Qualifications

Education & Professional Experience

I graduated from the University of Waterloo in 1971 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Management Science.

Over a career spanning more than 30 years, I built extensive experience in engineering, manufacturing, Power Plant Design, and business leadership with a Canadian Corporation with annual sales exceeding $150 million.

During my career, I held senior leadership positions including Engineering Manager responsible for operations in Canada and Overseas, and Manager of Manufacturing, where I was responsible for approximately 500 employees.

My professional experience taught me the importance of:

• Strong financial management.

• Long-term planning.

• Preventive maintenance and infrastructure investment.

• Building effective teams.

• Delivering results through accountability and innovation.

Following my retirement in 2008, I founded Robert Hildebrandt Consulting Services, providing professional expertise and support to charities, non-profit organizations, and community groups to strengthen their operations and better serve the public.

Community & Regional Experience

Serving the community has always been important to me. My experience includes:

✓ Niagara Parks Advisory Board – 3 years
✓ Pelham Art Advisory Committee – 4 years
✓ Pelham Cannabis Control Committee - 3 years
✓ Niagara Region Audit Compliance Committee – 8 years
✓ Town of Pelham Seniors Advisory Committee – 8 years

These roles have given me a broader understanding of regional issues, financial oversight, community services, and the importance of listening to residents.

Municipal Leadership

Since being first elected as Ward 3 Councillor in 2018, returned in 2022, I have worked to put Pelham First.

My municipal leadership experience includes:

✓ Pelham on Niagara Region’s Waste Management Committee – 8 years
✓ Utility Sustainability Group advocating for environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and responsible facility planning – 8 years
✓Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) ensuring our community’s electricity needs are recognized and included in Future Planning – 8 years

My focus has remained consistent: protecting taxpayers, improving services, investing responsibly, and ensuring Pelham has a strong voice.

Governance & Board Experience

I bring extensive governance experience from both the public and private sectors.

Leadership roles include:

✓ Chair, PenWest Power Inc. and PenWest Services Inc. Boards.
✓ Board Member, Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc.
✓ Member of NPEI Finance, Governance, and General Committees.
✓ President and Chair of a Canadian charitable organization.

Professional memberships include:

✓ Professional Engineers of Ontario.
✓ Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta.
✓ Society of Mechanical Engineers.