders and engaged communities to drive positive outcomes.

Kurstyn Perrin

Kurstyn is the Program Coordinator at the Alberta Lake Management Society (ALMS), where she leads the Indigenous Community-Based Monitoring and LakeKeepers programs, supporting comprehensive water quality monitoring across Alberta, including in the oil sands region. Through her fieldwork and collaborative partnerships, she aims to develop sustainable programs that provide meaningful insights and help address key questions related to water, land, and human health in a focused and effective manner that weaves diverse perspectives
together.

Brittany Onysyk

Brittany is the Program Manager at the Alberta Lake Management Society, where she oversees the operation of the LakeWatch Program, a long-term water monitoring initiative focused on tracking water quality across the province. Through her great appreciation for the environment and deep passion for sustainability and conservation, Brittany aims to bring a holistic approach to lake and watershed management. She is committed to fostering community engagement, driving data-driven decision-making, and promoting collaborative partnerships to protect Alberta’s natural resources for future generations.