MEET THE TEAM!
PRESIDENT / FOUNDER
James Von, born and raised in Edmonton, is a Certified Journeyman Powerline Technician with 20 years of experience in business development and over 10 years in the powerline industry. His career has taken him across the Caribbean, the US, and Canada, where he worked on live-line jobs, built transmission lines, and repaired distribution networks, including critical storm recovery efforts. With a deep understanding of the demands of the job, James brings refined business development expertise as well as hands-on expertise to his role as President of GNLC™.
Driven by a passion for teaching and a desire to address the skill gaps he has seen in the Canadian powerline sector, James founded GNLC™ with a clear vision. His focus is on delivering innovative training techniques and emphasizing the critical importance of safety protocols to prepare future lineworkers. Guided by values of leadership, professionalism, communication, and community, he aims to foster a learning environment that produces competent, safety-conscious workers who are ready to meet the industry’s growing demands.
James is personally committed to growing the powerline workforce and building a supportive community at GNLC™ and within the Powerline industry. His goal is to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for success whilst providing extensive field facilities and training opportunities. His personal philosophy, "The pathway to success is to help others succeed," reflects his belief in the importance of passing on knowledge and building strong, connected teams within the industry.
VICE PRESIDENT / FOUNDER
Tatjana Yurich, born in Edmonton, brings a diverse background of professional athletics and business management to her role as Vice President of GNLC™. Having played professional soccer at a national level in Switzerland, she developed qualities that later applied to her career in professional athletic development. Tatjana developed a deep understanding of mindset, discipline, and teamwork—qualities she later applied to her career in the fitness industry. With a business management degree and a UEFA coaching certification, she successfully managed professional athletic academies - including experiance in both business administration and field training - gaining valuable industry insight in teaching and leadership.
Tatjana’s dual roles as a professional athlete and coach have shaped her understanding of what it takes to be a successful student and an effective leader. Her motivation for founding GNLC™ comes from her recognition of the growing demand for skilled workers in the Canadian Trades Sector. She is committed to helping students build the confidence and technical skills they need to thrive in this critical field. Guided by her values of integrity, confidence, and wellness, Tatjana’s vision is to position GNLC™ as a leader in vocational education, while providing ongoing support and opportunities for alumni. She is passionate about seeing students grow and succeed, and takes great satisfaction in helping them build a solid foundation for their future careers.
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS / CO-FOUNDER
Nolan Bass is an accomplished Certified Powerline Technician and experienced Manager with over 15 years in the energy infrastructure industry across Canada. Throughout his career, Nolan has led major transmission, distribution, and renewable energy projects for utilities and private clients, utilizing energized techniques such as rubber glove, barehand and hot-line tool methods. His leadership has spanned the full project lifecycle, delivering high standards across complex, large-scale initiatives. Nolan’s deep understanding of industry best practices, combined with his commitment to community, safety, and environmental stewardship, reflects his dedication to advancing the trades with integrity and innovation.
As a co-founder of Great North Lineman College, Nolan currently serves as the Director of Operations, overseeing the planning, development, and execution of GNLC’s training programs and operational growth. His extensive field expertise and leadership background ensure that GNLC’s curriculum and facilities meet the highest industry standards. Nolan is dedicated to building a strong foundation for students by integrating modern project management practices, industry relevant safety protocols, and the technical skills essential for success in today's powerline industry.
Nolan’s practical experience, spanning Canada’s most challenging environments—from remote Yukon mountains to dense urban grids in Toronto—provides GNLC students with a real-world perspective that bridges classroom learning and field expectations. His passion for mentorship, leadership, and professional excellence aligns closely with GNLC’s mission to create a safer, stronger, and more capable workforce for the future of the powerline industry.
GNLC CREDO
We are here to create the future.
To transform ambition into action,
to empower those who seek strength in skill,
to do the most essential work of our lives.
WHEN WE THRIVE
We give more than we take.
From the industry we serve,
to the people who stand beside us.
We create a place where all belong,
where teamwork and determination define us.
Where no one is left behind.
We draw power from our differences.
From backgrounds and experiences,
to collaboration and resilience.
WE ARE OPEN
We embrace the challenge.
First for our team, then for the industry.
Because “almost” isn’t enough.
Because our work reflects our legacy.
We discover courage.
To climb higher, to push limits,
to learn, to fail, to rise again.
To lead with integrity.
To prepare for the unknown.
To face the storm and stand tall tomorrow.
AT OUR FOUNDATION
We believe our power is in our people—
those who see themselves in each other.
People who lead with action, not words.
People who work to leave this trade better than they found it.
People who live to empower the next generation.
WE ARE GNLC
And we are building more than Foundations—we are Powering Futures.
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