“Meet CanREA’s Board of Directors” is a series of interviews with CanREA’s diverse and experienced Board members.
Roslyn McMann is a longstanding member of the Board of Directors of CanREA (as well as CanWEA and CanSIA) and Chairs our Governance and Human Resources Committee. She has 15 years of experience in the renewable energy sector, as well as previous experience in the industrial and commercial water and energy management sectors. In her role as Director of Market Development at BluEarth Renewables, Roslyn is responsible for leading the organization’s energy policy engagement, building relationships with key stakeholders and contributing to the Canadian growth strategy. Roslyn holds an MBA in Global Energy and Sustainable Development (University of Calgary) and an undergraduate degree in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering (University of Western Ontario). She is a former Olympic athlete and World Championship medalist who loves being active in nature. Roslyn McMann is based in Calgary, Alberta.
CanREA sat down with Roslyn McMann in April, 2023, to find out what makes her tick and why she chooses to volunteer her time on CanREA’s Board of Directors.
Q. Why did you choose to get into the renewable energy field?
When I was doing my MBA (in Global Energy Management and Sustainable Development), I repeatedly learned about the correlation between energy use and GDP—and I knew I wanted to work in the energy space. At that time, the idea of powering the world with renewable energy sources like wind and solar was a relatively new, niche concept. Since being outside and in nature is where I like to spend my free time, and how I recharge, the idea that we can create a better world by using nature’s gifts of sun, wind and water to more efficiently power our lives resonated with me… and it still does.
Q. How long have you been involved in the sector?
I started in renewable power in a work term for my Masters in 2006 with an energy company in Calgary in their green technology division. After that, I was hooked! I took a full-time role with GE in their power generation division as a sales manager for Western Canada and progressed through different roles which allowed me to work with many different companies across Canada that were developing power projects (both gas and renewables). In 2016, I joined a Calgary-based renewable company that was just getting started, BluEarth. I have been with them for 7 years now, as they have successfully grown their renewable portfolio to 1000MW installed or under construction.
Q. What gets you excited about renewable energy in Canada?
The huge opportunity for new creativity! Wind and solar have now reached the mainstream. Due to their low cost, these proven technologies will be central to modernizing our energy systems. This means investment, growth and new opportunities for reimagining how we build and operate our electricity system… and if we’re diligent, it should also mean new opportunities for previously under-represented groups.
Q. Why did you decide to serve on the CanREA Board?
As a former board member for both CanWEA and CanSIA, I’m really excited to be part of this new organization. CanREA broadens the scope and mandate to include wind, solar and storage, at a time when Canada’s electricity sector is undergoing historic changes. Being immersed in the heart of Canada’s energy sector in Alberta, I also wanted to contribute my western energy perspective.
“Meet CanREA’s Board of Directors” is a series of interviews with CanREA’s diverse and experienced Board members. Read more CanREA profiles on our website.
