Jillian Coombs: Fostering a Culture of Safety in a Changing Energy Landscape   

A 2025 nominee for the CFA’s Rising Star Award, Jillian Coombs from NARL Marketing LP located in Newfoundland and Labrador represents the next generation of leaders advancing Canada’s transportation fuels sector—particularly in the vital area of health and safety. 

For Jillian Coombs, a career in health and safety began not in a refinery, but in a record store. “I kept noticing things that didn’t seem safe, and I couldn’t stop pointing them out,” she recalls.  

That early instinct to speak up led her to formal training and, eventually, to her current role as a Health Safety Environment Coordinator at NARL. 

Today, Jillian plays a pivotal role in embedding a strong safety culture across NARL’s operations. From tank farms to retail sites, she ensures that safety protocols and training are not only followed but embraced by making safety personal and being approachable.  

“The most important part of any job is building a strong safety culture—one where employees feel comfortable coming to you with questions or concerns. It’s not about being stern or punitive; it’s about creating a safe space where people feel heard,” she explains. 

Jillian has played a key role in overhauling NARL’s safety management system in collaboration with the HSE team. This work included expanding personal protective equipment (PPE) regulations, enhancing training programs, and strengthening operational readiness across the organization.  

Her approach is deeply collaborative, whether responding to an environmental spill or preparing teams for the future of fuels.

“We don’t tackle anything alone. We bring all departments together to problem-solve,” she says. 

That collaborative mindset is vital as the fuels industry evolves. As renewable fuels, hydrogen, and other low-carbon technologies reshape Canada’s energy infrastructure, safety professionals like Jillian are key to ensuring that innovation is grounded in strong operational safety, protecting people, the environment, and long-term progress.

“Safety isn’t going anywhere. If anything, it’s becoming more important. New technologies mean new protocols, and I love learning what’s next,” she says. 

Jillian’s commitment to continuous education—both for herself and for her team—is matched by a drive to inspire others. “It’s not always easy, but it’s always rewarding,” she says. Her leadership during initiatives like Safety Week is helping to embed safety as a shared responsibility at NARL.  

In the past year, safety has moved from a smaller operation to a larger department as the company grows.

“Safety has always been a priority here, but over the past year, we’ve taken it to the next level,” she says proudly. 

Jillian’s work highlights the essential role safety plays in keeping Canada’s fuels industry resilient, responsible, and ready for whatever comes next — with people always at the core.