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Exploration Professional Named
Manager of Geoscience Affairs
The first-ever APEGGA Manager of Geoscience
Affairs begins her duties this month from the Calgary office.
Penny Colton, P.Geoph., brings 20 years of experience as a
geophysicist in oil, gas and mineral exploration to a new
position created under the Association's recent restructuring.
Ms. Colton, a professional member since 1984, wants to build
a sense of Association ownership among geoscience members
and permit holders. She'll also strive for full compliance
of eligible geoscientists and geoscience technicians working
in Alberta.
"This new role is an opportunity to increase both awareness
and appreciation of benefits and services, as well as respect
and regard for the responsibilities entailed by membership,"
she said.
Ms. Colton, who began working for her Association on June
16, has spent more than 20 years in project management, geophysical
interpretation and consulting. Professional projects have
required extended trips to the U.S., the U.K., Venezuela and
China. She and her husband, who also works in exploration,
have lived in Calgary for more than 25 years.
She was a senior geophysicist of interpretive services for
Veritas DGC GeoServices Ltd. for eight years and a senior
staff geophysicist with Dome Petroleum/Amoco Canada for 11
years. Ms. Colton also spent several years with CGG Canada
as a geophysical analyst and was a geophysical operator early
in her career. From 1992 to 1994 and during 2003 she's been
a consulting geophysicist for Exploratech Service Ltd., a
family company.
Ms. Colton serves on the executive of the Canadian Society
of Exploration Geophysicists as director of educational services.
She's a past CSEG treasurer and advertising manager, and she's
also an active member in the Canadian Society of Petroleum
Geologists, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists,
and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists.
On the advice of colleagues, Ms. Colton applied for the APEGGA
position. "Participation in several recent functions
made me think of it as a compliment when several colleagues
suggested I'd be perfect for the new role.
"One 'eureka' event was the APEGGA Mixer in Red Deer
in February for University of Alberta geoscience students
and Calgary geoscience professionals. Discussions with students
over pizza led the mentors to highlight the exciting and varied
range of geoscience within the profession. The event demonstrated
that APEGGA truly is our organization."
Ms. Colton's work with the CSEG provides a solid grounding
for the APEGGA job. As director of educational services, she's
arranged technical luncheons for up to 600 members and guests.
She's also written and presented technical papers at conventions
and seminars, and enjoys public speaking.
Executive Director Registrar Neil Windsor, P.Eng., welcomed
Ms. Colton to the APEGGA management team. "Penny has
developed strong connections with the geoscience community,
through her professional experience and through her work with
industry organizations. I'm confident that she'll be a good
fit for this new management position."
CONTACT PENNY AT:
Email: pcolton@apegga.org
CALGARY
OFFICE: (403) 262-7714 EXT. 312
New Manager
of Communications
Brings Industry, Government Experience
A veteran of communications and public relations - in industry
and in government - has accepted APEGGA's newly created Manager
of Communications position. Philip Mulder, who carries the
Canadian Public Relations Society designation of accredited
in public relations, has communications experience going back
20 years.
Mr. Mulder starts here July 2, moving from the position of
senior communications consultant with the Northern Alberta
Institute of Technology in Edmonton.
He said his past employment has brought him in contact with
engineers and geoscientists. "I have great respect for
the professions and the people who work in them," Mr.
Mulder said.
APEGGA's public protection role also appeals to Mr. Mulder.
"I find it's important to believe in what the organization
that employs you does. APEGGA makes vitally important contributions
to the overall community," he said.
He's been director of public affairs for Credit Union Central
in Edmonton, director of communications for Alberta Transportation
and Utilities, as well as for Alberta Municipal Affairs, and
acting director of communications for Alberta Public Works,
Supply and Services. Further experience includes a senior
writer position with Alberta Power Limited and a supervisor
of communications position for an Ontario engineering and
architectural firm.
APEGGA created the position to look after external communications.
Seven staff in Edmonton and Calgary, involved in public relations,
the Outreach program and events planning, will work under
Mr. Mulder. He'll be putting APEGGA's message before the public,
governments, other self-regulating organizations and other
audiences.
It's an interesting time to be involved in the organization,
said Mr. Mulder. He looks forward to working with APEGGA while
it becomes more inclusive, and he sees consensus building
as part of his job. "I think building relationships will
be very important, both within APEGGA and externally, among
the public, the government and similar professional organizations."
Executive Director & Registrar Neil Windsor, P.Eng., said
Mr. Mulder's blend of experience is a perfect fit. "He
has considerable experience in various aspects of communications
and public relations - from crisis management and strategic
planning to research and news release writing. This is exactly
the type of person this senior position requires."
Mr. Mulder is married with two children, six and 12 years
old. He's active in various community and professional organizations,
among them Alberta Heart and Stroke, and the Canadian Public
Relations Society. He has a bachelor of arts degree in English
and history from the University of Toronto, and a diploma
in organizational communication from Centennial College of
Applied Arts and Technology in Scarborough, Ont.
"I look forward to hearing from members and getting to
know them, to find out what issues they're interested in and
what their concerns are," said Mr. Mulder. He also plans
to learn as much about the Association as he can over the
coming weeks.
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