Executive Director

• Apr 2023 - Present

Program Lead: Water and Fish Program

• Nov 2021 - Present

Adjunct Professor

• Apr 2012 - Present

Adjunct Professor

• Jul 2009 - Present

Director

• Feb 2014 - Mar 2020

Provided executive leadership and high-level strategic advice on a range of issues related to policy and innovation. Strategic analysis of organizational structure, resilience, and delivery of mandate. Champion of Alberta’s acquisition of light distance and ranging (lidar) data for vast areas of Alberta’s landscapes towards the goal of precision forestry. Provided awarding winning leadership and articulated a clear vision to scientists, both within GOA and universities across Canada, to develop a range of lidar-derived tools for improving operational and regulatory excellence and environmental sustainability. Tools delivered or nearing completion include: wet areas mapping data for some 34 million hectares; superior mapping and classification of water channels; lidar-derived mapping of riparian areas; spill management tool for mapping of oil spills; identification of biodiversity hotspots; and development of functional, synthetic watersheds in collaboration with Terrain Works and fRI Research. Feedback from industry has been that these tools should save industry millions of dollars each year by reducing field reconnaissance efforts. Strong champion of tree improvement as a strategic measure to enhance future yield and mitigate impacts of climate change. Equally strong supporter of enhanced forest management as a means to address issues of fibre security. Show less

Forest Management Specialist

• Feb 2003 - Feb 2014

Champion of Alberta’s acquisition of light distance and ranging (lidar) data for vast areas of Alberta’s landscapes towards the goal of precision forestry. Represented Alberta, in both a scientific and leadership position, with the Sustainable Forest Management Network, National Centre of Excellence. Mentorship to the university environment, overseeing educational development of graduate students at two institutions. Developed or co-developed extensive offerings of workshops to Alberta forest practitioners. Show less

Research Scientist

• Nov 2000 - Feb 2003

Inherited a small group of scientists and technical staff working in areas of forest management and forest soils, both identified as lackluster areas with little business support. Transformed the team from forestry research to focus on barriers to large scale hemp production. Foresaw the potential for industrial hemp production to augment Alberta’s conventional fibre supplies. Inherited a small group of scientists and technical staff working in areas of forest management and forest soils, both identified as lackluster areas with little business support. Transformed the team from forestry research to focus on barriers to large scale hemp production. Foresaw the potential for industrial hemp production to augment Alberta’s conventional fibre supplies.