MEET THE COUNCIL
2026-2027 COUNCIL
Marc Mantha
Marc Mantha is a Senior Engineer with more than 45 years of experience in hydroelectric operations, asset management, maintenance, and capital planning. He has held senior leadership roles with FirstLight Power, H2O Power, AbitibiBowater, Algonquin Power, and Ontario Hydro. Marc brings extensive owner-operator experience in reliability, maintenance optimization, water management, regulatory oversight, and major capital rehabilitation programs.
Rick August
Rick August is a proud citizen of the shíshálh Nation with more than 20 years of hands-on experience in hydropower operations, heavy equipment, and resource management. He began his career at the 16 MW Sechelt Creek Generating Station, contributing to environmental stewardship initiatives including the 400-metre salmon spawning channel, before progressing from operator assistant to plant operator. Rick later supported the commissioning and operation of the Lower and Upper Bear Creek generating stations and brings extensive experience in remote plant operations, operator training, site safety, and environmental stewardship.
James Carter
James Carter brings more than 25 years of renewable energy experience and has developed five hydropower projects from concept to commercial operation. He has held senior leadership roles in hydropower development and asset management. James also serves on the Board of the Ontario Waterpower Association and brings strong experience in partnerships, regulatory processes, and operational performance.
Chris Reed
Chris Reed brings more than 30 years of experience in hydropower O&M, commissioning, troubleshooting, and operator training. He has commissioned more than ten hydropower projects and trained operators across Canada. Chris is known for a practical, hands-on approach and extensive experience with Francis, Kaplan, and Pelton turbine technologies.
James Fehr
James Fehr is a Professional Engineer and certified asset management professional with experience in engineering, investment planning, business cases, and operational reviews. He previously spent eight years with KPMG’s Global Infrastructure Advisory practice and has supported major energy capital programs. James brings a strong combination of engineering, finance, asset management, and digital transformation experience.
John Kirby
John Kirby is an experienced operations and asset management leader with extensive experience across wind, solar, and energy infrastructure. His background spans commercial asset management, operations, field execution, continuous improvement, and organizational performance. John brings a strong focus on operational excellence, safe and reliable assets, innovation, and developing high-performing teams.
Jerry (Jie) Liu
Jerry Liu brings more than 20 years of experience across hydropower, wind, solar, transmission, and substations. His background covers the full project lifecycle, including development, financial modelling, contracts, procurement, operations, risk management, and asset management. Jerry brings both technical and commercial perspective on renewable energy operations and long-term asset performance.
Interested in Joining the Industry Advisory Council?
We welcome interest from experienced professionals across hydropower, renewable energy, utilities, operations, engineering, asset management, investment, and workforce development.