2025 MEARIE Conference

Dan Gaudette is the Information Systems Manager at Synergy North, with over 25 years of IT experience spanning education, telecommunications, and energy. He has led initiatives in distance education, remote community infrastructure, and wireless network development. Dan chairs Ontario’s Cyber Security Advisory Committee and serves on the Utilities Standards Forum (USF) IT Advisory Committee. Outside of work, he enjoys hockey, woodworking, home renovations, and spending time with his teenage children.

Craig Makela, CISSP, is Manager of IT at GSU with over 25 years of experience and a strong focus on cybersecurity. He serves on the USF IT Advisory Council and the Ontario Energy Board’s Cyber Security Advisory Committee, where he was Chair (2022–2024) and now Co-Vice Chair. Known for his technical expertise and leadership in critical infrastructure security, Craig is also a dedicated family man, outdoors enthusiast, and advocate for mental health awareness in his community.

Slava is an institutional portfolio manager at PH&N Institutional, specializing in alternatives, equities, and multi-asset solutions. He supports institutional clients by structuring and implementing investment strategies and contributes to the RBC Alternative Investments Committee, focusing on the RBC MultiStrategy Alpha Fund. Since joining RBC in 2012, Slava has held various roles, following earlier experience in distribution and management at a global asset manager. He began his investment career in 2006 and brings deep expertise across diverse investment mandates. 

Shane specializes in fixed income mandates. He joined PH&N in 2016 after spending the previous three years as a Director Fixed Income Product Sales & Trading at HSBC Securities. In his role, Shane was responsible for marketing Canadian fixed income products and managing client relationships with pension funds, life insurance companies, central banks, hedge funds and asset managers across Canada, Europe, and the U.S. Shane began his career in the investment industry in 1997 and has worked in institutional fixed income sales for firms in Canada and London, U.K. since 2001.

Danny Persaud is the President & CEO of InnPower Corp., InnServices Utilities Inc., and InnTerprises Inc. Together, these organizations deliver electricity, water, wastewater, telecom, and energy services to more than 23,000 customers across Innisfil and South Barrie. Danny holds a Bachelor of Engineering, a Master of Business Administration and is also a licensed Professional Engineer and a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors.

As Manager of Infrastructure Services at InnPower, Adam oversees Distribution Engineering, Distribution Operations, and Asset Management, bringing adaptive and innovative leadership to the utility industry. Recognized for his ability to identify deficiencies and opportunities, he develops innovative, cost-effective solutions that drive productivity, streamline processes, and enhance organizational effectiveness. With extensive experience in operational management, budgeting, and interdepartmental collaboration, and an MBA specializing in innovation, Adam is committed to fostering growth and delivering impactful results.