TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

STEPHEN GENDRON

1.  How long have you been on the Board and what position do you currently hold?
I am a technical director as of February, 2023.

2.  What municipality or organization do you represent?
I currently work for the City of Orillia

3.  What is your educational and professional background?
I graduated with a degree in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering from Western. I have worked for 18 years in the water/wastewater industry, 13 years as a Consultant and five years as a municipal employee.

4.  The OMWA is a not-for-profit organization and all Board positions, including yours, are all volunteer, what inspired you to become an OMWA Board Member?
Being a part of the OMWA Lead Expert panel was a great experience and encouraged me to take a more active role in the organization.

5.  What do you hope to see in the future for OMWA?
Continued leadership on critical items that are not being adequately addressed, such as lead in drinking water.

6. What would you say to a 16-year-old student considering a career path, in water?
It is challenging to determine your career path at 16, but pursuing either education in sciences or occupation in the municipal sector can leave a lot of doors open.

7. What advice would you give to a new graduate considering a position in the water industry?
There is plenty of opportunity for advancement in the sector.  Make a network for yourself.

8. What’s your hometown?
Collingwood, Ontario

9. What brought you to Ontario?
Birth.

10. What was your first job?
First real job was working in a movie theatre.  First professional job was in an engineering consulting firm.

11. What challenges have you had to overcome in your career?
Breaking down communication silos in organizations is critical to overall success, but it is difficult to accomplish this against the tide.

12. What are some of your hobbies or how do you spend your free time?
Ski-joring, tennis, camping, and running table-top role playing games.

13. What is something quirky about you?
I once challenged a sitting Prime Minister to a sandwich eating competition.

14. What was your most prized toy as a child, and why?
Mr. Muggs, a stuffed sheepdog toy and the earliest toy I remember.  My puppy ate it last year.

15. If you could have a t-shirt printed with a message, what would it be?
Be The Change