Todd McDonald

Founder & President

After a 10-year career in the international footwear industry, Todd began his energy career in 2001, helping a large publicly traded company set up a successful energy trading entity. In 2005, he followed his dream of becoming an entrepreneur and started Energy Atlantica. Now, with over 20 years experience managing and trading natural gas in Canada and the Northeastern United States, he possesses an in-depth knowledge of a very complex market. Todd specializes in asset optimization, commodity contracts, risk management strategy, capital project evaluation, as well as supply and transportation management. He holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Business Administration from John Hopkins University. Professionally, he is most proud of the exceptional work and dedication shown by his employees.

Todd is co-founder of GIVETOLIVE, a non-profit dedicated to inspiring people to live happy and healthy lives through generosity, fitness, and achievement of the extraordinary. He is both humbled by and proud of the volunteers and event participants who have amassed over $4 million for various charities. Todd has completed numerous GIVETOLIVE events, including but not limited to, cycling to Texas three times, swimming from New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island three times, and snowshoeing in the wilderness of Nova Scotia as a BIG CHILL participant. In 2021, Todd and his wife were awarded a Meritorious Service Medal by the Governor General of Canada for their community work.

Todd lives life to the fullest with his wife Ashley and their two wonderful children. He is often seen at the office with his favorite VP of Gas Production, his Goldendoodle, Pickles.

Paul MacQueen

VP of Trading

After a successful career in information technology, Paul joined a then young Energy Atlantica in 2008. Since joining Energy Atlantica he has been instrumental in growing the company, while becoming well known for being one of the friendliest and most knowledgeable traders in the industry. Paul focuses on client management, financial analysis, gas trading, and supply and pipeline optimization. He has extensive knowledge of major pipelines, supply sources, and end-users in the Canadian and Northeast US markets. He has degrees in Business Administration and Information Technology from Cape Breton University. Paul also holds a Masters in Business Administration from Dalhousie University.

In his free time, Paul volunteers extensively as a board member of GIVETOLIVE. He has participated in almost every BIG RIDE, amassing over 7,000kms while cycling from Canada to Texas three times, Banff to Boulder, Ottawa to Halifax and more. Outside his achievements with GIVETOLIVE he has also completed an Ironman Triathlon.

Paul plays a mean electric guitar, has a great sense of humour, and is deadly to catch on a bike. He and his wife have two adorable children.

Heather McGrath

Director of Trading

Heather joined Energy Atlantica in 2012 after a 10-year career in pharmaceutical sales as a Senior Sales Executive. Her strong work ethic and exceptional people skills propelled her into her current role of Senior Trader and Key Account Manager. She spends her days focusing primarily on gas trading, fuel dispatch, logistics and transition management. Her knowledge and dedication to her clients is first class. Heather graduated from Mount Allison University with a Bachelor of Science and also holds a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management.

Heather spends a great deal of time volunteering and giving back to our community. In addition to having been involved with her daughter’s school PTA Executive and serving on the GIVETOLIVE Board of Directors, she served as GIVETOLIVE’s BIG SWIM Event Director from 2012 through 2023; leading a team dedicated volunteers and participants in raising funds for Brigadoon Village Children’s Camp. In her tenure as Event Director the BIG SWIM surpassed the $1.5M mark in cumulative funds raised for this noble cause. Heather has twice performed double duty; organizing the event while training for (and completing) her own 17km in 2014 crossing the Northumberland Strait and then again in 2021 with an 8km swim in the Bras d’Or Lakes in Cape Breton Nova Scotia.

Outside the office, Heather enjoys keeping active by playing volleyball, swimming and spending time with her husband and their three beautiful girls.

Patrick O’Connor, CPA,CBV

Director of Finance

Patrick joined Energy Atlantica in 2020 after a 6 year career at a national audit and accounting firm as a manager of Corporate Finance and Valuation where he obtained his Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) designation and his Chartered Business Valuation (CBV) designation. His extensive experience in both assurance and valuation/transaction advisory services led him to his current role as Director of Finance. Patrick spends time managing working capital, aiding in account management, and analyzing transaction opportunities. Patrick graduated from Acadia University with a Bachelor of Business Administration.

In addition to his role at Energy Atlantica, Patrick stays involved in the Halifax business community and served as the Chair of the awards committee between 2019-2020 for Family Business Atlantic (FBA). Patrick also stays active in the community as a current member of the friends of Hope Cottage aiding in the planning and execution of various events annually with the goal of helping to serve meals to those less fortunate and looks forward to participating in GIVETOLIVE events.

In his free time, Patrick enjoys spending time with his wife and their adorable son. He enjoys staying active with time spent on the golf course, as well as playing hockey and basketball.

Ashley Ward

Project Manager

After an early career in international development and education that took her around the world (India, The Gambia, & St Lucia), Ashley joined Energy Atlantica as its first staff member in 2006. She has held or holds numerous roles for the company, including HR, project management, community engagement, strategy, and marketing.

Ashley is a co-founder and a board member, of Energy Atlantica’s charitable endeavor, GIVETOLIVE. She led the organization in its first five years through to its success today, executing endurance events for thousands of participants while raising approximately $400,000 annually for various charities. She has also participated in over a dozen GIVETOLIVE events, including cycling to Texas twice, circumnavigating Iceland, and tackling the 15km distance at the Big Chill.

Ashley is very active in her community, having led a project to successfully sponsor a Syrian family during the refugee crisis and serving as a volunteer birth doula for low-income families. Ashley is an exceptionally driven individual who has been recognized as one of the top emerging leaders in Atlantic Canada and was awarded the “2019 Young Alumnae of the Year” by St. Francis Xavier University. Ashley holds a Bachelor in Psychology and English from St. Francis Xavier University, a Bachelor of Education from Mount Saint Vincent University, and has studied her Masters of Public Administration at Dalhousie University.

In 2021, Ashley and husband Todd were awarded a Meritorious Service Medal by the Governor General of Canada for their community work.

In her free time, Ashley enjoys painting Nova Scotia’s rural landscapes and sunsets, being active outdoors, loves to travel and is living life to its fullest with her husband Todd and their two children.

Tracy Swift

Senior Gas Scheduler

Tracy joined Energy Atlantica in the spring of 2021 and brings over 20 years of industry experience with her. Tracy started her career in Alberta with a large natural gas aggregator company. After eight years of growing and transitioning into different roles, from Assistant to the Operations and Trading Department to Business Analyst and eventually Gas Scheduler, she found her way back home to Nova Scotia. She joined Emera Energy as Gas Scheduler and honed her skills with a thriving 15-year long career, taking on responsibilities from Manager of Natural Gas Logistics to Senior Commercial Services Manager. Tracy is an exceptionally trained Senior Gas Scheduler and is excited to contribute to our growing team!

Tracy’s heart remains in her hometown of Burgeo, Newfoundland and she actively contributes to the community there. She has overseen the start-up of a new General Store for the residents of the town as well as a safe hangout for local youth.

Outside the office, Tracy enjoys spending time with her son, and can often be found enjoying the great outdoors at any number of the wonderful campgrounds Nova Scotia has to offer.

Nadja Zinck

Senior Scheduler

Nadja joined Energy Atlantica in 2015 after a successful 10 years in the banking industry. Following 4 years of exceptional performance as Energy Atlantica’s Executive Assistant, she transitioned into the role of Data Analyst where she built and maintained our current database management system. With continued company growth she jumped at the opportunity to take on scheduling the following year. Nadja is exceptional with clients, has a passion for organization and excels at analysis, presentations, and details. She holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Acadia University.

The opportunity to work with GIVETOLIVE was a large part of what drew Nadja to Energy Atlantica. She has also participated in GIVETOLIVE’s signature events; completing the BIG CHILL, a snowshoe through the wilderness of Nova Scotia in 2016 along with two BIG RIDE’s, in 2017 travelling to Iceland and then again in 2021 along the Nova Scotia Rails to Trails. Nadja has also served on the organizing committee for The BIG SWIM since 2015.

When not in the office Nadja enjoys running, baking, various crafting endeavours and travelling but gets the most enjoyment from spending time with her husband and two children.

Tabitha Lord

Transactions Analyst

Tabitha joined Energy Atlantica in the fall of 2022, bringing with her over 20 years of procurement and logistics experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Technical Management with Finance Concentration from DeVry University. Tabitha is also a certified project manager, having attained her PMP Certification. She is responsible for the daily management of our unique database management system. Tabitha’s many years of experience with procurement, spreadsheet management and Customs practices adds to the exceptional talent pool at Energy Atlantica.

She has a passion for empowering others and holds the view that opportunities are limitless, and greatness is attainable by all. Tabitha served as a volunteer Junior Achievement Advisor for 4 years. Additionally, she also serves as a volunteer member for Crohn's and Colitis Canada. Tabitha is also involved with GIVETOLIVE having joined the organizing committee for The BIG SWIM in the summer of 2023.

She has a love for travel, movies, and boasts that Grease is her all-time favorite movie. She is also the proud mother of two amazing children.

Loretta Aitkens

Executive Assistant

Loretta Aitkens joined Energy Atlantica in 2023 as Executive Assistant to the President. She spent over seven years with Emera Group of companies primarily as an Executive Assistant at Emera Energy. Formerly, she worked with Eastward Energy for eight years in the construction group as a Construction Coordinator. In 2010, Loretta graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor of Business Administration. She continued studying project management at Saint Mary’s University improving her versatility and talents. Loretta applies the same organized approach to all projects big or small.   

Loretta has been a dedicated supporter of the United Way at work program, volunteering for over ten years as an ambassador to help fundraise to better our community. She is beyond excited about becoming an active member of the GIVETOLIVE family and working with the Hampton-Piggs Peak Partnership.   

In 1996, Loretta moved to Halifax from Labrador City and made it her forever home. Loretta loves spending time with her husband and children. She also enjoys singing, playing a game of cards, and most of all, making people laugh. When winter is done, Loretta enjoys riding her Ryker along the beautiful Nova Scotia coastline with her husband and it’s no surprise she hates the rain!

Max Duckworth

Risk Advisor

Max is an impact investor who provides capital and advises early-stage companies that are disrupting and innovating their space. In 2015, he co-founded MaSa Partners, which has invested in 20 companies across energy, food & agriculture, healthcare, and other sectors. Max currently serves on seven boards and as an advisor to several other companies.

Max was formerly an energy executive in the energy industry. Between 1998 and 2012, he was at Constellation Energy, where he held a number of senior commercial and leadership roles, including global head of trading and co-head of commodities. He has extensive, hands-on experience in commodity trading, risk management, structured deals, M&A, strategy, financial reporting, and governance. Max started his career in the energy & environmental policy arena, where he co-authored a number of studies that have been widely cited over the last 25 years.

Max holds a BSc (Hons) degree from the Imperial College of Science, Technology & Medicine in London England, and an MA degree from Boston University, both in physics. Max has been actively involved in UNICEF, the global children’s charity, for over a decade, having chaired its Mid-Atlantic regional board and served on its national development committee. He is an advisor and guest lecturer in the Energy Analysis & Policy (EAP) program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a mentor to local Wisconsin entrepreneurs through MERLIN. Max lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with his wife Sarah, son Hartley and dog Tanner.

Ryan Frederic

Board Chair

Ryan Frederic is an entrepreneur and aerospace engineer. In 2005, he co-founded Applied Defense Solutions (ADS) with the mission to provide analysis and engineering products and services to the civil, commercial, defense, and intelligence space markets both in the United States and internationally. Over 14 years, he and his partners built ADS into a leader in the space situational awareness market until its acquisition by L3 Harris in 2018.Ryan has also been involved in founding several other businesses, including Water Management Solutions (WMS), a specialty construction company; Forever Fit Physical Therapy and Wellness, a healthcare provider offering outpatient physical therapy services; and Humble Rogue Ventures, a small venture capital firm through which he mentors other small enterprise founders. In Maryland, Ryan has served on the Mid-Atlantic Board of the US Fund for UNICEF, the Domestic Violence Center of Howard County, and the Columbia Festival of the Arts. He holds a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Ryan currently resides in Chevy Chase, MD, with his wife Krista and their three young children.