Amanda Shinkewski, Aquatera Utilities Inc.
Amanda Shinkewski has been in the financial field for approximately 10 years. As Aquatera's Assistant Controller, Amanda is responsible for supporting accounting management, assisting in the formulation of internal controls and policies to comply with legislation and established best practices, and assisting in the preparation of financial statements in compliance with official guidelines and requirements.
Amirreza Sohrabi, Roshan Water Solutions
Amir received his PhD in Material Engineering from the University of Alberta. During his PhD research, he led the development of a new water and wastewater treatment method based on the application of electrical plasma. This technology is capable of dealing with hazardous contaminants of a persistent nature including pharmaceutical contaminants. After receiving his PhD in 2017 and before joining the Advanced Water Research Lab at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Amirreza co-founded Roshan WaterTM Solutions, a startup company with the vision of assuring safe and clean water while protecting the environment. Today, as Roshan’s CEO, Amir is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the company, ensuring the fulfillment of the company’s mission, vision, and values, day to day operations as well as leading product development and field-testing activities.
Ashley Rowney, Aquatera Utilities Inc.
Ashley has been with Aquatera for 13 years. In her role she provides oversight and guidance to ensure compliance with Provincial and Federal Regulations and Standards for the various operations departments within Aquatera, as well as Remote Operations. She provides technical/regulatory assistance for Capital Projects and the various operations groups and leads regulatory/compliance related projects as required. Ashley works cooperatively with shareholders and is an active member of the Mighty Peace Watershed Alliance (Executive Director, Technical Committee member, Utility Sector Representative).
Benjamin Dahl, Aquatera Utilities Inc.
Benjamin Dahl is a GIS Technician with Aquatera Utilities with five years of experience in mapping utilities, data management, and asset management analysis. He works closely with field operations in the use of work order management software and field data collection software. In his spare time, Ben enjoys woodworking and hiking.
Bobbi Menard, ACC Water Solutions
Bobbi Menard is an accomplished journalist, editor and professional communicator. She spent 13 years in her early career as a journalist in news, then long-form journalism, and then editing nationally distributed magazine titles. She has led corporate communications teams at the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, not-for-profit organizations, and major utilities before founding a boutique communications firm specializing in content for business development and stakeholder engagement. Bobbi is a strategic communications consultant with Killick Leadership Group, working with First Nations and rural communities in economic development and is Director of Marketing at ACC Water Solutions.
Brett Dillman, No Leak Plumbing
Born and raised in the Peace Country, Brett has carried his roots with him throughout his professional journey. In 2001, he proudly graduated from Fairview College, earning recognition as a Red Seal endorsed Plumber and Gasfitter Class "A."
His career took a specialized turn in 2008 when he became a Cross Connection Control Specialist. Over the years, he has honed his skills and expertise in ensuring water safety and maintaining the integrity of water systems.
In recognition of his commitment to excellence, he achieved certification as an instructor for the Western Canada AWWA Cross Connection Control Testers Course. This accomplishment speaks to his dedication to not only staying at the forefront of industry standards but also contributing to the professional development of others in the field.
With a passion for safeguarding water quality and a wealth of experience, Brett continues to thrive in the dynamic realm of cross connection control, shaping a career marked by both proficiency and a commitment to the ongoing education of industry professionals.
Cherolyn Knapp, Knapp Resolutions
Cherolyn Knapp B.Comm, LL.B, Q.Med (she/her) is a conflict resolution consultant, mediator, trainer, conflict coach, workplace investigator and lawyer based in Victoria, BC. She earned a B.Comm (Human Resources) from Toronto Metropolitan University in 1995 and an LL.B from University of Ottawa in 2003. She was called to the bar in Ontario in 2004 and in British Columbia in 2019. From 2004 to 2019, Cherolyn advised and advocated for employee and employer clients in a broad range of employment, human rights and civil disputes, appearing before various levels of Court and Tribunals and negotiating numerous out of court resolutions. She was also the co-managing partner of a successful law firm. Since 2019, she has conducted numerous workplace investigations into allegations of bullying, harassment, discrimination and misconduct, as well as workplace assessments, in various public, private and non-profit sector unionized and non-union environments. She has also been engaged as a mediator and facilitator to assist co-workers and professionals who are locked in disputes to find a path forward. Cherolyn is frequently engaged as a trainer, consultant and conference speaker on topics related to conflict resolution, diversity and inclusion, high conflict situations, bullying and harassment, negotiation, leading people and improving team functioning.
Danielle Hessler, Two Twelve Consulting
Danielle brings 15 years of HR experience to her consulting work. Danielle saw value in providing a customized approach to Human Resources and therefore forged a path and created Two Twelve Consulting. Although she is well-versed in all key areas of Human Resources, she specializes in employee and labour relations, performance management and recruitment. Having worked for Peace County Health during their amalgamation to Alberta Health Services, the opportunity allowed Danielle to gain unprecedented experience within the field Change Management. From there, she transitioned to Grande Prairie Regional College where she became their Director of Human Resources. Through this role, Danielle led a team of professionals in providing the HR strategy and support to the College located in Northwestern Alberta. Now living with her family in the outskirts of Grande Prairie, AB, Danielle provides her experience, knowledge and passion for Human Resources to the loyal clients of Two Twelve Consulting. When she’s not improving Human Resources for her awesome clients, Danielle can be found at the rink or on the golf course. From post-secondary institutions, municipalities, health care, oil and gas and non-profits, Danielle offers a unique approach to complex HR issues and assists her clients in a calm and focused manner.
Dave Russell, World Water Operator Training Company
Dave has over 20 years experience in operations and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment systems throughout Southwestern Ontario. He has been involved in the upgrade and technology selection for a number of water and wastewater plants. He has developed training programs and has trained plant operators for the Ontario Clean Water Agency. Being one of our longest serving instructors, Dave is our primary consultant and course developer for all of our wastewater programs. He has also been a key resource in the recent addition of “wastewater plant simulator technology” applications into our courses.
Diana Noble, Noble Choice Coaching Ltd.
Serial entrepreneur Diana Noble stumbled into the world of entrepreneurship by accident at the tender age of 24. Since then, she has successfully owned 6 separate businesses spanning industries including legal, media, marketing, real estate and coaching/consulting. She has started several businesses from scratch, has owned two franchises, successfully sold one of them, and still operates five businesses today. Her passion for business led her to becoming an ICF Certified Business Coach where she uses her skills to help entrepreneurs take a 360° view of their business to address gaps between where they are and where they want to be. She knows firsthand that the only limits to what someone can achieve are the ones we impose on ourselves and she partners with entrepreneurs to help them overcome obstacles and think outside of the box towards solutions.
Dirk Volschenk, WorkForce Strategies International Inc.
Dirk Volschenk is a solutions-focused Senior Executive and Consultant with thirty-five plus years of success spanning manufacturing, education, project management, information management, health industries and public services. Leveraging extensive experience in insightful leadership, Dirk is a valuable asset for companies requiring expert assistance with:
- Labour and employment strategy development
- Supervisory and Leadership Development including succession management.
- Development and implementation of competency-based talent management strategy, systems, and processes
- Business strategy development, transformation, and change management
His broad areas of expertise include problem analytics and diagnostics, process optimization, organizational efficiency, team building and training, HR strategy development, qualitative and quantitative analytics, and restructuring.
Freda Long, Associated Engineering
Freda has over 28-years experience in the planning, management, assessment, design, and construction of water and wastewater treatment, civil infrastructure, subdivisions, and community buildings. She has been working with Indigenous communities since 2005. Freda is currently the Manager, Indigenous Infrastructure. As the National Leader, she collaborates with staff across the company, providing input and advice on projects to support project delivery for Indigenous Communities across Canada.
Grant Dixon, Associated Engineering
Grant is the Manager of the Regional Water Group for Associated Engineering as well as the National Leader for ATAP). Grant has over 30 years of experience with a diverse background in water and wastewater for Municipal and First Nations clients. Grant offers a unique perspective as he has worked in Water and Wastewater Operations, Management and as a CAO in his career.
Jeff Griffiths, WorkForce Strategies International Inc.
Jeff Griffiths is a co-founder of WorkForce Strategies International, a senior Fellow at the Canada West Foundation and a member of the Workforce Forum for the North American Strategy for Competitiveness (NASCO).
Jeff’s practice focuses on talent and the critical role that it plays in delivering sustainable organizational performance. He was trained in instructional design and delivery during his service as an officer in the Canadian air force, and since leaving the military in the late 1990’s, has been on a mission to help create talent-first, resilient, agile organizations that can excel against today’s challenges while being adaptable to an uncertain future. He has helped organizations across a wide swath of the economy, including manufacturing, natural resources, transportation/logistics, aerospace, and professional services.
Jocelyn Claggett, Two Twelve Consulting
Born and raised in the Peace Country, Jocelyn has more than twelve years of experience in Human Resources in both the Public and Private Sectors. Jocelyn started her career specializing in Recruitment at Alberta Health Services (AHS) and quickly diversified her portfolio throughout her seven years at AHS as she branched into Labour Relations. It was at AHS that Jocelyn and Danielle met and first worked together. She moved into the private sector where she gained invaluable experience working as the Human Resources Manager at Canadian Lumber Products LTD (Canfor) for the Grande Prairie division. After three years at Canfor, Jocelyn relocated after marrying her husband Ryan and she found herself in the Human Resources department at the Municipal District of Greenview No. 16 (Greenview) as a part of their Human Resources department.
Kathy Jonzon, Aquatera Utilities Inc.
Kathy is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in water and wastewater treatment. Formerly serving as a Cross Connection Control Inspector and a dedicated board member of the Western Canada Section of the American Water Works Association CCC Board, she has a rich background in ensuring water safety and compliance.
With a passion for water management, Kathy transitioned to the role of Treatment Plant Supervisor, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to oversee treatment processes. Her commitment to maintaining water quality, coupled with hands-on experience, has contributed significantly to the water and wastewater industry.
Kathy plays a vital role in ensuring the efficient and effective operation of treatment facilities, safeguarding public health, and upholding industry standards. Her leadership and dedication reflect a strong commitment to the vital work of water treatment and wastewater management.
Kim Westlund, Kim Westlund Inc.
Kim Westlund is a speaker, podcast host and Chief Visionary Officer at Kim Westlund Inc. Kim is currently launching her brand new podcast, Create Your Vision, where she and guests share wisdom, strategies and stories about the importance of creating and living out the vision for your life and business. Kim spent over 30 years in various corporate and non-profit senior leadership roles. Her company offers strategy, tools and resources through inspiring content, conversations, coaching, courses and life-changing messages to ignite leaders for positive change on a global scale.
Michel Aubuchon, Carver PA
Michel has extensive managerial and technical responsibilities in complex, fast-paced environments within the oil and gas, aviation, utilities, logistics, I.T., pulp and paper, food processing and petrochemical industries. He is skilled in the development and delivery of training as well as development of quality assurance, environmental, health and safety, production, supply chain and financial reporting processes.
Michel LeFebvre, SWANA
Bio coming soon!
Mike Brown, Intrepid Group
Mike Brown is and experienced Business Development Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the industrial automation industry. Skilled in Process Control, Energy, Engineering, Business Development, and Process Automation. Strong sales professional with an Industrial Control and Automation focused in Instrumentation from Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology.
Olugbenga Ibikunle, Stantec Consulting Ltd.
As one of Stantec’s Canada-based global SMEs in infrastructure practices and asset management, Dr. Ibikunle handles projects across North America and beyond across multiple sectors, such as, water, transportation, aviation, energy and mining. Leveraging on his 10 years of extensive research/industrial experience, he has, in the last 6 years, been focusing on the use of trenchless methods in pipelines design and construction, development and application of new inspection/condition assessment methodologies, and unique trenchless rehabilitation solutions for linear civil infrastructure. He is also a SME in asset and infrastructure management practices in alignment with all applicable best industry standards and guidelines.
Raymond Menard, ACC Water Solutions
Ray Menard is the co-founder and managing partner at ACC Water Solutions Inc., bringing over ten years of experience in diverse water environments, including recirculatory aquaculture, municipal raw water, stormwater, wastewater, and ecosystems like lakes and ponds. At the helm of ACC's wastewater solutions division, Ray is dedicated to pioneering science-based solutions, specializing in designing and implementing aeration systems and distributing microbial, biocatalyst, and chemical products.
Furthering his expertise, Ray is actively pursuing an MSc in Environmental Practice at Royal Roads University. He also contributes his knowledge and experience to Smoky Trout Farm Ltd., a family-run business and Alberta's leading commercial cold water aquaculture facility.
Roy Monteith, E. A. Nunn Consulting Ltd.
Roy is an Electrical Engineering Technologist and Red Seal Journeyman Electrician with over 40 years experience in the electrical utility industry, and a Principal of E. A. Nunn Consulting. Roy's experience includes 20+ years in plant performing electrical operations and maintenance tasks with a generation utility, 10 years in various leadership and management roles, and approximately 14 years providing electrical operations and safety training to clients in the generation, transmission and distribution utility industry.
Sarah Martin, Aquatera Utilities Inc.
Sarah Martin is a Communications professional with a passion for mental health and wellness. As someone who has personally experienced mental illness, Sarah uses her passion, experience and personal stories to support those experiencing mental health crises. Her goal is to create a safe space for conversations around mental health; provide support, resources and advocacy for those experiencing mental health challenges; and show people that there is light on the other side of darkness. Sarah is an advocate for mental heath and wellness, and Mental Health First Aid Responder certified through the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
Serena Labrecque, Aquatera Utilities Inc.
Bio to come!
Sharon Young, 1951901 Alberta Ltd.
Sharon is an experienced health, safety, and environment professional who takes a risk-based approach to make health and safety a part of business decisions. For the last forty years, she has worked in the oil and gas sector and the municipal industry and now consults with clients wanting to continuously improve their health and safety management systems. Sharon is a certified health and safety auditor and instructs courses for the Alberta Municipal Health and Safety Association. Sharon combines her engineering background, business experience and CRSP designation to work with all organizational levels to make health and safety a practical part of their day.
Shayne Conway, Aquatera Utilities Inc.
Shayne Conway is a GIS Supervisor with Aquatera Utilities. He has over 15 years of experience applying geographic analysis and technologies for improved information management in both municipal and private sectors. He recently played a key role in implementing Aquatera’s Cityworks CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Software) by integrating Aquatera’s GIS Enterprise to create a system with GIS-centric asset management capabilities. In his spare time, Shayne enjoys travelling with his family and making music.
Steve Justus, Associated Engineering
Steve is an Electrical Engineer with over 20 years of experience managing projects of varying scales. He has been involved in all phases of multidiscipline project development from studies, planning and detailed designs through to construction and commissioning. He has extensive experience with the design and construction of both conventional and membrane water treatment plants ranging is size from 30 L/s production to 100 ML/D. Steve has been the manager of the Power and Automation group at Associated Engineering’s Edmonton office since 2015. Steve has a reputation for bringing pragmatic, practical and common-sense perspectives to guide projects and resolve problems.
Suraphel Fresenbet, Aquatera Utilities Inc.
Suraphel Joined Aquatera in 2019 as a GIS/Engineering Technician after completing studies at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology GIS program, with a background in Geology. Currently, he is involved in many initiatives from mapping assets to maintaining enterprise GIS system. I also supports staff with Cityworks Asset Management System.
Tamara Wuttunee-Campbell, Aquatera Utilities Inc.
Bio to come!
Tammi Nygaard, SWANA
Bio to come!
Tammy Elzinga, Government of Alberta
Bio to come!