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This would be the first of several mergers closely with employees to help build a

and acquisitions Sarah would experience culture of teamwork and collaboration and
as Ontario’s utility sector underwent demonstrate a commitment to the values
continued amalgamation. When she joined and beliefs that they all share.
former Hamilton Hydro the number of “It will be great to share one value
electrical utilities in the province had statement that describes what we want
shrunk from 360 to just over 70. Today, the culture to be. If we can describe it,
there are approximately 60. then we can all get behind it,” says Sarah.
“It’s been really exciting, and things haven’t “Everything we do going forward will be
stood still for me,” she says, noting her linked back to the value statement, making
aspiration to be a CFO had her look north in the connection with our employees and
2013 when she joined Cambridge and North customers. Culture involves everyone in
Dumfries Hydro in that position, under the the organization.”
leadership of Ian Miles. Cambridge and She also believes in GrandBridge Energy
North Dumfries later became Energy+, and creating stronger ties with the community,
today is GrandBridge Energy, following the especially as the industry undergoes
merger with Brantford Power Inc. in May of a transformation, with increased
2022. electrifi cation and supporting the

“It was a whirlwind relationship and I She is a big believer in communities in achieving their net zero
decided to move back to Hamilton and networking and urges other targets.
took a position as a Corporate Controller women seeking leadership roles “Our organization and our employees can
at Reliable Life Insurance,” says Sarah, who help with that,” says Sarah. “I also believe
remained with the company for several to let their intentions be known. we need to be open and transparent
years before switching career paths into “Don’t wait for it to come to you,” says with our customers. The increased
telecommunications and taking a position Sarah. “Go for it, let people know ‘I’m here electrification and investments required

with the Levy family-owned business and here’s what I can offer’. It’s having to achieve net zero will increase costs in

Western Coaxial Ltd. (later rebranded as that level of confidence and surrounding the longer term. It’s about what we can do

Cableworks Communications). “It was a yourself with people you can share ideas as an organization to prepare and support
totally different industry for me.” with.” the transformation cost effectively and

Following the sale of Cableworks She admits to being very fortunate in her have those conversations with customers.”
Communications, she joined John Levy, career and having male mentors, such as As a resident of Cambridge herself for more
founder, and CEO of the Score Television John Levy and Ian Miles, in her corner and than a decade, and as a member of the
Network, in building and expanding his realizes many women in leadership roles Cambridge Chamber of Commerce Board

television network and experienced first- may not be able to say the same. of Directors, she says her commitment to
hand the launch of a new TV station and “I’ve been very fortunate. However, there is the community has strengthened even
working in a regulatory environment still a lot of work to do,” says Sarah, noting more since taking on her new role.
(regulated by the CRTC - Canadian Radio- she is one of just a few female LDC (local
television and Telecommunications distribution companies) leaders in Ontario. “I don’t have all the answers on what the
Commission). “But there are a lot of excellent women in energy future looks like, but we’re going to
work together to say we can have the ability
“Those were really exciting times. John was senior leadership positions, and I hope to change and transform and support our
a visionary and I really appreciated working to inspire others.” Inspiring others is why customers and the community,” says Sarah.
with him,” says Sarah, who remained since taking on her new role at GrandBridge “I live and work and play here so I bring
with the Levy group of companies for a Energy, she has made it a priority to work that perspective.”
decade and experienced taking a company
public and learned all about the reporting
requirements of such a company.
“I will be forever grateful for that experience
because it taught me a lot,” she says. “I
was quite young, and that experience gave
me exposure to participating at the board
table.”
That experience proved invaluable when
Sarah joined Hamilton Hydro in 2003 as a
Corporate Controller, working her way up
to Vice-President of Finance. She played
an active role when the utility merged with
St. Catharines Hydro to become Horizon PHOTOS BY BRIAN RODNICK
Utilities (now Alecta Utilities).

www.cambridgechamber.com Winter 2024 37