September 2006 ISSUE
Geoscience Affairs Manager Hired
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FRANK SCHEIBLI, P.GEOL. |
APEGGA’s newest manager wants to help build trust and rapport as the geoscience community’s direct link to the Association. Frank Scheibli, P.Geol., Manager, Geoscience Affairs, sees the role as a two-way street.
“I think of myself as an active voice for the geoscience community — a conduit who’s helping the Association hear and understand the issues facing geologists and geophysicists,” said Mr. Scheibli, who began working for the Association Aug. 9. “But it’s also my job to make sure the geoscience community understands APEGGA’s perspective.
“The primary objective is to strengthen relationships with the geoscience community while building a healthy respect for the role that APEGGA plays in our society. The province of Alberta is experiencing dynamic growth, and geoscientists have a significant role to play in that growth. The role we serve as professionals could be improved.”
Mr. Scheibli fills a vacancy left open some months ago when Penny Colton, P.Geoph., resigned for other opportunities. He brings with him more than 16 years of environmental consulting experience across the country. Most recently, he was site management lead for CH2M HILL in Calgary.
Mr. Scheibli, who works out of the Calgary office, says he and APEGGA must “actively engage” geoscientists. They need to feel welcomed, that they have a voice and that APEGGA has something to offer them, he said, as well as understand their obligation to practice professionally.
He says his field experience will help him in his work with geoscientists. “I bring some related environmental and technical experience to the job, so I know a bit about the kind of work a lot of them are doing. My work has also taught me to be persistent in engaging others and seeing that their goals are being fulfilled.”
He adds: “I see this as a very key role within APEGGA. It requires visibility both outside and inside of the Association.
“I intend to work outside the organization by strategically networking with academia, industry, the consulting sector, regulatory agencies and technical societies, and from within by working with APEGGA volunteers and staff to ensure the needs of the geoscience community and the public are met.”
Mr. Scheibli holds a double undergraduate degree in both geology and geography, and a master’s degree in geography, from the University of Western Ontario.
He’s volunteered with the APEGGA Outreach program, and has served on the Environment Committee and the Appeal Board. He’s also licensed with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC.
Mr. Scheibli has lived in Calgary for more than eight years with his wife, Annemarie. The couple has two daughters, Erika and Evelyn.
Mr. Scheibli will report to Len Shrimpton, P.Eng., Director, Internal Affairs. “Real progress has been made in improving APEGGA’s relationship with the geoscience community, since we created this position in 2003. And we’re not just talking just about intangibles, either.
“For example, the work of Mr. Scheibli’s predecessor helped in the development of an ethics course for geoscience students at the University of Calgary. And our Professional Development Department courses have become much more attuned to the needs of the geosciences.
“We look forward to adding to that list of successes with Frank on board. He’s a good fit for the job, and it gives me great pleasure to welcome him to the APEGGA management team.”