Virtual Event
WPAC Conference & AGM 2021 – Day 1
September 20, 2021 at 11:00am ET

Gordon Murray, Executive Director, Wood Pellet Association of Canada
Having been on the ground in sawmill and woodlands operations, as well as the corporate finance aspect of the industry – working in mergers, acquisitions, and project financing, Gordon Murray joined the Wood Pellet Association of Canada in 2009. Today, he works as an ardent advocate on behalf of Canadian producers, traders, ports, terminals, shipping companies, equipment suppliers and all those who want to participate in growing a safe and prosperous wood pellet industry. Gordon Murray has a bachelor of science in forestry. He is a registered professional forester and a chartered professional accountant.

Vaughan Bassett, Senior Vice-President, Pinnacle Renewable Energy Inc.; Part of Drax
Vaughan Bassett is a senior vice-president of Pinnacle Renewable Energy Inc., Part of Drax, based in Vancouver, B.C., where he is responsible for the commercial, logistics and sustainability activities of the company.

Vaughan is a director for the Wood Pellet Association of Canada and is currently serving as president. He is also a director for the London-based Sustainable Biomass Program Ltd (SBP). Vaughan is past chairman of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters association, BC Division. Vaughan has an extensive career in international business, particularly in the forest products industry.

Previously, he spent almost 20 years with Sappi, a global pulp and paper company. As their executive in charge of their world-wide pulp sales, he was stationed in Hong Kong for 10 years before moving to Canada in 2007. He joined Pinnacle in 2011. Vaughan earned his BSc. from the University of Natal and his MBA from the University of the Witwatersrand, both located in South Africa.

Honourable Katrine Conroy
Katrine Conroy was first elected as the MLA for Kootenay West in May 2009 and has represented the West Kootenays since 2005.

Katrine previously served as the Minister of Children and Family Development and worked to make life better for families across the Province.

Katrine had a varied career before becoming an MLA. She was one of B.C.’s first female power engineers and worked as an early childhood educator, administrator, college instructor, and a small business person.

Katrine has worked and volunteered in her community as the executive director of Kootenay Family Place, an instructor at Selkirk College; co-chair of the Castlegar and District Social Planning Council, treasurer of the Regional District of Central Kootenay Community Futures Board and founding board member of the Community Social Services Employers Association.

Katrine lives in Pass Creek on a  ranch breeding prize-winning Polled Hereford cattle. She has four children and nine grandchildren.