Dr. Souleymane Ndiongue has recently been appointed as Acting CEO for the Walkerton Clean Water Centre. In addition to this important role, Souleymane manages the WCWC Research & Technology Institute; chairs the WCWC Research Advisory Committee (RAC) and oversees the initiatives of research, hands-on training, technology demonstration and innovation.
Patricia Ruetz, a long-term resident of Walkerton, began working at the Centre in March, 2005. Patricia's diverse responsibilities in various positions at the Centre have enabled her to gain a broad understanding of many aspects of the Centre's business.
Before she began at the Centre in 2007, Katherine gained valuable experience at an environmental engineering and management firm specializing in the operation of water and wastewater treatment facilities for clients in the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors across Ontario. Katherine applies the knowledge and skills she gained here as she progressed through a variety of roles to her position as Planning Coordinator at the Centre.
For over 20 years, Linda Thompson worked at Maple Leaf Foods in financial and procurement positions. In 1999, Ms. Thompson was hired by the University of Guelph to liaise with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, to manage a $50 million contract. In 2003, the federal and provincial governments invested in a commercialization initiative, BIOENTERPRISE Corporation. As manager of business development, Ms. Thompson developed strategic alliances with various organizations and consultants to assist entrepreneurs with business counselling and support services including legal, financial, administrative, technical and marketing.
Greg Hayes is a Certified Management Accountant with over 25 years of comprehensive accounting and business experience, which includes service in not-for-profit and manufacturing environments. Greg's not-for-profit experience was obtained with previous employment as Administration Manager with Bruce Peninsula Association for Community Living and as an Accountant with the Bluewater District School Board.
As the Communications Associate for the Walkerton Clean Water Centre, Erin works with its internal departments and institutions to promote the services of each, including training, research and technology programs. Erin is eager to help raise the profile of the Centre as an accessible resource in providing safe drinking water for all communities across Ontario.
Before working at the Centre Tammy had 14 years of experience in an administrative background. Tammy’s role within the Management Services team has been receptionist and then in 2010 moved into an Administrative role that includes accounting, procurement, website management along with other various administrative tasks. As well, Tammy provides assistance to the staff in day-to-day administrative, IT and telephone system.
As the Management Services Associate for the Walkerton Clean Water Centre, Kelly works closely with all internal staff to provide a wide range of communication/administrative support. She works in the area of communications, doing ongoing website development, marketing and advertising, and provides administrative assistance to the Accounting Associate, Training Institute, Research and Technology Institute and back up to the Receptionist.
As the Operations Associate within the Department of Management Services, Mara’s job includes liaison with property managers of WCWC facility, policies and procedures for WCWC, accounts receivable, invoicing, A/V and IT support for the WCWC, and the coordinator of the facility’s training room rentals. Mara also provides administrative assistance to the Research & Technology and Training Institute when required.
Bonnie brings with her 25 years of medical administrative background. Bonnie is a long term resident of Brockton. She is a graduate of Conestoga College Medical Secretarial Program and a graduate of the Canadian Hospital Association Health Record Technician Program. Her background includes hospital medical records and Community Care Access Centre.
Brian Jobb began his career in the water industry with the Ministry of the Environment, initially as a summer student and ultimately as Field Services Coordinator for the Water Resources Branch, Drinking Water Section. He was responsible for supervising the applied drinking water research lab; conducting research into removal of exotic contaminants; development and delivery of operator training courses; review of new technology and new plant design for MOE Approvals Branch; working with consulting engineers to help solve unique water quality problems; technical direction for the Water Plant Optimization Study; preparation, publication and presentation of technical papers and Minister's correspondence; technical advisory and troubleshooting of chemical coagulation processes at drinking water plants throughout the Province.
As a Training Coordination Supervisor with the Centre, Corinne communicates regularly with owners, operators, operating authorities and other stakeholders to discuss training needs and priorities. She coordinates with trainers, venues and participants to schedule public courses throughout the province and works with municipalities and other organizations who want to host on-site offerings of WCWC courses for their staff. The focus is providing the highest quality training courses delivered by experts in the field to meet training needs throughout Ontario.
Paula graduated from Lakehead University with a Bachelor of Arts, and spent over 10 years in various Human Resources roles before joining the Walkerton Clean Water Centre. Her past experience with developing, implementing and delivering training programs lends itself to Paula’s role as part of the Walkerton Clean Water Centre’s (Centre’s) Training Institute.
Leona Cunningham has been a Training Coordinator with the Walkerton Clean Water Centre since April 2011. Prior to joining the Centre, Leona worked with municipal and provincial governments for over twelve years. She started her career with the City of London and most recently she worked for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs as a Project Analyst delivering federal-provincial-municipal funding programs to improve and renew public infrastructure across the province. In administering these programs, Leona developed strong working relationships with municipalities when interpreting program requirements, assessing applications, monitoring project progress and resolving issues.
Venkat started his career as an Environmental Engineer with the Ministry of Environment (MOE), Government of India. During his 14 years of tenure with the MOE, his key responsibility was enforcement of relevant statutes and legislations to industrial establishments for compliance. During his tenure with Lambton Shores as Infrastructure Manager, Venkat managed the operations and maintenance of Municipality’s water distribution system, wastewater treatment and collection system and implemented few capital projects.
Wayne has a keen interest in providing meaningful training to the operators in the Province of Ontario. Wayne currently holds licenses and certificates in water and wastewater and has been passing on his knowledge as a trainer since 2007.
As a professional engineer, Joel has over 10 years of experience in industrial wastewater treatment design and installation. Joel is a certified Cross-Connection Control Specialist and has authored trade articles on the subject of backflow prevention.
Carol brings over 25 years of administrative experience to the Centre. Carol joined the Centre six years ago as the receptionist and then moved onto becoming the Training Support Representative for the WCWC Training Institute.
Lissa brings over 20 years of administrative experience to the Centre, and holds a General Secretarial Diploma from Georgian College. As an administrative assistant at the Centre, Lissa has been responsible for such areas as procurement, accounting, and website management.
Alicia and her family are long-time residents of Walkerton. Alicia is a graduate of Fleming College and has several years of experience in administration.
Mr. Borikar leads Technology Demonstration. Since 2005, he has been part of the team that set up and upgraded the Centre's Technology Demonstration and Research facility. He is actively involved in research and hands-on training and has authored several papers.
Evan has recently joined the Walkerton Clean Water Centre’s Research and Technology Institute in the role of Innovation Lead. He will liaise with Ontario’s water sector to identify how the Walkerton Clean Water Centre can support the development of innovative technology. Prior to joining the Centre, he was Project Manager for several long-term municipal water loss management and industrial water efficiency consulting programs across Canada, the United Kingdom, Tanzania and the Philippines. In addition, Evan has proven practical experience with conducting complex flow monitoring programs and delivering large and small-scale water meter exchange programs for several Ontario municipalities. Working in the water sector for more than a decade has allowed Evan to establish strong partnerships with municipalities, corporations and community groups across the nation.
Xiaohui's primary duties and responsibilities will be to contribute to the development and execution of the Centre’s research plan. Xiaohui will also provide support to other initiatives such as the hands on training program, technology demonstration and innovation in the Ontario water sector.
Victoria is a Scientist at the WCWC Research & Technology Institute. She supports the operation, maintenance and upgrade of the Technology Demonstration Facility and supports the development and delivery of research, innovation and training initiatives. She is also actively involved in conducting research and developing partnerships with drinking water research stakeholders.
Lindsay is a Technician at the Walkerton Clean Water Centre. She supports the operation of the Research and Technology Institute and is involved in the Centre’s research, innovation, technology demonstration and training programs.
Jeff recently joined the Walkerton Clean Water Centre’s Research and Technology Institute. He supports the Operation of the Technology Demonstration Facility and will be active in research, innovation, technology demonstration and hands on training. Jeff will participate in the development and delivery of hands on training programs.
Laura Zettler is a Technician for the WCWC Research and Technology Institute. She assists in the development and delivery of hands on training and provides support in all stages of research and innovation projects. Laura also operates and maintains the Centre’s Technology Demonstration Facility.
