Laurra Olmsted, MSc, P.Geo, P. Geol., Matrix Solutions Inc.
lolmsted@matrix-solutions.com

Laurra Olmsted is a Senior Hydrogeologist currently employed by the environmental consulting company Matrix Solutions Inc. in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Laurra received a B.Sc. at the University of Waterloo before pursing a M.Sc. at the University College London in England concentrating in the area of water supply. It was while in Europe that Laurra met the first of many individuals from the international hydrogeological community with which she would form friendships and alliances that would further influence the path she would take in her future. Laurra has worked in the environmental field since 1989 working on contaminated groundwater problems or water resource evaluations for industrial, commercial and municipal clients. She has served on executive of the International Association of Hydrogeologists Canadian National Chapter since 1994, and was accepted a member of the Burdon Groundwater Network in 2006. Her passion for helping disadvantaged people, particularly with regards to helping those people without enough water to provide the basic necessities of life, has led Laurra to become involved with HWB.

Cathy Main - /Details to be added

Craig Robertson, M.Sc., P.Geol., A.Ag., CCEP
craig.robertson@wesinc.ca
Senior Technical Manager
Wiebe Environmental Services Inc. (WES Inc.)

Craig Robertson is the Senior Technical Manager for WES Inc. and is located in the Calgary office. He received his baccalaureate degree from the University of Lethbridge and his Master of Science degree specializing in hydrogeology from the University of Alberta. Craig is a registered Professional Geologist in Alberta and a registered Professional Geoscientist in Saskatchewan and British Columbia. He is also an Articling Agrologists with the Alberta Institute of Agrologists and a Canadian Certified Environmental Practitioner. He has thirty three years experience in industry, oil & gas, mining, and agriculture. His diversified responsibilities have included environmental impact assessments, site characterisations, remediation design, ground water resource development, regional flow studies, irrigation and drainage, research, education and training. Craig has managed projects involving the application of hydrogeological and hydrochemical principles related to environmental management and remediation. He has travelled extensively and been involved in international projects in developing countries. In his current role he directs technical and professional staff in the conduct of contaminant hydrogeological investigations, development of risk management and remediation strategies and management of facility liabilities for multiple clients in the oil and gas industry in western Canada.

David N. Bethune
bethuned@ucalgary.ca

David has a M.Sc. in hydrogeology from the University of Waterloo and has been working as a professional hydrogeologist since 1986. In Canada, David was the first hydrogeologist hired by a municipal government (Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Ontario) in Canada. David has also worked as a hydrogeology consultant in Ottawa and Calgary. Internationally, David has mostly worked in Latin America (Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Bolivia). David has also worked in Malawi and Ghana on rural water supply and sanitation projects funded by CIDA. David has worked as a technical expert for the International Development Research Centre and the International Atomic Energy Agency. In 1994 and 1995 he was a professor at University of Costa Rica and participated in the initiation of a Central American-wide MSc. level program in hydrogeology and water resource management. The program was financially supported by the International Development Research Centre. This MSc program has led to the creation of the “Central American Water Resource Management Network or CARA Network and the creation of two additional CARA MSc programs: at the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua and the University of San Carlos (Guatemala). This project was funded primarily by the Canadian International Development Agency (UPCD Tier 1 Program) and led by the University of Calgary where David now works. David is currently working on a new UPCD (Tier II) project to initiate CARA M.Sc. programs at the University of El Salvador and the National Autonomous University of Honduras and is planning to start-up a CARA M.Sc. program in Bolivia. David’s future plans include the initiation of CARA M.Sc. programs in Sub-Sahara Africa.

Ron Hatch

Ron Hatch is a retired elementary school principal in the Kamloops-Thompson School District. Despite his 34 year career in education, he still actively continues his other professional careers as a project manager and trainer, through his company Aquila Consulting (2004), and his private psychological practice, through his company Kamloops Psychological Services (1975). Ron also volunteers on several boards and societies. His interest in world development goes back 20 years when he took a course, "The Twelve Issues Facing Developing Countries." Since that time he has volunteered on short-term missions to Mexico and Guatemala and has maintained a specific interest in water management. Ron has enjoyed immensely the exciting new learning opportunities offered through his new contacts in HWB. He looks forward to serving the members in the new society as the "temporary/acting executive director."