Recognized for visionary leadership, Josie Erzetic to be celebrated at EHRC’s Awards of Excellence in Toronto on Feb. 19
Dec. 17, 2025 | Ottawa, ON – Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) is proud to announce Josie Erzetic, President and CEO of the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), as the recipient of the 2025 Leader of the Year Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates visionary leadership and outstanding contributions to Canada’s electricity workforce.
Since her appointment as CEO in 2022, Josie has guided ESA through a pivotal period for Ontario’s electricity sector. Under her leadership, ESA launched its five-year strategic plan, Empowering Safety, Energizing Tomorrow, and introduced cultural attributes—safety, accountability, people-focused, inclusivity, courage, integrity and adaptability—that now shape the employee experience across the organization.
Josie’s approach reframes ESA’s role as safety regulator: one who works in partnership with industry as an enabler of change, rather than a roadblock. She leads more than 600 employees across four regional offices, embedding a culture of transparency, accessibility and empowerment. Initiatives such as Wins and Shout Outs and Real Talk have fostered psychological safety and open communication, while her commitment to coaching and development ensures ESA’s values translate into measurable actions.
The Awards of Excellence evaluation panel praised Josie as “clearly a visionary” and highlighted her ability to empower employees and strengthen communication across ESA. Colleagues describe her as a strong external leader who makes culture central to strategy, reminding teams that “culture eats strategy for breakfast.”
“Josie’s leadership exemplifies the qualities we seek to recognize with this award,” said Michelle Branigan, CEO of EHRC. “Her vision and commitment to people-first values are preparing Ontario’s electricity sector for the future while inspiring the workforce of today.”
The Leader of the Year Award, sponsored by Bruce Power, is presented annually to an individual who demonstrates exceptional leadership, innovation and dedication to workforce development in Canada’s electricity sector. Josie joins a distinguished group of past recipients recognized for their impact on the sector and their organizations.
Josie will be formally presented with the award at EHRC’s 13th Annual Awards of Excellence, taking place on Feb. 19, 2026, in Toronto, ON. This signature event brings together leaders from across Canada’s electricity sector to celebrate excellence, innovation and workforce development.
Celebrate with us
Join us in Toronto on Feb. 19 as we honour Josie and other outstanding leaders shaping Canada’s electricity future. Tickets are now available—secure your spot today and be part of this inspiring event.
Learn more and purchase tickets at ehrc.ca/event/awards-2026.
About EHRC
Electricity Human Resources Canada is the national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the Canadian electricity sector has a safety-focused, highly skilled and inclusive workforce. EHRC works with employers, labour, educators and governments to develop solutions to workforce challenges and promote career opportunities in electricity and renewable energy. To learn more, visit ehrc.ca.
Media Contact
Ryan Baan (he/him)
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613-235-5540, ext. 255