Xeneca Team

A dynamic, forward-thinking partnership between committed and experienced partners, consultants and investors in the renewable energy sector.  Environmental responsibility, strong community relations and sustainable use of resources are hallmarks of Xeneca’s governance.

Patrick Gillette, MES., M.P.A.
President/COO

Parlaying Masters degrees in Environmental Studies and Public Administration into a 20 year leadership role within the renewable energy development industry, Mr. Gillette exerts positive influence in government relations, regulatory affairs and power plant development in the Province of Ontario.  A strategic thinker with proven entrepreneurial spirit, Mr. Gillette co-founded Canadian Renewable Energy Corporation (CREC) in 2000.  This highly successful company was sold to Canadian Hydro Developers in 2005, and Mr. Gillette’s experience and drive was brought to the helm of Xeneca Power Development.

Uwe Roeper, M.Sc., P. Eng
CEO

With a science and engineering background, Mr. Roeper has both public and private sector experience which led to the creation of two highly regarded and thriving Mississauga based companies:  Ortech Energy and Ortech Environmental.  As CEO of Xeneca, Mr. Roeper adds a third company to his considerable business portfolio.  From on-the-ground practical engineering experience to the intricacies of capital financing, Mr. Roeper’s vast experience and capable management are significant assets to Xeneca.

Corporate Affairs and Communications

Mark Holmes
Vice President, Corporate Affairs                                                                                      

Versed with over 25 years of public relations and communication acumen, along with more than 15 years of government relations and resource sector management experience, Mr. Holmes oversees Xeneca’s extensive public and government affairs and communications efforts.  Successful public policy development and government lobby, combined with relevant experience in forestry and mining, wildlife conservation and management are among the valuable tools which Mr. Holmes brings to the Xeneca team.

Vanesa Enskaitis
Public Affairs Liaison and Stakeholder Relations

Upon graduating from the University of Toronto, Ms. Enskaitis has been active in a variety of public relations campaigns and worked with a diverse roster of clients,  Ms.Enskaitis has developed skills that facilitate open communication and dialogue with stakeholders.  With a post-graduate Public Relations certificate from Humber College, Ms. Enskaitis brings skills sets for issues identification and management.

Stephanie Hodsoll
Public Affairs Liason

After finishing her undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies at McGill University, Ms.Hodsoll completed a post-graduate certificate in Public Relations from Humber College. She has been working in the energy sector for several years in various communications roles.

Dean Assinewe, R.P.F.
Aboriginal Relations Liaison

Mr. Assinewe is a Registered Professional Forester and is a member of the National Aboriginal Forestry Association, Mitigawaaki Forestry Coop. Originally from a Northern Ontario First Nation Community; Sagamok Anishnawbek, Mr. Assinewe brings a diverse working experience; working for the federal government, the provincial government, forest industry, First Nation Tribal Council and his home community of Sagamok. Through his work, Mr. Assinewe promotes First Nation capacity building in the natural resource sector and emphasizes youth involvement in resource development opportunities.


Legal Affairs

Arnold Chan, MA, LL.B., M.Sc.Pl.
Vice President, Legal Affairs

Combining experience in government and property development law, Mr. Chan oversees Xeneca’s legal affairs.   His public experience includes having served as Chief of Staff to one of the Government of Ontario’s current sitting ministers, as well as Senior Advisor to the Premier of Ontario.  His private sector activities include representing clients before the Ontario Municipal Board and acting on behalf of various commercial property interests.  In addition to being called to the Law Society of Upper Canada, Mr. Chan also holds the distinction of having been called to the Bar of the State of New York.  He brings to Xeneca a deep understanding of the public policy environment in Ontario, along with a strong knowledge in development law.


Environmental Affairs

Edmond Laratta, M.Eng., P.Eng.
Manager of Environmental Affairs

Mr. Laratta brings over 35 years of diverse environmental assessment, regulation compliance and program implementation practice to the Xeneca management team.  With an extensive background of training including: risk management, waterpower geology, groundwater contamination transport and hazardous waste management, Mr. Laratta ensures environmental compliance for all Xeneca projects.

Donald Chubbuck, M.Sc.
Environmental Specialist

Mr. Chubbuck is the primary consultant for assessing and monitoring environmental considerations for Xeneca’s projects.  Mr.Chubbuck’s vast experience includes 25 years as the Environmental Specialist with Ontario Waterpower and Ontario Power Generation.  Highly regarded in his field, Mr. Chubbuck’s energy sector experience includes acknowledgement for preparing the environmental screening for the very first wind turbine farm in Ontario.  Mr. Chubbuck is a professional member of the Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists.

Grace Yu
Environmental Assessment and Approvals Officer 

Ms. Yu holds both a Master of Science degree in ecology from China and a Master of Environmental Science degree from the University of Toronto. She possesses diverse international work experience as a research scientist at Chinese Academy of Sciences and RWTH Aachen University, Germany, and as an environmental consultant in Canada.  Ms. Yu has knowledge and experience in ecology, consulting, and environmental regulations. She coordinates environmental assessment and approvals for Xeneca waterpower FIT projects.

Engineering

Michael Vance,  P.Eng.
Senior Project Manager

Working in the energy development sector for nearly 25 years, Mr. Vance possesses experience and knowledge from managing a variety of small-scale to large-scale renewable energy development projects.  Currently, he is leading a team tasked with the development of the McGraw Falls waterpower project, located northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Nava Pokharel, M.Eng. , M.Sc ., P.Eng.
Senior Project Manager

Mr. Pokharel has over ten years of experience in planning through to construction as a Hydropower and Water Resources Engineer. He has graduate degrees in water resources engineering from the Swiss Federal Institute of technology in Lausanne, Switzerland and the University of Alberta.  Mr. Pokharel gained diverse experience working in Nepal, Switzerland and Canada.

Finance

Anil Grover, CA.
Finance Manager

Mr. Grover holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Chartered Accountant designation from both Canada and India.  Mr.Grover has over seven years of accounting and finance experience.  Prior to Xeneca, Mr. Grover worked for a major international accounting and consulting firm.

Rama Sekar
Payable Analyst

Mrs. Sekar holds a Master degree in Accounting and brings more than ten years of Accounting and Finance experience to the Xeneca team. Prior to Xeneca Mrs. Sekar gained her knowledge from the Automotive/Insurance/Telecommunication industry as a payable analyst. Mrs. Sekar strives to create solutions to fit the short-term needs and long-term goals.