Solstice Environmental Appoints New CEO to Navigate Growth and Complexity

EDMONTON, Alberta – February 11, 2026 – Solstice Environmental Management, a key player in Western Canada's environmental consulting sector, has announced a significant leadership transition, appointing Maureen Keough as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. The move is part of a carefully orchestrated succession plan that sees founder Michelle Cotton step back from daily operations to assume a strategic advisory role, ensuring a seamless blend of continuity and forward-looking vision for the Edmonton-based firm.

Keough, who joined the company in 2024 as Vice President of Operations and Strategy, now takes full leadership responsibility, tasked with guiding Solstice through its next phase of purpose-driven growth and impact. The transition marks a pivotal moment for the company, founded in 2002, as it continues to tackle complex environmental challenges across the region.

A Calculated Transition of Leadership

The handover at Solstice is not a sudden shift but the culmination of a deliberate strategy designed to secure the company’s long-term sustainability. Founder Michelle Cotton, who built the firm over two decades into a respected environmental consultancy, will remain a guiding force as a strategic advisor. Her continued involvement is intended to preserve the core values and purpose that have defined Solstice since its inception.

“Solstice is in good hands,” said Cotton in the official announcement. “Maureen brings the judgment, business acumen, and collaborative leadership the company needs for its next phase, while staying true to the values and purpose that have guided us from the beginning.”

This emphasis on maintaining the company's foundational principles is echoed by the new CEO. Keough acknowledged the legacy she inherits, a company built with a clear mission. “I am grateful for the vision and leadership Michelle has provided over the years,” Keough stated. “She founded Solstice with a clear purpose - to build a values-driven company that tackles complex environmental challenges - and that foundation will continue to guide us as we move forward.”

Under Cotton’s tenure, Solstice evolved from its initial focus on oil and gas site assessments to a multidisciplinary firm integrating geomatics, biophysical sciences, and, most recently, a deep commitment to partnerships with Indigenous Nations. This evolution culminated in strategic moves like the November 2025 acquisition of Tethys Environmental Services, which expanded the firm's expertise into aquatic and water-quality consulting.

New Leadership for a New Era of Innovation

Maureen Keough’s appointment signals a strategic pivot towards leveraging diverse, cross-sector experience to drive innovation. Her background is notably varied, with executive leadership roles spanning the energy, software, non-profit, and clean technology sectors. This unique blend of expertise is seen as a critical asset for an environmental firm operating at the intersection of resource development, technological advancement, and ecological stewardship.

Her experience in clean technology, in particular, aligns with a global and regional push towards more sustainable practices and innovative environmental solutions. As Western Canada navigates the energy transition and grapples with the legacy of industrial activity, a leader with a background in both traditional energy and emerging clean technologies is uniquely positioned to guide Solstice’s clients through complex regulatory and environmental landscapes.

Keough's promotion from VP of Operations and Strategy after two years with the company suggests her approach and vision have already been integrated into the firm's strategic planning. Her mandate now is to execute that vision, shaping the company’s future direction while managing its day-to-day operations and building on its core mission of “Reclaiming Value for Future Generations.”

Navigating a Competitive Western Canadian Market

Solstice operates in a robust and competitive environmental consulting market in Western Canada. The field includes long-standing, multidisciplinary firms like Hatfield Consultants and Keystone Environmental, as well as specialized players such as Maskwa Environmental Consulting, which focuses on the energy sector, and the Indigenous-owned Poseidon Environmental Ltd.

In this crowded landscape, Solstice has carved out a distinct identity. As a women-owned and operated business, it champions diversity, boasting 25% Indigenous representation within its core team. This commitment is more than a statistic; it is central to the company’s approach. Solstice actively integrates Indigenous ways of knowing into its projects, fostering community-first, culturally informed environmental solutions that set it apart from many competitors.

The recent acquisition of Tethys Environmental Services represents a significant strategic maneuver to bolster its competitive position. By incorporating specialized aquatic assessment and water-quality monitoring services, Solstice has created a more comprehensive, integrated service offering. This move allows the firm to manage a broader scope of environmental challenges in-house, from terrestrial reclamation to complex fisheries assessments, providing a one-stop solution for clients in the energy, municipal, and agricultural sectors. Keough's leadership will be instrumental in fully integrating these new capabilities and leveraging them for market growth.

Responding to Regional Pressures and Regulatory Shifts

The work of environmental consulting firms in Western Canada is intrinsically linked to a dynamic and often contentious regulatory environment. Alberta, in particular, has a long history of legislation governing land reclamation, with frameworks like the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) setting stringent requirements for restoring land disturbed by industrial projects. This creates a steady demand for the assessment, remediation, and reclamation services that are Solstice’s bread and butter.

However, the landscape is constantly shifting. Recent reorganizations within the Alberta government, which saw the Environment and Parks ministry split, have raised questions among environmental advocates about the province's long-term conservation priorities. Furthermore, there is a powerful and growing movement towards ensuring Indigenous rights and knowledge are central to land management decisions. This trend aligns perfectly with Solstice's established focus on building partnerships with Indigenous Nations.

Keough takes the helm at a time when these pressures are converging. The ability to navigate complex provincial regulations, address the legacy of resource extraction, and meaningfully engage with Indigenous communities is no longer optional but essential for success. Her diverse background and the company’s recent strategic expansion into aquatic services position Solstice to not only respond to these challenges but to lead in developing holistic and sustainable solutions. The firm's purpose of "Reclaiming Value for Future Generations" will be tested and defined by its ability to adapt and innovate within this complex regional context under its new leadership.