Jessica Linthorne named Emerging Leader of the Year at EHRC Awards of Excellence

Awards recognize leaders across Canada who empower teams and deliver meaningful impact

The Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) is proud to share that Jessica Linthorne, NII President and CEO, has been named Emerging Leader of the Year at the Electricity Human Resources Canada’s (EHRC) 2025 Awards of Excellence.

Recognized last week at the 13^th-annual EHRC Awards of Excellence event in Toronto, the Emerging Leader of the Year is an individual with less than ten years of industry experience who demonstrates exceptional initiative, innovative thinking and a strong commitment to advancing both their organization and the electricity sector. Recipients are leaders from across Canada whose accomplishments motivate peers, empower teams and deliver meaningful impact.

Since becoming President and CEO in 2024, Jessica has guided the organization through a period of rapid growth and influence, helping establish it as a key player in Canada’s clean energy ecosystem. Under her leadership, NII has helped advance the nuclear industry’s innovative capacity—driving sector transformation projects and skill development for all ages. A critical part of Ontario’s innovation ecosystem, NII’s projects help the industry find efficiencies and operational improvements focused on increasing overall safety for the sector, ensuring reliable operations and making life better for workers.

“Jessica exemplifies the very spirit of this award—an accomplished and impactful leader whose vision, ingenuity and drive are transforming both her sector and her community,” said NII Board Chair James Scongack. “She has cultivated a culture of excellence within NII—one that attracts top talent, empowers employees and delivers measurable outcomes for Founding Members, industry partners, governments and local communities.”

Luke Charbonneau, Mayor of the Town of Saugeen Shores and NII Board Member, agrees: “Jessica is a dynamic leader whose work at NII has been instrumental in fostering collaboration between local municipalities and the nuclear sector. Through her leadership, NII has become a catalyst for innovation, aligning municipal priorities with industry advancements in meaningful ways. She has contributed significantly towards strengthening municipal capacity to support clean energy sector growth through critical research, data and strategic insights that empower local governments to align with industry needs and seize emerging opportunities.”

“I’m honoured to receive this award and grateful to be part of an organization and sector filled with passionate, forward-thinking people,” said Linthorne. “This recognition reflects the incredible work of the NII team and our Founding Members, and our shared commitment to shaping a strong, innovative clean energy future for Canada.”

The EHRC Awards of Excellence recognizes and celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of employees, leaders and teams who are making a positive and tangible impact on their organization while contributing to the composition of a highly skilled workforce in the electricity industry.