Biographies

Biographies

Max Ambrosi Max Ambrosi is at Pietro Fiorentini for more than 20 years and after more than a decade experience as Product manager for gas metering technologies and gas smart grid applications is the holding the position as Commercial manager of Pietro Fiorentini USA based in Wheeling, WV (US). He is actively participating in gas committee working groups and International Voice of the Customers, an in-depth process of capturing a customer's expectations and preferences.

John Anderson John has been with Emerson Process Management for over 32 years specializing the last 29 years in Gas Regulators, Odorizers, Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA), and Remote Telemetry Units(RTUs) used in the natural gas industry. His positions with Emerson include international assignments in Singapore and Bologna, Italy. He graduated from the University of Minnesota, Duluth with a Bachelor of Science in both Electronics Technology and Manufacturing Technology and from Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting. He also has a MABS from Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, TX. John lives in Zimmerman, MN. and is currently a Regional Manager for Canada and the New England area of the USA with the Emerson’s Regulator Technologies division in McKinney, Texas.

Robert Barchard Robert grew up being around his family's meter shop, and after graduating from the University of Alberta with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, started working for his family's business full time. He learned to work with gas meters, regulators, and other equipment hands-on, and is continually learning to run a growing business. He is is the 3rd generation at Barchard Engineering, a company found by his grandfather and father Frank and Barry Barchard in 1975. Today he manages the day-to-day, while also working on design and fabrication elements of the business.

David Blanco David Blanco is a Business Development Director who works with energy and transportation companies to protect not only infrastructure, but people, from the potentially catastrophic destruction of hackers. He believes safety is the key to effectively operating an infrastructure company, but that without a way to secure access to equipment or secure integrity of field data even the best safety programs can fail. David supports the development and deployment of AUTOSOL’s SCADA security software and hardware by bridging the gap between developer and customer. This gives him the ability to service customers by plugging the security gaps in his client’s infrastructure. David has experience as an integrator and an industry writer, having won a Silver Scribe award for his work in the industry. David holds a BA in Management Information Systems from the University of Texas at Austin and a MA in International Affairs from the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.

Jayne Blinzer Jayne Blinzer, P. Eng., graduated from the University of Alberta in 2007 with a Chemical Engineering Co-op degree. One of Jayne’s Co-op terms was at AltaGas Utilities Inc. and she enjoyed working there so much she went back to work there after graduation. Over the past ten years working in the natural gas utility business Jayne has been involved in many aspects of the Engineering Department, such as pipeline planning and design, operational support and station designs.

Ilia Bluvshtein Ilia Bluvshtein is a Principle Measurement Advisor at Union Gas working in the Engineering group. He received his M.Sc. in Measurement and Control in 1978 and Ph.D. in Measurement from St. Petersburg Technological Institute (Russia) in 1988. He has worked in the Measurement area for gas, petroleum and chemical Industry & Research for 40 years, last 18 years with Union Gas.

Jennifer Botterill 3 time Olympic Gold Medalist Olympic Silver Medalist 5 time World Champion 2 time MVP World Championship Harvard Honours Graduate 2 time winner of Patty Kazmaier Award (top player NCAA) Keynote Speaker / Broadcaster Mother to 2 young daughters

Richard Bourque Richard is a Product Support Specialist who works with energy companies to retrieve data out of field devices efficiently and securely. Richard handles day to day support at AUTOSOL, where he helps to optimize communication networks and helps customers with their data challenges. Richard holds an Instrumentation Engineering diploma from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary. Richard has experience from the design through to commissioning of control systems across multiple industries and now specializes in SCADA systems, communications and data transfer.

Bryan Chambers Bryan Chambers is the International Sales Consultant for Heath Consultants Incorporated. Bryan graduated from the University of New Mexico with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. His work experience includes over 15 years in the energy business, including time with New Mexico Gas Co, General Electric and Veolia. Bryan currently looks after the product strategy for Heath internationally, with a focus on safety and compliance in developing countries with rapid pipeline growth.

Michel Couillard Michel has been a technical training adviser at Energir (The New Gazmetro) since 2007. Michel is a specialized teacher instructor in advanced pressure regulating. He is also teacher instructor to the newly hired junior technicians that maintain and repair the distribution and transmission network pipelines. This is all part of Energir’s pipeline management and maintenance training program. Michel also works with engineering as tech support and is involved in the production of working procedure manuals used by the technicians in the field. Before Energir, Michel worked for over 20 years as an automated systems electro-mechanic (sometimes called robotics) and was specialized in pneumatic automation environments. Finally, he also worked from 2003 to 2007 as a teacher instructor in automated systems at the best rated trade school in Quebec.

Rob Dolhai Rob has been with AF Hall for over 5 years in the role of Product Manager. He specializes in Pressure regulation, including station design, fabrication, training & troubleshooting. His prior role was with General Electric Oil & Gas, where he supported the Becker control valve and Mooney regulator product lines for 4 years. Rob is born and raised in Hamilton Ontario, where he received his Certified Engineering Technologist diploma with a Mechanical background.

Pierre Dufour Pierre joined Honeywell in 1996 and has held several positions including Design Engineering, Project Manager, solutions Specialist and product Marketing Manager. Pierre joined the Mercury instruments organization four years ago as product marketing manager and is based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Pierre holds and electronics engineering degree and an MBA from the University of Picardie.

Mario Dupuis Director of the Approval and Calibration Service Laboratory of Measurement Canada (MC). and currently on assignment with the Program and Development directorate as Manager Utility Metering Division of MC. Started his second career in metrology with Measurement Canada in 2007. First assignment as Quality System Manager was to prepare the laboratories for the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, which was obtained in 2009. Then lead the Volume Measurement laboratory group from 2012 to 2016, mainly performing type approval testing and volumetric standards calibration under the Weight & Measures Act. Began his career in 1989, as an analytical chemist with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), working its way up managing the residue testing laboratory.

Amelie Edmonstone Amelie Edmonstone is Senior GSM Technologist working in the Gas Specification Management Laboratory for the Natural Gas Division at ATCO. Her work experience has included setting up maintaining analytical lab equipment for the analysis of Hydrocarbons and Sulphurs in Natural Gas as well as Glycol Analysis. She is responsible for maintaining the QA program for the lab through internal audits as well as external audit with the SCC to maintain accreditation. She has trained and coached many lab technologists through the years and has also provided training to field operators on proper sampling techniques. She obtained a project management certificate and has managed many projects to improve efficiencies and innovation related to the sampling and lab analysis. Amelie has recently been involved in being a referee for the NSERC for research and development grants and is a part of the SAIT MacPhail School of Energy Advisory Committee.

Timothy Egan Timothy M. Egan became President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Gas Association in September 2010. Prior to his appointment he spent much of his career in energy and resource consulting, including a decade as President of the High Park Group (HPG), a public affairs consulting firm. Mr. Egan is publisher of the Energy Regulation Quarterly, and editor of the magazine Energy. He serves as Canada’s representative on the International Gas Union (IGU), the global association for the natural gas industry, where he sits on the Executive Committee and serves as the Regional Coordinator for North America. He has an undergraduate degree in history from the University of Ottawa, and common and civil law degrees from McGill University. He was called to the Ontario bar in 1995. He is married to Patricia (nee Armstrong) and they have five daughters.

Herb Hammer Herb has been involved in the oil and gas industry for more than 28 years. He received a degree in Industrial Instrumentation from SIAST. He moved to Calgary in 1990 and started working with ITT Barton Instruments helping customers to solve their measurement problems. Herb has also worked at Plains Fabrication and Supply where he helped with package design and was the Director of Projects. Herb is currently working for Foothills Industrial Products, and is responsible for their line of operational products.

Justin Harrington Justin Harrington of AF Hall is proud to present a LEWA hands on presentation. Justin is the national sales manager for AF Hall a division of KTI. Justin has enjoyed over 20 years working within the Canadian gas industry. Justin takes great pleasure in introducing new technologies to and industry that simply does not like change. When he’s not working, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and three children in Toronto.

Paul Honchar Paul Honchar is SR Product Manager, TURBO and SONIX Meters. Paul is responsible for all aspects of product marketing for the gas turbo meter and Sonix meter lines. Paul received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 1979, and has 39+ years of gas industry experience with Sensus and the predecessor companies.

Weronica Isaksson Weronica Isaksson moved to Canada 15 years ago from Sweden. She obtained a Masters degree in environmental sciences, with a major in plant ecology, at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Her master thesis was written here in Edmonton at the University of Alberta. Weronica has 13 years of environmental expertise in the Alberta energy industry. Her first position was with Petro Canada and after that, 11 years ago, she started her work as Environmental Advisor with ATCO Gas in Edmonton. Last year, she transitioned to a common services Environmental Group servicing the three ATCO divisions: ATCO Gas, Pipelines and Storage & Liquids. Weronica’s responsibilities with ATCO include managing multiple closure projects for contaminated sites, supporting Engineering for environmental permitting and compliance on projects, advising and training employees at all levels to ensure compliance with environmental requirements in addition to monitoring and evaluating environmental regulatory developments and trends. Weronica is a registered E.P. - Environmental Professional and is currently pursuing PMP certification. She is passionate about returning as much land as possible to productive use as shown through her dedicated efforts of working towards closure for ATCO’s contaminated sites. Weronica is a naturalist at heart and also volunteers at an Edmonton animal shelter with her young children. Today, Weronica will be talking about key environmental policies and procedures applicable to the Canadian natural gas distribution and transmission industry.

Scott James Scott is a chemical engineer with extensive experience in the Natural Gas industry in operations, product and turn-key automation solutions. He has been in the industry for 30 years, and Lakeside Process Controls for 15 years, Roles have included design and project engineer, operations, business development and construction manager, Director Key Accounts at Lakeside. Scott’s desire to see the industry continuously evolve is seen through his involvement in creative end user and utility solutions utilizing the latest in technology and process refinement. Scott graduated from McMaster University and can be contacted at scott.james@lakesidecontrols.com.

Eric Kaert Eric Kaert is a Gas Utilities Specialist with Spartan Controls serving Western Canada and is based out of Edmonton. He graduated from the University of Alberta with an Engineering degree and has been working with the natural gas industry for 6 years. His background has focused on regulators, control valves and related instrumentation.

Amanda Kersell Born and raised in New Brunswick, she worked as a Civil Engineering Technologist in Project Management for many years in the building construction industry. After returning to school and getting her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, she decided to lift her roots and move to Alberta where she spent time in Fort McMurray working on the Hwy 63 expansion. Fort McMurray’s long cold winters prompted another career change, leading her to Edmonton where she has been working for ATCO in the Facilities Engineering group for the last 4 years.

Patricia Kittelberger Patricia has been involved in the Natural Gas Utility Industry for more than 10 years with a primary focus on Gas & Flame Detection. Patricia supports both her distribution partners and end-users by providing technical support, instrumentation training, and specification in gas detection products to help solve unique application challenges. With this experience, Patricia guides her clients in understanding technologies related to Gas & Flame detection for a safer environment.

Braden Kowalyk Braden Kowalyk E.I.T. is a Design Engineer at AltaGas Utilities Inc. (AUI). He has experience in the operation and design of natural gas distribution systems from purchase stations to meter sets and everything in between. More recently Braden has played a key role in AUI’s system betterment program. As part of this program Braden has completed designs for the replacement of multiple high risk stations and has both used and contributed to AUI’s standard station design method.

Jason Laforest Jason Laforest is an Electrical and Controls Engineer for Union Gas and has worked for the company since 2011. He received his BASc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Windsor in 1997 and has practised as a Professional Engineer in Ontario since 2003. Prior to joining Union Gas, he spent thirteen years designing and programming control systems for the automotive sector. In addition to designing electrical installations for natural gas transmission and distribution facilities, he also develops policies, procedures, and training for safe electrical practices and provides guidance to other departments on matters involving electricity, electrical equipment, and hazardous areas.

Rick MacKay Regional Manager Electricity and Gas Inspections Western Region Measurement Canada 34 years’ experience in natural Gas Trade metrology. Was instrumental in the accreditation program in Canada. Lead the Measurement Canada Natural Gas Trade Sector Review leading to the low and high intervention model. Currently manage the Inspection team in the western region.

David McConkey David McConkey is the Manager, Operations and Safety, at the Canadian Gas Association (CGA). His role in operations serves to enhance the safety and integrity of Canada’s natural gas delivery industry via the development of industry best practices and guidance in areas such as measurement, cyber security, health & safety, damage prevention, and asset management. David is the lead on CGA’s cyber security initiatives. Prior to joining CGA, David taught financial mathematics and project management and consulted for High Park Group, a public affairs firm which operates within the energy sector. In 2004, he graduated with distinction from the University of Waterloo with a degree in Mathematics, majoring in Applied Mathematics and minoring in Philosophy. In 2006, David obtained a Masters of Electrical Engineering from McGill University.

Kent McLeod Petroleum Engineering Technologist Graduate from SAIT in 2000 Worked in manufacturing for all types of Oil & Gas Products since 2001 Specialized in ASME product manufacturing for Foremost Industries for 9 years as a project manager, working on all types of production equipment in both upstream to downstream applications. Changed focus into the gas sector in 2010 as Product Manager for the CWT Product line with Grit Industries prior to being purchased by Tecvalco. Now is the Director of Operations for Tecvalco and mainly handles training and troubleshooting for Utility Customers, engineering and operations on all Tecvalco manufactured products.

Andrew Meier

Joe Pirkl When it comes to the American petroleum industry, valve expertise is synonymous with the name Joe Pirkl. With decades of experience in the field and working with several valve manufacturers, Joe has built an impressive wheelhouse of technical and real-world skills. He’s augmented his knowledge with countless hours of hands-on maintenance and repair of valves and actuators, spanning the most common makes and models in the industry both in North America and Internationally. Joe is the resident professor of ValvePro® for the Petroleum Extension Program at the University of Texas and has certified hundreds of valve maintenance technicians across the country. He’s a strong leader with a strong presence that instills confidence and determination in those who work around him and demands nothing but the best from his students and colleagues. He currently holds the positions of General Manager and Senior Valve Technician at Sealweld Corporation, in Houston, Texas.

Julien Samson Julien graduated in 2002 with a degree in Industrial Engineering from Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS. Julien has been licensed as a professional engineer in the province of Ontario since 2008. Julien's career started in the automotive parts manufacturing sector, focusing much of his time in the quality and process improvement area. In 2013 Julien joined Union Gas, and has been working as a Station Engineer since.

Martin Schlebach Martin Schlebach Joined Daniel industries Canada in 1989 after graduating from SAIT Polytechnic with a diploma in Electronic Engineering. Over the past 25 years Martin has specialized in the development, testing, approvals and use of Ultrasonic technology in high pressure liquid and gas measurement. The use of gas ultrasonic meters in custody transfer applications has become Martin’s specialty, he helps designs, implement and aids in ongoing operation of these measurement devices. Currently Martin acts as the Director of Global Business Development for Emerson Automation Solutions-Daniel, where he takes part in numerous measurement schools, conferences and regulatory meetings.

Angela Scott Angela Scott is the Manager of Storage and Transmission Operations at Union Gas where she has worked for 17 years including 16 years within the Engineering department where she led the Station Engineering and Pipeline Engineering departments. In 2017, she co-led the CGA Material Traceability Taskforce to develop minimum record requirements for gas-carrying components. Outside of work, in addition to actively volunteering with PEO, she enjoys travelling, spending time with her husband and two daughters, and staying active by jogging or team sports.

Scott Torrance Scott joined ATCO in 2008 and worked in operations for 4 years before moving into the Pressure control group. As part of his role as a pressure control operator he works with the compressed natural gas trailers (CNG) and other equipment for temporary gas supply. He and Chris Yin where tasked with developing an in house solution for a CNG mobile regulating station that met the specific needs of a distribution company. Scott is now part of a team examining all of ATCO’s current temporary gas supply equipment and ATCO’s future requirements. When not at work Scott enjoys year round outdoor activities.

Carlos Uribe In 2006 he graduated from “Universidad Industrial de Santander" with BS in Industrial Engineering. In 1997 he completed the "Advanced Industrial Marketing Strategies" course at the INSEAD Business School in France. Carlos has worked for the past 26 years in various management positions in the natural gas industry. He moved to Florida in the year 2000 soon after joining Mercury Instruments (now Honeywell) as the Sales Manager - Latin America, and for the past 12 years as Regional Manager North America with Pietro Fiorentini. As such, he’s responsible for business development for measurement and pressure control solutions.

Daniel Veenstra Dan Veenstra is a Corrosion Technician with Union Gas, based in Eastern Ontario. Dan joined Union Gas in early 2016 and is responsible for the design and maintenance of corrosion protection systems for approximately 1200KM of gas pipelines. Prior to Union Gas, Dan was doing a variety of corrosion surveys for Corrosion Service. These surveys included bridges, parking garages, transmission pipelines, tank farms, water mains and the inside of water towers, amongst others. Dan lives in the country in Kingston Ontario with his soon-to-be wife Kristy (June 23, he should probably be working on that). He likes to spend his free time staying home working on the garage and property while neglecting the house itself.

Richard Waller Richard Waller has 25 years of experience in the energy industry, primarily in the area of product supply and services. Richard has been President of Foothills Industrial Products since 2007, a leading provider of components and systems to the natural gas delivery industry. He is currently involved with the Canadian Gas Association as a member of the Standing Committee on Operations and Safety (SCOS), and a member of the Operations Suppliers Executive Committee (OSEC). Richard has also been active as a member of the Entrepreneur’s Organization (EO), as Past President of the Calgary Chapter, a member of the Canadian Regional Council, and Co-Chair of the EO Banff 2016 Global University. Additionally, he has been an advisor to the West Island College Business Institute, and a mentor to the Haskayne School of Business- Hunter School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. In the community, Richard, has been involved in not-for-profit and fundraising initiatives. Richard was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Calgary Zoo, and past Chair of the Calgary Zoo Foundation.

Chris Yin Chris graduated from the UofA with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 2012. After graduation, he joined ATCO as a Design Engineer and has been through various groups in ATCO’s Engineering Rotational Program. In 2016, Chris joined the Facilities Engineering group where he is in charge of pressure egulating stations in the Edmonton region. During this this role, he worked with Scott Torrance on designing ATCO first mobile regulating station. Chris is currently doing his MBA part time at the UofA. In his spare time, Chris loves to travel and watch the UFC.

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