Brent Kopperson

Founder and Executive Director

Windfall Ecology Centre

In 2010 Brent was elected a Senior Fellow of Ashoka, the global association of the world's leading social entrepreneurs

Social Enterprise

Brent R. Kopperson is the Executive Director and Founder of Windfall Ecology Centre, a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to building sustainable communities. He is an accomplished Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change action expert with robust expertise in proffering feasible solutions to businesses and communities to mitigate the impact of climate change on the environment. His vision of healthy communities, where social innovation, community partnership, and community action accommodates economic, social, and environmental needs, birthed Windfall Centre.

From inception to date, Windfall Centre's activities have revolved around re-powering communities to create lasting wealth in a carbon-constrained 21st century. The Enterprise has remained eminent for innovation in mapping out and integrating public policy and education initiatives. Windfall Centre has successfully designed and delivered energy efficiency, renewable energy, transportation, water protection, and other community-based programs through its years of operation.

Founding Director

Brent is a founding Director and former Chair of the Community Power Fund, which provides financial support to communities working to build renewable energy projects. The Community Power Fund led the Green Energy Act Alliance which campaigned to achieve fundamental changes to Ontario's Electricity System by creating the Green Energy and Economy Act.

Admirably wearing many hats, Brent is a founding director of the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA). The mission of OSEA is to facilitate Ontario's transition to a sustainable energy economy through the development and support of community-based energy initiatives. As one of his numerous accomplishments, Mr. Kopperson was instrumental in developing the mission, objectives, and operations of the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association and served as Chair for five years. The Association was the catalyst for creating new sustainable energy projects across Ontario and set in motion Ontario's landmark Standard Offer Program or Feed-In Tariff for renewable energy (North America's first).

Furthermore, Mr. Kopperson is the former Chair of Green Communities Canada, a national network of community-based environmental organizations that deliver innovative, practical ecological solutions to Canadian households and communities. Green Communities Canada piloted Canada's EnerGuide for Houses program and designed Canada's landmark national residential energy efficiency incentive program (known as ecoENERGY for Houses).

In addition to his extensive experience and feats under his belt, Brent is also a founding Director of the Canadian Renewable Energy Alliance and past Director of the World Wind Energy Association. He was instrumental in bringing the 2008 World Wind Energy Conference to Kingston, Ontario, which heralded Ontario's Green Energy Act.

York Region Character Community Award

In 2016, Brent was the recipient of the York Region's Character Community Award, an annual award presented to an individual or organization that demonstrates character in making effective community changes in our world.

NGO Adviser

Mr. Kopperson is a keen observer and participant in the Kyoto process and served for three years as an NGO adviser to the Canadian government at United Nations Kyoto Protocol treaty negotiations. Windfall Ecology Centre's footprints in the Environmental Sustainability space resulted in an official Observer Status with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Entrepreneur and Business Executive

Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Mr. Kopperson obtained an Honours Degree from the Schulich School of Business at York University in 1978. Launching his professional career, he served as a Business Development Executive with a global aerospace company and subsequently held the position of Vice President of an auto parts manufacturer.

Today, Brent possesses remarkable business acumen coupled with his list of accomplishments in Organization Development and Community Service. His ambitious and goal-oriented nature helped him accrue a wealth of experience in entrepreneurship and the corporate world. He proudly co-founded his first business, a pioneering telecommunications company, while completing his degree at Schulich School for Business. He is also very knowledgeable and well acquainted with the realm of global business, having worked for two international heavyweights in the aerospace and auto parts manufacturing industry. Along the way, he earned his private pilot's licence and solo aerobatics endorsement.

Pioneering

In 1987, Brent co-founded Backstage Pass Inc., an entertainment merchandising company providing communications and marketing services to over 200 performance artists, including Madonna, U2, and Bruce Springsteen. For ten years, he held the reins of power as President of the firm.

Mr. Kopperson has since 1998 devoted his undivided attention to social innovation and community development, which eventually led to his election as a Senior Fellow of Ashoka, the global association of the world's leading social entrepreneurs. In addition to his work with Windfall Ecology Centre, he has helped new entrepreneurs achieve their dreams by providing personal mentoring through his collaboration with Job Skills, a York Region charitable organization. Past Board service includes the Georgina Medical Health Council and Georgina Cares, a children's charity. Brent lives part-time in the Chippewas' community on Georgina Island and is a proud and doting father to five children.

Life Time Environmental Achievement Award

Brent was presented with Green Communities' Life Time Environmental Achievement Award in 2011

More Windfall awards