2018 CGA Operations, Engineering, and Integrity Conference

Jessica Ampleman Jessica graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in Chemical Engineering and has focused her career in the utility sector related to gas distribution. Prior to her work at ATCO, she completed a work term within the Operational Risk Management group at Enbridge Pipelines where she learned how to build a risk model with focus on human factors within the pipeline industry. Coming to ATCO she has been involved in the relocation of high pressure pipelines across the province of Alberta, and is now in the Planning group working to ensure that growth demands and challenges are met in the coming years for the city of Edmonton. Aside from her role in the Planning, Jessica has taken an interest in utilizing predictive risk modeling and GIS mapping to help ATCOs Damage Prevention staff stay a step ahead of third party damage and keep communities safe while reducing operational costs for the organization.

John R 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.

Spencer Beach Spencer Beach was a 3rd generation flooring installer and among the best in his field when he endured a horrific flash fire that left him permanently and severely scarred. After spending 14 months in the hospital and a year more of rehabilitation Spencer has gone on to carve out a new path for his life. He has now achieved such designations as a Construction Safety Officer through the Alberta Construction Safety Association, as well completed with distinction the University of Alberta’s, Faculty of Extensions, Occupational Health & Safety Certificate program. Spencer has been an international professional speaker for 10 years presenting on workplace safety, overcoming hardship, drug and alcohol abuse, understanding self to healthcare groups, national associations and more. Spencer is also the author of his bestselling book In Case of Fire, works with WCB Alberta to motivate injured workers, is a volunteer for the Friends of the University Hospital of Alberta, was awarded the 2013 Avenue Magazine Top 40 Under 40 for his community work and was the first recipient of the Award of Courage through Glenrose Hospital.

David Blanco David Blanco is a SCADA Security 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.

Chris Blunt Chris is currently the Manager for the Measurement and Electronics group at ATCO, Gas Distribution, which includes responsibility for the Gas Specifications Management Laboratory, Electronics and Instrumentation, and Automated Meter Reading departments for southern Alberta. Chris is an Engineer by trade and has held several design and front-line leadership roles in Pipeline Engineering, Operations and Construction. In addition to his current responsibilities, Chris is overseeing the implementation of Aerial Meter Reading for ATCO Gas Distribution across Alberta.

Tanis Brako Tanis Brako is a Manager of the Gas Apparatus Maintenance & Control Department responsible for the maintenance, operations, SCADA monitoring and cathodic protection of its stations and steel pipelines at Manitoba Hydro. Her work experience has included gas pipeline design, gas planning and gas station design previous to her current role. Most recently she led the installation of a Compressed Natural Gas Filling Station, a first of its kind in Manitoba. Sitting on four CGA committees she remains an active participant in the natural gas industry.

Lyndon Browne Lyndon Browne is the Supervisor Corrosion Mitigation, Gas Transmission and Distribution, at ATCO Gas and Pipelines. He has worked in the cathodic protection (CP) industry for just over twenty years, with ten of those years spent in the CP industry in Trinidad and Tobago. He also worked as a Coating Inspector in Trinidad and in Brazil. Lyndon is a NACE certified Corrosion Technologist and has also completed training at all three levels of the NACE Coating Inspector Program. In addition, Lyndon holds a Bachelor of Technology in Technology Management from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.

Matthew Cable Matt Cable is the manager of customer technology and innovation for Union Gas Limited. In his role, he leads a group with a mandate to develop new technologies, innovations and energy solutions that will help the company better serve its customers and contribute to Ontario’s climate change goals. Matt uses his skills with energy modeling, measurement and verification, thermal scanning and building performance management to guide teams to low-energy solutions. He has a unique ability to explain complex technical concepts to design teams and facilitate the optimization of new and existing buildings. Previous to Union Gas - Matt was a Sustainability Consultant at several integrated design firms, collaborating with architects and engineers to make some of Canada’s greenest projects. He has a bachelor and master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Queen’s University.

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.

Kevin Cicansky Kevin Cicansky is Director, Canada Gas Operations for Rocky Mountain Region, and is responsible for the safe and reliable operation of TransCanada’s Pipeline, Compression and Measurement facilities in Southern Alberta and BC. Kevin began his career with TransCanada in 1990, fulfilling various roles in the Major Projects, Engineering and Operations areas at TransCanada. Prior to his current role, Kevin was the Director of Project Controls and Services for the Energy East Project. Kevin has had the opportunity to work in both the corporate home office and field locations which has provided him a balanced perspective in his portfolio of work. In 1998, he presented at the International Pipeline Conference on a paper he co-wrote on pipeline risk management that was published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Mr. Cicansky holds a Bachelor of Engineering – Electrical from Lakehead University and is a certified Project Management Professional.

Mathew Desbiens Mathew Desbiens is the GIS Manager at AtlaGas Utilities in Leduc Alberta where he is responsible for the GIS Administration & Operations group responsible for maintaining the GIS asset mapping system. His group provides GIS/GPS support to the AltaGas operations, engineering and construction departments. Mathew has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geographic Information Systems from the British Columbia Institute of Technology (2007) and began his career with ESRI software development in Redlands California. He has spent many years as a GIS Manager in the seismic survey/oil and gas industry throughout the US Southern States and has over 11 years' experience in the GIS industry, 6 years in gas utilities and a strong background in a wide range of geospatial related technologies.

Tim Egan Timothy M. Egan became President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Gas Association in September 2010. Since joining CGA Mr Egan has been a strong supporter of the IGU, serving as Canada’s representative, sitting on the Executive Committee, and serving as the Regional Coordinator for North America. He is currently active in the sub-committee working on the “Building For The Future” initiative, looking at the long-term strategic direction of the organization. Mr. Egan is publisher of the Energy Regulation Quarterly, and editor of the magazine Energy. Prior to his appointment he was President of High Park Group (HPG), a public affairs consulting firm. 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.

David Hudon Mr. David Hudon holds a master degree in civil engineering from l’École de Technologie Supérieure (ETS). He worked in the infrastructure and highway industry at an engineering consulting firm, following which he joined Gaz Métro/Énergir in 2014 as a project manager. Projects under his responsibility include the estimation, the planning and the supervision of the construction process. He has also completed several network improvement projects in the greater Montreal area. Finally, Mr Hudon coordinates upcoming Énergir projects with municipal infrastructure program of different cities, where the gas network is present.

Jim Johnston Jim Johnston is the Chief Innovation Officer at McElroy Manufacturing in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He has a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Physics from the University of Tulsa and has been with McElroy for nearly 25 years. He is responsible for Standards, Industry Relations, Data Analytics, New Business Development and Information Technology and is an expert in standards work and development in North America and around the globe. Jim serves on the board of directors for the Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) and is actively involved with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ASTM International, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), American Water Works Association (AWWA), American Gas Association (AGA), American Welding Society (AWS), Water Environment Federation (WEF), Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) and many others.

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.

Greg Knopinski Greg Knopinski is a Senior Project Manager in the Major Projects Stations & Integrity group at Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. (EGD). In this role, he is directly involved in all activities associated with the planning, coordination, and execution of the company’s retrofit and inline inspection programs. Greg has successfully executed a number of challenging projects which include a nitrogen propelled inline inspection of a river crossing and the retrieval of a smart tool from a pipeline. Prior to his operational focus, Greg gained technical experience as part of the Integrity group, working on inline inspection projects, providing support for pipeline threat and reliability analysis, as well as defect analysis and remediation. Before obtaining his P. Eng., he held a range of diverse roles through EGD’s EIT program, including Engineering Operations, Damage Prevention, and Planning. Greg holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Waterloo.

Jonathan Landry-Bain Jonathan Landry-Bain is a corrosion control engineer at Gaz Metro based out of Montreal. He holds a degree in Electromechanical Engineering from the University of Quebec in Rimouski. His work experience has included 3 years as a cathodic protection technician and 5 years as a corrosion control engineer.

Chris MacAulay Chris MacAulay is the Vice President of Engineering, Construction & Operations at Heritage Gas Ltd, the natural gas distributor in the province of Nova Scotia. After graduating from Dalhousie University with a degree in Industrial Engineering, he held a number of positions in pipeline Engineering and Operations in Ontario and Alberta before returning home to Halifax in 2007. Since then, Chris has been responsible for the safe and reliable operation of Heritage Gas’ natural gas distribution system, and since 2014 has also had operational oversight of Heritage Gas’ Compressed Natural Gas trucking business. Chris is a member of Engineers Nova Scotia, and has been involved with the CGA through committee work related to Measurement, Damage Prevention, and the Continuous Improvement. He is currently a member of the CGA’s Standing Committee on Operations & Safety.

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.

Trevor Mitchell Trevor Mitchell is the Senior Specialist Gas/Carbon Supply and Asset Optimization. Trevor is responsible for the procurement of natural gas and carbon supplies for Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc., Canada’s largest gas distribution company with over 2 million customers in Ontario. Prior to Enbridge, Trevor worked at several Natural Gas Marketing companies trading gas in Canada and US markets.

Rex Murphy Rex Murphy has wandered the wide open spaces of journalism since the early 70s. He began at VOCM radio during an heroic period in Newfoundland politics when a (virtually) tied election left Joey Smallwood premier with one seat less than the opposition who were intent on ousting him. He joined CBC Newfoundland's Here and Now program when it was launched as a nightly supper hour news program. There have been dips into politics and magazine writing since then, and currently he writes and reports for CBC's The National and hosts Cross Country Checkkup.

Dr. Gene Palermo Dr. Palermo has been in the plastic piping industry for over 40 years. Dr. Palermo currently serves as a member of PPI, AGA, GPTC (Chairman of Manufacturers Division), AWWA, ASTM F 17 and ASTM D 20, CSA B137 TC, CSA Z662 TC (former Chairman of Clause 12 Gas Distribution and member of Clause 13 Plastics Task Force), and ISO/TC 138. He was honored with the ASTM Award of Merit and the AGA Platinum Award of Merit. Dr. Palermo is the only person to receive both of these very prestigious awards!

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.

Mike Shannon Mike Shannon is vice president of distribution operations for Union Gas Limited. In his role, Shannon leads the company’s distribution operations, which include operating and support activities for the construction, operation and maintenance of the Union Gas distribution system, and related support functions such as fleet, warehousing, meter shop and facilities. He is also responsible for driving the company’s focus on consistently safe, reliable and efficient delivery, and on superior operations across the more than 400 Ontario communities served by the company. Shannon joined Union Gas in 2001, and was named vice president, engineering, construction, and storage transmission operations in 2009. In that role, he was responsible for the operation and maintenance of the company’s transmission and storage systems, construction of major expansion projects and engineering. He also led the company’s environment, health and safety initiatives, policies and programs. Over the course of his 30-year career, Shannon has held a number of senior management positions in operations and construction across Ontario. Shannon graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. In 2006, he earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Lansbridge University in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Shannon is active in the natural gas industry through his participation as a member of the Canadian Gas Association Standing Committee on Operations & Safety , the Technical Standards & Safety Authority’s Natural Gas Advisory Council, and the Board of Directors of Ontario One Call.

Melissa Tzotzis Melissa Tzotzis is currently the Supervisor of the Emergency Dispatch Centre for Enbridge Gas Distribution. Her work experience at Enbridge Gas has included working in Operations as a Workload Planner and in Emergency Dispatch as the Supervisor. Melissa graduated from the University of Toronto and proceeded to work in fast paced environment. Melissa has worked in a leadership capacity for majority of her career at Enbridge and continues to interpret and execute plans and programs to drive productivity and new department efficiencies.

Russell Wintersgill Mr. Wintersgill has over 30 years’ experience in the Canadian Natural Gas Utility industry and has worked in positions of increasing importance in both gas operations and construction. Mr. Wintersgill most recently held the position of Vice President, Operations & Engineering for a Western Canadian gas utility. He is also past Chair, Standing Committee on Operations for the Canadian Gas Association and past Chair of the Board of Directors for Alberta One Call Inc. Mr. Wintersgill holds an MBA in Executive Management in addition to an Engineering Design diploma.

Michael Woloski Mike currently holds a Business Administration Diploma with a major in Marketing and most recently became NCSO Certified. Mike started with ATCO Red Deer in 2008 obtaining several different roles: Distribution operator-field, Operational trainer, Damage prevention investigator. In 2014 Mike was successful in progressing to Damage Prevention Coordinator-Districts based out of Edmonton. This role saw Mike overseeing all Damage Prevention duties for outlying areas for the entire province of Alberta except for Edmonton & Calgary. In 2016 Mike was awarded the Damage Prevention Coordinator Districts South position moving back to Red Deer looking after the southern half of the province overseeing Red Deer & Lethbridge regions.

Victor Woo Mister Victor Woo has over 10 years of experience in public utility management and engineering. He joined Gaz Métro/Énergir in 2012 as project manager with planning and construction management responsibilities. Over the years, he has improved cost and time efficiencies in construction management and enhanced coordination between private and public infrastructure owners. Previously, he worked in the telecom field where he managed critical underground infrastructure projects at Bell Canada and Vidéotron.

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