Electricity Human Resources Canada Names Stephanie Smith of Ontario Power Generation the 2020 Leader of the Year
Dec 22, 2020
Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) has announced Stephanie Smith as the winner of its annual Leader of the Year Award. A human-centred leader in a highly technical field, Stephanie has an impressive track record of building strong relationships both inside and outside of the nuclear community, as well as creating safe and inclusive working environments.
Recently appointed as the first female President and CEO of CANDU Owners Group, Stephanie developed her career at Ontario Power Generation (OPG) where she made history throughout her career. Notably, as Plant Manager at Pickering Nuclear she was responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of 6 nuclear reactors. Stephanie led improvements to the performance of Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, earning the station an acknowledgement of excellent from the World Association of Nuclear Operators. This was the first time in the station’s forty-year history that this designation was awarded, and the accomplishment was largely due to Stephanie’s ability to inspire and motivate her team.
EHRC’s Awards of Excellence celebrate the extraordinary achievements of the individuals and organizations at the forefront of industry HR best practice and leadership. The recipient of the Leader of the Year Award is an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to their organisation within the Canadian electricity industry through visionary people management strategies and leadership.
As the first woman to hold many of the roles in her career, Stephanie is active in supporting other women through her work with Women in Nuclear (WiN) and Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE). She is often called upon to speak at events about women’s participation in STEM fields. In addition, she is an active mentor to others at various stages in their careers. Her nominators described her as an advocate for the importance of diversity of thought in driving business results and moving organizational culture forward.
A colleague said of Stephanie, “Stephanie’s leadership, courage and ability to inspire others truly makes her a role model that many women can look up to. She is a trailblazer having accomplished many firsts in the nuclear industry.”
“We’re pleased to recognize Stephanie as the Leader of the Year. Her professional resume speaks for itself, but the committee was also impressed with the way she has continued to lift others up and contribute to their success through each stage of her career,” said Michelle Branigan, CEO of EHRC.
EHRC Virtual awards ceremony will be held at noon on February 17th 2021 as they honour Stephanie Smith and their other award winners.
Go HERE to register
