MEET OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
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Blair Lowther
General Counsel
Doug Clough
Chief Operating Officer
Doug is the currently migrating from the Structural Discipline Lead to the Chief Operating Officer for Ecora. Doug is responsible for the operation of the structural team and for the Operational functions of the Company. Doug has been with Ecora since May 2019 as the Structural Discipline Lead and has taken on the COO responsibilities as of February 2023. Prior to Ecora, Doug was one of the Principals and the majority owner of Omega & Associated Engineering for 25 years and was responsible for the company operations and the structural engineering division. Doug’s career began with Cominco Engineering Services Ltd. where he was responsible for the design and construction phases of large mining projects.
Doug has a BASc. (civil) from the University of British Columbia, 1988. He has been registered as a professional Engineer since 1990 and has also been registered as a Designated Structural Engineer ( StructEng) since 2008. Doug is currently registered as a Professional Engineer in BC, Alberta, Manitoba and the Yukon Territory. His career has included the design and construction supervision of projects constructed locally, and in remote northern locations as well as projects in South America, United States , and Mexico. He enjoys finding technical solutions to engineering problems that address the construction, logistical, cost and design challenges posed by specific projects and enjoys working in a collaborative environment with other professionals, constructors and clients.
In his new role at Ecora Doug is focused on the systematic improvements and creation of operational systems that will assist Ecora in achieving its’ goals of becoming a leading consulting firm by providing clientele with Quality services and design solutions while providing a work environment where team members are challenged and excited about their careers.
- doug.clough@ecora.ca
- 604.795.6652 ext.1136
Blair Lowther
General Counsel
Blair, a former corporate lawyer at one of Canada’s largest law firms, brings a wealth of expertise in legal and financial strategies to Ecora. His experience in advising companies listed on major stock exchanges like the NYSE, Nasdaq, TSX, TSX-V, and CSE has honed his skills in structuring strategies that expand operations and maximize shareholder value. Blair’s proficiency extends to governance, tendering, contract, and general corporate law, making him a versatile asset to the team.
His legal acumen is backed by a solid educational foundation, holding both a Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) and a Juris Doctor degree (JD) from the University of British Columbia. As a member of the Law Society of British Columbia, Blair’s legal credentials are impeccable, and his experience spans across public companies, private entities, crown corporations, and various government levels.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Blair is actively engaged in the not-for-profit sector. His leadership roles include serving as Chairman of Sport BC and as a director of the Canadian Soccer Foundation. These positions reflect his commitment to community service and his passion for sports.
In his personal life, Blair is a family man who cherishes spending time with his loved ones. His enthusiasm for sports is not just limited to his professional involvement; he enjoys playing almost any sport, always ready to engage in friendly competition. Blair’s diverse skill set, from legal expertise to community involvement, makes him a valuable and multifaceted member of the Ecora team.
- blair.lowther@ecora.ca
- 604.999.6628
Kim Corea
Chief Financial Officer
Kim brings a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years in the accounting field. A Chartered Professional Accountant, Kim spent a significant portion of her career in public practice before transitioning to various controller roles over the past eight years. She now oversees a team handling all aspects of financial accounting, reporting, tax reporting, cash flow management, budgeting, and forecasting.
An expert of Excel, Kim works hard to improve and grow in her mastery of the program to find new ways to work more productively and efficiently. Beyond her professional roles, what she cherishes most about Ecora is the vibrant energy and positivity of the people, making every workday an enjoyable experience.
Stephanie Marsh
Director of People
Stephanie’s academic foundation was built at the University of Calgary, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a minor in Business Management. Her journey continued at Mount Royal University where she completed a Diploma in Human Resources. Stephanie brings a wealth of experience to Ecora, having returned to the HR field after a seven-year hiatus, and she’s loving her role more than ever.
Stephanie believes in supporting her team to help them flourish, which in turn benefits Ecora’s clientele and community. She also sees the importance of a healthy corporate culture as it significantly influences daily work experiences and overall job performance. Outside of her professional pursuits, Stephanie enjoys the endless outdoor activities that Kelowna has to offer.
- stephanie.marsh@ecora.ca
- 250.469.9757 x1089
Brandon Wright
Client Relationship Manager
Brandon Wright serves as the Client Relationship Manager at Ecora. With a background in Sociology and a minor in Economics from UBC, Brandon brings a unique perspective to his position. Inspired by his grandfather’s work in the mining industry, Brandon has always been drawn to large-scale construction and engineering projects, leading him to work with some of the world’s largest construction and engineering companies across Canada.
In his role at Ecora, Brandon is the linchpin for client relationships, dedicated to building strong connections and ensuring the team exceeds client expectations. His work involves not just maintaining but also enhancing client satisfaction through continuous feedback and the development of new opportunities. Brandon’s strategic focus is on identifying new markets and clients, a testament to his forward-thinking approach.
Brandon’s leadership style is inherently collaborative, emphasizing a team-oriented approach where information flows freely and positivity thrives. This approach aligns perfectly with his client-focused, detail-oriented, and proactive communication strategy in project management. Brandon meticulously navigates through each phase of a project’s lifecycle, from understanding the client’s needs to planning and executing the work, all the way to exceeding client expectations at project closure.
Ecora’s core values of People, Environment, Relationships, and Community resonate deeply with Brandon. He is a firm believer in putting people first, fostering a positive culture that allows individuals and the business to flourish. This people-first approach has led to significant successes, including engaging new clients through positive community relationships and leveraging client referrals, which are instrumental to Ecora’s growth.
Outside of work, Brandon’s life is enriched by his wife Rachael and their three West Highland Terriers: Archie, Teddie, & Oliver, who enjoy being part of the Ecora family with office visits. An avid Seattle Seahawks fan, Brandon also indulges in making homemade pizza and enjoys playing hockey and golf with clients and friends, further strengthening the relationships that are central to his role and personal life. Brandon Wright’s contribution to Ecora is marked by his dedication to building lasting relationships, a testament to his role as a pivotal figure in the company’s ongoing success.
- Brandon.Wright@ecora.ca
- 250.469.9757 Ext 1023
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Achim Muller
Team Lead, Landscape Architecture
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Natalie Martin
Team Lead, Landscape Architecture
Adam Hammoud
Civil Discipline Lead
As the Civil Discipline Lead at Ecora, Adam Hammoud possesses a solid two-year tenure at the company, managing multi-disciplinary projects and leading the civil engineering team across British Columbia. His role also involves working closely with many of our First Nation clients in the Lower Mainland. Drawn to civil engineering by his childhood interest in building and his aptitude for physics and mathematics, Adam is driven by a passion for creating infrastructure that nurtures communities and safeguards the environment.
Adam holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Sciences in Civil Engineering with a minor in Management Sciences. His expertise lies in managing multi-disciplinary projects and solving complex, often unconventional problems for clients. An operationally focused leader, Adam champions change within his team, fostering an environment that encourages continuous improvement in both the team and the overall business.
Adam’s interpretation of Ecora’s core values—People, Environment, Relationships, and Community—underscores the importance of putting people first, protecting the environment, fostering relationships, and feeling at home within a community. He believes in the power of individual commitment to these values, supporting his team by creating an environment that encourages the pursuit of these principles.
Adam’s approach to project management is meticulous—documenting everything, maintaining a to-do list, and checking things off only when they are complete. His most challenging project involved a brownfield land development project, which he navigated successfully by coordinating multiple technical disciplines within Ecora.
Adam advises those interested in joining Ecora to value continuous learning and information sharing. He believes that various types of people can thrive at Ecora as long as they align with the company’s values. As an engineer, Adam views the mind as the most valuable tool, unlocking all other tools.
Adam’s favourite aspect of working at Ecora is the diverse set of skills within the company, which facilitates the easy resolution of complex problems. In his view, clients choose to work with Ecora because of the company’s honesty and commitment to its values.
Achim Muller
Team Lead, Landscape Architecture
Achim, a key member of the Landscape Architecture (LA) Team at Ecora, has recently embraced a new position within the company, marking a significant step in his professional journey. Ecora is privileged to have Achim, whose dedication and innovative approach to design have earned him widespread recognition across the organization. His transition into this role is seen as a natural evolution for the team, promising continued growth and innovation.
Holding an undergraduate degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia, Achim further expanded his expertise with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Hague University of the Netherlands. His academic background lays a solid foundation for his work, blending creative design with strategic business acumen.
As a registered member of the Alberta Association of Landscape Architects, Achim brings a wealth of experience to his role at Ecora, enriched by his international career. His global perspective and diverse skill set are invaluable assets to the LA Team and the broader Ecora family, underscoring the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation in landscape architecture.
- achim.muller@ecora.ca
- 250.300.8750
Natalie Martin
Team Lead, Landscape Architecture
Natalie Martin, as the Team Lead of the Landscape Architecture department at Ecora, brings a decade of industry experience and a profound passion for creating spaces that are environmentally responsible, socially engaging, and aesthetically appealing. With a dual background in Landscape Architecture and Science, Natalie has been a vital part of Ecora for two years, guiding her team in delivering boutique-style landscape architecture services.
Natalie’s decision to pursue a career in landscape architecture was driven by her desire to shape outdoor spaces that resonate with environmental, social, and aesthetic values. Her educational journey, culminating in a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and a Bachelor of Science, has equipped her with a deep understanding of how to balance these elements in her designs.
At Ecora, Natalie leads a close-knit team of landscape architects and designers. This department is characterized by its boutique approach, focusing on delivering personalized and high-quality landscape architecture services. The team’s work reflects a commitment to creating spaces that are not only visually stunning but also sustainable and community-oriented.
Natalie’s leadership style is collaborative and exemplary. She values the opinions of her team members and believes in leading by example, ensuring that the service and guidance she provides set a high standard for her team. This approach fosters a culture of mutual respect and shared goals within her department.
When it comes to project management, Natalie emphasizes the importance of listening to clients’ needs and maintaining constant communication. This strategy ensures that there are no surprises and that clients are guided smoothly through any challenges. By adhering to timelines, Natalie and her team guarantee that deliverables are ready when needed, ensuring client satisfaction.
For Natalie, Ecora’s values of People, Environment, Relationships, and Community are central to her work ethic. She believes in putting people first, ensuring a sustainable future, maintaining strong relationships with teams and clients, and focusing on community-driven projects. These values guide her in creating meaningful projects that enhance local outdoor spaces.
One of Natalie’s notable successes at Ecora involved helping a client navigate complex landscape bylaw requirements, achieving a compromise with the City that allowed the project to meet completion while satisfying planners’ requirements. This outcome is a testament to her team’s ability to address challenges effectively and deliver results that meet both client and regulatory expectations.
The most challenging projects for Natalie are those that require navigating through various issues with the client. Her solution is to ensure that clients are fully informed and involved in the decision-making process, working collaboratively to realize their vision.
In a world where remote collaboration is increasingly vital, Microsoft Teams is an indispensable tool for Natalie. It enables her to stay connected with her team members, who are spread across multiple locations, ensuring seamless communication and coordination.
Looking to the future, Natalie sees landscape architects playing a crucial role in creating diverse and sustainable open spaces in urban environments. As urban density increases, the need for reducing environmental footprints through innovative outdoor environments and public spaces becomes more pressing. Natalie Martin’s leadership at Ecora is not just about managing projects; it’s about shaping the future of urban landscapes and creating spaces that people will cherish for generations to come.
- natalie.martin@ecora.ca
- 250.469.9757 ext.1174
Dwight Crouse
Team Lead, Resource Analysis & Remote Sensing
Dwight Crouse, BScF, RPF, stands at the forefront of Ecora’s Resource Analysis & Remote Sensing department, steering a dynamic team as their Team Lead. With over two decades of rich experience in the forest sector, Dwight’s journey from the woodlots of Nova Scotia to the strategic planning rooms of Ecora is a testament to his passion for the outdoors and his commitment to sustainable resource management.
At Ecora, Dwight’s role is pivotal. He leads a talented group of forest resource and remote sensing analysts, guiding them in the quantification and assessment of various landscape resources such as habitat, water, timber, and non-timber values. His team’s work is crucial, as it feeds into forest estate models, ensuring that the management of objectives and values across landscapes is done sustainably and efficiently.
Dwight’s educational background in Forestry from the University of New Brunswick, coupled with his hands-on experience in silviculture planning, cruising, and road/block layout, has equipped him with a deep understanding of the sector. His expertise has only deepened through his work in strategic forest resource planning, cumulative effects modeling, and the integration of LiDAR, imagery, and climate data into forest inventories.
Since joining Ecora in January 2018, Dwight has been instrumental in enhancing the company’s forest/landscape analysis capabilities, integrating remote sensing into inventory and landscape analysis to provide a more accurate reflection of current values, features, and conditions on the landscape. His commitment to continual improvement is evident in his pursuit of additional qualifications in Business Analysis and Business Process Management from Mount Royal University.
Dwight’s leadership style is inclusive and empowering. He fosters a safe space for his team to voice their concerns and encourages them to pursue their career goals, all while ensuring alignment with project and corporate requirements. He is a staunch advocate for continual improvement, both within his team and across the company.
Dwight embodies Ecora’s core values of People, Environment, Relationships, and Community. He is committed to creating an environment that encourages his team to embrace these principles, believing in the power of individual commitment to make a difference. His approach to project management is client-centric, characterized by frequent communication, clear statements of work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence within scope and budget.
For those aspiring to join Ecora, Dwight advises a curious mind, a commitment to continuous learning, and a collaborative spirit. He values information sharing and believes that a diverse range of individuals can thrive at Ecora, provided they align with the company’s values. Dwight takes pride in the diversity of his team, recognizing it as a strength that allows for the formation of multi-disciplinary teams to solve complex client problems. He believes that clients choose Ecora for its honesty, commitment to values, and the diverse skills and experiences of its team members.
- Dwight.crouse@ecora.ca
- 250.469.9757 x1088
Shikun Ran
Senior Ecologist and Founding Partner
Shikun or “Ran” as he’s known, is a co-founder of Ecora’s series of companies and a senior forestry consultant specializing in forest ecology and inventory. As the team lead of the forest ecology and inventory discipline group, Ran employs a leadership style characterized by setting high standards for himself and leading by example. He prides himself on being a hands-on project manager, constantly exploring and testing new ideas to enhance project results and efficiency.
Ran is a passionate advocate of diversity, celebrating the range of countries, continents, ethnic backgrounds, languages, and cultures represented in his team and the wider Ecora family. This diversity, he believes, underpins Ecora’s founding principle of putting ‘people first’ and drives their success as a company. Beyond his professional pursuits, Ran enjoys the abundance of outdoor activities BC offers, from gardening and golfing to exploring new places in the province.
Kendra Hopper
GIS Team Lead
Kendra Hopper, the GIS Team Lead at Ecora Engineering and Resource Group, brings a dynamic blend of expertise and enthusiasm to her role. With a career spanning over two decades across various sectors, including environment conservation, oil and gas, hydro, and municipal work, Kendra is a seasoned professional in the realm of Geomatics and mapping. Her dual technical diplomas in Advertising and Geomatics lay the foundation for her unique approach to spatial data and analysis.
At Ecora, Kendra has quickly established herself as a pivotal figure despite her relatively recent arrival two months ago. She manages a team responsible for creating and managing maps essential for both internal staff and external clients. Her team’s work ranges from fieldwork and planning to comprehensive reporting, utilizing advanced online data management and web map tools.
Kendra’s passion for mapping and spatial data is evident in her daily work. She finds excitement and challenge in translating client visions into tangible outputs, whether on paper or through sophisticated online web mapping applications. Her problem-solving skills and quick thinking are key in this process, ensuring that each project is not only a reflection of the client’s needs but also an innovative solution in the field of Geomatics.
Under Kendra’s leadership, the GIS department at Ecora offers a wide array of Geospatial services. These include field mapping applications, planning maps with detailed analysis tools, report maps for project sites, and web mapping applications that allow clients to interact with their data through various online platforms.
Kendra’s leadership style is characterized by empowerment and collaboration. She believes in harnessing the strengths and abilities of her team members, supporting them in their goals and achievements. This approach fosters a workplace where employees feel engaged, valued, and encouraged to share innovative ideas.
When it comes to project management, Kendra adopts a goal-oriented approach. She starts with the end goal in mind and works backward, considering all necessary factors such as timelines, resources, and other ongoing projects. Her strategy involves laying out clear steps with SMART goals to ensure the project’s success.
Kendra is deeply aligned with Ecora’s core values – People, Environment, Relationships, and Community. She values having engaged and quality team members, is personally invested in environmental stewardship, believes in building lasting relationships with clients, and understands the importance of positively impacting the communities Ecora serves.
In her short time at Ecora, Kendra has already witnessed her team’s ability to collaborate effectively, delivering high-quality results with quick turnarounds to meet client deadlines, all while maintaining a positive attitude. Kendra Hopper’s role at Ecora is not just about leading a team; it’s about inspiring innovation and fostering a culture of excellence in the field of Geospatial services.
Umaa Narang
Director of Environmental Sciences / Senior Environmental Engineer
Umaakant Narang, the Director of Environmental Sciences and a Senior Environmental Engineer/Technical Reviewer at Ecora, is a distinguished figure in the environmental field with over 35 years of extensive experience. His expertise encompasses environmental management, contaminated sites, waste management, and occupational hygiene projects, making him a valuable asset to Ecora and its clients.
Mr. Narang’s proficiency in environmental sciences is evident in his work with contaminated site assessments, including Preliminary and Detailed Site Investigations, Remediation Completion Reports, and Post-Remediation Investigation Reports. He is adept at developing remediation plans, providing on-site supervision during remediation projects, and facilitating legal instruments from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. His approach is strategic, focusing on providing clients with the best advice to achieve their goals efficiently and cost-effectively.
In the hydrogeological field, Mr. Narang has successfully managed projects involving underground storage tank investigations, groundwater plume delineation, aquifer characterization, and groundwater contamination treatment. He stays abreast of the latest remediation technologies, including bioremediation, vapour extraction, and groundwater treatment methods.
Mr. Narang’s experience extends to managing occupational hygiene projects across British Columbia and Alberta. This includes conducting hazardous material surveys and health hazard assessments for industrial and commercial sites. His expertise in waste management is equally impressive, having completed over 100 studies. Notably, he managed a significant project for a private waste disposal company, developing waste reduction strategies and plans for 44 facilities across BC.
Mr. Narang’s educational background is robust, holding a BASc in Chemical Engineering from UBC, Vancouver, BC. He has a Permit to Practice from Engineers & Geoscientists of BC and has completed various specialized courses, including Remediation Technologies, Groundwater Pollution and Hydrology, and Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessments. His commitment to professional development is further demonstrated by his training in Project Management, Contaminant Hydrogeology, and Occupational Health & Safety.
As a Registered Professional Engineer with Engineers and Geoscientists BC and the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta, Mr. Narang’s credentials are impeccable. His leadership at Ecora is marked by a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, technical excellence, and a strategic approach to project management, making him a respected and integral part of the Ecora team.
- umaa.narang@ecora.ca
- 604.551.7741
Kelsey McLeod
First Nation Client Manager
Kelsey is from Fort St John and is a member of the Bigstone Cree Nation with more than twenty years’ experience specializing in oil and gas applications and negotiations. He has worked with First Nations for the greater part of his career starting with Halfway River First Nation in the early part of his career as the Forestry Technician / Oil and Gas Liaison dealing with all aspects of Government and stakeholders regarding a variety of energy and resources. Kelsey then went on to the private sector as one of only a few Land Agents in the Province of British Columbia. Kelsey then expanded his skill set by working with the BC oil and Gas Commission in the corporate Land Management unit during which time he also taught First Nations Studies 102 for the Northern Lights College at night. Kelsey’s last position was working back with the Halfway River First Nation as the director of lands where he received recognition by Treaty 8 Tribal association of British Columbia and British Columbia Treaty 8 Chiefs as “Keeper of the Land”.
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