Creating energy at work and in the community
Karen Hutt (’89)
Karen Hutt (’89) credits her Acadia degree in political science with having taught her to write, a skill she has used throughout her career. “If three years of writing papers teaches you anything, it’s how to write,” she told Voices of Acadia, the 175th Anniversary supplement to the Acadia Bulletin. Being an effective communicator is a foundational piece of building a successful career.”
Hutt is Executive Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Emera Inc. Her extensive experience within the clean energy sector is seen as instrumental in the organization’s growth. Hutt was previously President and Chief Executive Officer of Nova Scotia Power Inc.; a role she assumed in August 2016. She first joined the Emera family of companies at Nova Scotia Power in 2001 and through progressively senior roles has led a range of customer, strategy, business growth and regulatory initiatives in markets throughout North America. Prior to stepping into her current role, she was Emera’s Vice President, Mergers and Acquisitions and was also Executive Vice President, Commercial, at Emera Energy.
“Acadia is a gem in Nova Scotia’s post-secondary academic community.”
An active supporter of the local community, Hutt serves as Chair of the IWK Health Centre in Halifax and on the Acadia Board of Governors. She is a past Trustee of the IWK Foundation Board and Past Chair of the Junior Achievement of Nova Scotia Board of Directors.
Although knowing how to write is important, she recalls learning much more from Acadia. “Acadia taught me how to juggle demands and meet deadlines and to respect and nurture the gift of friendship. I loved learning and being encouraged to think about the world beyond Nova Scotia.”
When asked to help with the Campaign for Acadia, Hutt did not hesitate. “Acadia is a gem in Nova Scotia’s post-secondary academic community,” she says. “It provides students with an opportunity to learn, grow and flourish in an environment where it’s small enough for people to get to know one another and build meaningful lifetime relationships – not to mention the beautiful Annapolis Valley backdrop.”