Elisa Obermann
Executive Director
Elisa joined Marine Renewables Canada in 2012, first as the Atlantic Director and then as executive director in 2015. In this role she works to facilitate technology innovation in the sector by advocating for supportive policies, identifying international business development opportunities, and enhancing the capacity of the local supply chain. Elisa has also designed and led numerous engagement and outreach activities to grow knowledge and support for marine renewable energy development.
Elisa is a founding member of the Canadian Council on Renewable Electricity (CanCORE) and Electricity Alliance Canada (EAC) and is currently Canada’s alternate delegate on the International Energy Agency’s Ocean Energy Systems executive committee. She has also served as an advisory board member for the National Research Council’s Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering Research Centre and a director on the Offshore Energy Research Association’s Board. Elisa has worked at several other organizations, focused on clean technology, tidal energy, and the broader renewable energy sector including Sustainable Development Technology Canada, the Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy (FORCE), and Nova Scotia Department of Energy.
Elisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Masters in Public Administration from Dalhousie University.
Halifax, Nova Scotia | elisa@marinerenewables.ca
Amanda White
Senior Director, Operations & Member Services
As Senior Director of Operations & Member Services for Marine Renewables Canada, Amanda is responsible for membership development and services, operational and logistical support, trade development and supply chain growth and advancing seminars, missions and conferences.
Amanda began her career in the energy industry in 2002 when she first joined OTANS (The Maritimes Energy Association), where she managed all local events and conferences as well as national and international trade missions including OTC in Houston, All-Energy in Scotland, Rio Oil & Gas in Brazil, CanWEA Wind Energy Conference in Canada and the Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum. She was also responsible for all member relations and communications. Prior to her time at The Maritimes Energy Association, Amanda worked for the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, allowing her the initial experience in working for a member based, not-for-profit association.
Amanda is a native Nova Scotian and began her career after graduating from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Science Degree with an Advanced Major in Psychology.
Halifax, Nova Scotia | amanda@marinerenewables.ca
Jonathan Robinson
Senior Policy Advisor
As Senior Policy Advisor, Jonathan is responsible for leading policy discussions with members and external parties, identifying opportunities for advocacy on critical policy and regulatory issues, developing policy input, and supporting Marine Renewables Canada’s outreach efforts.
Jonathan joins Marine Renewables Canada with over nine years of experience in the federal government including senior roles at Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada. His work in government and politics has focused on advancing Canada’s clean energy transition through strategic policy development, stakeholder engagement, and legislative leadership. Originally from British Columbia, Jonathan worked closely with the Government of British Columbia and local Indigenous communities on wild Pacific salmon policy and marine conservation—efforts that reflect his deep connection to the West Coast and its ecosystems.
Jonathan holds a BA in Political Studies from Queen’s University and also serves in the Canadian Army Reserves as an Infantry Officer with the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa.
Ottawa, Ontario | jonathan@marinerenewables.ca
Chelsi Bennett
Communications & Event Coordinator
Chelsi joined Marine Renewables in October 2023 as the Communications & Event Coordinator. Chelsi is responsible for developing digital and social media content for the association’s digital platforms, as well as assisting with the planning and administration of events, major projects, initiatives, and trade missions.
After starting her career in finance, working as an Associate for RBC Dominion Securities, Chelsi got into event coordinating while volunteering with the Canadian Film Institute, where she had the opportunity to work on major events like the Ottawa International Film Festival. After moving back home to Nova Scotia, Chelsi honed her event and social media management skills as a freelancer before joining Marine Renewables Canada.
Chelsi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a minor in Business Administration from Memorial University and a diploma in Fashion Innovation from Toronto Metropolitan University.
Halifax, Nova Scotia | chelsi@marinerenewables.ca
Sara Smysniuk
Finance Manager
Sara has worked with MRC since 2012 providing accounting services through her bookkeeping business. She became the MRC Finance Manager in 2025 and is responsible for managing, controlling, planning and organizing the processes in both the finance and accounting areas of the association.
Sara began her career in the energy industry in 1998 when she joined Facility Innovations Ltd working on the Sable Offshore Energy Project. She then moved to OTANS (The Maritimes Energy Association) in 2000 and worked as the Finance Manager for 13 years. Sara left OTANS in 2012 to start her own Bookkeeping business and continues to provide services to her clients.
Sara is from Nova Scotia and graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with her Bachelor of Office Administration in 1990 and completed her Certificate in Financial Manager at Saint Mary’s University in 2004.
Halifax, Nova Scotia | accounts@marinerenewables.ca
Elise Malicki
Events & Member Services Officer
As the Events and Member Services Officer for Marine Renewables Canada, Elise is responsible for the organization and administration of member projects, initiatives, trade missions, and conferences. She also manages membership communications to maintain strong relationships and provide continuous programming improvement.
Elise’s background in event planning and communications stem from previous co-op employment in related fields. She has held roles as a Communications Assistant at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and as a Marketing Assistant with BoyneClarke Lawyers LLP. Her interest in the renewable energy sector began during her final co-op placement with Waterford Energy Services Inc., where she worked as a Strategic Planner and Marketing Assistant. This experience introduced her to the energy industry and led her to her current role with Marine Renewables Canada.
Elise holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in International Business, a minor in Law, Justice & Society, and a certificate in Management Accounting from Dalhousie University.
Halifax, Nova Scotia | elise@marinerenewables.ca
Claire Kleinknecht
Research & Engagement Officer
Claire joined Marine Renewables Canada in 2025 as the Research & Engagement Officer. Claire is responsible for supporting policy research and analysis, staying informed on the latest environmental, technical, and socio-economic developments in the sector, and leading engagement and education initiatives that communicate this information to members and the public.
Claire began her career working in Marine Spatial Planning and Conservation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada in 2023, finding her research niche in the emerging marine renewable energy sector. In this role she worked to assess the environmental risks of offshore wind, developed decision-support tools to address knowledge gaps and improve information sharing, and collaborated directly with key Rights holders and stakeholders across the Maritimes on offshore wind and marine conservation initiatives to identify shared paths forward. This experience has guided her focus towards the sustainable development of marine renewable energy and the work of Marine Renewables Canada.
Claire holds a Bachelor of Science (Honors) from Mount Allison University, and a Master of Marine Management from Dalhousie University.
Halifax, Nova Scotia | claire@marinerenewables.ca