Leadership Team

Mr. Keith Peterson is a former cabinet minister in the Government of Nunavut and a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing Cambridge Bay. He was responsible for the portfolios of Finance, Justice, and Health and also served as the Minister responsible for QEC. Mr. Peterson was the Mayor of Cambridge Bay for two-terms, and has held various positions with other public and private sector boards. He has considerable experience in leading government departments, territorial corporations, board governance and community relations. His home is in Cambridge Bay.

Andrew Nakashuk has been an active member of committees, organizations and boards for many years within Pangnirtung, the Baffin region, and across Nunavut. He is currently chairperson on the Nunavut Planning Commission, facilitating community consultations and planning meetings. Mr. Nakashuk has extensive experience with the land serving as conservation and fishery officer, bear monitor, and interpretive guide. He has completed training in response to environmental emergencies, search and rescue management training, and various courses through the RCMP. Mr. Nakashuk resides in Pangnirtung.

Martha Lenio brings insight into the global renewable energy economy to QEC’s Board of Directors. As a renewable energy specialist with the World Wildlife Fund Canada, Dr. Lenio’s knowledge of renewable energy technologies and power solutions incorporates the arctic environment in which QEC serves. Her ten years of extensive international experience with solar power applications is complemented by her Doctor of Philosophy in Photovoltaic Engineering from the University of New South Wales, and a Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of Waterloo. Dr. Lenio lives in Iqaluit.

Clarence Synard has spent over 26 years working in the north. He is currently the President & CEO of NCC Investment Group. In his multiple roles with NCC over the years, he has actively fostered strong relationships throughout the territory and focused on the health and safety of colleagues and employees. An active member of the community, Mr. Synard is the Vice-chair of Iqaluit’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity, President of the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Vice President of the Board for Skills Nunavut. He received his Red Seal Journey Certificate (Carpentry) from College of the North Atlantic. Mr. Synard resides in Iqaluit.

Nayab Khan is currently the Chief Financial Officer for Nunavut Arctic College. She has worked in numerous financial roles throughout her career, most recently with Nunavut Housing Corporation where she was a District Comptroller. Ms. Khan is a certified Management Accountant and has a specialization in forensic accounting. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematic and Economics from the University of Peshawar, and has a Masters of Public Administration from Flinders University. Ms. Khan resides in Iqaluit.

Johnny Mike is a former MLA for Pangnirtung and has over 30 years of experience in business, government, and management roles throughout the territory. Mr. Mike was heavily involved in the Inuit land selection negotiations for South Baffin communities during Nunavut’s land claim agreement process. As a former employee of the Northern Canada Power Commission, a previous board member of QEC, and most recently the Minister responsible for QEC, Mr. Mike has a strong understanding QEC’s operations and governance. He is currently a board member for Pangnirtung’s Hunters and Trappers Organization. Mr. Mike resides in Pangnirtung.

Maya Jelali is an experienced operation and project manager, PMP® Certified, and has an extensive experience in program development and evaluation, policy, strategic human resources management, and project management. Ms. Jelali has been a resident of Iqaluit for eight years. She has worked for the Federal Government, Qikiqtaaluk Corporation and is now with the Government of Nunavut as a Specialist in Labour Market Programs.

She brings her extensive educational credentials, possessing a Master’s degree in Social Science as well as a Master’s in Public Policy and Program Administration, from the University of Ottawa and the University of Carleton. She is also a director with the Habitat for Humanity Iqaluit board and is passionate about training and development, having successfully designed various training initiatives targeting Inuit skills development.

Keith Cruz is a lawyer at Nunavut Legal Aid with experience in employment law, housing issues, human rights, administrative tribunal disputes, and commercial law matters. He brings prudent knowledge to QEC’s board on workplace policies and legal risk management. He volunteers with the Law Society of Nunavut as an Executive Team member and delivers public legal education workshops in communities throughout Nunavut. He has completed the GN-sponsored certification programs in Senior Leadership (Hivuliktikhanut Program) and Advanced Policy training. Mr. Cruz resides in Iqaluit since 2019 and is an avid gardener.

Ms. Jeannie Hakangak Ehaloak has acquired an in-depth understanding and appreciation for government policies and procedures during her role as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, which includes being appointed as the Minister of Justice, Human Rights, Labor, Democratic Institutions, Status of Women, QEC, Environment and Community and Government Services. Knowing and understanding the challenges for her experience as Minister for QEC, Ms. Ehaloak has a strong understanding of the corporations’ board policies and procedures. She also understands the importance of fiscal accountability and ensuring the delivery of electricity across the territory. As a Beneficiary of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, Ms. Ehaloak strives to ensure that all activities undertaken in Nunavut integrate Inuit societal values, promote use of the Inuktut languages, and are representative of the population.

Mr. Alex Cook is a Beneficiary of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and resides in Baker Lake. He is an alumnus of St. Francis Xavier University, where he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration majoring in Leadership and Management. Mr. Cook began his career at Qulliq Energy Corporation as a summer student, remaining with the corporation in the Department of Human Resources until 2021. Mr. Cook also serves on the Indigenous Council and Governing Board for Wah-Ila-Toos, a federal entity overseeing over $400M in federal funding allocated for indigenous clean energy projects nationwide, serves as a member of the advisory board of the Clean Energy social enterprise, and is an Energy Champion for Baker Lake, a position appointed through the federal government’s Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative. Mr. Cook is excited to serve on the QEC Board of Directors where he hopes to leverage his knowledge, skills, and experience to assist in guiding the strategic direction of the Corporation.