| The year 2024 has been challenging for investor relations professionals, marked by both obstacles and opportunities. There has been a continuous shift in reporting standards and frameworks, heightened attention to potential public pitfalls, and an overall decline in investor questions. This reduced engagement has sometimes created a misconception that communicating the company's sustainability story holds less significance and opportunity. With California’s recent climate reporting requirements now in place, along with the direct and indirect influence of European regulations on U.S. companies, we are already starting to see reshaping investor and stakeholder expectations. It is crucial to prioritize next steps and see through the noise. Addressing investor expectations, meeting compliance needs, and maintaining focus and efficiency have become essential priorities and can present opportunities for companies. Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to: - Explain the evolution of reporting standards and frameworks with a focus on capital markets needs
- Discuss with others, the CA climate laws and which states may be next
- Apply the direct and indirect impact of EU regulations
- Explore and apply the current challenges to prioritize and right-size investor communications
This session is designed for IROs, legal, sustainability professionals, financial officers, and anyone responsible for corporate environmental reporting and engagement. Register here MODERATOR:  Dave Bobker
Executive Vice President Rivel, Inc.
As Executive Vice President, Dave oversees business development, manages Rivel's global revenue strategy, and leads consulting for the company's Governance and Sustainability division. With over 25 years of experience, he advises public companies on corporate governance, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategies, and stakeholder engagement. Dave has a history of aligning business development efforts with market trends and investor priorities to drive revenue growth.
Before joining Rivel, Dave held senior leadership roles at firms such as Georgeson, Laurel Hill Advisory Group, AST Phoenix Advisors, and Argyle. He was the founder of Rivel’s Governance and Sustainability division. Beyond his professional pursuits, Dave serves on the advisory board for the School of Arts and Sciences at the New York Institute of Technology. SPEAKERS:  Frank Gagnon
Manager, Investor Relations Novagold Resources, Inc. Frank is an experienced investor relations professional with over a decade of expertise in the mining and finance sectors. He currently serves as the Manager of Investor Relations at Novagold Resources, Inc., where he plays a key role in managing investor relations and communications. Frank connects the company's performance with the investor community, ensuring transparent communication and fostering strong relationships with shareholders, analysts, and institutional investors. Additionally, Frank is responsible for managing and implementing the company’s sustainability and ESG initiatives, including reporting and the development of strategies focused on maintaining sustainable mining practices, environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance. Prior to joining NOVAGOLD, Frank worked with several junior mining companies and ran his own investor relations and marketing firm, helping clients develop and implement corporate communications and investor relations strategies. He is an active member of the Canadian Investor Relations Institute and holds a Bachelor of Finance degree from Laurentian University. Additionally, Frank is a certified Moody's Risk Analyst.  Melanie Hennessey
Vice President, Corporate Communications Novagold Resources, Inc. Ms. Mélanie Hennessey is NOVAGOLD’s Vice President, Corporate Communications, responsible for all aspects of the Company’s internal and external communications functions and investor relations activities. Ms. Hennessey has extensive experience within the precious metals mining industry particularly in investor relations, corporate communications, crisis management as well as mergers and acquisitions. She is a public speaker advocating for stakeholder engagement, the advancement of individuals aspiring to executive-level positions and women in leadership roles. Prior to joining the Company, she served in a variety of executive and senior roles with such precious metals companies as Goldcorp Inc., New Gold Inc., and Hecla Mining Company.
In 2019, Ms. Hennessey received the F.CIRI designation, which recognizes investor relations leaders who bring distinction to the profession and serve as a role model for others. In 2024, she was awarded the Investor Relations Award of Excellence from the Canadian Investor Relations Institute (CIRI), the highest honour for investor relations professionals in Canada.
Ms. Hennessey holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Ottawa, and is a graduate of the ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program with the designation of ICD.D.  Emily Pierce
Chief Global Policy Officer & Associate General Counsel Persefoni Emily is Chief Global Policy Officer & Associate General Counsel. She joined Persefoni from the U.S. SEC, where she served as Assistant Director in the Office of International Affairs. In this capacity, she worked with regulators around the world and advised the Commission on a variety of cross-border regulatory policy issues, particularly on climate and sustainability disclosure.
Prior to that, Emily was in private practice at the law firm Debevoise & Plimpton LLP. She earned her J.D. from Yale Law School and received her undergraduate degree from the School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. |