John Manore

GIS Project Manager

Give us a brief overview of your role.

I am the GIS Project Manager, and a large part of my role is using GIS software and data to find land for new projects. I then pass on that information to the land and development teams so they can evaluate the land, begin landowner outreach, and decide if it would be a viable parcel to develop a project on. When searching for land, I look at many factors, including proximity and capacity of electrical infrastructure, and environmental factors such as the slope of the parcel, the presence of wetlands and other environmental conditions.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?

I think my most memorable moment would be the company BBQ that we had in September. Since I started working at GSI in July, I was still fairly new to the team at that point. The BBQ was a really nice event to meet so many people in person for the first time. It was great to have everyone come together, meet each other’s families, eat good food, and play a lot of games.

What led you to pursue a career in Geographical Information System (GIS) project management, and more specifically in the renewables sector?

I’ve always had an interest in geography and maps as well as a passion for the environment and sustainability. So, when I was deciding on university programs, Geography and Environmental Management seemed like a good program for me. I didn’t really know much about GIS until I took several GIS courses in university and realized it was something I had a passion for. I was in the co-op program at the University of Waterloo, and I chose to do all GIS-focused work terms since GIS also seemed to be a good marketable skill. My first job after graduating was with Ducks Unlimited Canada which allowed me to pursue both of my passions of environmental conservation and GIS. GIS seemed to be a good career to meld those two worlds of geography and sustainability.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

I am a CASI certified snowboard instructor and have taught the fun and fundamentals of snowboarding to beginners of all ages. I grew up riding the icy slopes around Ottawa, and I always said to my students that if they could learn to ride well in sub-optimal conditions, they’d be set for life. I don’t teach much these days, but it was great to pass along my skills to the next generation of riders and earn some money to pay for university. I still try to get out on the slopes a few times a year when I can.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I love to golf when the weather is nice – which is not often with Ontario winters. I try to go golfing once a week either on my own or with some friends. I went on a golfing trip in Ireland with a couple of friends in May 2022, where we lived out of a car and tents, and played one or two rounds a day for 10 days straight. I’m a big runner too; I’ve been training for the past five or six months for Around the Bay, which is a 34km race in Hamilton at the end of March. In the summer, I like to go backcountry camping with some hiking, canoeing, and swimming, which provides a nice opportunity to unplug.

  

What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?

I’d like to go camping in the southwestern United States. I’ve always wanted to go on a trip through Colorado, Utah, Monument Valley, that kind of thing. The Grand Canyon would probably be at the top of my list; I’ve heard such good things about it. The Grand Canyon is unique in that you’re starting at the top and hiking down into the Canyon as opposed to most hiking where you would be going upwards.

Rapid Fire Favorites

  • Movie: Casino Royale
  • Book: Red Rising by Pierce Brown
  • Musician: Zac Brown Band
  • Restaurant: Rapscallion & Co. (Hamilton, ON)
  • Food: Tacos
  • Sports Team: Ottawa Senators
  • City: Milos, Greece

 

Fiona Parnell

Business Development Administrator

Give us a brief overview of your role.

I am the Business Development Administrator, so the main part of my role is acting as a liaison between the business development team and other departments within GSI. I create and facilitate internal processes that help improve the functions of the team, creating a more cohesive workflow.  simplify workflows and ensure that there is collaboration and communication between departments. I administer RFP submissions, build the submission package, and manage the submission process. I also work closely with the land, marketing, and development teams, coordinating landowner outreach to maintain our meaningful relationships with stakeholders.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?

My most memorable moment was probably the team baseball game that we did a few years ago, after the COVID restrictions were lifted. After exclusively working from home for a couple years, it was a great opportunity for the everyone to reconnect, or meet for the first time, in person. It was even more special for me because, at the time, I was on maternity leave but the invitation to join was still extended to me, and my son. It really showcased the strong sense of being part of the GSI team to be able to participate in the event.

What led you to pursue a career in development administration, and more specifically in the renewables sector?

Throughout my work experience, I’ve had an aspect of my role that involves working with people and building relationships, either customer-facing or internal. I’ve always enjoyed jobs that are focused on communication and collaboration and what has drawn me to a role like mine is being able to work with a larger group of people and improve the company’s synergy. In terms of the renewable sector, when I was growing up, there was a significant shift in perspectives and information regarding global climate change and renewable energy being more prominent. Now that I have children of my own, it’s something that I think about even more. I like that my job is contributing to positive impacts on the planet, and it’s exciting to be part of environmental change.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

I own and can play a harp. I took lessons throughout elementary and high school and have played at school events, religious services, and weddings. I haven’t played for several years due to a crack in my harp, but I recently got it repaired and am excited to start playing again.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I spend most of my time with my family. I have a large extended family, as well as two boys who are 5 and 2 years old. My boys are my whole world, as anyone who talks to me quickly learns. We build forts, play a lot of games, dance and sing and find something new to explore every day. I also really love to bake, making cakes and cupcakes for weddings, birthdays, baby showers and all kinds of other events. My kids like to help me with the some of baking too, either as my kitchen helpers or providing feedback on my decorating skills!

What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?

I’ve always wanted to go to Pompeii. My husband and I love learning about ancient civilizations and Roman history. In high school, I took Latin, where we primarily studied Pompeii and its residents. I’ve always been fascinated by how much of the city is so well preserved from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, allowing you to take a step back in time.

Rapid Fire Favorites

  • Movie: The Lord of the Rings trilogy
  • Book: Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan
  • Musician: Muse and Taylor Swift
  • Food: Pasta
  • Sports Team: Team Canada
  • City: London, England

 

Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure (GSI) is excited to announce that we have closed on a $10 million revolving credit facility with NY Green Bank (NYGB) to continue funding our development efforts on our portfolio of solar and storage projects throughout New York State.

This flexible financing solution allows GSI to reallocate invested capital from interconnection expenses into new development efforts across New York, leading to further growth of our solar and storage portfolios along with an increased clean energy footprint in the state.

Currently, GSI has a combined portfolio of 52 Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Solution (BESS) projects under development and operations in New York, which is the equivalent to 350 MWdc in generation.

NY Green Bank is a New York State-sponsored investment fund dedicated to filling financing gaps in clean energy and sustainable infrastructure markets.

Building on our proven track record in New York, with several projects slated for construction in 2024, our collaboration with NY Green Bank signals the continued upward trajectory of GSI within the renewables industry in New York.

“Securing this revolving credit facility with NY Green Bank is integral to GSI’s ongoing efforts to expand our renewable energy footprint in New York, while also demonstrating confidence in our approach to navigating its nation-leading clean energy landscape.” said Joseph Sacks, CFO, Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure. “The continued development and construction of these projects will have a significant and immediate positive economic impact in upstate New York while providing direct economic and environmental benefits to residents of the state for decades to come.”

GSI is proud to partner with NY Green Bank on this groundbreaking deal and we are looking forward to the opportunity to continue our vision of creating a sustainable environment for future generations, by advancing the use of clean energy.

 

Noa Weingarten

Legal Counsel

Give us a brief overview of your role.

I am an in-house legal counsel for GSI. I draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts related to options and leases, project development, procurement and financing transactions while working closely with different departments. Additionally, I advise and provide support on corporate governance related issues to ensure compliance with various regulatory bodies.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?

My most memorable moment was my first interview for GSI as well as my recent visit to the headquarters in New York City. I was looking to transition in-house and the renewables industry began soaring with tax incentives fueled by increasing social support for green energy and environmental preservation. Recognizing the industry’s burgeoning potential and its alignment with my values, I decided to apply for roles in the renewable sector. My first interview of 1 hour was with David Brattan – David talked for the vast majority of the interview and at the end said to me “I hope that all my talking did not scare you away”. The following week I accepted the offer. Also, earlier this month, I had the privilege of visiting the office in NYC, meeting all of the executive team, and forming meaningful relationships with colleagues I have only interacted with so far via Teams. I will definitely be back!

What led you to pursuing a career as a lawyer, and more specifically in the renewables sector?

While my initial career plans did not include becoming a lawyer, life steered me in that direction. Academic performance and success on the LSAT opened the doors to law school, leading me to pursue a legal career which I find very fulfilling. Along the way, the media’s increasing focus on the renewable energy industry caught my attention, inspiring me to explore opportunities in that evolving field.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

I got into scuba diving around 2018 during a trip to the Galapagos, and I totally fell for the underwater scene. Being down there with a tank, checking out all the marine life – that’s my kind of therapy!

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I rock climb a couple of times a week and watch reality shows and documentaries. I like to spend time with my partner, friends, family and my dog – Chica.

What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?

Visit and scuba dive in the islands of Raja Ampat, Indonesia. I would also love to do a 20-day cruise to Antarctica and the Falkland Islands and explore the unique beauty of these remote and captivating destinations.

Rapid Fire Favorites

  • Movie: Harry Potter
  • Musician: Coldplay
  • Restaurant: Amal (Toronto)
  • Food: Schnitzel
  • Sports Team: The Raptors
  • City: Mexico City or Rio De Janeiro

 

Iyuhána Solar partnership with GSI, Saturn Power, and Canadian Indigenous peoples Ocean Man First Nation awarded Canada’s largest solar utility PPA since 2015 to develop, construct, and operate solar project in Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan, Canada – Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure LLC (GSI), one of the renewable energy subsidiaries of Libra Group, announced that Iyuhána Solar (Iyuhána), a GSI-led partnership with Saturn Power Inc. and Ocean Man First Nation, has been awarded a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to construct and operate a 100-megawatt (MWac) utility-scale solar facility in Saskatchewan, Canada. Developed in partnership with Ocean Man First Nation, the project will be one of Canada’s top 10 solar facilities by size.

Under an exclusive PPA, the largest with a utility in Canada since 2015, Iyuhána plans to invest approximately $200 million (CDN) to construct the solar facility, which it will operate, supplying generated power to the principal municipal utility company, SaskPower, for 25 years. Located in the Rural Municipality of Estevan in southeast Saskatchewan, this emissions-free solar facility will produce enough power for the equivalent of approximately 25,000 homes.

“We are proud to bring the transformative power of solar energy to Saskatchewan by working with partners such as Ocean Man First Nation,” said Mazen Turk, CEO of GSI. “This unique collaboration shows the power of renewable energy to harness resources and empower communities responsibly. This work is core to our ethos as a Libra company, and we look forward to continuing to help support a clean energy future across Canada and beyond.”

As a founding partner, Ocean Man First Nation will have an ownership stake in Iyuhána Solar. Band members will also receive specialized training to maintain the solar facilities and employment opportunities with the project. Additionally, partnering with two of Saskatchewan’s leading post-secondary academic institutions, Iyuhána will provide scholarships, internships, and direct research projects in clean energy to benefit the community.

“Our partnership with GSI and SaskPower will bring great opportunities for Ocean Man First Nation, including employment and revenue that will provide stability and sustainability for our Band,” said Chief Connie Big Eagle, Ocean Man First Nation. “We are proud that this project, which is able to generate clean power, will be known as Iyuhána Solar, which, in Nakotah translates to ‘everyone’ or ‘all of us.’ This is derived from our Nakotah belief that everyone and everything is related and therefore we must care for each other.”

While investment in renewable energy grows across Canada, Saskatchewan’s clean power supply mix has predominantly consisted of hydro and wind. This is the first of many planned solar projects in the province; by 2035, SaskPower plans to support approximately 3000 MW of new renewable energy capacity in the region.

“This new solar facility will play an important role in our path to net-zero by 2050 or sooner,” said Rupen Pandya, SaskPower President and CEO. “We are proud of our ongoing collaboration with Indigenous peoples and the critical role they are playing in the successful expansion of renewable energy in our province.”

GSI is one of four renewable energy subsidiaries of Libra Group, a privately owned, global business group that encompasses 20 businesses in six sectors, including renewable energy, maritime, aerospace and more. The Group’s renewable energy portfolio encompasses approximately 3.5 gigawatts (GW) of projects owned, developed, or pending development in 10 countries, including solar, wind, battery storage, and waste-to-energy projects. This is the second partnership with an indigenous community led by a Libra Group subsidiary.

“Libra Group is proud of this novel partnership, which has come together through shared values and a commitment to driving economic growth and positive outcomes for communities,” said Libra Group’s CEO Manos Kouligkas. “Sustainability is core to our global business, and we look forward to continuing to leverage synergies across our six sectors in 60 countries with agility and impact.”

Last year, GSI acquired Saturn Power Inc.’s solar and battery development portfolios, including its team of seasoned developers and an approximate 1.4-gigawatt (GW) pipeline of early- to late-stage solar and energy storage projects. Today, GSI has a footprint across Canada and in 12 U.S. states.

About Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure

Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure (GSI) is one of the clean energy subsidiaries of Libra Group. GSI is a renewable energy company focused on the development, construction, and operation of distributed generation and utility-scale solar energy and battery storage projects in North America. As of January 2024, the company developed approximately 388 MW DC across 71 renewable energy projects, many of which are still owned or operated by GSI and have an additional project pipeline of 1.6 GW. GSI’s seasoned team has a proven track record of investing in power assets and partnering with multiple top-tiered investors.

About Ocean Man First Nation

The Ocean Man First Nation is a Nakota, Cree, and Saulteaux Band Government in southeast Saskatchewan.  OMFN is led by Chief Connie Big Eagle & Council and features a population of 565 members. Ocean Man First Nation created a renewable energy company in 2019 called Second Wind Power. The name Second Wind Power reflects Ocean Man First Nation’s history of relocating, re-establishing and starting over as a new community since 1989.

About Libra Group

Libra Group is a privately owned, global business group encompassing 20 businesses predominately focused on aerospace, renewable energy, maritime, real estate, hospitality, and diversified investments. With assets and operations in nearly 60 countries, the Group applies the strength of its global network and capabilities to deliver cross-sector insights and growth at scale. For more information, visit www.libra.com.

To learn more about SaskPower’s energy future, visit: www.saskpower.com/futuresupply

Niel D’Souza

Junior Project Engineer

Give us a brief overview of your role.

I joined the GSI team three years ago as a Junior Project Engineer. My primary responsibility is designing solar projects, which involves detailed PVSyst analysis, reviewing site layouts, and sizing electrical components. I also manage interconnection applications for different states and work closely with various utilities. In my early years, I was part of the O&M team and played a role in overseeing the ongoing operations of our storage and solar projects.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?

The company arranged an in-person team-building event, marking the first time that most of the team gathered in the same location since the beginning of the pandemic. Prior to this, we had only interacted through Teams video calls. Many colleagues were surprised by my height since they had only seen my portrait on Teams call and were amazed to discover how tall I am. I’m not sure if I appear shorter on Teams call.

What led you to a career in engineering, and more specifically in the renewables sector?

Becoming an engineer was always my dream, so I pursued a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. After graduating, I landed my first job in the petrochemical industry in Saudi Arabia, where I worked for over two years. During this time, I discovered my passion for making a positive impact on the environment and decided to shift my focus. To pursue this interest, I moved to Canada and started my studies in renewable energy.

Fortunately, my college professor, David Windley, who also served as Director of Engineering, played a crucial role in my career. I was offered a 6-month contract position, which later evolved into a full-time role.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

One interesting fact about me that my colleagues might not know is that I am multilingual. I can speak five languages, namely English, Hindi, Kannada, Konkani, and Tulu. What makes it unique is that out of these five, three have distinct scripts, allowing me not only to speak but also to read and write in these languages. I have plans to expand my linguistic skills by learning two more languages in the coming years.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

Outside of work, I really enjoy hanging out with friends and family. Watching TV series and movies is one of my favorite ways to relax. When the weather is nice, I also like to spend time in the garden and explore trails during the summer.

What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?

I’m eager to try Bungee Jumping in Whistler, BC. This fall, my wife and I had our first canoeing adventure at Canoe Lake in Algonquin Park. The weather was lovely when we began, but within 10 minutes, it took a dramatic turn. Despite our efforts to paddle to shore, the wind kept pushing us back. After 15 minutes of panic and fear, we finally reached the shore. I don’t think I’ll be going canoeing again.

Rapid Fire Favorites

  • Movie: The Lord of the Rings
  • Musician: Queen
  • Restaurant: Mandi Afandi (Mississauga)
  • Food: Pork Bafat (traditional)
  • City: Mangalore, India

 

Yasemin Celik

Senior Accountant

Give us a brief overview of your role.

I became part of the GSI team a year and a half ago as a Senior Accountant. My role requires the timely and accurate input of information, which is presented to the management team to assist with strategic financial planning. I deal with many aspects of the business such as the financial statements, accounts payable, accounts receivable, employee expenses, and purchase orders. GSI’s philosophy of clean energy and sustainable living has changed the way I look at my job and made it much more meaningful.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?

I live in Toronto, so I rarely go into the office, but every visit is a treasured memory for me. Among the many visits, the team-building event we organized last September is the most memorable. It gave me the opportunity to meet many colleagues with whom I had never crossed paths before. Together we worked on various projects, developed a strong sense of teamwork, and demonstrated the power of collective effort. It was a reminder of how joyful and enlightening it can be to embrace diversity, as it opens up new perspectives.

What led you to a career in finance and investment, and more specifically in the renewables sector?

Actually, accounting was not my first choice. I would have preferred to work in human or animal health, or any field related to nature, but life took such a path that I found myself in this field. I really liked the logic and order in accounting, and it was my favorite subject as a student. I decided to pursue an accounting career during my university days and through internships. Knowing that our work helps the world and future generations feel like an added bonus. Doing what you like and feeling spiritually fulfilled is the best feeling ever, isn’t it?

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

I enjoy working with my hands, whether it’s embroidering, knitting, or getting into the soil while gardening. When spring arrives, my friend Maria and I organize her garden. We plant flowers and vegetables together, and in the fall, we tidy up the garden, which for me is a relaxing and enjoyable meditative activity. Being in nature, feeling the earth with my bare hands and feet, gives me a unique and special joy.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I live in downtown Toronto where there’s always something to do or an event to go to nearby. I enjoy exploring new places and trying different foods with friends, but I also like spending time alone at home. It’s great to go to different worlds with books or learn about a new topic, watch a good movie, meditate, or sometimes just listen to yourself in silence.

What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?

I want to travel the world. I am very interested in exploring different cultures, beliefs, lifestyles, and various natural wonders. Every new thing I learn and every experience I have changes me, helps me grow, and broadens my perspective on life. When we combine the knowledge we gain from our hometown with the different perspectives of other places, a whole new view emerges. This is why I love Toronto; it is easy to find people from all nationalities and cultures here.

What is a personal accomplishment that you are proud of?

I came to Canada without speaking English or knowing anyone and started a new life on my own. I can’t say it was easy, but it has truly helped me to grow and develop immensely. When I reflect on my journey over the last 6.5 years, I feel a sense of accomplishment in how far I have come.

Rapid Fire Favorites

  • Movie: Avatar
  • Musician: Sezen Aksu and Passenger
  • Restaurant: my friend Maria’s home 😊
  • Food: Homemade pasta and homemade pizza
  • City: Barcelona, Spain

Joseph Sacks

Chief Financial Officer

Give us a brief overview of your role.

I am the Chief Financial Officer for GSI. I’m responsible for all financing and investing activities for the team as well as helping to shape and drive the overall strategy and direction of the company. We have many different initiatives that we’re working through, but my main aim everyday is to make sure that I’m helping to support GSI’s mission and strategy, and that we have the capital and financing in place to build successful projects.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?

I would say the acquisition of Saturn Power. That was definitely a game changer for everybody both on the Saturn side and the GSI side. We went from a team of a handful of individuals to 40 plus people. It was a very memorable process and a wonderful initiative, and I was proud to be a part of it.

What led you to a career in finance and investment, and more specifically in the renewables sector?

I studied political science and economics in college, and I think I took one corporate finance class. I was a good math student, but not a particularly special one. The honest answer was I needed to find a job that would enable me to start paying back my student loans and support living in New York City. Finding a job on Wall Street in finance was the easiest path to that. I didn’t grow up wanting to be a banker or CFO. There were some practical reasons that I went down the finance path to be completely honest.

In terms of renewables and infrastructure, I really enjoy being able to finance and work on things that you can touch and feel, as opposed to being a bond trader or an investment banker. I’m very happy to be focused on things that are going to be producing and adding value for many, many years because our projects are long-lived. I believe that we’re going to need more energy, not less, for my generation and future generations, and if we can do that in a sustainable and clean way, then I’m glad to be a part of that overall effort.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

I enjoy reading comic books. I’ve always been a big fan of collecting comics and cards, which I don’t tell a lot of people. I have a stack of comic books and graphic novels by my bed – reading them at night is often how I get to sleep. Recently, although I’ve never watched The Walking Dead, I’ve been reading the comics.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I spend a tremendous amount of time with my family. There’s three of us – me, my wife, and my son, who’ll be 11 in November. We really are a unit because there’s only three of us and do everything together. I spent a lot of time coaching my son’s baseball teams, as some of the GSI folks know, so that’s quite a bit of my free time.

I also do some volunteer work. I’m on the board of the local Little League and on the Alumni Executive Committee for my college. I’m a bit of an exercise junkie as some of the GSI folks also know. I wake up at 5 pretty much every morning to get my workouts in. I don’t have a ton of a social life outside of work and my family, but my family is my life, so I spend every moment with them that I can.

What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?

I have a lot of things I’d like to cross off my bucket list, but I would say a near-term item I have is bringing my family to Spain, and I’m hoping to do that next year. We’re planning to go in March. It’s funny that my wife and I have both been individually, but we’ve never been together, nor our son, so I really am looking forward to us going as a family.

What is a personal accomplishment that you are proud of?

A personal accomplishment for me is watching my son grow up and learning to become his own person. I find that to be extremely gratifying and rewarding every day. To have a child that’s, to this point, been completely dependent on you, and now, turning around, and asking you on a Friday afternoon: “Hey, Dad, can I go out with my friends to the outdoor shopping mall?” is really something else! At first, I felt like I wasn’t ready for that, but now that he’s in fifth grade, I take a lot of pride in him becoming an independent and kind human being.

Rapid Fire Favorites

  • Movie: The Usual Suspects
  • Musician: Billy Joel or John Mayer (just saw John Mayer for the second time this month!)
  • Restaurant: The Blue Water Grill in Union Square, NYC (it’s closed now but will forever be my favorite place to eat!)
  • Food: Any kind of pizza (except Hawaiian style…sorry to those Hawaiian pizza lovers!)
  • Sports Team: New York Mets and the New York Rangers (too hard to choose one!)
  • City: New York City & London, England

David Brattan

Director of Legal Affairs

Give us a brief overview of your role.

My primary focus at GSI is providing the organization with legal expertise and support throughout multiple complex phases of the business. GSI’s legal team negotiates a variety of agreements for an array of industry and project specific requirements. It also deals with construction and warranty-related legal matters.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?

I started with the company three weeks before the pandemic and sat beside one of our project developers that worked heavily on the site selection process. This helped provide me with a wealth of knowledge on the industry and the organization in a very truncated timeframe, and helped to set me up for what has unfolded over the past 3 plus years. The primer that I received on site selection is something that I think will be permanently etched in my brain until I’m on my deathbed.

What led you to a career in asset management, and more specifically in the renewables sector?

My legal path is a bit odd; I got my law degree in 1992 however I didn’t get called to the bar until 2015, which is about 22 years later than most people would have done it. I was doing other work when I was approached by a lawyer I knew, who offered to take me on as a “mature” articling student. So I had planned to be a lawyer, changed my mind, and then was persuaded back because of an invitation from a lawyer I knew.

For renewable energy, my past life was in large scale public infrastructure, working with highways, airports, and courthouses. Big government capital projects are commercially and legally structured similarly to renewable energy projects, so I had a transferable skill set. Additionally, for half a decade I was the developer of a green energy project on the Toronto waterfront, which worked to use conventional energy sources more efficiently.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

When I was in Toronto, I was doing a lot of courses in acting, film production, and screen writing, so I know some people in the industry. I was acquainted with a former police officer suffering with PTSD, and a documentary director. I managed to bring the two together so that they could address this important issue through a documentary on PTSD. As a result, I actually have one credit in the film industry which is special to me.

How do you relax outside of work?

My primary focus outside of work is spending time with my wife, Natalia, and my daughter, Jessica, who’s 7 years old. A lot of people from the company know Jessica well as she was a frequent special guest during virtual meetings throughout the pandemic.

What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?

I would like to visit Dubai someday.

What is a personal accomplishment that you are proud of?

Most of my career occurred in downtown Toronto, so it was a leap of faith when I left the city without a job. However, I ended up obtaining two jobs in the legal industry in Kitchener-Waterloo. I consider it a great personal accomplishment that I was able to take a risk and have since advanced my career in a smaller center, as I wasn’t sure of the type of legal work that would be available to me outside of Toronto.

Rapid Fire Favourites

  • Movie: Pulp Fiction.
  • Musician: Led Zeppelin.
  • Restaurant: Daily Grill (Waterloo)
  • Food: Diner food
  • City: Paris, France

Antonis Pinotsis

Associate Asset Management

Give us a brief overview of your role.

I joined GSI in February 2021 as the Asset Manager responsible for the solar and combined heat and power (CHP) portfolios. In my first year at GSI, I concentrated on technical asset management and optimization, conducting site visits with our operations and maintenance teams and focusing on asset performance, including some repowering projects. Eventually, my role evolved into financial, technical, and compliance asset management. My primary goal is to ensure that we meet our yearly financial and contractual commitments, establish strong relationships with our off-takers, and increase value for our shareholders.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?

The most memorable moment was the day I met my new colleagues following the Saturn Power acquisition. I traveled for the first time to Canadian Office at the end of April to meet everyone. It was fascinating to explore the new city and see the office. Not only was it very exciting to meet my new colleagues, but it was also exciting for GSI’s expansion into new horizons. It was also a moment to reflect on the great work that both teams put in over the past year to take the acquisition to the finish line.

What led you to a career in asset management, and more specifically in the renewables sector?

During my master’s degree program in Mechanical Engineering, I focused on Energy Systems. I completed five courses related to energy and infrastructure that introduced me to the industry and its terminology. One of the courses was specifically about Solar Energy, and after finishing it, I conducted a research project in the professor’s lab. By the time I graduated, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the Renewable Energy industry.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

I have spent my summer taking sailing courses on the Hudson River, and it has been an enjoyable experience. I have recently received certification, and during the test, we encountered a storm which taught me how to adapt to more challenging weather conditions.

What do you enjoy most about living in New York City?

I like the diversity of New York City; there are so many options for recreational activities, universities, museums, restaurants, and parks. It’s a city with millions of people, and everyone has a different story. The possibilities are endless, and that’s why it’s the city of opportunity.

How do you relax outside of work?

I usually go to Central Park and hang out with friends there. I also really enjoy swimming and wall climbing; I try to do these activities a couple of times a week when I’m not very busy.

What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?

I would like to travel across the Mediterranean and try all the different cuisines each destination offers.

What is a personal accomplishment that you are proud of?

In 2014, I volunteered at the Doctors Without Borders fundraising department in Athens, Greece, and we managed to meet the fundraising goal at the end of the year. That was a great achievement for me.

Rapid Fire Favourites

  • Movie: The Martian
  • Musician(s): The Rolling Stones
  • Restaurant (City): Raoul’s (New York City)
  • Food: Fish
  • City: Athens, Greece