Fiona Parnell

Business Development Administrator

Give us a brief overview of your role.

I am the Business Development Administrator, so the main part of my role is acting as a liaison between the business development team and other departments within GSI. I create and facilitate internal processes that help improve the functions of the team, creating a more cohesive workflow.  simplify workflows and ensure that there is collaboration and communication between departments. I administer RFP submissions, build the submission package, and manage the submission process. I also work closely with the land, marketing, and development teams, coordinating landowner outreach to maintain our meaningful relationships with stakeholders.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?

My most memorable moment was probably the team baseball game that we did a few years ago, after the COVID restrictions were lifted. After exclusively working from home for a couple years, it was a great opportunity for the everyone to reconnect, or meet for the first time, in person. It was even more special for me because, at the time, I was on maternity leave but the invitation to join was still extended to me, and my son. It really showcased the strong sense of being part of the GSI team to be able to participate in the event.

What led you to pursue a career in development administration, and more specifically in the renewables sector?

Throughout my work experience, I’ve had an aspect of my role that involves working with people and building relationships, either customer-facing or internal. I’ve always enjoyed jobs that are focused on communication and collaboration and what has drawn me to a role like mine is being able to work with a larger group of people and improve the company’s synergy. In terms of the renewable sector, when I was growing up, there was a significant shift in perspectives and information regarding global climate change and renewable energy being more prominent. Now that I have children of my own, it’s something that I think about even more. I like that my job is contributing to positive impacts on the planet, and it’s exciting to be part of environmental change.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

I own and can play a harp. I took lessons throughout elementary and high school and have played at school events, religious services, and weddings. I haven’t played for several years due to a crack in my harp, but I recently got it repaired and am excited to start playing again.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I spend most of my time with my family. I have a large extended family, as well as two boys who are 5 and 2 years old. My boys are my whole world, as anyone who talks to me quickly learns. We build forts, play a lot of games, dance and sing and find something new to explore every day. I also really love to bake, making cakes and cupcakes for weddings, birthdays, baby showers and all kinds of other events. My kids like to help me with the some of baking too, either as my kitchen helpers or providing feedback on my decorating skills!

What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?

I’ve always wanted to go to Pompeii. My husband and I love learning about ancient civilizations and Roman history. In high school, I took Latin, where we primarily studied Pompeii and its residents. I’ve always been fascinated by how much of the city is so well preserved from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, allowing you to take a step back in time.

Rapid Fire Favorites

  • Movie: The Lord of the Rings trilogy
  • Book: Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan
  • Musician: Muse and Taylor Swift
  • Food: Pasta
  • Sports Team: Team Canada
  • City: London, England