Our team of experts

Yuho Okada, MBA, is the President of Barkley Project Group. In addition to engaging in his current executive management role, Yuho has over 10 years of hands-on experience in project management, including project development, financing, strategic planning, economic analysis, and business planning for numerous clean energy projects in BC and Yukon. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation from the University of British Columbia and a Master’s in Business Administration from Royal Roads University. He serves as a chair of the Board of Directors for a clean energy industry association, Clean Energy BC.

Ben Whyte, P. Eng., PMP, is the Hydro Team Lead and Principal with more than 15 years of experience in heavy civil and industrial construction. Ben has successfully led and delivered multiple clean energy projects in remote locations throughout British Columbia as a Project Manager with Barkley Project Group. Prior to joining Barkley Project Group, Ben was responsible for site engineering as the Owner’s Representative overseeing the spillway program for BC Hydro’s Ruskin Dam and Powerhouse Upgrade project. Ben’s project experience also includes site project engineering and construction coordination of EPC contracts for solar power, nuclear power, and natural gas projects across Canada. Ben holds a degree in Civil Engineering and Management from McMaster University.

Dan Valliquette is the Operations Manager and Team Lead providing technical and management services in power plant operations, systems management, inspection and maintenance, and plant operator training and supervision. Dan is also experienced in hydrometric data collection, electrical energy load monitoring, project planning, design, and construction. Dan is a certified Red Seal Electrician with over 10 years of experience in commercial and residential installations. He is experienced in the installation of grid-tied and off-grid renewable energy systems, including Micro-hydro, PV, wind, and battery.

Andrew Leduc is the Senior Operations Technician supporting hydro plant operators in maintaining and building remote sites.
Andrew is an FSR B certified electrician with over 10 years of experience working all over Western Canada. Over the past 3+ years, he has specialized in Solar PV and Battery systems. His passion for implementing innovative renewable energy projects in remote communities underscores his commitment to harmonizing sustainable energy solutions with the environment.

Mary Vasey (she/her), B.Sc., M. Eng., PMP, CEM, is a Project Manager and the Development Team Lead providing specialized services in community energy planning and the development of renewable energy systems in grid-connected and off-grid communities. Mary holds a Master of Engineering in Clean Energy from the University of British Columbia. She collaborates with several remote and urban First Nation communities to develop projects that align with community priorities and objectives. Her diverse experience in renewable energy technologies includes solar, wind, wave, energy storage, and hydropower development.

Brie Haley (she/her), M.Eng., P.Eng., has her MEng in Clean Energy. She has over 10 years of experience in the renewable energy and climate change sectors, combined with international experience and personal development, which has enabled her to take an authentic approach to providing advisory services. Known for her positive energy, dedicated work ethic, and innate ability to build and maintain meaningful and trusting connections with others. “The feedback I hear most often from clients is how well I listen. I have a proven track record of securing capital, building inclusive teams, and moving clean energy projects from planning through to implementation – while leading with integrity and heart. I am committed to serving for the greater good of all living beings and our planet – let’s connect to make the world a better place!” Brie is one of BPG Responsible Registrants for our Permit to Practice and registered to practice engineering in BC with EGBC, and NWT and Nunavut with NAPEG.

Erin Quon (she/her), P.Eng., is a project manager on the Development team with over 10 years of experience across infrastructure, renewable energy, and clean technology sectors. Bringing varied technical and managerial skills to the team, her project experience includes geotechnical investigations and engineering design, construction monitoring, solar and marine energy development, wind farm optimization, data management, emissions management, and several business growth initiatives. Erin holds a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Queen’s University and volunteers with various climate and social action organizations. Passion for Earth’s natural environment and enthusiasm for people creating positive change drives her personal and professional life.

Anthony Truelove, MASc, P.Eng., is an Energy Modelling Engineer with Barkley Project Group. Prior to joining Barkley, Anthony worked for over five years as a graduate-level research engineer at the University of Victoria, with a focus on marine renewable energy systems, battery degradation dynamics, and microgrid modelling. Anthony has published research in Renewable Energy and has also contributed to the open-source community via GitHub (github.com/gears1763-2). Prior to his time as a research engineer, Anthony spent 10 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, specifically as a junior Marine Systems Engineering Officer (Royal Canadian Navy). Anthony holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) from the Royal Military College of Canada, a Bachelor of Science (Applied Mathematics) and a University Certificate (Computing and Information Systems) from Athabasca University, and a Master of Applied Science (Mechanical Engineering) from the University of Victoria. Anthony is also a Professional Engineer registered with Engineers and Geoscientists BC.

Nick Balaban B.Ed., B.A., Construction Manager with more than 15 years of experience in construction. Nick has over 10 years of experience working on hydropower development projects, including 8 years as a carpentry foreman. He specializes in working with concrete, including suspended slabs. Nick operated his own construction business for eight years, where he managed sub-contract trades and performed estimating and budgeting work for projects. Nick’s personnel management and communication skills allow him to thrive as the interface between design and construction.

Sam Zeremariam, P.Eng., is a Project Manager on the infrastructure team, skillfully guiding projects in remote communities of northern BC. With an Industrial Systems Engineering Degree from the University of Regina, Sam harnesses the diverse strengths of his team to achieve shared objectives. His passion for reliable energy infrastructure and energy efficiency is matched by his dedication to collaborating with Indigenous communities, ensuring their goals are met. Beyond work, Sam finds fulfillment in travel and language learning, enriching his perspective and creativity and further enhancing his ability to connect with and understand others.

Mitchel Flynn is a Project Manager on the Hydropower Team, where he achieves project success by aligning team members’ unique strengths toward a clear, common goal. He has a Mechanical Engineering Degree from the University of Alberta and has been managing projects from run-of-river hydro to large civil infrastructure since 2010. Mitchel is passionate about promoting sustainability and implementing low-carbon energy solutions and is proud to be working with Indigenous communities on their path to energy independence. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time outside hiking, camping, kayaking and snowboarding.

Arjun Sharma is a Project Coordinator working in the hydropower department. He has over 5 years of project development and construction management experience in the renewable energy industry. Arjun has a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Nepal and a Canadian Graduate Certificate in Energy Management. He worked as a Project Manager on two hydropower projects in Nepal, including engineering the design and construction of transmission lines and switchyards. Arjun is immensely gratified to be part of a team that provides clean energy solutions to indigenous communities, thereby positively impacting both the environment and local communities.

Ben Boudreau, B. Eng., EIT, is a Senior Project Coordinator contributing to the Tu Deh-Kah Geothermal management team. Ben graduated in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec. Before and during his engineering studies, Ben worked as a Hairstylist in Montreal for nearly 10 years. He has since worked primarily in design engineering on projects related to robotics, construction, and aerospace. Prior to working at Barkley, Ben worked as an Aerospace Design Engineer, helping design wildfire-fighting aircraft to combat the effects of climate change all over the world.

Stephen Rayner is a Business Development Advisor. Stephen graduated from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology with a diploma in geomatics engineering technology. He has over 15 years of experience working on a range of infrastructure projects in a multitude of roles, from planning, data collection, and design to inspection and commissioning. Before joining the BPG team, Stephen spent 7 years as the Director of Government Services for a treaty First Nation. In this role, he oversaw the comprehensive community plan, asset management plan, program development, and capacity building. Stephen also oversaw the planning, development, design, construction, commissioning, operation, and replacement of all Nation-owned infrastructure.

Raj Khugsal, BComm, PMP, is a Financial Analyst on Barkley’s Business Services team. He specializes in utility, infrastructure, and clean energy projects and applies his expertise in financial modelling and business analysis to support these sectors. A Commerce graduate and certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Raj is an active Canadian West Coast PMI (CWCPMI)and Vancouver Island PMI Chapter member. He also holds voluntary positions with CWCPMI and Hornby Island’s Non-Profit Trust. Raj is actively engaged in multiple projects, including key initiatives with the Quatsino First Nation and the Tu Deh Kah Geothermal project, where he plays a critical role in overseeing financial management operations. With broad experience in project management, budgeting, and process improvement, his work includes supporting renewable energy projects like biomass fuel. Outside of work, Raj is a passionate long-distance runner and serves as a Director at CEEVACS, the Cowichan Valley’s road runner association.

Tim Matthews, B.Sc., ADGISA, is a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Regulatory Group Lead with over 10 years of experience supporting clean energy development projects from concept to operation. Tim works with team members to advance projects through pre-feasibility and feasibility phases, including the regulatory permitting process required to obtain major project approvals. Tim also supports construction and operation phase projects with GIS services and regulatory support.

Kai Foss, MGIS, ADGIS, BA, is a GIS Analyst and Project Coordinator responsible for developing and supporting Barkley Project Group’s various projects and GIS services. Kai is well-versed in spatial data management, editing, analysis, and the development of web mapping applications. Before working with Barkley Project Group, Kai worked at Nova Scotia’s Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, where she gained experience working with Stakeholders and managing large data sets for use in online web applications. Kai has a master’s degree in GIS from Vancouver Island University.

Sambhavi Kudia (Sam – she/her), B.A., PG. BSc, MGISA, currently works as a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technician. She is skilled in geospatial data management, map creation, spatial analysis, editing, and developing web mapping applications. In 2023, she completed a GIS Master’s internship with Barkley Project Group, where she contributed to the advancement of several clean energy projects. Outside of work, Sam enjoys travelling and discovering new places. She has a passion for singing and has learned classical Indian music.

Diane Walton is Barkley Project Group’s Finance Manager. Diane has over 25 years of experience in corporate accounting and office administration in the renewable energy, forestry, construction, and service sectors. Diane provides financial and administrative services to Barkley Project Group, operational hydropower companies, and development projects.

Lara Kareem is a Human Resource Coordinator who handles end-to-end recruitment, HRIS management, and HR administration at Barkley. Lara holds a bachelor’s in psychology and Women’s studies from the University of Ottawa, as well as a postgraduate diploma in Human Resource Management from Algonquin College. Lara has over 5 years of managing end-to-end recruitment, talent acquisition, HR administration, and labour relations.