Leadership Team

Rose Gage

Chief Executive Officer

Rose has an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from McMaster University, is an alumnus of both Rotman School of Business’ Enlightened Executive Leadership Program and Harvard Business School, Executive Training Program. She has over 20 years of experience in marketing, sales strategy and execution. The bulk of her experience comes from working with corporations to enhance their bottom line. Rose has extensive leadership experience. Previously, she was the CMO and VP Business Development at Schneider Electric Canada where she led the Canadian product portfolio. Rose was also the CMO/VP Marketing for GE Commercial Distribution Finance Canada, where she facilitated the organization’s goal of double digit organic growth from 2005-2008. Rose also held positions as Sr. Mgr., Corporate Initiatives, GE Canada; Commercial Black Belt, GE Energy; Marketing Lecturer, McMaster University; as well as roles within Eaton Corporation and Westinghouse. She has worked with the federal, provincial and municipal governments including the healthcare sector, P3 initiatives and the 2010 Canadian Winter Olympics. Rose is chair of the Guelph Energy Co-operative, a director for Ontario Agri-Food Technologies, a director for FFV–Tel, and on the board of directors for the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario. She has also held chair positions for GE Women’s Network, GE Canada Quality organization and a director role for Schneider Canada. Rose serves on many additional boards and continues to seek out opportunities to participate in the community.

John Manera

Director of Finance

John is responsible for financial management, human resources, and administrative services. Duties include producing the monthly financial statements, developing the annual budget, protecting co-operative assets, monitoring cash flows with timely receivables collections and prudent payables. John received his education from University of Waterloo in mathematics, and complemented his degree with CPA, CMA and CAPICS certifications. He started his career in the energy sector with Northern & Central Gas Corporation, which is now part of the natural gas utility Union Gas. During his time there, he provided expert testimony to the Ontario Energy Board, represented his company at the National Energy Board, and served as Chairman of the Canadian Gas Supply Statistical Committee. John has experience working with companies ranging in sales from $15 million to over $1B including work in the manufacturing, the wholesale forest products, and the exterior signage industries.

Michelle Vieira

Director of Sales & Member Relationships

Michelle has a strong background in operations management, customer service and sales, including over 20 years of experience in operations oversight. She began at Ag Energy Co-op in April 2001 and has held many roles at the co-operative including but not limited to sales, operations functions, assistance with accounting, portfolio manager, and nominations. Prior to joining Ag Energy, Michelle was employed by Engage Energy, where she assisted with the management of over 250 customer accounts. Her experience prior to the energy sector included general accounting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, as well as human resource management. Michelle has recently obtained an Associate Executive designation. Michelle sits on the Ontario Co-operative Association Board of Directors, holding chair positions on both the Human Resources and Government Relations committees.

Bob Webb

Director of Portfolio & Risk Management

Bob comes from an academic background—he is the author and editor of numerous publications and has lectured in a number of universities. He was risk and portfolio manager at SaskEnergy, Saskatchewan’s natural gas LDC for many years before becoming an energy risk consultant in Ontario. He initially worked with Ag Energy as a consultant, developing its risk management policy. Subsequently, he joined Ag Energy as risk manager, and later his responsibilities expanded at Ag Energy to include being the energy portfolio manager. When not working, Bob enjoys cycling and running, as well as continuing to dabble in his academic interests. He also enjoys gourmet cooking and international travel with Pat, his wife.

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