H. Stanley Marshall
Stan Marshall, a professional engineer and lawyer, joined Newfoundland Power in 1979 and in 1987, was instrumental in the creation of the utility’s parent company, Fortis Inc. From 1987 to 1995, he was vice-president, corporate affairs with Fortis and in 1995, became president and chief executive officer. He retired as president of Fortis Inc. in June of 2014 and as chief executive officer in December 2014.
Under Stan Marshall’s leadership, Fortis has become a leader in the North American electric and gas utility business with total assets approaching $25 billion and fiscal 2013 revenue exceeding $4 billion. Fortis Group of Companies employs more than 10,000 employees.
Its regulated utilities account for approximately 93 per cent of total assets and serve more than three million customers across Canada, the United States and the Caribbean. Fortis owns non-regulated hydroelectric generation assets in Canada, Belize and Upstate New York. The corporation's non-utility investment is comprised of hotels and commercial real estate in Canada.
Throughout his career, Stan remained steadfast in his desire to keep Fortis headquartered in St. John’s, Newfoundland, regardless of where other business ventures may have taken the corporation. His role in supporting this province and the people in it remained top of mind.
As well, he acted as a role model and mentor for much of the current leadership across the Fortis companies – most of whom are from Newfoundland and Labrador.
Stan values people and community and believes in giving back to charitable groups that will enhance the lives of people. As president and CEO of Fortis, Stan always ensured that each and every one of the Fortis companies was actively involved in local community and charitable endeavors. In 2014, Stan served as the honorary chair for the Hope Ball, an event that celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation.
His leadership and deep-rooted belief in corporate social responsibility have created a culture that enables Fortis companies to make a positive impact in the communities they serve.
The Power of Life Project, a charitable initiative of Newfoundland Power, has contributed almost $3 million to cancer care in Newfoundland and Labrador. Fortis Properties has been a major sponsor of the Bust-A-Move St. John's fitness extravaganza in support of breast health with proceeds supporting the Health Care Foundation and the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation.
Other organizations that have been supported by Fortis Inc. include Junior Achievement of Newfoundland and Labrador, Festival 500 Sharing the Voices, Canadian Red Cross, Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, Meals on Wheels, Firefighters’ Association of Newfoundland & Labrador and Canadian Mental Health Association. As well, Fortis Inc. believes in supporting education in Newfoundland and Labrador and has been a loyal supporter of scholarships and awards for decades.
Stan served on the board of Fortis and its utilities in New York, British Columbia, Ontario and the Caribbean and the board of Fortis Properties Corporation. He also served as chair on the board for FortisBC, FortisOntario, Fortis Properties, and FortisTCI. He also previously served on the boards of Newfoundland Power, Maritime Electric, FortisAlberta, and Belize Electricity Limited. Outside of Fortis, he is chair of the HR committee for Enerflex Ltd.
Countless business and other successes have been the result of Stan’s hard work and passion for the Fortis Group of Companies. As a matter of principle, Stan believed successes should be celebrated throughout the individual business units.
Stan set the tone for a corporate culture that radiates excellence in business, customer service, employee engagement and development, safety and community. He not only led from the top but spent countless hours at the grass roots level of each company with an all-embracing desire for organizational excellence and continuous improvement.
Stan Marshall is a worthy inductee into the Junior Achievement Newfoundland Labrador Business Hall of Fame.