Bernie Ashe, Chair, was appointed to the Hydro Ottawa Group Board effective July 1, 2022. In October 2023 he was also appointed to the Board of Directors of Hydro Ottawa Limited and subsequently elected Chair of both Boards. He has enjoyed a successful career as a key community builder, contributing to Ottawa’s economic growth and making the city a better place to live and work. In 2015, Bernie was named the CEO of the Year by the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, and in 2018, he received the Order of Ottawa. Bernie is currently Executive Chairman and shareholder of Deslaurier Custom Cabinets, one of Ottawa’s leading suppliers of custom kitchens.

In his role as Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club (1990-97) Bernie helped establish the business of hockey and build the Canadian Tire Centre. As the first CEO of the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG), (2013 -18), he was instrumental in the development of Lansdowne Park as a destination, and launching major sports franchises.

Bernie helped launch the OSEG Foundation and raise over two-million dollars to enable youth from all backgrounds to participate in team sports. He launched the Bernie Ashe Sports Fund, which provides children in care with the Children’s Aid Society a chance to participate in organized sport. He remains a member of the OSEG Foundation Community Cabinet.

A long-serving trustee (1993-2004) and former Chairman of the Board of CHEO (2000-02), Bernie also served on the Board of the Shaw Centre and the Board of Celebrations Ottawa, the organization planning the Ottawa events for Canada’s 150th anniversary. He was a member of the Mayor’s Leadership Table on Homelessness and acted as a mentor to future leaders as CEO in Residence of the University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Business. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Ottawa Film Office (2018-2022), which advocates for film and animation production in Ottawa.

Bernie’s wife is Nancy and his children are Lauren, Christine, Anthony and Scout. They have 3 grandchildren.

Bryce Conrad has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Hydro Ottawa since 2011. Under his leadership, Hydro Ottawa has become one of the most profitable, innovative and customer-oriented utilities in Canada, regularly winning awards and accolades for customer service and innovation. Since 2012, Hydro Ottawa has tripled its renewable generation, making it the largest municipally owned generator of clean, green energy in Ontario.

Prior to joining Hydro Ottawa, Bryce served as Assistant Deputy Minister – Program Operations at Infrastructure Canada, where he managed the implementation of the $4 billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, overseeing the selection and management of 4,000 projects that created more than $10 billion in economic activity. He was also responsible for the oversight and administration of the Building Canada Fund, the Green Infrastructure Fund and the Gas Tax agreements with provinces and municipalities.

An active community champion, Bryce served on the Board of Directors for The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, and on the Board of Directors for United Way/Centraide Ottawa.

Bryce has extensive governance experience, serving on the Board of Directors for industry associations including Electricity Canada, the Ontario Energy Association, and the Institute on Governance. In 2022, Bryce served as the Board Chair of the Electricity Distributors Association. Upon conclusion of his term as Chair, he transitioned to a Board member role, a position he held previously. He has been actively serving as the Vice-Chair of The MEARIE Group since 2022.

Bryce is fluently bilingual, and holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Queen’s University, a Master of Public Administration from Carleton University, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa.

Kim Butler was reappointed to the Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. Board of Directors and Chair of the Audit Committee on July 1, 2026. She also served from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2024, as a director and member of the Audit Committee and Strategic Initiatives Oversight Committee. With more than 35 years of executive financial and operational experience with Canadian and multinational organizations, Ms. Butler has demonstrated extensive accomplishments in areas of financial and risk management, corporate financing, strategic planning, operational effectiveness, M&A, and investor relations. She has held positions as Head of Finance and Integration at Ericsson Service Assurance (through acquisition of CENX), and she has served as CFO and interim CEO at both CENX and Benbria, an enterprise software company. In her role as SVP Finance and CFO at Bridgewater Systems, a global leader in mobile policy solutions, Ms. Butler led the company’s initial public offering in 2007, and delivered shareholder value with the successful sale of Bridgewater to Amdocs in 2011. Prior to Bridgewater, Ms. Butler held senior finance roles at Asea Brown Boveri, and Mitel Corporation.

Ms. Butler is a member of the Board of CENGN (Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks), a member of the Executive Committee of the Ottawa Chapter of the Institute of Corporate Directors, and Regional Ambassador for Women Get on Board. She has previously served as Board member, Human Resources Committee member and Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee for Canada Health Infoway, Board member and Chair of the Finance Committee for the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation, and is a past member of the Industry Advisory Committee for Entrepreneurship at Algonquin College in Ottawa.

Catherine Clark was appointed to the Hydro Ottawa Group Board effective July 1, 2022 and is a member of the Governance and Management Resources Committee. She is a nationally respected broadcaster, emcee, the President of Catherine Clark Communications and Special Advisor to Syntax Strategic, providing communications counsel to individuals and corporations.

Catherine is also the co-founder of The Honest Talk, a popular podcast which features frank discussions with notable women, sponsored by RBC, and the host of The Company We Keep, a podcast which looks at Canadian history through the eyes of the spouses, partners, children, and advisors of the political leaders who shaped our country.

Deeply committed to community service, Catherine writes the Giving Back column for Ottawa at Home Magazine and serves on the Board of Governors of The Ottawa Hospital.

Matt Davies is the Founder and President of Hedgelake Digital and the former Chief Technology Officer for Shared Services Canada (SSC).  He regularly serves as a keynote speaker and panellist, sharing his valuable insights and expertise on future trends, strategy, digital transformation, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and sustainability with audiences. In 2023, Matt was a recognized innovator, having received the prestigious Top 50 Government Innovators award and a global CCISO Hall of Fame Runner-Up award.  Matt had previously received the CCISO Award at the 2020 CISO Forum Canada in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cybersecurity in Canada.

Matt is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), a Chartered Director (C.Dir.) and has obtained both the Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) designations. He is a graduate of the University of Ottawa and has completed Executive Education Programs at the Tuck School of Business and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He has completed the National Association of Corporate Directors Cyber-Risk Oversight program earning the CERT Certificate in Cybersecurity Oversight issued by the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University and the Sustainability Leadership: Innovation for Growth program from the University of Toronto – Rotman School of Management and the ICD program on Board Oversight of Climate Change.

Matt joined the Hydro Ottawa Group Board in 2018.   He is the Chair of the Governance and Management Resources Committee and a member of the Audit and the Strategic Initiatives Oversight Committees. Matt also serves on the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Board and is the Chair of the IT Committee.

Brian Doxtator was appointed to the Hydro Ottawa Group Board effective July 1, 2025. Brian is a business leader with 40 years of experience whose technical roles early in his profession led to managerial and organizational leadership roles. The first half of his career was in Ontario’s electric utility industry and for the past 15 years he has been a business owner in the Ottawa area, and understands an organization’s needs in facilitating expansion and long-term success.

Brian is the CEO and Principal of PureSpirIT Solutions, a proud Indigenous-owned Canadian company delivering IT solutions and services that complement and accelerate the digital transformation efforts of its customers, including many departments of the Government of Canada. Based in the National Capital Region, they serve customers across the country, specializing in workplace technology devices, enterprise data center and audio-visual solutions.

His past experience includes President & CEO of OZZ Corporation, a diversified group of companies within the Commercial Electrical and Utility Services markets, and President & CEO of the S&S Bolton Group of Companies, a privately held group of operating businesses primarily focused on the construction sector in the greater Ottawa and Calgary areas.

Brian is a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, and relishes the time he spends in the Quinte area on his family property near the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. This connection to his heritage and formative years has influenced his development as a business leader and, he believes, an honourable person. He is also a member of Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) and, until recently, the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA), and received an MBA from Queen’s University. He is married with three children, and is the proud grandfather to three grandchildren.

Councillor Laura Dudas was first elected to Ottawa City Council in 2018, serving as Councillor for Innes Ward. She was then re-elected in 2022 to the newly redistributed Ward of Orléans West – Innes. During her first term, Laura served as Ottawa’s Deputy Mayor under Mayor Jim Watson.

In her role as Councillor, Laura Dudas has sat on several committees including: Finance and Economic Development Committee, Transportation Committee, Community and Protective Services Committee, and Planning Committee.

As Councillor, Laura Dudas has also been involved with several of Ottawa’s Council-led sponsorship groups, including the Solid Waste Sponsors Group and the Climate Change Sponsors Group. She also serves as Ottawa City Council’s liaison to the United Way East Ontario Board of Directors.

Councillor Dudas has long been a vocal advocate for Ottawa’s east end, both during, and prior to, her tenure on City Council, supporting and campaigning for: significant investments in new and revitalized community parks; enhanced pedestrian, cycling, road and transit infrastructure, including the extension of light rail transit to the east; and the expansion of the Blackburn Hamlet Arena.

During her tenure on Ottawa City Council, the Councillor has focused on exploring and growing new economic opportunities for the City of Ottawa. Councillor Dudas served on the Mayor’s Economic Taskforce, which was formed to support Ottawa’s local business, festival, and tourism sector in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. As well, her work to advance the East-End Economic Corridor Program to coincide with the arrival of light rail transit to Ottawa’s Orléans community.

Prior to her election, Councillor Dudas worked for the City of Ottawa, providing strategic communications to the City. Prior to that, she worked as a journalist for several daily newspapers, including the Ottawa Sun, the Stratford Beacon Herald and the Cambridge Reporter.

Councillor Dudas has been a long time volunteer in her local community, serving as President of the Blackburn Community Association for nearly a decade. She was a member of the former Orléans Chamber of Commerce, prior to its amalgamation into the Ottawa Board of Trade, and remains an active supporter of the Heart of Orléans Business Improvement Association.

Laura has lived with her husband and children in Blackburn Hamlet since 2006 and is proud to live in the Ward that she serves.

Allan Hubley was appointed to the Hydro Ottawa Group Board on January 29, 2025. He is married to Wendy (Barber) and they have three children – Christine Leigh, James and Joshua, and welcomed their first grandchild, Macara, in 2016 and twins Lily and Max in 2020. In 2011, their son James was lost to suicide at the age of 15. Since losing James, Allan has been a very active advocate for mental health initiatives in Ottawa working with groups such as the Youth Services Bureau, CHEO, The Queensway Carleton Hospital and many others.

Allan was born in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia and first moved to Kanata in 1978. He has been very active in his community serving in a variety of capacities for all of Kanata South including:

• Founding member and Co-Chair of the Kanata Community Police Partnership;
• Chair of the Bill Connelly Charity, which provided scholarships to Kanata students entering building and trades programs;
• President of the Glen Cairn Community Association;
• Founding member and Vice Chair of the City of Ottawa’s Accessibility Advisory Board;
• Contributor to the Kanata Santa Claus Parade, the Kanata Canada Day Celebrations and other events;
• Member of the Kanata Sports Club, the West Ottawa Board of Trade, and the Kanata Legion.

In 2007, Allan was recognized for his extensive community service in Kanata South and was chosen the City of Ottawa’s Citizen of the Year, and in 2008, he was chosen by the Governor General to receive the Caring Canadian Award at Rideau Hall for his community and volunteer work.

Prior to being elected Councillor for Kanata South, Allan had worked in the Federal Public Service for over 20 years in various senior advisory positions including Manager of US Relations; Manager of Intergovernmental Affairs and in the Emergency Management and National Security Branch of Public Safety Canada. In these positions, he gained experience working with officials from CBSA, CRA, IRS, CSIS, RCMP, DND, FBI, Homeland Security, ICE, London Metropolitan Police (better known as Scotland Yard) and other law enforcement agencies.

First elected in 2010 as Councillor for Kanata South Ward 23, Allan has served as a member of the FEDCO, Planning and Environment Committees. He has also served as Vice Chair of Transportation and Chair of the Audit Committee, in addition to serving on several Boards such as the Ottawa Exhibition, Pineview Golf Course and Manotick Mills. In 2016, Allan was appointed to the Police Services Board. He has also served as the Honourary Chair of the Dragon Boat Festival for two years; the Kaleidoscope of Hope for five years, and the CrackUp Comedy Festival for five years.

In 2018, Allan began his new role as chair of the City’s Transit Commission. In this role, he proudly helped launch the Confederation Line of the new LRT system. He was also a member of the Finance and Economic Development Committee, Transportation Committee, Environment Committee and the Planning Committee.

In 2022, Allan was successful in being elected for his fourth term as Ward 23 – Kanata South City Councillor. He is the Vice Chair of the Audit Committee, a member of the Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee (EPPSC), and was appointed to be a Council liaison for Older Adults. Mid term, he was appointed to the Hydro Ottawa Board and the Agile Government Efficiency Review Working Group.

Melissa Kruyne was appointed to the Hydro Ottawa Group Board effective July 1, 2025. Melissa’s father, Paul, founded KOTT Lumber 50 years ago, and she spent her teenage summers working in the office. In 1990, Melissa left Ottawa to attend university. After graduating from the Ivey School of Business she went to Paris, where she got her MBA and gained international business experience working at KLM Airlines.

She returned to the family business in 1999. In 2004, she took on the role of General Manager for KOTT in Ottawa. Over the next 12 years, Melissa introduced many measures to grow the business, and to help it run more efficiently. She restructured seven business units under one brand and management team; she invested in new technologies; and she sought out operating efficiencies everywhere – all while maintaining the family values and culture initiated by her father.

In 2016, Melissa handed the day-to-day reins of running the KOTT business over to her younger brother, Ryan. She remains co-owner, Leadership Team member, and strategic advisor at KOTT. She took on a larger role in Inverness Homes, a business she co-owns with her husband Kyle, and she increased her hands-on participation in philanthropic endeavours.

Melissa is a mental health advocate, and works closely with The Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health. In 2019, she was recognized by The Royal as one of 40 leaders who had made an exceptional contribution to shaping their success over the past 40 years.

Kevin Ford was appointed to the Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. Board on July 1, 2026.  He is a prominent Canadian business executive and community leader best known for his transformative decade-long tenure as President and CEO of Calian Group Ltd. Born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Mr. Ford entered the workforce directly after high school, beginning his career in computer programming with the Canadian Department of National Defence. He later transitioned to the private sector, building over a decade of valuable experience as a partner at LGS and IBM before joining Calian in 2010 to lead its Business and Technology Services division.

In January 2015, Mr. Ford was appointed President and CEO of Calian, initiating a decade of unprecedented international growth and strategic evolution for the publicly traded company. Under his leadership, the firm expanded significantly across the defence, healthcare, IT, and advanced technologies sectors, earning him numerous accolades including Ottawa Business Journal’s CEO of the Year. He maintained this role until stepping down on January 1, 2026, launching his own executive coaching and business advisory practice.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Mr. Ford is highly regarded in the National Capital Region for his extensive philanthropic work and dedication to local culture. He has been a vocal champion of the Ottawa music scene and played a key role in supporting local venues like the Rainbow Bistro. Additionally, he has served on the board of the Ottawa Hospital Foundation, and is currently Co-Chair of the new hospital campaign. He has served on numerous non profit boards including the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC) Space Canada, Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI), and was inaugural chair of the Kanata North Business Association.

Kevin Ford was appointed to the Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. Board on July 1, 2026. He is a prominent Canadian business executive and community leader best known for his transformative decade-long tenure as President and CEO of Calian Group Ltd. Born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Mr. Ford entered the workforce directly after high school, beginning his career in computer programming with the Canadian Department of National Defence. He later transitioned to the private sector, building over a decade of valuable experience as a partner at LGS and IBM before joining Calian in 2010 to lead its Business and Technology Services division.

In January 2015, Mr. Ford was appointed President and CEO of Calian, initiating a decade of unprecedented international growth and strategic evolution for the publicly traded company. Under his leadership, the firm expanded significantly across the defence, healthcare, IT, and advanced technologies sectors, earning him numerous accolades including Ottawa Business Journal’s CEO of the Year. He maintained this role until stepping down on January 1, 2026, launching his own executive coaching and business advisory practice.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Mr. Ford is highly regarded in the National Capital Region for his extensive philanthropic work and dedication to local culture. He has been a vocal champion of the Ottawa music scene and played a key role in supporting local venues like the Rainbow Bistro. Additionally, he has served on the board of the Ottawa Hospital Foundation, and is currently Co-Chair of the new hospital campaign. He has served on numerous non profit boards including the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC) Space Canada, Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI), and was inaugural chair of the Kanata North Business Association.

Madeleine Meilleur was appointed to the Hydro Ottawa Group Board effective October 26, 2023 and is a member of the Governance and Management Resources Committee. Madeleine began her career as a registered nurse. She later went to law school and became a lawyer with a practice specialized in labour law. Madeleine has spent 25 years in politics at the municipal and provincial levels. During her tenure as a member of Provincial government, she held several portfolios including those of Attorney General, Community Safety and Correctional Services, Community and Social Services and Culture, as well as Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs throughout her 12 years in Cabinet. Retired from public life since 2016, she worked as a Senior Associate with the Institute on Governance from 2017 to 2020. She is now acting Executive Director at the Vanier Museopark.

Awards received include the Order of Ottawa (2017); Doctorate Honoris Causa from Dominican University College (2017); the Order of Merit (University of Ottawa, 2016); the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012); Officier de la Légion d’honneur, Government of France (2012); Order of College of Social Workers (2009); and the Order of Merit of the Association of French Speaking Jurists of Ontario (AJEFO, 2009). Ms. Meilleur is bilingual in English and French.

Virginia K. Schweitzer was appointed to the Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. Board of Directors on July 1, 2026. She is a prominent Canadian corporate lawyer and co-managing partner at the international law firm Fasken Martineau LLP in Ottawa. She built her foundational knowledge at McGill University, graduating with honors in History and Political Science in 1991 before earning a dual degree in Common Law and Civil Law from the McGill Faculty of Law in 1995. With over three decades of legal experience, she has established herself as a trusted advisor to public and private corporations navigating complex commercial and regulatory landscapes.

Her highly specialized legal practice centers on corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance. She frequently guides high-growth companies through public and private debt and equity offerings and complex cross-border M&A and commercial transactions in defence, technology and mining sectors. Beyond corporate structuring and multi-party takeovers, Ms. Schweitzer also provides strategic governance counsel to the boards of both for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations.

Her contributions to the legal field have earned her consecutive listings in the prestigious peer-reviewed publication Best Lawyers every year since 2014.