Introducing the CHFCA’s new Chair and Vice-Chair
November 3, 2023
The Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA) is pleased to announce Chris Norris and Beth Buckmaster as Chair and Vice-Chair respectively for 2024.
The CHFCA would like to also thank Sabina Russell, Vice President of Clean Fuels at HTEC, for her immense contributions to the association and to the sector as Board Chair for 2023. As Past Chair, Sabina will continue to be an active member of the CHFCA Board of Directors for 2024.
“It has been a pleasure and an honour working alongside Sabina as our Chair of the Board,” says Ivette Vera-Perez, President and CEO. Her leadership has greatly benefited our sector, and we are excited to continue collaborating with her as a CHFCA Board member. A warm welcome to our new Chair and Vice Chair as we move forward together.”
With 25 years in the energy and technology sectors, Chris is currently Director, Business Development for Hydrogen at Siemens Energy Canada. Siemens Energy’s productions, solutions and services cover the energy value chain and much of the hydrogen value chain including electrolyser, compressors and hydrogen-ready gas turbines. Chris’s main priority is to grow the hydrogen economy in Canada and to secure Siemens Energy’s leadership position in that growth. His career has spanned engineering software, aeronautical engineering and strategy consulting in both the finance and utilities sectors.
“I am honoured to serve in this important role and to be part of this amazing team as we shape a critically important industry in Canada,” says Chris Norris, Chair. “Innovation in the hydrogen space has a long history in Canada, and we have made outsized contributions to the global hydrogen technology landscape. As a country, we have the opportunity to reclaim a leadership position in this industry. And as an industry in Canada, we have the opportunity to contribute significantly to job growth, economic development and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Working together with other stakeholders including governments, the members of the CHFCA are systematically addressing the challenges. It’s my pleasure to take an active role in this work.”
Beth Buckmaster is the director of client and stakeholder relations for Hatch’s global Power group and is a recognized relationship builder with over 15 years of experience in the
power and clean energy industry. Beth helps businesses and markets grow through the development and management of client, stakeholder and policy strategies that drive increased brand awareness, market access and growth. Beth is an active industry member and has been a board member for Canadian Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association for the last three years. In addition, Beth has supported Canada’s hydrogen strategy through her time as co-chair for NRCan’s Hydrogen Awareness Working Group in support of the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada.
‘I am honored to have been elected Vice-Chair and pleased to work with Chris Norris and the whole CHFCA team to continue to grow the Canadian hydrogen industry,” says Beth Buckmaster, Vice-Chair. “I am passionate about the industry and Canada’s commitment to clean energy and look forward to bringing my experience in strategy, policy and communications along with Hatch’s deep technical expertise and understanding of the entire hydrogen value chain to support CHFCA as the voice of the hydrogen industry. I am confident our joint efforts will bring about greater awareness that encourages widespread hydrogen adoption and investment in the Canadian hydrogen industry.”
About the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA)
The Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA) is a national association that supports industry, academia, government agencies, financial organizations and other stakeholders focused on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and products. As the collective voice of Canada’s world-leading hydrogen and fuel cell sector, the CHFCA’s mission is to strengthen Canadian leadership, raise awareness of the benefits of the technology, and accelerate the adoption of its members’ products and services in Canada and abroad. The CHFCA currently has more than 180 members across Canada and regional affiliates in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. You can also follow CHFCA on Twitter at @PoweringNow or visit www.chfca.ca for more information.