John McPherson

The longest-serving member of VEC, John McPherson works as a Senior Manager, Economic Transformation for VEC and is responsible for supporting cleantech innovators and strengthening Vancouver’s cleantech ecosystem. Part of his role involves organizing strategic events and managing initiatives that address company-related challenges – a large proportion of John’s time is spent managing Project Greenlight. Project Greenlight uses challenge-based calls for innovation that enable major asset-owners and enterprises like TransLink, the City of Vancouver, City of Coquitlam, City of New Westminster, and Fortis BC to swiftly find and pilot solutions to their sustainability and technology challenges.

Project Greenlight also provides entrepreneurs with access to assets and infrastructure for testing and showcasing emerging green and digital technologies, and an opportunity to obtain references and testimonials to use in their marketing and sales efforts – allowing them to attract new investors, partners, and clients both locally and around the world. By addressing one of the most pervasive challenges in the cleantech sector — access to demonstration opportunities — Project Greenlight directly supports the growth of this industry and acts as a platform to attract investment and business to the region.

John has previously held senior marketing and sales roles in the private sector and started his career in Hong Kong as an Assistant Trade Commissioner.