Conner Polkky
Engineering Intern
What are you hoping to learn from an internship with GSI, and what have you learned so far?
Coming into this internship, I wanted to understand how a professional office environment works, especially across different departments. I wasn’t as focused on the industry itself at first, but I was excited to put myself out there and see how the corporate world functions. Since starting at GSI, I’ve learned a lot about solar energy, from production and manufacturing to the financial aspects of solar photovoltaic power plants. On a personal level, this experience, being in a whole new country, has really pushed me out of my comfort zone, made me more adaptable, and helped me become more confident when talking to new people.
How does this internship align with your future career goals?
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how this internship fits with my future. I’ve always enjoyed electrical engineering because there’s so much I don’t know, and I love learning more. Renewable energy is a great field to be in because it’s always evolving and will always be relevant. I also have a strong interest in the space industry, and I’ve been thinking about how solar energy could play a role in space, like powering spacecraft or satellites. The idea of combining solar and space is super exciting to me.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
I was actually born on a farm. Not in a barn, but just a couple hundred feet away in a farmhouse. A family friend who worked as a traveling nurse helped with the delivery, which makes for a pretty unique birth story.
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
- Tv Show: The Office (US)
- Book: “Eat Like a Fish” by Bren Smith
- Musician/Band: Arctic Monkeys
- Restaurant (City): Sky Sushi in Houghton, MI
- Food: Chicken Alfredo
- Sports Team: Green Bay Packers
- City: Tokyo, Japan
Emily Theodosopoulos
Strategic Capital and Asset Management Intern
What are you hoping to learn from an internship with GSI, and what have you learned so far?
I came into this internship hoping to better understand how businesses work, since that wasn’t something I’d been exposed to before. So far, I’ve learned a a great deal. I’ve been able to sit in on meetings and get an inside look at how the company operates across different departments. It’s been really cool to see how teams like asset management, strategic finance, and development all work together. I especially enjoyed learning about asset management; it’s something I’d love to keep exploring.
How does this internship align with your future career goals?
I’ve always known that I wanted to go into a career related to finance, so this internship has been the perfect opportunity for me. I’ve been working closely with the strategic finance and asset management teams and gaining hands-on experience every day. Since I’m the only intern on the team, I’ve had a chance to really immerse myself in the work. I’ve learned way more than I expected and I’m confident this is setting me up for success in whatever I do next, ideally something similar to what I’m doing now.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
I have an Australian Labradoodle named Charlie who we got during COVID. He’s five years old now and absolutely adorable. Definitely one of the best parts of my life.
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: The Parent Trap
- TV Show: Gilmore Girls (I’ve seen it at least 20 times!)
- Book: “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
- Musician/Band: Taylor Swift
- Restaurant (City): Momoya in New York City (Chelsea)
- Food: Pizza
- Sports Team: New York Yankees
- City: New York City (I live and go to school here, so I’m a little biased)
Jared VandenBerg
Corporate Affairs Intern
What are you hoping to learn from an internship with GSI, and what have you learned so far?
In my internship with GSI, my main goal is to determine what I want to do as a career. As a university student, I am still quite unfamiliar with how ‘real world’ jobs function and their roles and responsibilities. So far in my position, I’ve learned a lot about how the corporate world works and the place I may have in it. I have also developed a lot of simple skills I may use in the future, everything from advanced photoshop techniques to printing address labels.
How does this internship align with your future career goals?
As an economics student, it may not be immediately clear how my position relates to my career goals. However, I believe there are many ways in which it aligns. First, I have always had an interest in studying environmental economics specifically, so having experience working in this sector is extremely important. I’m also very interested in graphic design, and based on my work here, I feel that I would really enjoy a marketing role in the future.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
One thing I think is interesting is that my very first memory was of a Paul McCartney concert. Specifically, I can remember singing the outro section of Hey Jude on the plains of Abraham in 2008. It took me until recently to learn that that memory was from a few weeks before I turned 3 years old.
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: The Shawshank Redemption
- Tv Show: Malcolm in the Middle
- Book: Freakonomics Steven D. Levitt
- Musician/Band: The Beatles
- Restaurant (City): Giordano’s Pizza (Chicago)
- Food: Shawarma
- Sports Team: The Green Bay Packers
- City: Vienna, Austria
Tala Anouti
Development Intern
What are you hoping to learn from an internship with GSI, and what have you learned so far?
Because my major is in electrical engineering and I have a minor in sustainability, this internship has been a whole new experience for me, and one that aligns well with both fields of study. I’ve learned a lot about renewable energy, from how bill statuses work to how laws vary by location. I didn’t know much about this field going in, so I’ve had to look up and research a lot along the way, and I’ve found myself genuinely excited to keep learning. There are always new updates, new legislation, and something fresh to dive into each day. I’m open to learning everything I can. I would also like to explore different divisions within GSI to better understand how projects are built from the ground up, starting with early-stage research and policy analysis and continuing through implementation and impact assessment, because that full project lifecycle ties directly into both my sustainability background and my engineering mindset.
How does this internship align with your future career goals?
This internship directly supports my goal of building a career in clean energy, particularly in areas like storage and hybrid project development. It helped me see how all the pieces of the energy ecosystem, policy, markets, utilities, and technology interconnect to move projects from concept to reality. Understanding this big picture is essential to the kind of work I want to pursue. Being named to the Dean’s List seven times reflects my commitment to learning and excellence, and I’m excited to apply that same drive to the evolving world of clean energy, where there’s always something new to explore. I can honestly see myself staying in this field long-term as I am happy here.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
I love playing chess. Not competitively, just for fun. I got into it during the pandemic, and now I use it as a way to unwind or challenge myself during breaks. I spend a lot of time on Chess.com doing puzzles and quick 5-minute games.
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: Now You See Me (the first one is the best!)
- TV Show: Bob’s Burgers
- Book: “Pet Sematary” by Stephen King
- Musician/Band: Kendrick Lamar
- Restaurant (City): Maggiano’s in Richmond, VA
- Food: Pizza
- Sports Team: FC Barcelona (been a fan since I was five!)
- City: Tokyo, Japan
Annika Shiffer-Delegard
Project Development Associate
Give us a brief overview of your role.
As a Project Development Associate at GSI, I support the advancement of our New York and Pennsylvania portfolios. My work mainly involves managing permitting, interconnection, and environmental processes to help get projects shovel ready. No two days look the same, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the role; the constant variety keeps the work dynamic and engaging!
What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?
One of my most memorable experiences was when my colleague Drew and I traveled to the Finger Lakes to finalize project documentation for the Martin and Horning sites. It turned into a whirlwind day of driving between different landowners’ homes, many of whom couldn’t travel themselves, to collect notarized signatures and additional approvals. It felt surreal, almost like a movie, and despite the stress, it was very rewarding to meet with our landowners and play a hands-on role in such an important milestone. We were driving documents back through the night around the holidays – it felt like we were on a rescue mission for solar projects!
What led you to a career in project development and what have you found rewarding from working in the renewables sector?
I’ve always known I wanted to work in sustainability as that’s what I studied in college, but I wasn’t entirely sure what that path would look like. My first role out of school was at another development company working on interconnection. From there, I gradually got more involved in permitting, environmental diligence, and project sale prep, and I quickly realized how much I loved the development process. It’s a field that blends technical knowledge with communication and problem-solving, and it’s been incredibly fulfilling to work in an industry that actively contributes to building a more sustainable future.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
In addition to taking environmental studies, I was also an English major in college. I’ve always had a passion for reading and writing, and I even did a lot of creative writing during university. While I don’t use those skills directly every day, I find that they’re still very applicable, especially when it comes to communication and storytelling in project work.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Living in New York City, I love taking advantage of all the arts and culture the city has to offer. I try to attend theatrical performances and concerts a few times each month. I’m especially drawn to indie music and smaller shows; there’s always something new to explore, and it’s one of the ways I recharge outside of work.
What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?
I’ve been wanting to travel to Japan for quite some time, and I’m actually planning a trip for next year. It’s been at the top of my list, and I’m really excited about the opportunity to explore the culture, food, and natural beauty of the country.
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: Rear Window
- TV Show: Parks and Recreation
- Book: The Secret History by Donna Tartt
- Musician/Band: Lana Del Rey
- Restaurant (City): Dishoom (London, UK)
- Food: Waffles
- Sports Team: New York Liberty
- City: Paris, France
Kim McLoughlin
Paralegal
Give us a brief overview of your role.
As a Paralegal at GSI, I support the legal team across a range of activities, ensuring that everything runs smoothly in whatever way I can. My role serves as a key communication bridge between internal teams and external partners. Every day presents something new and I really enjoy the variety and problem-solving aspects that come with supporting a collaborative and fast-paced environment.
What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?
One of the most memorable aspects of working at GSI is the company’s culture of mutual respect and thoughtfulness. What stands out to me is how seamlessly all departments interact and contribute toward shared goals. A specific highlight has been witnessing GSI’s commitment to forming meaningful partnerships with various landowners for projects. Being part of efforts to preserve land while advancing renewable energy initiatives has been incredibly rewarding and speaks to the values that first drew me to this sector.
What led you to a career as a paralegal and what have you found rewarding from working in the renewables sector?
My journey to becoming a paralegal wasn’t direct. From early on, I knew I wanted to work in the legal field in some capacity while at the same time helping to preserve our natural environment. In fact, I designed my own major because there were no formal programs available to me at the time. After earning my degree, and my paralegal certificate, I worked in various paralegal roles tied to mergers and acquisitions, real estate, and as an in house corporate paralegal. That combination of legal structure and my sustainability focus eventually led me to GSI. What’s most rewarding now is being able to contribute to a company that’s actively shaping a cleaner and more sustainable future, something I’ve been passionate about for years.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
One fun fact that surprises people: I’m a proud mom of three! Balancing work and family keeps life dynamic and fulfilling.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I love being outdoors whenever possible. Whether it’s a beach day or a long hike, I try to get outside with my family regularly. It’s a way for us to unplug and really be present together; no screens, just fresh air and connection. Nature has always been important to me, and it’s also how I find balance after a busy week.
What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?
One dream I have is to take a fully off-grid trip, ideally somewhere remote like the Alaskan wilderness or a national park. There’s something incredibly freeing about disconnecting from technology and immersing yourself in nature. It’s an experience I’d love to share with my family and one I think we’d all remember forever.
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: Star Wars (Past & Present)
- Book: I’ll be Gone in the Dark by: Michelle McNamara
- Musician/Band: John Williams
- Food: Beets, Beet Soup – Any temperature!
Ahmar Zaman
Chief Financial Officer
Give us a brief overview of your role.
As CFO of GSI, I oversee several core functions related to the company’s financial health and overall operations. This includes leading our finance, accounting, and strategic capital teams, as well as supporting HR initiatives. My role involves ensuring that our financial records are accurate, that we have the funding needed to support our strategic goals, and that we’re able to clearly report on our financial performance. I also work closely with our partners at Libra and with our Executive Team to support budgeting, planning, and broader company objectives throughout the year.
What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?
The most memorable moment I’ve had at GSI was the executive offsite retreat at Blue Mountain this past January. It was a valuable opportunity for the management and executive teams to come together, align on our goals for the year, and have thoughtful conversations around the company’s direction and areas for improvement. It was also a great chance to connect with colleagues in a more personal setting.
What led you to a career in Project development and coordination, and what have you found rewarding from working in the renewables sector?
I’ve always enjoyed working with numbers and had a strong interest in business, which naturally led me to a career in finance. What drew me in even more was the forward-looking nature of the field—while accounting tends to focus on the past and ensuring accuracy in historical data, finance is all about forecasting and planning for the future. I find it incredibly rewarding to think strategically about where a business is headed and what’s needed to get there.
I began my career in banking and spent about a decade on Wall Street. I entered the renewable energy sector in 2006, just as the industry was beginning to gain momentum in North America. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to grow alongside the industry—visiting the factories of many publicly listed module manufacturers, working with developers across the U.S. and internationally, and helping raise capital for solar projects in different parts of the world.
It’s been a fulfilling journey, and after nearly 20 years, I still find the work exciting. Being part of a sector that’s making a tangible impact on the future is incredibly rewarding.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
One interesting fact that many of my colleagues might not know is that I grew up in Nigeria. I was born in Pakistan, and arrived there in 1978 and spent the next 10 years of my life immersed in the culture before moving to the U.S. in 1988. It was a formative experience that shaped much of who I am today.
When I first arrived in the States at age 16, I had a strong Nigerian accent and could speak the local language, Hausa—which is commonly spoken in the northern region where I lived. Nigeria is incredibly diverse, with 95 different languages representing 95 distinct tribes across the country. While I’ve since lost most of the language, the experience of growing up in such a vibrant and multicultural environment left a lasting impression on me.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my family. I have two sons—one is 13 and the other is 18—so they definitely keep us busy. My older son is preparing to head off to college this fall, and my younger one is about to start high school, which makes this an exciting time for our family.
We enjoy spending time together playing basketball, going for walks around the city, and catching a good film. My older son is really into art cinema, so we’ll often go see screenings—especially films by Wong Kar-Wai, a renowned Hong Kong director whose work from the ’80s and ’90s we both admire.
Beyond that, I love to travel, try new restaurants, and cook at home . Exploring new places and cuisines is something we really enjoy together.
What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?
One thing I’d really like to cross off my bucket list is getting my racing license. It’s something I’ve been interested in for a while. In the US, if you want to participate in club-level racing events or take certain cars out on a track, you need to be certified. I’d love the opportunity to take something like a Porsche Cayman or a 911 Carrera out on a proper track and really open it up.
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: Top Gun (1986)
- Book: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
- Musician/Band: Guns N’ Roses
- Restaurant (City): Locanda Verde (New York City)
- Food: Cajun food, Pakistani cuisine, and Hakka (Chinese/Indian)
- Sports Team: New York Knicks
- City: Hong Kong
Neel Mathur
Investment Analyst
Give us a brief overview of your role.
I support the development and adjustment of financial models across all GSI portfolios in both Canada and the U.S. I also help prepare materials for approaching lenders or prospective project buyers. At its core, my focus is on the numbers—ensuring we have a clear understanding of the potential financial returns and expected outcomes that drive key business decisions.
What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?
During my time at GSI, the most memorable moment was the visit from Libra’s Executive Chairman, George Logothetis. Hearing him articulate Libra’s vision for GSI and how our work fits into the broader strategy was both informative and inspiring. It reinforced the impact of what we do and provided a meaningful perspective on the company’s long-term goals.
What led you to a career in Project development and coordination, and what have you found rewarding from working in the renewables sector?
I was drawn to a career in finance largely because of my early exposure to the field. My father was an investment banker, and growing up, I was fascinated by the way he viewed the world through the lens of finance. He would explain how market events influenced investment opportunities, which sparked my interest in understanding financial systems. I also enjoyed working with numbers and data, which naturally led me to financial modeling. Over time, I found that finance is not just about numbers—it’s about translating financial insights into stories, which deepened my appreciation for the field.
As for the renewable energy sector, my interest developed through hands-on experience in clean tech and renewable energy during past internships. What I find most rewarding is the rapid innovation in the space—new technologies, evolving regulations, and emerging opportunities constantly reshape the industry. The dynamic nature of renewables means there’s always something new to learn, whether it’s a breakthrough in solar efficiency or a shift in policy that drives investment. Knowing that my work contributes to a more sustainable future makes it even more fulfilling.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
One interesting fact about me is that I used to cater food for family and friends’ events. I’ve always enjoyed cooking, and while these days it mostly translates into meal prepping, I still love making Thai dishes like fried rice and curries. I also have a passion for French cuisine and enjoy preparing traditional stews, steak, and even duck—though that’s usually just for myself.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Outside of work, I stay busy with a variety of hobbies. I play the drums and have been involved in a music club at the University of Waterloo. I also produce music, spending time recording, mixing, and mastering tracks for friends, with a focus on funk, jazz, rock, and pop. Beyond music, I enjoy rock climbing and traveling—I’ve been to every continent except Australia. Exploring new places and staying active are things I’m really passionate about.
What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?
Skydiving is definitely at the top of my list. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time but haven’t gotten around to doing yet. I’ve heard that once you’re in the air, it’s surprisingly peaceful, so I’d love to experience that firsthand.
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: Pulp Fiction
- Book: Lord of the Rings
- Musician: Stevie Wonder
- Restaurant (City): Dusit (Edinburgh)
- Food: Pizza
- Sports Team: Toronto Raptors
- City: Tokyo, Japan
Drew Rogerson
Senior Project Developer
Give us a brief overview of your role.
I am the Senior Project Developer in New York, leading our NY solar development efforts. We have quite an extensive pipeline and I deal mainly with moving projects forward to NTP, through working with landowners, liaising with local governments to acquire permits, and everything in between.
What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?
My most memorable moment has been visiting our under-construction Martin & Horning sites in Penn Yan, NY. I was able to meet the landowners who are great people to work with and it was awesome to see how much progress our engineering & construction teams have made so quickly.
What led you to a career in Project development and coordination, and what have you found rewarding from working in the renewables sector?
I’ve aways been passionate about the environment and conservation of nature since I was a kid. It started by me spending time around and being interested in the ocean. It always frustrated me when I’d see trash at the beach, which drove me to want to make an impact and developed my interest in finding a career in the environmental space. Before I began working, I studied Energy Business and Finance at Penn State. After school, I dove right into the energy industry, doing solar engineering and consulting, as well as solar + wind project development before joining the GSI team in 2024.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
I’ve been a competitive water polo player for most of my life. I played since I was 12 years old, won a state championship in high school and continued for all 4 years at Penn State, which I was the team captain for 2.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I really enjoy doing CrossFit, and I’m also a big surfer and snowboarder. It can be tough to surf in the city, but when the waves are good, I’ll pack up my surfboard and wetsuit and get on the train to the beaches in Queens or Long Beach. I also usually try to do a couple of snowboard trips per year. This year I plan on going to Jackson Hole and Utah. On the days I’m just sticking around the city, I love spending time with my dog, Koda.
What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?
I’d Love to learn how to properly sail a boat. I took sailing lessons as a kid, but I think it would be amazing to take a sailing trip in the future.
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: 2001: A Space Odyssey
- Book: Dune by Frank Herbert
- Musician: Led Zeppelin
- Restaurant (City): The Four Horsemen (Brooklyn)
- Food: Philly Cheesesteak
- Sports Team:NY Giants
- City: Ericeira, Portugal
Kyra Windrim
Project Coordinator
Give us a brief overview of your role.
I support the development team’s Western Canadian initiatives, with specific emphasis on Saskatchewan. A large portion of my role is currently focused on our 100 MW Iyuhána Solar Project located in the RM of Estevan, Saskatchewan. My role involves regulatory permitting, community and stakeholder engagement and all things project management.
What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?
My most memorable moment with GSI were in my first few weeks of joining GSI. Members of GSI’s Iyuhána team made the journey to Estevan for a productive and enjoyable business trip, including the first Community Open House for the Project, touring the future project site with the RM of Estevan Reeve and attending Ocean Man First Nation’s 2024 Pow wow. It was great to get to know my colleagues outside of the typical work environment.
What led you to a career in Project development and coordination, and what have you found rewarding from working in the renewables sector?
Right from high school I knew I wanted to pursue a career that made a difference, and I also had a passion for the environmental field, which led me to complete my degree in Environmental Sciences. After graduating from the University of Saskatchewan and doing some travelling, I started my career as a Project Coordinator in environmental consulting, and I quickly learned that I enjoyed the project management side. Though I was interested in the renewables industry, there were very few opportunities in Saskatchewan in this field. When the opportunity came to join GSI, I focused on catching my renewable industry knowledge up to speed and with the help of the incredible team at GSI. Although there is plenty to learn yet, I feel like I’ve made great strides in my renewable energy knowledge since joining the team.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
I visited 8 countries and 3 continents in 2024:
- Thailand
- Laos
- Vietnam
- Japan
- Italy
- Portugal
- Ireland
- United States
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I spend a lot of time being active – I am a personal trainer on the side, so whether it’s myself or my clients, indoors or outdoors, I spend a lot of time in the wellness industry. I also travelling, adventuring, spending time in the mountains and hiking. Lastly, I love spending time with my little puppy, Poppy!
What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?
I would love to see the 7 wonders of the world. I’ve been to the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, but it’s my goal to see the remainder:
- Taj Mahal (Agra, India)
- Christ the Redeemer (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
- Machu Picchu (Cuzco Region, Peru)
- Petra (Ma’an, Jordan)
- Chichén Itzá (Yucatán, Mexico)
- Great Wall of China (China)
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: Interstellar
- Musician: Taylor Swift
- Restaurant (City): Osteria da Fortuna (Rome)
- Food: Pizza
- Sports Team: Edmonton Oilers
- City: Amalfi, Italy
Devin Petteplace
Senior Manager of Corporate Services
Give us a brief overview of your role.
My role is the lead of GSI’s Corporate Affairs department, which involves managing several areas related to the operation of the organization. The core functions of my role include providing management and oversight for GSI’s internal IT requirements, managing and providing leadership with respect to Corporate Communications and Marketing, including GSI’s social media presence, and managing internal administration, which includes office management and day-to-day and executive administrative operations.
What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?
My most memorable moment with GSI was attending the 2024 Concordia Annual Summit in New York City. Our parent company, Libra Group, organizes and hosts this conference annually, which brings together heads of state, government officials, and leaders from various key industries to find solutions that address the biggest challenges of our time. This was an amazing opportunity to meet with colleagues from within the Libra ecosystem as well as the chance to attend keynote addresses and seminars hosted by industry leaders from around the globe.
What led you to pursue a career in corporate services management, and more specifically in the renewable energy sector?
I started my career in Provincial government in Ontario, working in the office of a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP). These roles require you to become a generalist, juggling a variety of responsibilities and tasks to ensure the member’s office is adequately represented. One of the focuses that I found appealing was communications work, which aligned well with my appreciation for creative writing. Later, when I joined this organization nearly seven years ago, I took on IT responsibilities as well, again learning on the job with the help of a great mentor from our external IT team.
As for what led me to renewable energy, my interest began during my government days when I worked on files related to the government’s ambitious renewable energy policy. That gave me an understanding of the dynamics within the sector and when the opportunity to join a renewables company came to me several years ago, it felt like a natural transition from the public sector to the private sector, allowing me to combine my experience with a field I’m passionate about.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
I’ve watched a game at 20 Major League Baseball stadiums (and counting) including 3 that no longer exist. My goal is to watch a game in every team’s park at some point.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I like to stay active as much as possible, playing softball in the summer and lifting weights year-round. I’m also a big fan of entertainment, whether it be music, movies, or sporting events, both on TV and in person. I love watching Jays games in the summer and NFL football during the winter. I also do a lot of reading, both books and online.
What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?
For years, I’ve had a goal of driving down the coast of California from San Francisco to San Diego and catching an MLB game at each Major League Baseball stadium in California while enjoying the views of the Pacific Ocean during the drive.
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: The Shawshank Redemption
- Book: Not Fade Away: A Short Life Well Lived by Laurence Shames and Peter Barton
- Musician: Stone Temple Pilots
- Restaurant (City): Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (Rochester)
- Food: Burger
- Sports Team: New England Patriots and Toronto Blue Jays
- City: Chicago, IL
John Clark
Vice President of Finance
Give us a brief overview of your role.
My position is Vice President of Finance. I joined GSI over 5 years ago in 2019. I am responsible for reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and other accounting functions for the GSI accounting and finance team.
What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?
The acquisition of Saturn Power in 2023 was a key initiative to propel GSI forward in the development, construction and operation of solar energy projects and I was excited to be a part of it and the continued growth and success of the company.
What led you to pursue a career in strategic finance, and more specifically in the renewable energy sector?
I pursued accounting and finance in college as it was a path to a focused career with opportunities to work in fast-paced, growth-oriented companies. I spent many years in leading companies in the technology industry and was excited to begin a career with GSI in the renewable energy sector which is growing rapidly and making a positive impact on our environment and planet.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
I was a military brat who was born in the Greater London area of England and included living in the Panama Canal Zone which helped shape my curiosities.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I spend my time with my wife and three sons which includes going to their baseball, football and track events. We as a family also go to minor and major league baseball games locally and in different cities when traveling. We also spend as much time as possible at the beaches near us or on vacation.
What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?
I would like to visit Ireland with my wife and kids. I visited as a baby but that hardly counts.
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark
- Book: Without Remorse by Tom Clancy
- Musician: Bob Marley
- Restaurant (City): Lombardi’s (New York City)
- Food: Pizza
- Sports Team: New York Yankees and New York Giants
- City: Rome, Italy
Tyson Zehr
Director of Project Finance
Give us a brief overview of your role.
I lead GSI’s strategic capital team, focusing on financial assessments of acquisition opportunities, developing complex models for bids and investments, and raising capital by securing equity and debt financing. I joined Saturn in 2017 as an intern while attending the Ivey School of Business and signed on full-time after graduation.
What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?
My most memorable moment was when we won the Iyuhána PPA. That moment was the culmination of years of hard work and relationship-building by the team, while also signaling great things to come as we moved forward together as one unified team under GSI following the Saturn acquisition. Being selected as the preferred proponent was a major achievement and a testament to our collective efforts both pre and post-acquisition.
What led you to pursue a career in strategic finance, and more specifically in the renewable energy sector?
In university, I had a professor who encouraged us to ‘find a wave and ride it,’ meaning we should identify an emerging industry and grow with it to become experts. Having previously worked in rooftop solar construction; I was already familiar with the solar industry. I realized that battery storage could be the key to solving the challenges of fluctuating solar energy production. So, when battery energy storage started to gain traction, it really caught my interest. At the time, Saturn was just starting to investigate batteries and their numerous use cases, and when the opportunity came to join the Energy Storage team, I jumped on it.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
I spent a summer in Italy and Greece studying… English.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I spend most of my free time playing sports and travelling. I play fastpitch, hockey and volleyball. My goal is to travel to Europe once a year. My last trip was to Italy, and next on my list is Switzerland.
What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?
I would love to do a batting practice session in an MLB stadium.
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: Moneyball
- Musician: AC/DC
- Restaurant (City): Tonnarello (Rome)
- Food: Carbonara
- Sports Team: Toronto Maple Leafs
- City: Florence, Italy