Board of Directors
Visionary Leadership for the Future
Richard Kolacz
Director
CEO, GSTS
Richard has over 30 years of experience in the maritime, space and advanced technology sectors. Upon completing a career as a Royal Canadian Naval Combat Systems Engineer, Richard successfully managed the start-up and expansion of two global maritime-based business ventures: a space-based maritime monitoring system venture, and a naval training and simulation venture.
Richard holds an Engineering Degree from the University of Alberta, Electrical Engineering qualification from the Technical University of Nova Scotia, and a Masters Degree in Guided Weapon Systems from Cranfield University in the UK.
Nigel S. Greenwood
Director
Retired Royal Canadian Navy Officer
Nigel Greenwood is a former Naval Officer and active Master Mariner. He retired from the Royal Canadian Navy in 2012 at the rank of Rear-Admiral after 37 years of service as Commander Maritime Forces Pacific. He has since dedicated himself to various consulting projects in the civil maritime domain.
Under the banner of Greenwood Maritime Solutions Ltd, Nigel has conducted risk assessments and operational studies for clients as diverse as the Department of National Defence, Transport Canada, the Canadian Hydrographic Service, the Pacific Pilotage Authority, the ports of Prince Rupert and Vancouver, and the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
Additionally, during the summer navigational season, Nigel sails as an Ice Navigator in Canada’s Arctic waters. Nigel holds a Bachelors Degree in Physics and Oceanography from Royal Roads Military College and a Master’s Degree in International Studies from Kings College London. Nigel is a Fellow of both the Royal Institute of Navigation and the Nautical Institute.
Johanne Sévigny
Director
VP of Ecofuel Accelerator, Managing Partner of the Ecofuel Fund
Johanne has 15 years of experience in venture capital, financing and management of a cleantech startup, and 10 years of operational experience in engineering. Before joining Ecofuel in 2016, Johanne was a Senior Director at BDC.
She also worked at Negotium, a technology solutions provider, as the Head of Finance and M&A. Johanne was a Portfolio Manager at Entrepia Capital, Innovatech Montréal and Multiple Capital, founded in 2005 to manage the portfolio of Innovatech Montréal, an early stage venture capital fund based in Montréal.
Johanne has sat on the board of several technology-based companies, including serving as the president of the board of a fast-growing RFID gaming start-up for two years. Earlier in her career, she held project management positions for 10 years at SNC Lavalin and Dessau-Soprin.
Johanne holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from the École Polytechnique de Montréal and an MBA from the HEC Montréal.
Kevin Obermeyer
Director
Former CEO at Pacific Pilotage Authority
Kevin has over 45 years in the maritime industry, retiring in 2023 after serving as the CEO of the Pacific Pilotage Authority for over 16 years.
He has in depth knowledge and experience in deep sea shipping, port management and marine pilotage serving in various capacities in Canada and South Africa.
Kevin has served on numerous Boards including the Western Transportation Advisory Council (WESTAC) and the Association of Canadian Port Authorities. He presently serves on the board of the International Sailors Society Canada (Chair) and the Chelsea Green Condominium Association (former Chair).
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree, a Certificate of Competency as Master Mariner and is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors holding the ICD.D designation (Director Education Program).
Kevin T. Rodgers
Director
CEO, Nautel
Kevin is the President & CEO of the Nautel group of companies. He is a 37-year veteran of the company and owner for the past decade.
Nautel has emerged as one of the world’s largest manufacturers of radio broadcast transmitters with deployments in 177 countries and a world leader in the design, development and manufacturing of sonar systems for international defense and non-defense customers.
Kevin graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a B. Sc. in Electrical Engineering.
Outside the office, Kevin maintains a fervent interest in boating, a testament to his adventurous spirit and his love for the intricacies of navigation technology. He applies the same principles of teamwork, resilience and constant learning from this personal passion to his leadership style at Nautel, fostering a culture of excellence that consistently pushes the envelope of what’s possible in RF technology.
