Currently the Centre is comprised of a group of dedicated staff members, all aligned and motivated by one goal – to safeguard drinking water for the people of Ontario.
Since accepting the position of CEO of the Walkerton Clean Water Centre in 2010, Larry Moore has established the WCWC Training Institute and the WCWC Research & Technology Institute. More hands-on training has been incorporated into the WCWC’s programming, with increased focus on First Nations and post-secondary groups. The Centre has also begun to do technology verification for Ontario technology companies.
Prior to working at the WCWC, a 35 year career has been capped by 15 years working directly in the water/wastewater industry. Dr. Moore has worked intensively with both the largest and smallest utilities. He is the Canadian Vice Chair of the International Joint Commission’s Council of Great Lakes Research Managers and led the Ontario Water Works Research Consortium for a decade. These research efforts have improved our understanding of Lake Ontario as a critical source of drinking water. Dr. Moore played a major role in the introduction of management systems to the Canadian water industry and is considered a national expert for management systems, emergency programs and small water systems.
Another career highlight was the development and delivery of training to hundreds of operators, including many from small systems and/or from First Nations. He has served on the Board of the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association and has contributed to other boards and committees at the international, national and provincial levels.
Another focus has been the development and implementation of an Emergency Management Program for the Ontario Clean Water Agency and the development of emergency response plans for other clients. Dr. Moore's senior management positions include: Director, Innovation and Risk Management at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; Manager, Compliance and Research at the Ontario Clean Water Agency; and Regional Director, Ontario Ministry of the Environment.
Patricia Ruetz, a long-term resident of Walkerton and an honours business graduate of Georgian College, began working at the Centre in March, 2005 in a contract position as an Administrative Assistant. Patricia's diverse responsibilities as an Administrative Assistant enabled her to gain a broad understanding of many aspects of the Centre's business.
Now, as the Executive Assistant, Patricia Ruetz provides a range of assistance and support to the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Larry Moore and the Board of Directors.
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.
Linda Thompson leads and manages business planning and strategic planning for the Walkerton Clean Water Centre. Ms. Thompson's responsibilities include managing, performing and/or coordinating the provision of financial and budget administration, accommodation and facilities, procurement, and information technology services.
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.
Greg's skills and knowledge continues to support the growing administrative and business requirements of the Walkerton Clean Water Centre. Greg is a member of the Society of Management Accountants of Ontario, obtained his C.M.A. designation in 1988 and is a Business Administration graduate of Mohawk College, Hamilton.
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.
Erin spent 4 years working in marketing within the tourism and hospitality industry at a nationally recognized resort, specializing in social media, email and web marketing and later became the Assistant Product Manager in marketing, specializing in projects and product development. Erin has also worked on communications initiatives for non-profit organizations in Ontario on a volunteer basis.
Erin graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree and achieved honours in the public relations post-graduate certificate program at Niagara College Canada. Erin was employed by the college to lead a community public relations campaign and gained valuable experience in her internship placement within the Canadian regional office of an international hotel company.
Erin grew up in Bruce County and is happy to return to the area.
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.
Kelly has several years of experience in customer service and administration. Kelly’s responsibilities at the Centre include the hospitality for the training at the Centre in Walkerton, backup to the Receptionist and supports the administrative group when needed.
Mara is thrilled to have joined Walkerton Clean Water Centre as Administrative Assistant within the Department of Management Services Team. Mara covers reception when required, maintains central filing, issues purchase orders and tracking, offers assistance for IT support issues and provides hospitality services for the training department.
Mara has over 25 years of customer service and administrative experience, acquired from various roles in the insurance, communications, tourism and childcare industries.
Mara graduated with honours on the Dean’s List from Georgian College’s Executive - Office Administration program.
Though she grew up in Mississauga, Mara has been a resident of Bruce County for 21 years and now resides in Tara.
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.
Bonnie greets and directs visitors to the Centre. She also provides excellent customer service by answering all incoming calls, assisting, and directing calls to the appropriate staff members. As well, Bonnie provides support to the administrative staff.
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.
Brian joined a leading coagulant manufacturer in 1995 as a Drinking Water Specialist, responsible for technical sales, technical assistance, product development and testing; publication and presentation of technical papers; operator training and troubleshooting of drinking water facilities for North American customers. His work involved specialized studies on numerous aspects of water plant operation, including chemical process optimization, assessment of new technologies, filtration and water quality.
In 2004, Mr. Jobb took on the role of Vice-President, Sales and Marketing for MS Filter Inc., responsible for technical sales, marketing and support for Manufacturer's Representatives across Canada and the Northern United States. Responsibilities included research and development of ozone-assisted biological filtration technology for potable and other water treatment applications; preparation and presentation of technical publications and presentations at water industry conferences and operator training seminars across North America.
As an independent consultant, Brian was also involved in the design and delivery of drinking water operator training courses for municipalities and was contracted to design and deliver workshops for the Walkerton Clean Water Centre. These operator training courses, generally based on hands-on experience with emerging issues and exotic contaminants, are the result of extensive practical experience with research, optimization and troubleshooting of numerous Ontario drinking water facilities.
In November 2008, Brian accepted the position of Manager of the WCWC’s Training Group (now Institute) and continues to deliver several of the Centre’s training courses.
Brian's technical achievements have included the development and application of: an in situ filter media cleaning technique; the use of advanced oxidation (H2O2/UV) for taste and odour control; the use of CO2 for reduction of organics and residual aluminum in drinking water; UV treatment for removing the contaminant N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in municipal drinking water facilities. Brian has successfully distilled state-of-the-art research into practical concepts and coached numerous drinking water operators through the maze of modern treatment techniques.
Brian is currently involved in numerous OWWA, AWWA and CWWA Committees and MOE Advisory Groups. Brian is a Past-President (2004 - 2005) of the OWWA, and the recipient of the OWWA Norman J. Howard Award (1999) for sincerity in serving the waterworks industry. Brian has an Honours Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology.
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.
Corinne has been working in adult education and training for over 15 years. Before joining the Centre in 2005, Corinne held the position of Training Coordinator at Wescast Industries and was responsible for developing and implementing the training system for Wescast's North Huron facility in Wingham. Prior to that, she worked with adults as an educator with a number of organizations including Georgian College and the Walkerton and District Literacy Council.
Corinne acquired a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario and then attained a Diploma in Journalism at Sheridan College in Oakville. After gaining practical experience in adult education and training, Corinne attended Georgian College to complete the Teaching and Training Adults Certificate. Corinne is a member of the American Water Works Association and the Ontario Water Works Association.
Paula graduated from Lakehead University with a Bachelor of Arts. Paula has spent over 10 years in various manufacturing environments, largely as a Human Resources Generalist. Her past experience with developing, implementing and delivering a variety of training programs lends itself to Paula's role as part of the Walkerton Clean Water Centre’s (Centre’s) Training Institute.
Paula spent over 4 years as a Drinking Water Training Administrator at the Centre assisting with the general administration associated with providing training throughout the province. After serving in a secondment position as Management Services Coordinator, Paula moved into a Training Coordinator role.
As Training Coordinator, Paula participates in the coordination and administration of drinking water operator and management training courses, including the Ministry of the Environment’s mandatory courses. Paula works with systems owners and operators to identify training needs and implement solutions based on regulatory and professional development requirements.
Prior to joining the Centre, Leona Cunningham had been working with municipal and provincial governments for over twelve years. 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 working relationships with communities with small drinking water systems. This experience will assist her in her role as Training Coordinator as she works with managers and operators to identify training needs and implement solutions to enable them to meet certification standards and ensure safe drinking water. Leona has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Public Administration in Local Government from the University of Western Ontario.
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.
During his tenure as an Environmental Services Engineer with the Town of St. Marys, his key role was to ensure that the town’s water & wastewater treatment, wastewater collection and water distribution systems complied with the statutes. Venkat played a lead role in evaluating alternatives for biosolids management, conducted pilot scale study for sewage treatment plant upgrade with the Town receiving “Biosolids Excellence Award” from the Water Environment Association of Ontario for Biosolids Management.
During his tenure as a Junior Engineer with Genivar (formerly Henderson Paddon & Associates), Venkat was involved in the design of several municipal water systems, and participated in Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process for several water related projects. Venkat holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Guelph and a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Nagpur University (India).
Venkat is a Registered Professional Engineer in Ontario and a member of the American Water Works Association, Ontario Water Works Association and Ontario Society of Professional Engineers. Venkat is also a member of the Canadian Water Works Association and is on board of OWWA, Small Systems Committee.
Carol brings over 25 years of administrative experience to the Centre. Carol joined the Centre five years ago as the receptionist and then moved onto becoming the Training Support Representative for the WCWC Training Institute.
Carol is providing administrative support to the WCWC Training Institute. Carol administers the Mandatory course and assists with the preparation of course materials for Drinking Water Training held throughout the province. She also administers the Northern Centre for Advanced Technology Inc. (NORCAT) Health and Safety on line courses.
Lissa brings over 20 years of administrative experience to the Centre, and holds a General Secretarial Diploma from Georgian College. In her four years as an administrative assistant at the Centre, Lissa has been responsible for such areas as procurement, accounting, and website management.
Currently Lissa is providing administrative support to the WCWC Training Institute. Lissa administers the Operation of Small Drinking Water Systems course and assists with the preparation of course materials for Drinking Water Training held throughout the province.
Dr. Souleymane Ndiongue leads the WCWC Research & Technology Institute. He has over 20 years of experience in drinking water treatment, working in research and teaching. He has been with the Centre since its early stage and was instrumental in the implementation and development of the Technology Demonstration Facility and the first Mobile Training Unit. He is actively involved in research and hands on courses. He is fluent in French.
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.
Devendra Borikar holds a master's degree in Sanitary Engineering from IHE (Delft, Netherlands), a M. A. Sc. degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Windsor and a bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering from Gujarat University (India). Since 2005, Mr. Borikar is a registered professional engineer in Ontario. Mr. Borikar worked as an executive engineer for 13 years at the Gujarat Water Supply Department including work as a senior training officer for more than 3 years in Gujarat Jalseva Training Institute (India). As a graduate assistant in the University of Windsor, he taught courses for 2 years in drinking water treatment and distribution systems to fourth year environmental engineering students.
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.
Xiaohui is close to the completion of his Ph. D. degree at the University of Waterloo. His thesis research focuses on modeling the removal of micropollutants in ozonation and advanced oxidation processes aided by quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR). Xiaohui Jin holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences from Peking University in Beijing, China. His Master's work has been the identification and quantification of disinfection byproducts of endocrine disrupting chemicals in drinking water treatment processes.
Lindsay has recently joined the team at the Walkerton Clean Water Centre as a Technician. She supports the operation of the Research and Technology Institute and is involved in the Centre’s research and training programs. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Biology and Technology from Nipissing University and a Certificate in Environmental Management. She also obtained a diploma in Environmental Protection and Compliance from Canadore College. Lindsay is a member of the American Water Works Association and the Ontario Water Works Association.
Victoria has recently joined the Walkerton Clean Water Centre as a Technician at the Research & Technology Institute. She supports the operation of the Technology Demonstration Facility and the Centre's research and training programs.
Victoria has her Master's Degree and a Bachelor Degree in Biology from the University of Western Ontario. She has experience as a research assistant and teaching assistant in a variety of topics involving environmental issues and water.
Victoria is a member of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and International Society for the Study of Harmful Algae (ISSHA).
Linda is the Client Services Associate for the WCWC Research & Technology Institute. Her duties include the coordination and logistics for the Hands-On Training programs for the participating colleges throughout Ontario as well as the administrative support for the Tech Demo department. Some of her other duties include proof reading research reports, RFP preparation and procurement. Linda has over 25 years of experience in administration, including 12 years as a municipal Clerk/Treasurer. Linda was hired as the administrative coordinator for the initial set-up of the Centre in December 2004 and then moved on to the position of Executive Assistant to the CEO and the Board of Directors. For the past 2 and ½ years she has been the administrative assistant to the Technology Demonstration and Research Department. Linda is a member of the OWWA and holds an AMCT designation.
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.
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