Board of Directors
As Senior Vice-President, Candu Technical Professional Organization, Julianne den Decker is responsible for all functional operations of Candu Energy Inc. including Engineering, Supply Chain and Project Management. These groups form the backbone of support for our projects and are crucial to ensuring we deliver to our customers on time and on budget.
Julianne serves as Vice Chair of the Board of the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) , is an active member of Women in Nuclear (WiN) and the Executive Sponsor of Candu Energy’s local chapter of North American Young Generation Nuclear (NAYGN).
Before joining Candu Energy Inc., Julianne was a Project Director at Aecon, supporting the CANDU® Refurbishment Programs at OPG and Bruce Power. From 2009-2016, she worked for Chicago Bridge & Iron (CB&I) as the Engineering Manager responsible for the AP1000 standard plant design for projects at VC Summer and Vogtle. Prior to that, Julianne spent nine years with Areva/Framatome performing Steam Generator replacements at 13 different nuclear facilities in the USA and later supporting the Okiluoto EPR project from Areva’s head office in Paris.
Julianne is a Professional Civil Engineer. Earlier in her career she was named Engineer of the Year at Areva and graduated from many leadership development programs including Aecon’s Next Generation Leaders Program at the Ivey Business School, CB&I’s Advanced Leadership Program at Rice University and SNC’s Executive Leadership Development Program at Oxford, UK.
Julianne holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Princeton University.
With more than 40 years in the nuclear industry, Milt Caplan specializes in advising governments and utilities on how to increase confidence and reduce risk for large energy projects with a focus on managing projects for success. Of the many projects in his career, he led the successful negotiation on behalf of the Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) with Bruce Power for the refurbishment and operation of the Bruce site securing 30 percent of Ontario’s generation until the 2060s. He is currently providing independent oversight of the Darlington Refurbishment Program and the Darlington New Nuclear Project (SMR) to the Ontario Minister of Energy. Milt was a senior member of the Economics and Finance working group for the Canadian SMR Roadmap and continues to provide strategic advice to stakeholders on SMR development and deployment including SMR developer due diligence and SMR feasibility studies. He is the chair of the Economics, Financing, Business Model and Policy Task force for the Nuclear Hydrogen Working group.
Milt is the chair of the World Nuclear Association (WNA) Economics Working Group, teaches nuclear economics and nuclear plant structuring and financing for the World Nuclear University (WNU), and is the author of a pro-nuclear blog addressing issues of interest to the industry.
Milt obtained his Bachelor of Engineering in Nuclear Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, USA, and an MBA from the University of Toronto.
David Cates is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and holds Master of Accounting (MAcc) and Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees from the University of Waterloo. Prior to his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Cates served as Denison’s Vice President Finance, Tax and Chief Financial Officer. As Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Cates played a key role in the Company’s mergers and acquisitions activities – leading the acquisition of Rockgate Capital Corp. and International Enexco Ltd. Mr. Cates joined Denison in 2008 and held the position of Director, Taxation prior to his appointment as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Cates held positions at Kinross Gold Corp. and PwC LLP with a focus on the resource industry.
Jack R. Craig, Jr. currently serves as the Vice President, Strategic Programs for Atkins Nuclear Secured, in Aiken, South Carolina. In this role he supports the growth and success of Atkins Nuclear Secured and SNC Lavalin’s global nuclear business. He leads the development and implementation of growth strategies, conducts performance evaluations of operations, and participates on strategic project governance boards with the aim of enhancing the safe and efficient delivery of contractual commitments.
Prior to his current position with Atkins, Mr. Craig served over 30 years in high-level technical, management and executive leadership positions both at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Headquarters and DOE field offices. Many of these positions have been associated with environmental cleanup activities at former nuclear weapons production facilities throughout the DOE Complex.
Mr. Craig served as the Manager of the DOE Savannah River Operations Office (SR) at the Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken, South Carolina, from May 2015 through February 2018. As DOE-SR Manager, Mr. Craig was responsible for one of the Department’s most diverse and complex missions, overseeing management and operations of the vast Savannah River Site covering 310 square miles, a workforce of over 11,000 federal and contractor staff and an annual budget of over $2 billion. He led the Site’s Environmental Management (EM) program which includes: treatment and disposition of High Level Radioactive (HLW) liquid waste, the closure of underground HLW tanks, the disposition of legacy plutonium and uranium materials, consolidation and safe interim storage of excess plutonium and spent nuclear fuel in support of national defense and nuclear nonproliferation priorities, remediation of soil and groundwater, and facility decontamination and decommissioning efforts across the Site. Additionally, Mr. Craig had overall leadership of the Savannah River National Laboratory, EM’s national laboratory and the Site’s multi-program applied research and development laboratory, focused in the areas of nuclear and homeland security, clean energy, and environmental stewardship.
Previously, Mr. Craig served as the Director of DOE’s Environmental Management Consolidated Business Center (EMCBC) in Cincinnati, Ohio, from 2004-2015, leading an organization that provides business and technical support to the entire DOE-EM complex in the areas of project management, financial services, cost estimating, intergovernmental communications, legal services, property and records management and technical services. In this position he was also responsible for executing all new acquisitions and contracting for DOE’s EM program. During this time the EMCBC served as the Acquisition Center for the $6 billion/annual DOE-EM Program.
From January 2014 through December 2014, Mr. Craig took on the added executive leadership roles of Acting Associate Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for DOE-EM and Senior Advisor for the Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management at DOE-Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Earlier in his career, from 2000-2004, Mr. Craig served as the Deputy Manager of the DOE Ohio Field Office where he was responsible for the management, cleanup and restoration of five separate DOE facilities (Fernald, Mound, Battelle-Columbus and Ashtabula) and the West Valley Demonstration Project in New York. From 1995-2000, he was the Site Manager of the Fernald Environmental Management Project, EM’s first major closure project, and responsible for the management of all facilities decommissioning, radioactive materials management, environmental restoration, and public involvement.
Before joining DOE, he managed environmental projects at Department of Defense facilities for General Dynamics Corporation and he also held various positions with the Naval Sea Systems Command.
Pat Dalzell is the Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Market Development at Bruce Power, a role primarily focused on the development and growth of the corporate identity through government and stakeholder engagement; corporate and community communications; and promoting areas of energy innovation and the use of nuclear isotopes in the fight against cancer. Previous to this, he held the roles of Executive Director, Corporate Affairs & Market Development and Director of Government and Stakeholder relations coordinating partnerships with all levels of government along with key member associations, economic development groups, the electricity system operator and labour representatives.
Pat started his career at Bruce Power in 2011 as a Senior Financial Trader where he worked on the Geographic Diversification Initiative to develop new trading strategies and optimize regional diversification. In 2015, he embarked on a new position with Bruce Power working alongside the Chief Investment Officer helping to oversee the investment and risk management of Bruce Power’s defined benefit pension plan. Prior to working for Bruce Power, Pat worked as a hedge fund derivatives trader at Aquilon Power.
Pat holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Finance from Concordia University and currently serves on the board of directors of the Canadian Nuclear Association and is the Chair of the Association of Power Producers of Ontario (APPrO). He is a charter holder of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program and completed the Enhanced Plant Operational Awareness (EPOA) technical training certification and the Leading the Business Program at the IVEY Academy at Western University.
As Senior Vice President, Business Development and Corporate Affairs, Heather’s focus includes ensuring progress on the company’s Reconciliation Action Plan, and advancing hydroelectric generation development across the province in partnership with local Indigenous communities. She is also responsible for all stakeholder, public and media outreach, government relations, Indigenous relations, and branding activities in support of OPG’s business goals.
Heather has more than twenty-five years’ experience in the resource development, energy and electricity sectors. This includes roles as OPG’s VP of New Business Ventures & Electrification, VP of Environment, and Director of the Hydro Business Development Group. In these roles, she was instrumental in starting OPG’s electrification business as well as assembling the OPG team working to advance small modular nuclear reactors. As the hydro business development lead, Heather and her team successfully built northern power projects in partnership with Indigenous communities. She also previously worked in the Calgary office of Golder Associates supporting clients from the mining and oil & gas sectors.
Heather currently serves as a Director on the Boards of Atura Power, APPro and Electricity Canada, and is Vice Chair of Electricity Canada’s Generation Council. She holds an undergraduate and Master’s degree in Science from Queen’s University, as well as an MBA from the Rotman School of Management.
Amy Gottschling is currently the Vice President of Science, Technology and Commercial Oversight at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL). Amy is responsible for overseeing the performance of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ (CNL) nuclear science and technology projects and programs for the Government of Canada, as well as commercial science and technology projects for third-party customers. Amy plays a key and fundamental role in executing the long-term strategy for AECL and driving nuclear opportunity for Canada.
Throughout her career, Amy has followed her passion for advancing applied scientific knowledge to advance technologies and solve challenges within the nuclear industry. Amy Gottschling started as a corrosion scientist, working for many years in an R&D capacity prior to moving into leadership roles. During her years in private industry and growing as a leader, she gained a strong understanding of how to launch and lead new businesses and projects by implementing corporate, department, or technical strategies targeted around existing capabilities and expertise.
Amy is a leader who believes in advancing Canada’s profile in the energy sector both nationally and internationally and ensuring research and innovation results in real-world solutions to solve our biggest challenges in clean energy, health, environment, and safety and security.
Amy Gottschling holds a BSc and PhD in chemistry and nuclear from Western University in London, Ontario.
Krista Hill is a partner and the co-head of Torys’ Infrastructure and Energy practice and head of Torys’ Nuclear Energy Practice, as well as a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and its DEI Committee.
Krista has focused her practice on the infrastructure and energy sectors and has significant nuclear experience having practiced in the industry for 25 years. She has deep experience in complex, innovative, first-of-kind transactions and projects. With robust insight into all types of energy projects and infrastructure asset classes, she regularly leads large teams working to advance significant projects and transactions. Krista is also an accomplished lead negotiator and has extensive experience advising multiple stakeholders with respect to their complex projects and transactions.
Krista’s experience includes advising:
1) Ontario Power Generation on all aspects of its project to develop Canada’s first on-grid SMR at the site of its Darlington New Nuclear Project, including the negotiations of the Project contracts with GEH, SNC-Lavalin/CANDU Energy and AECON, CNSC licensing and the C$970 million funding agreement with the Canada Infrastructure Bank—the largest investment in clean power by Canada Infrastructure Bank to date and in its C$3.1 billion lease of the Bruce nuclear facility to Bruce Power, including negotiating the used fuel, low and intermediate level waste and heavy water agreements.
2) Nuclear Waste Management Organization in connection with its deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel.
3) Canadian National Energy Alliance in its successful bid to manage and operate Atomic Energy of Canada Limited’s nuclear laboratories.
Brett Jermyn is the Director of Fuel Handling & Engineered Solutions at BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. He is responsible for ~300 employees and 100+M of operations across a portfolio of engineering, manufacturing, and construction projects.
Brett’s 18-year career has been spent with BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. (formerly GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy Canada Inc.).
Brett originally joined BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. in 2007 as a Mechanical Engineer in our Leadership Program. Brett has held progressively responsible positions including Manufacturing Engineer, Project Manager, System Responsible Engineer (onsite at Bruce Power), Mechanical Engineering Team Leader, PMO Manager and Engineering Division Manager. He has participated in projects related to Candu Fuelling Machines, Candu Fuel Channel Inspections, Medical Isotope Delivery Systems, and other custom nuclear equipment.
Brett has a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering and Management from McMaster University and is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng) as well as a project management professional (PMP)
Tammy Van Lambalgen is Vice President, Chief Corporate Officer at Orano Canada Inc. with oversight over legal, human resources, corporate social responsibility and communications. Tammy first was appointed as a Vice President at Orano in 2008 when she expanded her oversight to include regulatory affairs, including CNSC licensing and environmental permitting.
Tammy graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Arts in 1990 and a Juris Doctors in 1993. Before joining Orano Tammy worked as a lawyer in Calgary both in a large law firm and as in-house counsel for Shell Canada.
Tammy currently serves on the Board of Directors of SaskPower (Chair of Governance and Human Resources Committee, member Audit and Finance Committee) and the Saskatoon Airport Authority (member Safety, Health & Environment Committee and Community Consultative Committee). She has also served on the Board of Directors of the Saskatchewan Mining Association (past Chair), the Nutrien Wonderhub (past Chair) and on the boards of other community not-for-profit organizations.
Tammy recently received her Institute of Corporate Directors designation, ICD.D, from the Rotman’s School of business.
Dazawray is a Métis woman dedicated to advancing Indigenous interests in business and fostering collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. As Director of Strategy & Governance for Mokwateh, Dazawray brings over a decade of experience in research, project management, stakeholder engagement, and practical expertise to her work.
Her research primarily focuses on socio-economic data analysis and community engagement, particularly with Indigenous communities. Emphasizing culturally sensitive approaches to research and collaborative problem-solving, Dazawray has led initiatives exploring Indigenous perspectives on nuclear energy and contributed to environmental impact assessments for resource development projects. Her work highlights the importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge into decision-making processes for sustainable outcomes.
Dazawray’s leadership in the nuclear sector has been recognized through her notable publications, awards, and board appointments. In 2022, she received the CNS/CNA Award of Excellence in Engagement and Communications, and in 2023 she was appointed to the Canadian Nuclear Association Board of Directors for a one year term.
Driven by her Identity as a Métis women, Dazawray has dedicated her academic and professional career to advocating for Indigenous & gender inclusion in the industry. She is a strong proponent of “two-eyed seeing” -an approach that combines Indigenous and Western knowledge systems to gain a comprehensive understanding of complex issues while respecting and valuing both perspectives, for the benefit of Indigenous Nations, communities, and industry. Dazawray holds a Master’s Degree in Governance and Entrepreneurship in Northern and Indigenous Areas and is in the final stages of completing her Ph.D. in Public Policy, focusing on Indigenous Economic Reconciliation in Canada’s Nuclear Energy Sector.
Lisa is the Country Leader, GE Hitachi’s SMR Canada business. In her role, Lisa is responsible for the vision & strategy to lead the deployment and implementation of the BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor in Canada. She leads the collaboration with customers, Canadian government, industry, and partners and provides leadership and oversight of the GEH SMR Canada business operations.
Lisa has over 20 years’ experience in the nuclear industry, starting her career with Ontario Power Generation. Her drive and commitment have propelled her into several key leadership roles in both nuclear and corporate functions. Lisa’s diverse experiences have positioned her to engage in several critical initiatives, where her experience across the business has resulted in her leadership of several multi-disciplinary teams. Lisa holds a Master of Arts Degree in Leadership from the University of Guelph.
Lisa McBride is also the President of Women in Nuclear (WiN) Canada. In this role, Lisa provides vision, strategic direction, and oversight of the day-to-day operations of WiN Canada, an organization comprised of over 4,500 members across Canada. Lisa is a Director on the Canadian Nuclear Association Board, the Vice Chair of the Board of Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries Board, holds a seat on the WiN Global Executive Board and is also the Chair of the Women for STEM Council at Ontario Tech University.
After graduating from law school, Liam articled at Saskatchewan’s Court of Appeal before practicing at two national firms in Calgary. In 2005, Liam joined the legal department of Cameco Corporation located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Since that time, he has been focused on safety, health and environmental issues related to Cameco’s production facilities in northern Saskatchewan (mines and mills) and Ontario (refining, conversion and fuel manufacturing). Liam’s focus has been on regulatory matters involving provincial authorities as well as Cameco’s primary federal regulator in Canada, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. In addition to these issues, Liam has been involved with matters relating to First Nations and Métis relations. In 2011, Liam was appointed to his current position of Vice-President, Safety, Health, Environment & Quality and Regulatory Relations at Cameco.
In addition to being involved with several volunteer boards over the years while coaching numerous youth sports, Liam is a member of the Canadian Nuclear Association’s Regulatory Affairs Committee and on the boards of the Saskatchewan Mining Association (where he chairs the Uranium Subsection of the SMA) and the Canadian Nuclear Lawyers’ Organization. Finally, Liam has been a voting member on the Canadian Standard Association’s Nuclear Standards Steering Committee since 2011.
Jason Nouwens is the Director of Regulatory and External Affairs with New Brunswick Power’s Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station. He is a graduate of the University of New Brunswick (Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering) and brings nearly 27 years of varied nuclear industry experience to the role. He first joined the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station as a member of the Systems Engineering team, where he spent over a decade in various leadership roles leading into the full station refurbishment. Following various positions through the Station Refurbishment Project and several years in Capital Design and Projects, he joined the Regulatory Affairs team in 2014. In 2016, he was appointed Director of Regulatory Affairs, Community Affairs and Performance Improvement. He also currently serves on the NWMO and COG Boards.
Rupen Pandya became the President and Chief Executive Officer of SaskPower in 2022. Before joining SaskPower, Mr. Pandya was the Deputy Minister of Finance and Secretary to Treasury Board for the Government of Saskatchewan.
He has 25 years of public service experience in Saskatchewan, including previous positions as the President and Chief Executive Officer of SaskBuilds, and Assistant Deputy Minister roles with the Ministry of the Economy and the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration.
He holds Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees from the University of Regina.
