Ben Cress

Jessica's Bio

Jess is passionate about creating connections between people and forests. A graduate from University of Toronto’s Master of Forest Conservation program, Jessica (Jess) Kaknevicius has spent over 15 years in the non-profit sector including nearly nine years with Forests Ontario in a range of management and director roles between 2009 and 2018, focusing on growing education and awareness programming, fundraising, and supporting strategic development for the organization.

She also acted as the Vice-President of Education for the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), where she played a critical senior leadership role overseeing philanthropic efforts and government agreements, governance, and supporting strategic planning and communications. She is a well-known advocate for the forest sector and co-founded Women in Wood, a networking group for women in the forest and wood-related sectors to share advice, information, and encouragement.

Forests Ontario

Women in Wood

Alta's Bio

Starting work at a lab that included an enviro-analytical division, Alta quickly developed a focused interest in emissions and the regulations that constantly evolve, improving transparency in disclosures and encouraging reductions.

After nearly a decade of almost-exclusive focus on regulatory, voluntary, and project-based reduction GHG quantification, Alta has explored a broader scope of environmental practices. Over the last six years, she has gained exposure to many interesting frameworks that guide responsible environmental stewardship during energy production, across the life cycle. 

ConocoPhillips Canada

Louis's Bio

As a Forest Health and Air Attack Officer in the Calgary Forest Area for Alberta Forestry and Parks, Louis Price originally hails from Newfoundland. Louis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in forestry from the University of New Brunswick and went on to spent six years in various forestry roles with Alberta Parks in Cypress Hills.

After obtaining a Master of Environmental Management degree from UNB in 2010, Louis contributed to creating forest management plans with a consulting firm in Edmonton. In 2012, he returned to the Government of Alberta, starting as a Wildfire Ranger and eventually becoming a certified Wildfire Air Attack Officer out of Slave Lake.

Alberta Forestry and Parks

Bri's Bio

Bri Huot is the dynamic Communications and Engagement Specialist at the Alberta Emerald Foundation, a registered charity that accelerates environmental excellence by recognizing Alberta’s leaders and driving the adoption of best practices through educational storytelling. With a Bachelor of Commerce, Bri specializes in digital marketing, content creation, and public outreach.

In addition to spearheading the AEF’s social media and website management, Bri manages the Foundation’s four programs, including the What On EARTH Can We Do? Podcast. With over eight episodes per season, she engages in impactful conversations with environmental leaders to explore actionable solutions against climate change and environmental challenges.

Alberta Emerald Foundation