Who We Are

Julian is a pioneer in the field of PACE. During his 12 year tenure as Manager Strategic Energy Policy and Initiatives with Halifax Regional Municipality, he led the design and implementation of Canada’s first PACE program – Halifax Solar City. Julian is a professional engineer with over 25 years experience in energy efficiency and has successfully completed over $300M in residential and commercial projects. He wants to retire 100 million tons of CO2 emissions before he retires.

Neel holds a Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Business Analytics from Cape Breton University and a bachelor’s in Information Technology from India, where he received the Academic Excellence Award twice. He is passionate about data analysis, visualization, database design, and business analytics. Before joining SwitchPACE CIC, he designed a database for a nonprofit in Peru supporting soccer in Quechua communities, helping secure funding through strategic data analysis. At SwitchPACE, he creates Power BI dashboards to support energy efficiency and solar initiatives for municipal PACE programs across the country. He aims to use data to advance sustainable energy and promote environmental responsibility.

Mohamed is an accounting graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Medea in Algeria, he is bilingual and he has more than ten years of experience in accounting and finance management. During his 8 years being part of Daewoo Engineering and Construction Co, Ltd., he led the accounting team successfully to run and manage over $1.3 B US Dollars budget building the first-ever green city in Algeria, Boughezoul New Town Project. Mohamed is passionate about the environment and sustainable development, as he volunteered and encouraged people to plant trees in Algeria, transitioning to clean energy, reducing carbon and saving the environment for future generations.

Kaden is a recent graduate of NSCC’s Business Program with a major in Marketing. Since graduating Kaden has worked closely within the Halifax music industry, working with bands and artists to promote their creations. Kaden has also used his time since graduating to work freelance Marketing jobs within his childhood hometown of Lunenburg. Kaden is very excited to use his creativity, passion and work ethic to help build a strong network of sustainable municipalities within Canada.

Zoë Cromwell graduated in 2019 from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Arts, Combined Honours in Environmental Sustainability and Society, and Theatre. She is passionate about removing barriers for vulnerable communities to access resources to improve quality of life and, ultimately, create an equitable, hopeful future for generations to come. She is thrilled to team up with SwitchPACE to help communities across Canada access renewable energy and decrease carbon emissions. 

Thais is currently attending Saint Mary’s University, she intends to graduate with a major in Chemistry. During her lifetime, Thais has demonstrated a passion for pursuing knowledge. She showcased her passion for environmental chemistry through multiple award-winning projects, which includes being part of her High School’s environmental club, receiving a local environmental scholarship, communicating with municipalities to develop electrical upgrade projects, etc. In her spare time, Thais likes to learn about technology and software development. Thais looks forward to working with SwitchPACE and homeowners to help them decrease their carbon footprint by moving towards more energy efficient systems.

Charlotte is a graduate of Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Political Science and Environmental Studies. Her final thesis project analyzed the benefits and limits of Vancouver’s climate policy on social equity considerations in the city. Charlotte is passionate about climate justice, green building design, and sustainable transportation networks, and how these principles are implemented in local initiatives. She is looking forward to help make energy efficiency upgrades more accessible and affordable for Atlantic Canadians through her position at SwitchPACE.

Obadele graduated from Acadia in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sustainability and a minor in Environmental Geoscience. During his time at Acadia, he developed a passion for environmental justice, sustainable development, and energy efficiency to help build resilient communities. He also served as the Vice President of Acadia’s Black Student Association, where he coordinated events to promote equity in the Acadia community. As an intern with the Clear Foundation Leadership Program, he spearheaded research for the pilot project of L’Acadie Vineyard’s Horsetail Tea, a fully organic solution to combat mildew pressure during the growing season. Obadele is excited to work with SwitchPACE CIC to help communities have better access to home energy efficiency upgrades and reduce their GHG emissions.

Robert Patzelt is an experienced and successful commercial corporate lawyer with extensive senior corporate experience. He chairs the Investment Committee for the Worker’s Compensation Board of Nova Scotia’s $1.8B fund and was recognized with a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contribution to Scouts Canada. When not dealing with Board governance issues, Rob enjoys the fresh air outside the board room camping in the winter with Scouts Canada.

John is a prominent real estate developer in Halifax committed to a legacy of green development. The Lindsay legacy is significant in Halifax, having constructed the iconic Purdy’s Wharf Towers on the waterfront using the first commercial cooling system using seawater in the 1980’s. The system has been replicated in over 10 properties around the Halifax Harbor, inspiring Enwave’s Deep Lake Water District Energy System. John’s entrepreneurial spirit is embedded within the fabric of Halifax life.