Fall 2024 Environmental Forum Speakers

The Environmental Forum focused on "Water Use Adaptation" will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and government officials to discuss strategies, innovations, and collaborative efforts to address water use challenges and adaptation in Alberta. Attendees will gain insights into water efficiency, technological advancements, and strategic initiatives to enhance water security and sustainability.

Meet the Speakers

Margo Jarvis Redelback, Executive Director, Alberta Irrigation Districts Association

A registered Professional Agrologist, Margo has worked for over 30 years in natural resource sectors within Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Alberta.

In her current role as the Executive Director of the Alberta Irrigation Districts Association, she represents Alberta's eleven irrigation districts to promote the importance and benefits of irrigation and associated conveyance infrastructure.

Margo, her husband and two children operate a fourth-generation irrigated crop farm located just outside of Brooks, Alberta in the Eastern Irrigation District.

Vicki Lightbown Director, Water Innovation Program, Alberta Innovates

Vicki Lightbown is the Director for the Water Innovation Program at Alberta Innovates. She is a Professional Engineer with a BSc in Civil Engineering from the University of Calgary. In 2015, Vicki was a recipient of the Young Women in Energy award and in 2016 she was named in the Top 35 under 35 in Canada’s Energy Sector by the Alberta Oil Magazine.

In Vicki’s role with Alberta Innovates she works proactively to identify critical technology and knowledge gaps and apply world-class research to develop solutions for some of the biggest water challenges in Alberta.

Roger Ramcharita Executive Director, Southern Region, EPA, Government of Alberta

  • B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Wildlife Biology from University of British Columbia

  • Started career as a Wildlife Biologist with Alberta Fish and Wildlife Service in Fort McMurray

  • Held several management and executive positions in Alberta Environment and Protected Areas and Alberta Energy

  • Currently is Executive Director, Southern Region with EPA, stationed in Calgary. Temporarily seconded as Deputy Incident Commander for GOA Drought Emergency Operations Center (DEOC).

Title and Company: Executive Director, Southern Region, EPA

Alison Regan, P.Eng. SCMP Director of Projects, WaterSMART Solutions Ltd.

Alison is a Professional Engineer who joined the WaterSMART team in 2022. Through her 15 years of experience, she has led the development and execution of a wide variety of projects at a senior level, where she gained valuable experience in leading project staff, engaging stakeholders, and managing engineering projects, including scoping work plans, budgets, and schedules.

At WaterSMART, Alison is involved in improving the consistency and quality of project management processes, estimating, and reporting. As a leader, she focuses on maintaining clear and consistent communication, setting attainable goals, and assisting in prioritization while championing continuous improvement.

Alison received her Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Civil Engineering from the University of Alberta. In addition to her Bachelor’s degree, Alison is certified as a Supply Chain Management Professional by Supply Chain Canada and has completed certifications in Management, Leadership, and Project Management from Mount Royal University.

Her interests lie in pursuing a career that promotes building a diverse and inclusive energy landscape, understanding the role of sustainability and environmental stewardship, and promoting developments that lead towards a sustainable local and global economy, all while developing the next generation of leaders.

Chris Martel, Water Operations Team Lead, Tourmaline

Chris Martel is a professional engineer with over 14 years of oil and gas experience. Born and raised Calgarian, he graduated from University of Calgary in Chemical Engineering. Chris has been actively managing water for the past 7 years in the O&G sector, overseeing daily operations in addition to major projects across both Alberta and British Columbia. In his current position as Water Operations Lead, he is involved with various Operator Water Group’s, CAPP and governing networks to help promote knowledge sharing, technology evolution and guide regulatory changes within industry. Since his start at Tourmaline, his focus has been on fresh water reduction, helping to grow the companies’ recycled volumes threefold.

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