This week, our Powerful Women series profiles JoAnne Butler,
Vice-President, Market and Resource Development at the Independent
Electricity System Operator (IESO). JoAnne's extensive
experience in the private sector, both in Canada and
internationally, as well as in the public sector in Ontario, gives
her a unique view of the industry landscape. We were thrilled
to get her views on the opportunity for evolution in electricity
markets, as well as her advice for women in the sector who are
working toward professional goals and success.
How did you originally get involved in the energy sector?
I received an engineering degree from Queen's in 1978. I was
one of the mass exodus that went from points east to Alberta in the
first oil boom. I worked for Amoco Corporation in various national
and expatriate roles in the oil and gas sector. The company got
bought out by BP in 1999 and I decided to leave. TransAlta was
looking to their succession plan for their VP of
