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

Jessica Linthorne, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII), has been named Emerging Leader of the Year at the Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) 2025 Awards of Excellence.

The award was presented last week in Toronto, and recognizes an individual with fewer than 10 years of industry experience who demonstrates exceptional initiative, innovative thinking and a strong commitment to advancing both his/her organization and the electricity sector. Recipients are leaders from across Canada whose accomplishments motivate peers, empower teams and deliver meaningful impact.
 

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The Electricity Human Resources Canada Emerging Leader of the Year Award

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Since becoming president and CEO in 2024, Linthorne has guided the organization through a period of rapid growth and influence, helping establish it as a key player in Canada’s clean energy eco-system. Under her leadership, the 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 eco-system, the 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 (Linthorne) 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 the NII's board chairman, James Scongack. “She has cultivated a culture of excellence within the NII — one that attracts top talent, empowers employees and delivers measurable outcomes for founding members, industry partners, governments and local communities.”

Saugeen Shores mayor Luke Charbonneau, board member of the NII, agrees, saying Linthorne is a dynamic leader whose work at the NII has been instrumental in fostering collaboration between local municipalities and the nuclear sector.

"Through her leadership, the NII has become a catalyst for innovation, aligning municipal priorities with industry advancements in meaningful ways," he said. "She has contributed significantly toward 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 recognize and celebrate 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.

To learn more about all of the NII’s work, visit nii.ca.



Michelle Branigan (left), CEO of Electricity Human Resources Canada, presents the Emerging Leader of the Year Award to Jessica Linthorne, president and CEO of the Nuclear Innovation Institute