Meet the people behind Recover

Emma Norton

Co-Founder and Executive Director
Pronouns: She/her
emma@recoverinitiative.ca

Emma has over a decade of experience in Canada’s energy sector, specializing in energy efficiency and deep energy retrofits. She is deeply passionate about the benefits deep retrofits can bring to Atlantic Canadian communities.

Emma has successfully intervened in provincial utility hearings to advocate for more ambitious demand-side management programs. She organized the Climate Jobs Roundtable, a series of events focused on job creation and transitioning the energy economy. As the Nova Scotia lead for the international project Smarter Energy Communities in Northern and Arctic Regions of Europe, Emma facilitated knowledge transfer between communities in Canada and Europe aiming to reduce their carbon footprint through smarter energy use.

Before joining ReCover full time, Emma served as the Atlantic Director with the Climate Emergency Unit, and at QUEST, a community energy planning non-profit. Prior to that, she worked on the Energy Team at the Ecology Action Centre, Nova Scotia’s environmental watchdog.

When not working, Emma enjoys gardening, reading speculative fiction, cooking meals for friends, or playing fetch with her dog.

Gil Walters

Interim Executive Director
Pronouns: He/him
gil@recoverinitiative.ca

Gil Walters brings over 30 years of experience in sustainable building, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and real estate value creation. He has led the design and delivery of more than 20 large-scale energy performance contracts across Canada and Bermuda—including utility-scale solar farms and deep retrofit programs that have collectively reduced emissions by over 2 million tonnes of CO₂.

Widely recognized for his ability to translate complex building and financial systems into clear, actionable strategies, Gil helps owners see deep retrofits not just as environmental upgrades but as strategic investments in resilience and long-term value. At ReCover, he is focused on scaling impact, accelerating retrofit adoption across Atlantic Canada, and strengthening partnerships with building owners, industry leaders, and government.

His collaborative, hands-on leadership style reflects a belief that meaningful climate action is best achieved through trusted relationships and bold, coordinated effort.

Outside of work, Gil enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and their dog.

Ellie Braham

PMO Lead
Pronouns: She/her
ellie@recoverinitiative.ca

Ellie Braham is a purpose-driven leader with 25+ years of success delivering digital and organizational transformation across banking, retail, government, and public sectors. She builds high-performing teams and fosters cultures of learning and continuous improvement. With expertise in project and program management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic delivery, she drives measurable impact.

Ellie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Office and Administrative Studies and a Master of Education in Adult Learning (2024). She blends corporate discipline with human-centered leadership, aligning business goals with individual growth. As a leader, professor, facilitator, and PMI-Authorized Training Partner (ATP) Instructor, she’s mentored emerging professionals to find their voice, build confidence, and develop capabilities.

Her pivot from consulting to the non-profit sector reflects a deeper alignment with her values — empowering communities, advancing equity, and helping mission-driven teams thrive. Whether she’s guiding transformation or coaching change-makers, Ellie’s passion lies in helping others unlock their potential.