MRPC Board of Directors
From L to R: Patrick McNeil, David Goldsmith, Lance Jefferies, Tim O’Connell, Christa Lowry
David Goldsmith SMEE, P.Eng., ICD.D (President)
Mr. Goldsmith is the retired and former President and CEO of Ivaco Inc. Located in Hawkesbury, Ontario, with operations in Ontario and Quebec. He has over 25 years direct experience in the Ontario energy sector (electricity and gas) both as a large industrial consumer and with significant involvement in the re-development of the electricity sector regulatory framework (1998-2003). He has appeared at the Ontario Energy Board and served as an expert witness and advisor at trade panels at the US International Trade Commission. He has corporate and community board experience and has served on municipally owned electricity company. He is a certified corporate director with the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Patrick McNeil ICD.D (Vice-President)
Mr. McNeil has extensive experience in the electricity sector including generation development, procurement, and operations in addition to undertaking significant merger and acquisition activities. He served in multiple senior and executive roles at Ontario Power Generation (OPG) prior to retiring as Senior Vice President – Corporate Development & Chief Risk Officer. Mr. McNeil, in his retirement has consulted to major national and international corporations on strategy development, business acquisition, risk management and corporate development. Mr. McNeil served on the Board of Directors of Elexicon Corporation, as Chair. He is a certified corporate director with the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Tim O’Connell CPA, CGA (Treasurer)
Mr. O’Connell earned his designation as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) in 2005 and holds a Bachelor of Accounting Science from the University of Calgary. He brings more than 20 years of extensive finance experience in progressively senior positions, the majority of which is within the high-tech industry.
He was born, raised and lives in Almonte with his wife and three daughters. When he is not busy providing a taxi service for his children, he enjoys travelling, camping, and playing sport.
Mayor Christa Lowry BMus, MA
Beginning in 2014, Mayor Lowry has served as a Ramsay Councillor and is now in her second term as Mayor. Mayor Lowry was elected as Lanark County Warden and worked with leaders across Eastern Ontario on the Wardens Caucus. Other municipal and rural community experience includes as a Director for the Association of Municipalities Ontario, Rural Ontario Municipal Association, Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation, and the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority.
Mayor Lowry’s professional career and academic background include a dozen years studying and working as a professional musician before transitioning to a career in the health industry. Christa holds a double Masters Degree, having graduated from McGill, the University of Toronto, and Laval University.
Lance Jefferies
Lance is a seasoned leader who brings a wealth of experience from his 37-year career in the utility industry. Lance is certified by the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists as an Electrical Power Generation and Distribution Technician. He is also a certified Journeyman Power Line Maintainer. Lance holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa as well as a Masters Certificate in Energy Sector Leadership from York University.
Prior to joining MRPC’s Board of Directors, Lance served as President and CEO of Renfrew Hydro. During his career, Lance held multiple progressively responsible positions with Hydro Ottawa, including his first role as a Power Line Maintainer, up to his final role as Chief Electricity Distribution Officer. Lance has served on Hydro Ottawa Limited’s, Electricity Human Resources Canada’s and Cornerstone Hydro Electric Concepts’ Board of Directors.