Please start by introducing yourself.
Darryl MacKenzie, Senior Manager, Program Performance, I’ve been at E1 for 13 years. I have worked across several programs and moved into this role just recently.
Why did you pursue a career in the clean energy sector?
Growing up in Meaghers Grant in the Musquodoboit Valley, I was surrounded by wildlife and developed a strong appreciation for nature and a desire to protect it. This passion led me to pursue environmental studies for my undergraduate degree at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick. Initially, I was drawn to wildlife conservation, but as I delved deeper into the curriculum, I began to understand the critical role energy plays in climate change mitigation. I saw the immense potential of energy conservation and clean energy to reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable development, and I knew that this was where I wanted to dedicate my career.
Tell us about your career journey and growth at EfficiencyOne.
When I first joined EfficiencyOne, the organization only had about 50 employees, and I started as a Coordinator for the HomeWarming program. My journey began with learning the ropes—taking calls from customers, processing paperwork and getting hands-on experience in a sector I was still exploring. This role helped me build confidence and expand my understanding of building science, particularly through close collaboration with contractors.
Over time I moved from Coordinator to Specialist as I learned more about our company and how to work more effectively with customers and contractors. I eventually got an opportunity to manage the HomeWarming program, where I led a small team. That role felt natural and fulfilling, allowing me to shape a program that is important to me and help my team grow.
Leadership became a cornerstone of my career growth. The positive feedback I received reinforced my drive to embrace leadership roles and seek additional responsibilities. I gained more experience with a lateral move to manage the HEA program during the COVID-19 pandemic and after a couple of years took on a Service Delivery Manager role to support the program teams more broadly.
Each step along the way has offered me new challenges and opportunities for growth, ultimately leading me to my current role, Senior Manager, Program Performance. This position marks yet another exciting chapter, allowing me to apply my accumulated experience while continuing to develop and contribute to EfficiencyOne’s mission.
What is most meaningful about your current role?
The most meaningful aspect of my current role is the opportunity to support and empower others. I enjoy being a strategic contributor and helping others reach their goals. I take pride in fostering personal connections, removing barriers and providing structure to keep us all accountable. It’s very rewarding to witness my teammates grow and succeed and to feel that my efforts contribute to a positive and impactful work environment.
What has been the most impactful project you’ve worked on to date?
The most impactful project I’ve worked on to date has been contributing to our Demand-Side Management (DSM) Plans. Over the years, I’ve been involved in shaping and refining specific programs that I’ve worked on but more recently I’ve been overseeing program design and planning for the entire energy efficiency andstrategic electrificationportfolios. Being a part of this project has been incredibly rewarding, knowing it will define our organization’s goals and impact for the next five years.
If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be?
If I could go back in time and give my younger self one piece of career advice, it would be to embrace change and never settle into complacency. My biggest career opportunities have come during moments of transition and learning to adapt with a positive mindset can make all the difference. When faced with challenges or unexpected changes, focus on what you can control—your reaction and attitude. By seeing change as a chance to grow rather than an obstacle, you’ll find greater fulfillment, happiness and success in your journey.
What is your favourite place(s) or thing(s) to do in Nova Scotia? Why?
One of my favorite things to do in Nova Scotia is to visit the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park. I love watching the animals and sharing the experience with my daughter—it’s a tradition that lets us connect with nature and revisit the area where I grew up. Picking berries and gardening with my mom and daughter back home is another activity I cherish. It’s a peaceful and rewarding way to spend time together as a family, which is incredibly important to me.
What is your favourite thing about working at EfficiencyOne?
My favorite thing about working at EfficiencyOne is the chance to truly make a difference in people’s lives. I take pride in supporting my coworkers to create a positive work environment and helping families in need access programs. One thing that strongly resonates with me is that I’ve been able to help people from my community access the HomeWarming program, which provided them with free upgrades like insulation and heat pumps. Witnessing these tangible impacts reinforces my passion for the work we do.
Additionally, the flexible work-life balance at EfficiencyOne allows me to spend more quality time with my family. My colleagues and managers are incredibly accommodating, making it easier to navigate both professional responsibilities and personal commitments. This supportive environment fosters not just productivity, but also genuine camaraderie and connection.