The Emerging CCUS Leader Award acknowledges an up-and-coming individual whose efforts have already made a significant contribution to their organization, industry or community that go above and beyond their normal day to day duties. The nominee should stand out in terms of strategic thinking, leadership, community involvement and the pursuit of excellence in their field. The nominees in this category will have been in the industry for 5 or less years. Self-nominations are permitted in this category.
Nominees are:

Dani Hansen, VP Carbon Advisory, BMO Capital Markets
Dani Hansen is a recognized leader in Canada’s carbon sector, helping companies navigate environmental commodity markets and align commercial strategy with evolving regulations and policy frameworks. As VP Carbon Advisory at BMO Capital Markets, she blends technical emissions expertise with financial insight to drive CCUS investment and scale. She also supports forward-thinking research into subsurface rights, carbon markets, and policy innovation through the Energy Futures Lab and other advisory roles.

Daniel Kelter, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Carbon Removal Canada
Daniel is the Senior Director of Public Affairs at Carbon Removal Canada (CRC). CRC is an independent non-profit accelerating the scale-up of carbon removal technologies by advocating for policy that enables responsible deployment, producing evidence-based research and analysis, and connecting the right people to the right information. In this role, he oversees CRC's federal government relations, as well as all communications efforts. He brings policy and politics together, resulting in advocacy strategies that build relationships and deliver results. Daniel has previously worked for Members of Parliament and in hard-to-decarbonize industries like fertilizer and steel.

Franki Race, MMV Specialist, Enhance Energy
Franki has been working in the CCUS industry for four years, building experience in carbon sequestration and MMV. As Enhance Energy’s MMV Specialist, Franki leads the development and delivery of the organization’s CO2 MMV plans across multiple CCUS projects. Her plans are delivered on time, under budget, and with a strong emphasis on public confidence and safety. Franki is focused on continuous improvement, streamlining sampling processes to reduce costs, while ensuring accurate data collection to maintain compliance in operations. With a strong foundation in CCUS and a passion for advancing clean technology in Alberta’s energy industry, her work ensures regulatory compliance, environmental integrity and innovation.

Mac Walton, Manager, Policy and Commercial, International CCS Knowledge Centre
Since joining the International CCS Knowledge Centre in 2023, Mac Walton has become a leader in CCUS policy strategy. He has navigated complex regulatory environments—from Alberta and Saskatchewan to Ontario and the Maritimes provinces—with insight and purpose, while championing Indigenous and rural voices. In under two years, Mac’s leadership in policy roundtables, cross-jurisdictional frameworks, and community-first strategies has shaped Canada’s CCUS trajectory. He exemplifies both the promise and impact of an Emerging CCUS Leader. Unique and extraordinary achievements: Mac has quickly become a cornerstone of the Knowledge Centre's policy and strategic engagement efforts. In just over a year, he has led major national and international initiatives connecting technical CCS knowledge with real-world policy, regulatory and investment frameworks. Mac's ability to navigate complex regulations and policies, while also translating technical information into actionable, audience-specific insights sets him apart. He has significantly elevated the Knowledge Centre's role in shaping Canada's evolving CCUS policy landscape.

Sean Wilson, Founder, CEO & CTO, TerraFixing Inc.
Sean Wilson is the CEO & CTO of TerraFixing Inc., a Canadian cleantech company pioneering the only Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology designed for cold climates. A chemical engineer and global expert in adsorption-based gas separations, Sean leads the company’s technical vision, R&D, and intellectual property strategy. He invented TerraFixing’s DAC system and has scaled it from lab to pilot, all while building a high-performing engineering team committed to climate action.

Vida Gabriel, Founder, CEO & COO, TerraFixing Inc.
Vida Gabriel is the CEO and COO of TerraFixing Inc., a Canadian startup pioneering the only carbon removal technology built for cold climates. A PhD in sustainable chemical engineering and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree, Vida leads TerraFixing’s commercialization, partnerships, operations, and government relations. She drives project execution, funding strategy, and ensures every deployment includes meaningful community benefit.