Our People

Zachary (Zak) Cunningham holds an MSc in Sustainable Energy Development from the University of Calgary, a B.Eng (Hons) in Petroleum Engineering, and a diploma in Petroleum Engineering Technology. Zak began his career in the oil and gas industry in the field, having spent extensive time on drilling and workover rigs in Western Canada and deepwater offshore in Malaysia in various roles, leading him to spend nearly a decade living overseas in Southeast Asia. Zak strongly connects with his Métis culture and the Métis community within Alberta and is particularly interested in sustainable energy development in remote Northern communities.

With a background in Atmospheric Science, Erin Horb has extensive experience addressing air emission issues, tackling both scientific and policy challenges through collaboration with multi-stakeholder committees and working groups. At the intersection of technical analysis and plain-language interpretation, Erin transforms data into actionable insights and evidence-based advice, and communicates complex information with clarity to leaders, colleagues, clients, and the public.
Erin holds an M.Sc. in Atmospheric Science from McGill University, a B.Sc. in Environmental Science from the University of Calgary, and a certificate in Climate Change Policy and Practice from the University of Toronto. She is currently seconded from the Alberta Motor Transport Association, where she has been researching the potential of hydrogen to decarbonize the heavy-duty transportation sector.

Marissa studied Political Science at the University of Guelph and has more than 15 years experience in politics, tech and the nonprofit world. She is a no-nonsense task master whose expertise lies in getting stuff done, while developing deep relationships and building community.
Prior to joining the Calgary Region Hydrogen Hub, she led projects including a week-long tech conference featuring more than 1,000 attendees at Platform Calgary. She has worked for the Minister of Economic Development and Trade and a City Councillor, and managed campaigns for successful politicians at the municipal and provincial level.

Hadi Shaker Shiran researches a variety of topics within the energy industry, including energy systems modelling, techno-economic and lifecycle assessments, and process design. He holds a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Calgary, along with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Tehran Polytechnic. With a hands-on approach, he has worked on complex energy transition projects at multiple levels, from analyzing minute details such as electrocatalysis and photocatalysis to macroeconomic modelling for energy transition scenarios.

Peter Hemminger’s work at the Transition Accelerator has included leading strategic communications for the Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub, helping to launch the Building Decarbonization Alliance, Electrifying Canada, and the Calgary Region Hydrogen Hub, and supporting the development of national events like Canada’s Net-Zero Forum and the National Building Decarbonization Forum. Prior to joining the Transition Accelerator in 2023, he has worked as a journalist, copywriter, researcher, film festival programmer, and spent nearly a decade as the Executive Director of Calgary’s Quickdraw Animation Society. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Arts in Communication, both from the University of Calgary, and hosts The AM, a weekly music program on campus and community radio station CJSW 90.9FM.

Euan Alexander provides project management support to the Calgary Region Hydrogen Hub, assisting both the CRH2 team and the Hub’s Leadership Team. He has a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing and an Honours degree in Business Management from Robert Gordon University.
Prior to relocating from Scotland to Calgary in 2024, Euan spent three years with Aberdeen City Council in international trade roles, where he gained experience leading and supporting economic development projects.