Le Château Frontenac.
1 Rue des Carrières,
Québec, G1R 4P5
Summit Registration
This historic hotel was built in 1893, and is one the Canada's first grand railway hotels. The Château blends the charm of the hotel’s enchanting past with modern innovations, creating an allure that is fresh & seductive, balanced with the hotel’s rich history & dynamic future.
Bassin Louise,
100 Quai Saint-André
Precision Underwater Survey Demonstration Project
The Smart Ships Coalition will conduct a pilot project demonstrating the use-case for smart shipping technologies in underwater surveys.
Closed Press
Attendance: All Participants
Le Château Frontenac
Old Québec Walking Tour
Participants will enjoy a guided tour of Old Québec, a World Heritage Site, and learn about its history, architecture and people.
Closed Press
Attendance: All Participants
Le Château Frontenac
Welcome Reception
Welcome reception in the Frontenac Room.
Le Château Frontenac
Opening Dinner - A Taste of Québec
Closed Press
Attendance: All Participants
Attire: Casual
Le Château Frontenac
First Nations Invocation
Locations TBD by hosts
Post-dinner receptions to be hosted by sponsors or others as appropriate
Unless otherwise noted, all events will be held at Le Château Frontenac
Registration
Ballroom
Plenary Sessions
Open Press
Attendance: All Participants
An Introduction to the Agenda for Growth
Governor Whitmer and Premier Legault
Regional Economy Overview
Speaker: Mr. Doug Porter, Chief Economist, BMO
An overview of the regional economy, key sectors, issues and challenges.
Energy
Presentation of University of Michigan report on regional energy use including 10-year demand forecast; roundtable discussion among industry and other energy experts. How do we sustainably leverage energy and water for competitive advantage?
Moderator: Ms. Ève Bernèche, Managing Director, CDPQ
Speakers: Ms. Susan Fancy, Associate Director, Global CO2 initiative, University of Michigan;
Ms. Doreen Harris, President and Chief Executive Officer, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority;
Mr. Simon Whitelocke, Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer, ITC Holdings Corporation
Governor/Premier Speech 1
Sustainable Agriculture
Highlighting the value of the agriculture industry for the region and exploring opportunities to strengthen the farm economy and build resilience. How can regional collaboration ensure sustainability from farm to table?
Moderator: Mr. Tim Boring, Director, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development;
Speakers: Mr. Kris Johnson, Director of Agriculture, The Nature Conservancy;
Mr. Robert Loggins, Director of External Affairs, Bush Brothers & Company;
Ms. Cathy Lennon, General Manager, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Governor/Premier Speech 2
Shipbuilding
The session will focus on growing shipbuilding in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence region including a discussion of opportunities and challenges for US and Canadian shipbuilders; and, strategies that the States and Provinces can use to support this industry including workforce development.
Moderator: Ms. Julie Lambert, President & General Manager, Pétro-Nav Inc., and Executive Vice-President — Liquid Bulk, Groupe Desgagnés Inc.
Speakers: Ms. Susan Corbin, Director, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity;
Mr. James Davies, CEO, Davie Shipbuilding;
Mr. Patrick Kelly, CEO, Fraser Industries
Frontenac/Petit-Frontenac Room
Lunch
Regional Economic Development
Speaker: Ms. Véronique Proulx, President and Chief Executive Officer, Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec
Open Press
Attendance: All Participants
Grand Ballroom
Plenary Sessions
Open Press
Attendance: All Participants
Governor/Premier Speech 3
Transportation
Building a robust and efficient regional transportation system to move people and goods, including discussion of key infrastructure such as the Gordie Howe Bridge, maritime assets, rail, and multimodal connections.
Moderator: Ms. Anne Reinke, President & CEO, Intermodal Association of North America
Speakers: Mr. Charl van Niekerk, Chief Executive Officer, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority;
Ms. Julie Gascon, President CEO, Montréal Port Authority;
Break
Moderated Fireside Chat with Ambassadors.
Her Excellency Kirsten Hillman, Ambassador of Canada to the United States of America
The Honorable Peter Hoekstra, Ambassador of the United States of America to Canada
Moderator: Ms. Hannah Thibedeau, Executive Communications Officer, Global Public Affairs
Governor/Premier Speech 4
Théâtre Capitole,
972 Rue Saint-Jean
A Night of Québec Culture—Entertainment by Flip Fabrique
Remarks by Québec City Mayor Bruno Marchand
FLIP Fabrique is a circus company based in Québec. This troupe is composed of world-class artists crafting contemporary circus shows with an uncanny ability to have fun and move the audience.
Closed Press
Attendance: All Participants.
Attire: Casual
Locations TBD by hosts
Post-dinner receptions to be hosted by sponsors or others as appropriate.
Unless otherwise noted, all events will be held at Le Château Frontenac
Petit Frontenac/Bellevue Room
Networking Breakfast
Closed Press
Attendance: All Participants
Attire: Casual
Place d'Armes Room
Press Conference
Remarks by each participating Governor and Premier followed by question and answer session. Ceremonial tree planting immediately following the press conference.
Open Press
Attendance: Governors, Premiers, other heads of State and Provincial delegations and press.
Adjourn
Speaker Biographies
Eve Berneche
Managing Director for Infrastructure, La Caisse
Eve Bernèche joined La Caisse’s Infrastructure team in November 2015. In her role, she is responsible for developing key partnerships and identifying investment opportunities that are in line with the strategic direction of the portfolio. Her areas of focus within the North American portfolio are renewable energy, digital infrastructure and transportation. Eve has led and contributed to major transactions and investments for La Caisse, such as Vertical Bridge, Indiana Toll Road, Invenergy Renewables and the take private of Innergex Renewable Energy. Eve began her career at KPMG LLP in Montréal in 2002 where she spent 5 years in the audit practice and another 3 years in transaction services. Prior to joining La Caisse, Eve held various roles such as Corporate Controller at iPerceptions; Manager, Mergers & Acquisitions at SNC-Lavalin and Manager, Special Projects at Domtar. Ms. Bernèche has a Bachelor of Commerce and a Graduate Diploma in Accounting from the John Molson School of Business (Concordia University) and is a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA).
Dr. Tim Boring
Director, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
Dr. Tim Boring was appointed by Governor Whitmer on March 27, 2023. He previously served as the State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency. Boring's family operates a six generation farm in Stockbridge, Michigan. Prior to his appointment at the USDA, he was the president and founder of Michigan Agriculture Advancement. He also previously served as the Vice President of the Michigan Agri-Business Association and worked as research director of the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee. Governor Whitmer had previously appointed Dr. Boring to the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development in 2019. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriscience, Master of Science in Crop and Soil Sciences, and Ph.D. in Crop and Soil Sciences from Michigan State University.
Jessica Daignault
Technical Sales Manager
Dr. Jessica Daignault is a native Michigander and licensed professional civil engineer with an infrastructure, water resources, and sustainable development focus. She joins us from Kongsberg Discovery, a global company with a committed focus on critical infrastructure inspection and protection. Jessica is a proud member of the engineering profession and enjoys educating stakeholders on the benefits of using advanced technology, such as autonomous vehicles and acoustic sensors, to safety and efficiently complete important infrastructure projects.
James Davies
Chief Executive Officer, Davie
James Davies has been co-owner of Davie Shipbuilding since 2012 and CEO since 2019. He was CFO between 2012 and 2018 and President between 2012 and 2025. He is the co-founder of transatlantic marine industrial group, Inocea, comprising Davie, Helsinki Shipyard and Federal Fleet Services. James has directly overseen the transformation and growth of the Group based on a strategy co-created 15 years ago with Inocea co-founder, Alex Vicefield. Highlights include Davie joining Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy and leading the team that acquired Finland’s Helsinki Shipyard, which created the world leader in Arctic shipbuilding. Prior to Davie, he was CEO of a maritime-focused investment advisory in London, having also served as Finance Director for private investors with significant maritime holdings. Among many other aspects of the shipbuilding value chain, James has expertise in alternative energy solutions and in particular financing – from construction to post-delivery. James is a qualified accountant and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance.
Charles Emond
President and Chief Executive Officer, CDPQ
President and Chief Executive Officer, Charles Emond is responsible for the strategic direction of CDPQ and positioning the institution in Québec and international markets to deliver optimal performance for its depositors. Since stepping into his role in 2020, he has created a unifying culture to mobilize teams and implemented several initiatives to transform the portfolio to perform well in a complex environment and position CDPQ for the future. Prior to this, he held the position of Executive Vice-President, Québec, Private Equity and Strategic Planning. Before joining CDPQ in 2019, Mr. Emond worked for nearly 20 years at Scotia Bank and Scotia Capital, where he held the positions of Executive Vice-President, Financial Affairs and Global Head, Investment Banking and Capital Markets, in addition to serving as the Chairman of the Board of Jarislowsky Fraser. He is a graduate of HEC Montréal and holds the FCPA and Chartered Business Valuator (CBV) designations.
Susan Fancy
Managing Director, Global CO2 Initiative
Susan Fancy is the Managing Director of the Global CO2 Initiative at the University of Michigan, which focuses on approaches to global carbon management including the usage of carbon dioxide as a feedstock for products with economic and societal value. A mechanical engineer, she started in the field of carbon capture and utilization in 2014 at the University of Michigan’s Energy Institute. Her previous experience was in the automotive field commercializing innovations for battery and fuel cell electric vehicles at Ford Motor Company.
Olga Farman
President and Chief Executive Officer, Port of Québec
Olga Farman was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Québec in February 2025. A lawyer specialized in corporate law, she previously served as Managing Partner, Québec Office at Norton Rose Fulbright, an international law firm that she joined in 2013. Ms. Farman sits on the Board of Directors of CDPQ, of the Beneva Group and its insurance subsidiaries, and chairs the Board of the Fondation du Musée de la civilisation. In addition to her expertise in legal and legislative affairs, she also specializes in ethics and corporate governance. Ms. Farman holds an LL.B and an MBA in Business Administration from Université Laval. She is a member of the Barreau du Québec, which awarded her the Advocatus Emeritus distinction in 2021.
Julie Gascon
President and Chief Executive Officer, Montreal Port Authority
Drawing on a rich career in the maritime industry, Julie brings in-depth knowledge of transportation operations and a strong entrepreneurial spirit to support the strategic mission of the Port of Montreal, a key infrastructure for Eastern Canada. Since February 2024, she has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Montreal Port Authority. Supported by a strong leadership team and an experienced board of directors, she is leading initiatives to enhance the port’s productivity, fluidity, and growth, while integrating principles of sustainability, infrastructure modernization, and respect for neighbouring communities, notably through the City-Port committees.
Doreen Harris
President and CEO, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
Doreen M. Harris was appointed President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) on April 7, 2021, after serving as Acting President and CEO since June 2020. President Harris is leading NYSERDA’s role to advance the policy frameworks, clean energy technologies, and solutions to help further New York’s clean energy transition while creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying clean-energy jobs and building an equitable economy. Under President Harris’s direction, NYSERDA is supporting New York’s clean energy initiatives through advancing infrastructure and innovation, large-scale and distributed renewables, building decarbonization, advanced nuclear, energy storage, transportation electrification, clean fuels, transmission and resiliency. President Harris joined NYSERDA in 2010 and served as Vice President of Large-Scale Renewables, where she spearheaded the strategic development of New York’s land based renewable and offshore wind resource, including the execution of the State’s offshore wind master plan. Prior to her career in public service, President Harris spent more than a decade in the private sector, serving in management and engineering roles. President Harris holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Rochester and a Master of Business Administration from the University at Albany, State University of New York.
Her Excellency Kirsten Hillman
Ambassador of Canada to the United States
Kirsten Hillman has been serving as Canada’s Ambassador to the United States of America in Washington D.C. since 2020. The first woman to be appointed to this position, Ambassador Hillman has stewarded the bilateral relationship through three administrations and the COVID-19 pandemic, managing a wide range of bilateral and global files, advocating for Canada’s interests, and advancing shared priorities. Through her 30-year career with the Government of Canada, Ambassador Hillman has held various senior diplomatic, policy, and legal positions at home and abroad. She has played critical roles in negotiating important trade agreements for Canada, including the modernization of the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and served as Canada’s Chief Negotiator for the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Prior to this, Ambassador Hillman practiced law at the Department of Justice in Ottawa and at a private law firm in Montréal. Ambassador Hillman grew up in Calgary and Winnipeg and holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba and Bachelors of Civil Law and of Common Law from McGill University. She also holds a Doctor of Laws – honoris causa – from the Royal Military College of Canada. She was recognized in the Maclean’s magazine 2022 Power List – 50 Canadians who are forging paths, leading the debate and shaping how we think and live – and named one of Washington’s most powerful women by the Washingtonian in 2021 and 2023. In 2025, Ambassador Hillman was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal, recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Canada.
The Honorable Peter Hoekstra
United States’ Ambassador to Canada
Pete Hoekstra became the 26th United States’ Ambassador to Canada on April 29, 2025. Prior to this, he served as Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party during the 2024 elections, where his leadership was considered instrumental in delivering a Republican victory. He is also the President of Hoekstra Global Strategies in Holland, Michigan, and a board member of the Council for a Secure America. He served as Ambassador to the Netherlands during the first Trump Administration. From 1993 to 2011 Hoekstra served as a Member of Congress representing Michigan’s 2nd District. He was the Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence from 2004 to 2007. He was a distinguished fellow at the Heritage Foundation and also a Shillman Senior Fellow at the Investigative Project on Terrorism (IPT). Earlier in his career, Hoekstra was a Senior Advisor at the law firms Dickstein Shapiro, Washington, D.C. and Greenberg Taurig, Washington, D.C. He was a director of the Gentex Corporation, Zeeland, Michigan and served as a Director of the West Michigan Community Bank in Holland, Michigan. He began his career with furniture maker Herman Miller, rising to vice president of marketing. Hoekstra received a B.A. from Hope College, Holland, Michigan and an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan, the Hope College Distinguished Alumni Award, the Order of the House of Orange from the Netherlands, the Agency Seal Medal from the CIA and the DNI National Intelligence Distinguished Public Service Medal. He and his wife Diane have three adult children and will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this year.
Kris Johnson
Director of Agriculture, The Nature Conservancy
Dr. Kris Johnson is the Director of Agriculture for The Nature Conservancy’s North America Region. A skilled collaborator and respected scientist and strategist, Kris leads an interdisciplinary team of science, policy, and agriculture experts in a collaborative approach to help farmers and ranchers meet the growing demand for food production while protecting critical lands and waters for people and nature. He is a board member of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol and a frequent presenter and participant in conferences and industry panels about advancing regenerative agriculture. He received a bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College, completed a M.S. and Ph.D. in conservation biology at the University of Minnesota, and was a Fulbright Scholar, a MacArthur Scholar, and a Senior Fellow in Sustainable Agricultural Systems at the University of Minnesota.
Patrick Kelly
CEO, Fraser Industries
Mr. Kelly has held the Chief Executive Officer role at Fraser Industries since the middle of 2021 after successfully leading the acquisition of Fraser Industries with three business partners. He brings a variety of experiences and leadership roles in manufacturing and construction organizations and is known among top corporations – from private equity to global public companies – as a strategic collaborative executive who identifies and delivers growth and profitability that enhance stakeholder value. He has over 35 years general business experience, most recently as Managing Partner at Foundry Mountain Infrastructure Partners, a North American-focused midstream and transportation investment firm. Mr. Kelly has guided six private equity and family office backed companies through acquisition, growth, fund raises and/or successful exits. In each case, he held either the CEO or CFO position.
Julie Lambert
President, Petro-Nav Inc
Julie Lambert is President of Petro-Nav Inc., the tanker business unit of Groupe Desgagnés Inc., and serves as Executive Vice President, Liquid Bulk, at Desgagnés. Headquartered in Québec City, Desgagnés is a Canadian shipowner operating across the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence system, Atlantic Canada, the Eastern Canadian Arctic, and the Middle and Lower North Shore. Julie also sits on the boards of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation and the Blue Sky Maritime Coalition and is a member of Shell’s Partners in Safety Focus Group. She brings over 20 years of experience spanning legal, maritime, commercial, and governance domains, with a strong track record of negotiating and closing high-value international transactions. She is recognized for her commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and sound execution in complex operating environments. Julie holds degrees in finance, common law, and civil law.
Cathy Lennon
General Manager, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Cathy Lennon is the general manager of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Ontario’s largest general farm organization, representing more than 38,000 farm family business members across the province. An early career position with the Agricultural Adaptation Council ignited her passion for working for and with farmers. Over the last two decades, she has held senior positions with Ontario Sheep Farmers, Agricorp, Farm Credit Canada and Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers before joining the OFA in 2019. In 2024, Lennon was recognized with a King Charles III Coronation Medal for her contributions to the agriculture industry and this year was named as one of 2025’s Influential Women in Agriculture by Annex Business Media. She is treasurer of the Poultry Industry Council and chair of the Curriculum Advisory Committee for the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program. Lennon is a graduate of the University of Waterloo and the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program.
Robert Loggins
Director of External Affairs, Bush’s Beans
Robert F. Loggins Jr. is the Director of External Affairs at Bush’s Beans, where he leads the company’s public policy, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy initiatives. Since joining Bush’s in 2012 in a brand marketing capacity, Robert has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s voice both in the marketplace and on key issues affecting the food industry. He brings over a decade of experience in brand management, strategic communication, and government affairs, leveraging a unique blend of marketing acumen and policy insight to advance corporate priorities. Robert holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Southern Mississippi. A proud husband and father of three, Robert balances a fast-paced professional life with dedication to family—and a commitment to personal wellness as a devoted runner and strength training enthusiast.
Bruno Marchand
Mayor of Québec City
Bruno Marchand is the 38th mayor of Québec City and president of the Communauté métropolitaine de Québec. He was elected President of the Organization of World Heritage Cities in September 2022 and re-elected in September 2024. He joined the OECD Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth Initiative in 2023. Before being elected mayor, Bruno Marchand was executive director of Centraide Québec Chaudière-Appalaches et Bas Saint-Laurent from 2014 to 2021. He served on the organization’s board of directors as a member and chair from 2003 to 2013. Under his leadership, and thanks to his team and community, Centraide raised a record $17 million in 2020, and its donations increased by over 35% from the 2014 level. During his tenure as executive director, Mr. Marchand received several awards, including the United Way Centraide Canada President’s Award for Innovation in 2017. He holds a degree in philosophy from Université Laval (1995) and a diploma in social work from the Cégep de Sainte-Foy (1998). Moreover, he was named Outstanding College Student by both the Cégep de Sainte-Foy and the Cégep de Limoilou. He also completed leadership training at Western University’s Ivey School of Business.
Charl van Niekerk
Chief Executive Officer, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
Charl has a passion for leading teams and building communities through the delivery of infrastructure projects. Originally from South Africa with a background in engineering and business administration, he moved to Canada in 2014 to join Infrastructure Ontario. His first project was the delivery of the Rt Hon. Herb Gray parkway in Windsor, and since then he has been involved in 42 projects worth over $60 billion. Charl joined WDBA in July 2023 as its CEO to help deliver the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
Pierre Picard
Grand Chief of the Wendat Nation
Mr. Pierre Picard was elected on October 25, 2024, as Grand Chief of the Wendat Nation for a four-year term. He is thus the sole and official spokesperson of the Wendat Nation Council. Shaped by his studies in political science and psychology, he has devoted his career to improving the well-being of First Nations, whether through social intervention or by supporting organizations seeking to strengthen their governance processes. The early years of his clinical practice led him across several communities in Quebec, where he met individuals facing serious challenges related to mental health, violence, and addiction. He developed specialized intervention programs for the benefit of First Nations and was the initiator of innovative clinical practices that recognized the unique identity of First Nations individuals. He has conducted numerous projects for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations, and has served on many expert and governmental committees, always ensuring that First Nations were treated fairly and equitably. He is widely recognized as a unifier, communicator, and exceptional educator. In this regard, he has delivered hundreds of conferences and trained thousands of Quebec professionals from the fields of public safety, justice, health, social services, and education on how to work with Indigenous peoples while respecting the principles of cultural safety. In 2022, he was awarded the First Peoples Medal, recognizing his significant contributions and numerous achievements for the benefit of First Nations populations in Quebec. In his current leadership role, Grand Chief Picard places great importance on promoting Wendat identity, fostering communication, and respecting the allies who work to build strong and respectful relationships with the Wendat Nation.
Douglas Porter
Chief Economist and Managing Director, BMO Financial Group
Douglas Porter has over 30 years of experience analyzing global economies and financial markets. As Chief Economist at BMO Financial Group and author of the popular Talking Points, he oversees the macroeconomic and financial market forecasts and co-writes the firm’s weekly flagship publication, Focus. Mr. Porter manages the team that has won numerous forecasting awards. Most recently, Douglas led the team to a #1 ranking for Top U.S. Forecaster among 60 global firms in the 2023 Focus Economics Survey, and #1 for Top Canadian Inflation Forecaster among 28 firms. Also, his team took the #1 spot in the StarMine Awards for Most Accurate Forecasters for Canada in 2022. Douglas’ career began at the Bank of Canada; then, before joining BMO, he held the positions of Economist and Country Risk Analyst with other Canadian financial institutions. He has been a member of C.D. Howe’s Monetary Policy Council since 2008 and serves on the Investment Management Committees of the Bank of Montreal’s Canada Pension Plan and Western’s Endowment Fund. Douglas Porter, CFA, earned a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Western Ontario.
Véronique Proulx
President and Chief Executive Officer, Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ)
Véronique Proulx is President and CEO of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) since November 2024. She has an extensive background in entrepreneurship and a strong expertise in the export and manufacturing sectors of Quebec’s economy. Proulx joined Québec Manufacturers and Exporters (MEQ), a division of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), in March 2015 as the Director of Communications, Public Affairs and Strategy. She was appointed Vice President Corporate Affairs and Strategy in January 2016 and ultimately assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer in September 2017- becoming the first woman to hold this position. She was also appointed to CME’s national leadership team as Senior Vice President, National Policy & Public Affairs. Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Influential Women in 2021 and recipient of the “Prix Bâtisseur2024 – Décadra from ESG UQAM for her contribution to building the ESG UQAM community through her visibility and engagement, reflecting values of innovation, creativity, and social responsibility. Mrs. Proulx holds an Executive MBA from Paris-Dauphine University and UQAM.
Anne Reinke
President and CEO, Intermodal Association of North America
Anne Reinke became the fourth President & CEO of IANA in December 2024. Prior to her arrival at IANA, she served as President & CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) from 2020-24. She has held roles in the private, public, and association transportation sectors, including as the Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS)-Congressional Affairs & DAS-Intergovernmental Affairs at the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT), and as the top Government Affairs official at CSX Corporation during her 16-year tenure. Before joining CSX, she worked at the Association of American Railroads and High-Speed Ground Transportation Association. She and her husband, two sons, and dog live in Alexandria, VA.
Hannah Thibedeau
Executive Communications Officer, Global Public Affairs
Hannah Thibedeau is Executive Communications Officer at Global Public Affairs, where she supports clients across Canada with communications strategy, media relations, and public affairs. An award-winning journalist and broadcaster with more than 20 years of experience covering Parliament Hill, she has reported on seven federal elections, four Prime Ministers, and many of the defining moments in Canadian politics and media. A Canadian Screen Award winner for her coverage of the Ottawa convoy protests, Hannah now brings her deep political insight, on-camera experience, and storytelling expertise to help Global’s clients communicate with impact and ensure their messages resonate with key audiences and decision-makers.
Ridgway White
President and CEO, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
Ridgway White became president of the Mott Foundation in 2015, as the Flint water crisis was still unfolding. White led the Foundation’s swift approval of a $4 million grant to help the city reconnect to the Detroit water system and begin the process of bringing clean water back to the community. He subsequently led the charge on Mott’s commitment in 2016 to provide up to $100 million over five years to help the city recover and rise from the crisis — a commitment that was fulfilled in just over four years and subsequently exceeded. White is a vocal champion of the Foundation’s support for a “one-water” approach to managing the nation’s drinking water, storm water and wastewater systems. He is an ardent believer in the power of community foundations to be local leaders of positive change, both in the U.S. and around the world. He also was the driving force behind the development of Mizzen by Mott, an online platform that was incubated at the Foundation to deliver outstanding content to afterschool providers nationwide — at no cost to them. As intended from the outset, Mizzen has since spun off to become an independent charitable organization, Mizzen Education, Inc., and White now serves on its board of directors. White is a graduate of Hobart College, where he studied architecture, economics and urban planning. He chairs the board of directors of U.S. Sugar. In addition to Mizzen Education, Inc., he currently serves on the boards of the Charles Stewart Harding Foundation, Isabel Foundation, and Detroit Regional Partnership. He is a member of YPO, the global leadership community of chief executives. He previously served on the board of the Council on Foundations and currently chairs its Public Policy Advisory Committee. He also served on the board of the Council of Michigan Foundations and as co-chair of its COVID-19 Working Group. He is past chair of the National Center for Family Philanthropy and the Sloan Museum governing council. He also served on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Return to School advisory committee.
Simon Whitelocke
Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer, ITC
Simon Whitelocke is Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer, ITC Holdings Corp. and President, ITC Michigan. He is responsible for ITC’s federal regulatory, government affairs and communications activities, as well as overseeing the strategic direction, community relations and financial performance for ITC’s four operating subsidiaries: ITC Midwest, ITC Great Plains, ITCTransmission and Michigan Electric Transmission Company (METC). Prior to this role, he was Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for ITC Holdings Corp. where he was responsible for the corporate compliance functions of the company. Mr. Whitelocke also served in other roles responsible for regulatory affairs, external affairs, and internal audit functions. Prior to joining ITC, he worked at an energy utility company and in public accounting. Mr. Whitelocke earned a Bachelor of Commerce in accounting from the University of Toronto and a Master of Business Administration in finance and management from Michigan State University.
David Woodruff
Associate, Rubicon Strategy
David Woodruff is an accomplished public policy professional with more than 25 years of experience leading and mentoring teams for some of the world’s most recognized brands and Congress’ most accomplished leaders. He is recognized as a leader at the nexus of the U.S. / Canadian policy, trade, and commercial relationship. Today he serves as an Associate at Rubicon Strategy, one of Canada’s largest government and public affairs consulting firms based in Toronto and Ottawa. Earlier in his career, Woodruff served as Vice President of Policy & Federal Advocacy for bp America, one of the world’s largest integrated energy companies. He transformed the advocacy team and increased the value of the company’s political capital in a dynamic point in the firm’s history. His private sector career is preceded by several senior Congressional leadership roles in both policy and political communications. He worked for the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee as Director of Communications where he guided a number of international energy policy campaigns. He also served as Press Secretary to U.S. Congressman Fred Upton of Michigan, the former Chairman of the House Energy & Commerce Committee.
Gretchen Whitmer
Governor of Michigan; Chair, Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers
Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander who is focused on getting things done that will make a real difference in people’s lives and build a Michigan where everyone can envision a bright future for themselves. As governor, she has signed over 1,000 bipartisan bills and four balanced, bipartisan budgets to deliver on the kitchen-table issues, grow the economy, and create good-paying jobs in every region of the state. Since the governor took office, she has announced 35,000 new auto jobs and used bipartisan economic development tools to bring home more than $16 billion in transformational investments, creating 16,000+ jobs and putting Michigan in the lead on innovating the future of cars, chips, batteries, and more. She has fixed nearly 20,000 lane miles of roads and over 1,400 bridges, and funded programs putting almost 200,000 Michiganders on tuition-free paths to higher education and skills training. The governor has made the largest education investments in state history four years in a row, delivering the highest state per-student funding ever, increasing on-campus mental health resources, and helping hire more qualified teachers, literacy coaches, counselors, and staff. Additionally, the governor has expanded low or no-cost child care to 150,000 more kids. Governor Whitmer has also protected clean water for every community, investing $4 billion to upgrade drinking water and replace lead service lines, supporting 57,000 jobs. She made the single largest ever investment in state and local parks across Michigan. Since the governor took office, Michigan has won over $16 billion in investments and become home to “the next Silicon Valley” for mobility innovation, the #1 emerging startup ecosystem and the fastest growing clean energy job sector in the country. Governor Whitmer achieved this progress alongside three dynamic elected statewide leaders: Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, Attorney General Dana Nessel, and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. Governor Whitmer and her husband Dr. Marc Mallory live in Lansing with Kevin and Doug, the First Dogs of Michigan. She has two daughters, Sherry and Sydney, and three stepsons, Alex, Mason, and Winston. Governor Whitmer earned a bachelor’s degree and law degree from Michigan State University.
Mike DeWine
Governor of Ohio; Vice Chair, Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers
Mike DeWine’s story is a true Ohio story. Raised in Yellow Springs, Ohio, Mike DeWine and Fran (Struewing) met in the first grade and married while students at Miami University. They’ve been blessed with eight children and 27 grandchildren. Family is at the core of everything Mike DeWine does, and that’s why he has devoted his life to fighting for Ohio’s families. He knows when families are strong, Ohio communities are stronger, and our future is bright. Mike DeWine loves Ohio and cares passionately about our state’s future. He will fight for an Ohio that works for everyone – every person and every family in every corner of our state. From world class cities to some of the best small towns in America, Mike DeWine knows that to build our state into an economic powerhouse, we must have strong schools, a great quality of life, and compassion for those who need our help. Mike DeWine’s family started a seed company in Yellow Springs. Working alongside his parents and grandparents, Mike learned early the value of hard work, strong leadership, and fiscal responsibility. Growing up, he loaded seed bags onto trucks and boxcars, shoveled wheat out of trucks during harvest, worked in wheat fields to help ensure the purity of the seed, and basically did whatever it took to get the job done for their customers. Inseparable to the end, his parents were married for 65 years and died within four days of each other. The values he learned from them still live within him today. On November 6, 2018, Mike DeWine was elected to serve as the 70th Governor of the State of Ohio. The Governor has had a long and distinguished career in public service, focusing on protecting Ohio children and families. He was previously the 50th Attorney General of Ohio and has previously been elected to serve as Greene County Prosecutor, Ohio State Senator, U.S. Congressman, Ohio Lt. Governor, U.S. Senator.
JB Pritzker
Governor of Illinois
Governor JB Pritzker was sworn in as the 43rd Governor of Illinois on Jan. 14, 2019. Since taking office, he has accomplished one of the most ambitious and consequential policy agendas in state history. The governor won bipartisan passage for Rebuild Illinois, the largest investment in state history to upgrade roads, bridges, rail, broadband, and schools. He overcame years of fiscal mismanagement in Illinois by proposing and passing a balanced budget every year, eliminating the state’s multi-billion dollar bill backlog, reducing the state’s pension liability, and achieving six credit upgrades from rating agencies. He took bold action to put state government back on the side of working families by creating jobs, raising the minimum wage to a living wage, protecting reproductive rights, making university and community college education more affordable, and advancing equal pay for women. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Pritzker saved lives and livelihoods by prioritizing the health and safety of Illinois residents while supporting families and businesses through the COVID-induced recession. To protect hardworking families from additional hardship, one of the defining features of the governor’s response to the COVID financial crisis was launching the nation’s largest pandemic relief grant program for small businesses and the nation’s largest housing assistance program. In 2021, Governor Pritzker proposed and signed a comprehensive clean energy bill, making Illinois a national leader on climate action and the first state in the Midwest to pass a law phasing out fossil fuels. Before becoming governor, Pritzker founded 1871, the non-profit small business incubator in Chicago. Since its creation, Chicago has been named one of the top ten technology startup hubs in the world, and 1871 was named the best incubator in the world. As governor, he continues to expand support for new business creation throughout the state and cut taxes for hundreds of thousands of small businesses while incentivizing job creation. Since 2019, annual new business startups in Illinois have grown by nearly 70%. Illinois now has the largest growth in small business creation among the largest states in the nation, beating states like California, Texas, Florida and New York. Governor Pritzker and his wife, MK, have been married for more than 25 years, and they are the proud parents of daughter, Teddi, and son, Don.
Mike Braun
Governor of Indiana
Mike Braun is the 52nd Governor of Indiana and a conservative outsider who spent his career as a main street entrepreneur building a business and creating thousands of good-paying Hoosier jobs before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2018. Mike has lived the American dream and as Governor of Indiana, he will work to preserve the same freedom and opportunity to achieve prosperity for future generations of Hoosiers. After graduating from Jasper High School in 1972 as class president and a letterman in football, basketball, and track, he attended Wabash College. At Wabash, Mike graduated summa cum laude with a degree in economics and as student body president. After college, Mike married Maureen, his high school sweetheart, and the two moved to Boston where he attended Harvard Business School and earned his MBA. After business school, while the majority of Mike’s classmates took high-paying jobs on Wall Street, he chose to move back to Jasper to raise a family and build a career. After a few years working for a national kitchen cabinet company in Jasper, in 1981, Mike got the entrepreneurial itch and took over a struggling farm equipment manufacturer called Meyer Body. Over the next 20 years, Mike lived the hardscrabble existence of a small business owner with 15 employees and his office in a used mobile home. In the early 2000s, Meyer began to grow into a regional company and over the next 15 years grew into a national company that currently employs thousands of Americans with locations in 38 states. During his time growing a national company and serving in the US Senate, Mike never lost track of the lessons learned as a small business owner and has always kept the same main street values. The values of faith, family, and community guided Mike while growing a business and raising a family and have inspired his call to serve fellow Hoosiers throughout the years. Mike began his public service as a member of the local School Board for ten years and then as a State Representative from 2014-2017. Mike has been a conservative voice for Hoosiers since his historic victory in the 2018 US Senate election, having led over 40 bills into law and was named the most effective first-term Republican Senator. Mike has also consistently been ranked as one of the most conservative members of the United States Senate, earning endorsements from Americans for Prosperity and CPAC, and maintains excellent ratings from the NRA, Family Research Council, National Right to Life, and Susan B. Anthony List. Mike is an avid outdoorsman and enthusiastic morel mushroom hunter every spring. Mike and Maureen have been married for 48 years and have four adult children and seven grandchildren.
Tim Walz
Governor of Minnesota
Tim Walz is Minnesota’s 41st Governor. His career has been defined by public service, from serving our country in the military to serving our students as a high-school teacher and football coach to serving our state in Congress. Born in a small town in rural Nebraska, Tim’s parents instilled in him the values that guide his commitment to common good and selfless service. Soon after his high school graduation, Tim enlisted in the Army National Guard. He attended Chadron State College and graduated with a social science degree in 1989. Harvard University offered Tim an opportunity to gain a new perspective on global education by teaching in the People’s Republic of China from 1989 to 1990, where he joined one of the first government-approved groups of American teachers to work in Chinese high schools. Upon his return from China, Tim served full time in the Army National Guard, and accepted a teaching and coaching position. More importantly, he met his future wife, Gwen Whipple, who was teaching at the same school. Tim and Gwen Walz moved to Mankato in 1996, where they began working at Mankato West High School. In addition to teaching social studies, Tim helped coach the Mankato West football team that won the school’s first state championship. After 24 years in the Army National Guard, Command Sergeant Major Walz retired from the 1-125th Field Artillery Battalion in 2005. Tim won his first election to the United States House of Representatives in 2006, and was re-elected for another five terms serving Minnesota’s First Congressional District. In addition to his work on the Farm Bill, the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System, Minnesota Highway 14, and the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota, Tim introduced the STOCK Act, a bill that sought to limit congressional insider trading. On March 22, 2012, the STOCK Act passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate. After years of living in Mankato, Tim and Gwen moved to St. Paul with their two children, Hope and Gus, and their rescue pets, Scout and Afton. Learn more about the work Tim has done as Minnesota’s Governor.
Kathy Hochul
Governor of New York
Kathy Hochul is the 57th and first female Governor of New York State. She began her career in public service on her local Town Board, before serving as Erie County Clerk and as a Member of Congress for New York’s 26th Congressional District. As Lieutenant Governor, she chaired the statewide Regional Economic Development Councils, and served as co-chair of the State’s Heroin and Opioid Task Force, Women’s Suffrage Commission, and Child Care Availability Task Force. Since being sworn into office in 2021, Governor Hochul has led by establishing a bold vision for New York’s future. Governor Hochul has spearheaded comprehensive policies and initiatives to help New Yorkers and their families, while building an economy that is stronger and more inclusive than before. Governor Hochul is making historic investments in the people, places, and things to make that happen – from healthcare workers, small businesses, and working families to infrastructure, education, and workforce development. And in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s reckless decisions to strip away abortion rights and strike down commonsense gun regulations, Governor Hochul led the charge in Albany to protect reproductive health care and strengthen gun safety laws, ensuring New York continues to stand as a beacon of hope and freedom for the rest of the nation. Governor Hochul was born and raised in Western New York. She and her husband, Bill Hochul, are the proud parents of two children and one granddaughter.
Doug Ford
Premier of Ontario
Doug Ford is the Premier of Ontario. He was also elected as the MPP for Etobicoke-North in 2018. Previously, Doug Ford served as Toronto city councillor from 2010-2014, and was vice-chair of the Budget Committee, where he delivered hundreds of millions of dollars in savings for taxpayers. While on city council, Ford served on the board of Build Toronto, and was a director of the Canadian National Exhibition. He also served on the Civic Appointments Committee and the Government Management Committee at Council. A dedicated community leader, successful businessman with Deco Labels and passionate advocate for the people, Doug’s commitment to public service runs in the family. Three generations of Fords have served the people of Ontario in elected office. Doug is a life-long resident of the community of Etobicoke, and lives there with his wife Karla and four daughters. His commitment to public service includes over 20 years of dedicated work with the Toronto West Rotary Club and serving as a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Josh Shapiro
Governor of Pennsylvania
Josh grew up in Pennsylvania, watching his parents serve their community — his father was a pediatrician, and his mother was an educator. Their example inspired Josh to enter into public service, and from a young age, Josh recognized that standing up for others was how he wanted to spend his career. After marrying his high-school sweetheart Lori and welcoming their first child, Josh returned to his hometown and successfully ran for State Representative. As Representative, Josh helped write and pass some of the toughest ethics laws in state history. His work earned him a reputation as a rare public servant willing to take on the status quo — “a blast of oxygen in the smoke-choked back rooms of quid-pro-quo Harrisburg.” Then, as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania’s third-largest, Josh led a fiscal and ethical turnaround. Before he took office, Montgomery County had a $10 million budget deficit and an underfunded pension for county employees. Josh put the county back on solid financial footing, took early steps to combat the heroin epidemic, helped the first LGBTQ+ couples in Pennsylvania marry, and fired Wall Street money managers to save taxpayers and retirees millions. In 2016, Josh successfully ran to be Pennsylvania’s Attorney General. As Attorney General, he has restored integrity to an office badly in need of reform and taken on big fights for the people. He has proven to Pennsylvanians he can bring people together to solve tough problems and is unafraid to enforce the law without fear or favor. In January 2021, Josh was sworn in for his second term as Attorney General. He arrested more than 8,000 drug dealers while investigating and suing pharmaceutical companies and the CEOs who knowingly perpetuated the opioid crisis to line their own pockets. He stood up for everyday consumers, seniors who’ve been scammed, and students preyed upon by private lenders by obtaining over $328 million in relief to Pennsylvanians who have been ripped off. He led on criminal justice reform, bringing activists and law enforcement together to launch a new statewide police misconduct database, taking on employers who steal from Pennsylvania workers. In November 2022, Josh made history as the highest vote-getter in Pennsylvania gubernatorial history. Alongside his running mate Austin Davis, Josh is working with every Pennsylvanian to move our Commonwealth forward. Josh and Lori are the proud parents of Sophia, Jonah, Max, and Reuben.
François Legault
Premier of Québec
François Legault was born in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue on May 26, 1957. He is married and has two children. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (Public Accountancy) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA in Finance) from HEC Montréal. He is a Fellow of the Ordre des comptables agréés du Québec. François Legault began his career as an auditor and team leader at Ernst & Young from 1978 to 1984, before being appointed director of finance and administration at Nationair Canada in 1984. In 1985, he became marketing director for Québecair. A year later, he cofounded Air Transat and served as its CEO until 1997. Mr. Legault went into politics from 1998 to 2009, where he held several important offices in the Government of Québec, including Minister of Education and Minister of Health and Social Services. On November 14, 2011, François Legault founded a new party, Coalition Avenir Québec, which he also leads. Mr. Legault was elected MNA for the L’Assomption riding in the 2012 and 2014 general elections. In October 2018, he was re-elected and became Premier of Québec when his party obtained the majority of votes.
Tony Evers
Governor of Wisconsin
On November 6, 2018, the people of Wisconsin voted Tony Evers (Ē-vers) the 46th governor of Wisconsin. Prior to his election, he served as the Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction winning statewide elections in 2009, 2013, and 2017. With over three decades of public education experience, Governor Evers has dedicated his life to fighting for Wisconsin’s kids and serving the people of Wisconsin. As a life-long educator, the governor believes in bringing people together to solve the problems facing our state and putting the people of Wisconsin first. He began his career in 1976 and has served Wisconsin students, parents, and citizens all over Wisconsin in Tomah, Oakfield, Verona, and Oshkosh. Born and raised in Plymouth, Wisconsin, Governor Evers graduated from Plymouth High School and earned his bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree in educational administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Kathy, an educator. They are parents of three adult children, all public school graduates, and have nine grandchildren.