Our Team
Leanne Sawatzky
Executive Director (Interim)
Leanne sets the strategic direction for the organization, leads the Renewable Cities team and establishes strategic relationships with partners and donors. She also guides operations, finance and human resources, enabling smooth program implementation and a healthy organizational culture.
Rebekah Parker
Project Manager
Rebekah supports the development, delivery and evaluation of in-person and online events for Renewable Cities’ many projects.
Veronica Grant
Project Manager
Veronica supports the delivery of the prefab mass timber project at Renewable Cities, including engagement with elected officials, advisory design panels and facilitating the development of design guidelines.
Charles Pan
Planning Analyst
Charles supports quantitative and qualitative analytical activities for the Smart Growth, Smart City program to advance sustainable land use as a cornerstone to renewable, resilient and restorative cities.
Amal Abdullah
Project Coordinator
Amal supports the development and delivery of various project areas at Renewable Cities. She also supports strategic program and engagement initiatives.
Emily Woo
Communications & Events Coordinator
Emily supports the development and delivery of communications and marketing materials and events for Renewable Cities’ various program areas.
PAST RESEARCH ASSISTANTS & INTERNS
Renewable Cities employs research assistants from across Simon Fraser University’s various faculties and from local and international institutions.
Arman Aituar
Research Assistant
Afia Poku
Research Assistant
Tom Froggatt
Research Assistant
Benita Kangas
Communications Assistant
Lindsay McAlpine
Research Assistant
Jonas Pinzon
Research Assistant
Sarah Saaed
Research Assistant
Alexandra Doran
Research Assistant
Madi Kennedy
Research Assistant
Viktor Willmar
Research Assistant
Farinaz Rikhtehgaran
Research Assistant
Craig Busch
Research Assistant
Saskia Huesch
Research Assistant
Kristin Johansson
Research Assistant
Alexandra Willmes
Research Assistant