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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.

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Rebekah Parker
Project Manager

Rebekah supports the development, delivery and evaluation of in-person and online events for Renewable Cities’ many projects.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Emily Woo
Communications & Events Coordinator

Emily supports the development and delivery of communications and marketing materials and events for Renewable Cities’ various program areas.

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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