30+years in regulatory leadership, BC Energy Regulator
10years on a CSA strategic steering committee, two terms as Vice-Chair
ChairBC Oil and Gas Research and Innovation Society
C.Dir.Chartered Director, The Directors College

About

Richard is a board director and retired public-sector executive. He spent more than 30 years with the BC Energy Regulator, retiring as Vice-President, Environmental and Subsurface Resource Management.

His work sat where regulation, public policy and technical complexity collide. He was technical lead on Canada's first LNG-specific regulatory framework, co-led an eight-year effort to make national energy standards free to the public, and rebuilt a regulatory program that cut decision times by more than half.

He has chaired and served on boards in energy research and innovation, and spent a decade helping steer national standards for Canada's energy systems.

People who work with Richard describe someone who prepares thoroughly, listens first and looks past the symptom to the underlying issue before reaching a conclusion. He builds trust across governments, industry, regulators, First Nations and communities, and uses it to move difficult work forward.

  • Governance and strategic oversight
  • Risk and regulatory oversight
  • Public policy and standards
  • Energy and technical expertise
  • Stakeholder and intergovernmental relations
  • Organizational change
  • Executive leadership and succession

Governance

BC Oil and Gas Research and Innovation Society

Board Chair, 2024 to 2026 · Director, 2023 to 2026

Saw the need for sharper strategy and stronger governance, and started the renewal. Led board and member discussions on purpose, sustainable funding, board structure and stakeholder representation.

Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada

Director, 2022 to 2025

Governance oversight for a national not-for-profit supporting energy research and technology development. Member of the 2024 CEO Recruitment Task Force.

Canadian Standards Association

Strategic Steering Committee, Liquid and Gaseous Energy Systems · 10 years · Vice-Chair, two terms

Brought a regulatory and public-interest perspective to the strategic direction of standards development for Canada's energy sector.

Career

BC Energy Regulator · 1993 to 2026

  • 2024 to 2026
    Vice-President, Environmental and Subsurface Resource Management
  • 2018 to 2024
    Vice-President, Well and Energy Resource Stewardship
  • 2012 to 2018
    Vice-President, Reservoir, Drilling Engineering and Technical Services
  • 2011 to 2012
    Deputy Commissioner, Resource Development / Acting Chief Engineer
  • 1993 to 2011
    Engineering and regulatory rolesField inspection, production and reservoir engineering, supervision

Credentials

  • Chartered Director (C.Dir.)The Directors College, McMaster University, 2024
  • Master of Applied Science, Chemical EngineeringUniversity of Ottawa
  • Bachelor of Applied Science, Chemical EngineeringUniversity of Ottawa, Magna Cum Laude
  • Professional Engineer (P.Eng.)Retired