Our Team

President & Director

Austen is a highly accomplished professional with a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and a Degree in Environmental Management from the University of Northumbria. Since moving from the UK to Canada in 2003, he has been actively involved in the wind industry. Initially, he developed around 90 MW of community-scale wind energy projects in Ontario and later shifted his focus to the Maritimes renewable energy market. In his current role, Austen manages project financing for Natural Forces' Canadian renewable energy portfolio and excels at bringing new business to the organization. He also fosters partnerships with First Nation communities, universities, and community economic development corporations, contributing to the growth and success of renewable energy initiatives in the region.

Vice President & Director

John graduated from University College Dublin with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, John was the managing director at Wind Prospect Ireland, a wind energy consultancy based in Dublin, for 10 years. In 2012, John acquired Wind Prospect Canada in partnership with Natural Forces. In his 20 years in the industry, John has developed and commercialized over 50 wind projects in Canada, Ireland, and the UK.

Project Manager, Natural Forces

Kelly has 9 years of direct experience in all aspects of developing and constructing wind farms, from wind monitoring installations to complex grid connection challenges. Kelly manages the preconstruction and construction stages of the project, bringing together the diverse disciplines of planning, electrical and civil engineering, grid regulation, legal and project finance to provide sound projects for our lenders. Kelly is a Professional Engineer in the Province of Nova Scotia. Kelly holds Secretary and Director positions at four CEDC’s, being: Wind4All, Wind4All Communities, Wind4All Communities II and Wind4All Communities IV.

Director

Andy has over 15 years of direct experience in developing wind farms and is the Project Manager for the Sponsor’s Canadian wind development pipeline. His experience captures the full development life cycle, from site identification and landowner acquisition, through environmental assessment, planning, permitting, financial modelling, and preconstruction. In addition to developing wind farms in Nova Scotia and Ontario, Andy has experience working on development projects in Australia.

Director

Amy is a highly skilled professional with a degree in Environmental Engineering from Dalhousie University. Over the past decade, she has demonstrated her expertise in the renewable energy sector, actively contributing to the successful development of utility-scale wind and solar projects throughout Canada. Throughout her career, Amy has played a crucial role in all phases of project development, showcasing her versatility and proficiency. From securing land rights to crafting persuasive proposal writing, navigating permitting processes, conducting environmental assessments, and managing funding applications, she has been instrumental in ensuring the smooth progress of projects. Amy's proficiency extends to project financing, stakeholder and Rightsholder consultation, and engaging with diverse groups to ensure collaboration and compliance with environmental standards.

Director

With an impressive track record spanning over 12 years, Lisa has been a driving force in the development of large wind energy projects, with a strong focus on Nova Scotia. Her expertise lies in the multi-disciplinary domain of environmental assessment, where she excels in various critical aspects. Particularly notable are her skills in stakeholder consultation, fostering productive landowner negotiations, and establishing community liaison committees for several community projects across Nova Scotia.

Director & Secretary

Kelly has over 15 years of direct experience in all aspects of developing and constructing wind farms, from wind monitoring installations to complex grid connection challenges. Kelly manages the preconstruction and construction stages of the project, bringing together the diverse disciplines of planning, electrical and civil engineering, grid regulation, legal and project finance to provide sound projects for our lenders. Kelly is a Professional Engineer in the Province of Nova Scotia.

Director

As Owner and Principal of PAITA Environmental Consulting Inc., Tara Oak conducts environmental and regulatory planning, permitting and compliance, guiding project proponents through the technical and procedural aspects of environmental legislation, regulatory requirements, and assessment processes. She has extensive experience as a project manager, coordinator, technical researcher, author and editor, having managed and conducted provincial & federal environmental assessments for more than 15 years in private sector consulting (CBCL, Stantec & Jacques Whitford) and with the federal government (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency & Public Works and Government Services Canada). Ms. Oak appreciates the divergent perspectives and pressures at all stages of the project lifecycle: from regulatory and Aboriginal consultation, engineering design, environmental management planning and project permitting, to procurement, contractor relations, follow‐up, monitoring and compliance. description

Director

Erin has over 14 years of in-depth experience managing communications programs and business marketing objectives for international stakeholder relations, small- to medium-sized businesses in the Web and software development industries, and regional economic development. A former professional tall ship sailor and international museum liaison, Erin has earned a reputation as a collaborator and leader, designing and orchestrating communications and marketing plans that effectively reinforce and build brand image. Now an employee of the public service, Erin is an expert in establishing and growing a customer base through two-way, symmetrical communication via strategic use of marketing and social media tools.