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Our Leadership Team

Meet the dedicated professionals who lead our success here at EDI. Our team includes experts with a diverse range of knowledge, skills and experience in fields such as biology, hydrogeology, hydrology, environmental planning and more.

Cathy Mackay
Chief Executive Officer and Senior Partner
Bob Redden
Senior Advisor and Senior Partner
Dennis Thideman
Chief Operating Officer, Safety Director and Partner
Read more about Cathy
Read more about Bob
Read more about Dennis
Alison Fuhr
Chief Financial Officer, Human Resources Director
and Partner
Rahul Ray
Chief Strategic Initiatives Officer and Partner
Pat Tobler
Territories Regional Director and Senior Partner
Read more about Alison
Read more about Rahul
Read more about Pat
Leslie Chamberlist
Northern BC Regional Director and Partner
Ian Redden
Southern BC Regional Director and Senior Partner
Meighan Kearns
Prairies Regional Director and Partner
Read more about Leslie
Read more about Ian
Read more about Meighan
Mary Ann Middleton
Director of Operations and Partner
Susan Norman
Accounting Director
Lindsay Sabourin
Finance Director
Read more about Mary Ann
Read more about Susan
Read more about Lindsay
Hanna Donaldson
Director of Strategic Initiatives and Senior Partner
Logan Thideman
IT Director and Partner
Cameron Jackson
Saskatoon Office Lead
Read more about Hanna
Read more about Logan
Read more about Cameron
Anne MacLeod
Smithers Office Lead
Randy Morris
Vancouver Office Lead
EDI celebrating 30 years in business.
Read more about Anne
Read more about Randy
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Cathy Mackay, MSc, RPBio, PAg

Chief Executive Officer and Senior Partner

Cathy is the Chief Executive Officer at EDI. She joined EDI in 2006 as a biologist, and quickly became a Project Manager and then Branch Manager. Cathy was invited to join the EDI Board of Directors in 2008. She continues to work as a biologist and is both a Registered Professional Biologist and a Professional Agrologist. She is seen as a leader in the mining and energy sectors. Building teams that exceed the expectations of clients, associates, and regulators is what inspires Cathy the most.

Prior to joining EDI, Cathy worked as a biologist in the public and private sectors. She graduated with a BSc in Biology from Simon Fraser University in 1997 and worked for the BC Ministry of Environment upon graduation until 2002. While continuing her work in the private sector, Cathy completed her MSc in Natural Resources Science in 2006.

Cathy’s motivation as a business owner is grounded by her passion to further a knowledge-based economy in the north. She has lived in Prince George, BC, since 2003 and has served on the Prince George Chamber of Commerce as a director since 2016.

Bob Redden, RPBio, ASCT, CPESC

Senior Advisor and Senior Partner

At EDI, Bob provides vision and strategic advice to guide projects at EDI. Bob has over 25 years of biological and environmental management experience working in northern and western Canada. With a background in fish and wildlife biology and extensive experience working on most aspects of natural resource development and construction projects, he has significant knowledge with regards to regulatory and project requirements. He has managed numerous projects related to environmental assessments and environmental management planning/permitting and has worked extensively in the oil and gas, mining, renewable energy, and transportation infrastructure industries. Over the past two decades, Bob has developed numerous practical environmental management training courses for environmental professionals and construction team members, having trained over 2,500 people.

Bob has always been committed to making a difference by volunteering for boards, committees, and charities. Since 2014, he has been a northern BC representative (volunteer) for the BC Provincial Government’s Small Business Roundtable. The purpose of the Small Business Roundtable is to champion small business interests to government. In 2016, Bob was invited to volunteer on the Champions Table; a joint initiative established by the BC Assembly of First Nations and Business Council of BC. The Champions Table provides a meeting place for formal ongoing dialogue where leaders come together to explore opportunities, discuss barriers and work jointly to develop a more effective approach to economic development based on reconciliation with First Nations.

Dennis Thideman, CRSP

Chief Operating Officer, Safety Director and Partner

Dennis is EDI’s Chief Operating Officer. He has worked in various industry sectors for more than 30 years including forestry, oil and gas, mining, engineering, surveying, construction and GIS/mapping, providing him with well-grounded and practical health and safety experience.

Dennis is also EDI’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Director, focused on supporting the safe work practices of the EDI team. He is designated as a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP). In his role as OHS Director, Dennis coordinates and administers EDI’s health and safety program to support the overall health and safety of all employees, visitors and contractors. Additionally, Dennis manages EDI’s COR certification for British Columbia, Alberta, and Yukon.

Alison Fuhr, MBA, CHRP

Chief Financial Officer, Human Resources Director and Partner

Alison is EDI’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Human Resources Director. She guides EDI’s financial strategy, manages corporate risk and human resources, and oversees accounting and investment management. She prides herself on being approachable and helps keep our company’s financial well-being on track.

Prior to the Chief Financial Officer role, Alison worked closely under EDI’s previous CFO and oversaw financial analysis and management, corporate risk, insurance, fleet management and human resources. Alison continues to assist the Board of Directors with long term strategic planning, talent management and development, acquisitions, and streamlining procedural and financial policies and systems.

Raised in Smithers, BC, Alison went to school at the University of Victoria and the University of Northern British Columbia to gain her BComm and MBA. As an outdoor enthusiast, she is passionate about living in the north and enjoying everything it has to offer.

Rahul Ray, BSc, DEIA, MRM, RPP, MCIP

Chief Strategic Initiatives Officer and Partner

Rahul is the Chief Strategic Initiatives Officer and a senior environmental planner with EDI. In his business leadership role, Rahul identifies and builds opportunities for and with EDI team members. He also explores collaboration opportunities with companies that share our passion for excellence, client focus, and strong ethics.

In his project role, Rahul’s planning and facilitation work is supported by his education and experience in the biological and social sciences. He has facilitated major planning processes involving Indigenous communities; municipal, provincial and federal levels of government; and stakeholders designed to reach mutually-beneficial solutions. He has prepared baseline studies, led community engagement programs, and conducted assessments for major projects across western Canada over the past 15 years. Rahul is a Registered Professional Planner in British Columbia and a Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners.

In his non-work time, Rahul is focused on helping individuals and families with mental, physical, or financial barriers reconnect with nature.

Pat Tobler, RPBio, CPESC

Territories Regional Director and Senior Partner

Pat is a senior fish biologist in EDI’s Whitehorse office and our Territories Regional Director. He opened our Whitehorse office in 2000 and currently leads a team of around 20 environmental specialists. He has managed many environmental projects including large efforts with private sector, as well as Indigenous, and non-Indigenous government clients in Yukon and northern BC. He has played a lead role on hundreds of projects involving aquatic science, erosion and sediment control and environmental assessment.

Pat is a strong believer in supporting community and is currently serving as Vice-Chair of the Yukon College Foundation. He has been a key coordinator and coach for developing and growing female youth hockey opportunities throughout the Yukon.

Leslie Chamberlist, BSc, PAg, CPESC

Northern BC Regional Director and Partner

Leslie is EDI’s Regional Director for Northern BC. She joined the company in 2004. Over the years, Leslie has been involved in multiple linear development projects as well as commercial and industrial construction projects in British Columbia and Alberta. Her primary focus is watercourse crossings and project developments in, or adjacent to, watercourses. Leslie has experience with projects from initial site assessments through development of environmental management plans and regulatory permitting, to on-site environmental monitoring and reporting.

Ian Redden, BSc, RPBio

Southern BC Regional Director and Senior Partner

Ian is EDI’s Southern BC Regional Director and a registered professional biologist who oversees the operations of the Nanaimo, Vancouver, and Victoria offices.  He provides strategic guidance, seeks new business opportunities, and helps our clients scope, plan, permit and execute their projects.

Ian has more than 25 years of experience in project management, fisheries and wildlife studies, baseline and environmental assessments, environmental monitoring, environmental flow needs, watershed assessments and fish habitat offsetting. He has held positions with industry, government and in the consulting industry and has worked extensively in coastal BC. Ian has worked as a Senior Fisheries Biologist for a variety of sectors including hydropower, forestry, land and infrastructure development. He also has extensive experience in the hydropower industry working in all aspects from preliminary feasibility assessments through detailed impact assessment, permitting, construction monitoring, long term effects monitoring and operational support. As the permitting lead on numerous large projects Ian regularly works with provincial water licensing, land tenure acquisition and with the federal Fisheries Act.

Meighan Kearns, BSc, PBiol, RPBio

Prairies Regional Director and Partner

Meighan is EDI’s Prairies Regional Director and a senior biologist with EDI. In Meighan’s leadership role, she oversees the operations of the Calgary, Grande Prairie, and Saskatoon offices and provides strategic guidance, coordinates team efforts, and helps clients scope and solve issues.

Meighan has worked on numerous projects throughout Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Yukon and Northwest Territories for various sectors. She has accumulated over 15 years of experience in environmental consulting, conducting environmental impact assessments, fish and fish habitat baseline studies, stream crossing assessments, water quality data collection and management, and environmental monitoring of construction projects.

Mary Ann Middleton, PhD, PGeo (BC/AB)

Director of Operations and Partner

Mary Ann is a Senior Water Resources Scientist who is EDI’s Director of Operations. She is a professional geoscientist with a PhD in Hydrogeology, and a specialization in groundwater-surface water interactions and vulnerability assessments of groundwater-dependent streams. In her technical role at EDI, Mary Ann provides senior support for hydrogeology and hydrology projects and our growing Water Resources team, advancing our water data management capabilities across regions. As Vancouver office lead, Mary Ann provides strategic guidance to the local team and builds relationships with clients by coordinating strong teams and expertise to successfully scope, manage, and execute projects.

Mary Ann has experience with Water Resource projects in a wide variety of sectors, including mining (through advanced stage exploration, operations, and post-closure), transportation, urban, and renewable energy in BC, Yukon, and Alberta. Her environmental consulting career experience has included hydrogeological studies, hydrology and water quality monitoring, aquifer-stream vulnerability assessments, contaminated site investigations and remediation, forestry, mineral exploration, and fish and fish habitat assessments.

Mary Ann is active as a volunteer with Canadian Water Resources Association (CWRA) as a Member-At-Large with the BC Chapter and is active within CWRA Mentorship program. In 2022, Mary Ann was appointed to the Geoscience BC Mineral Technical Advisory Committee and the Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC) Geoscience Credentials Assessment Panel. Outside of professional activities, Mary Ann is a nationally ranked competitive powerlifter and enjoys the art of lifting heavy things and putting them back down.

Susan Norman, BA

Accounting Director

Susan is EDI’s Accounting Director. She oversees the processes and procedures that EDI has developed to help the company operate efficiently. Susan manages the administrative teams in each of our four regions to support our staff and the clients we work with.

In her free time, Susan is an active leader with the Girl Guides of Canada.

Lindsay Sabourin, BComm

Financial Director

Lindsay is EDI’s Finance Director. She oversees financial activities and keeps accurate financial records. With a focus on accuracy and efficiency, she makes sure the company’s financial operations run smoothly. Lindsay plays a vital role in supporting the company’s financial health.

An alumna of the University of Northern British Columbia, Lindsay graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting in 2024, while working full-time and being a wife and mother to two wonderful children. Born in Prince George, BC, Lindsay is a life-long hockey fan, who also enjoys gardening.

Hanna Donaldson, BSc, RPBio

Director of Strategic Initiatives and Senior Partner

Hanna is a Professional Biologist with over 20 years of experience in project management, fisheries, and surface water resources. She works closely with clients in the mining, energy, and oil and gas industries, providing strategic guidance in project scoping, planning, and permitting. Hanna regularly manages baseline and impact assessment programs as part of regulatory applications, including provincial water licensing, and the federal Fisheries Act. Hanna has directed and managed several independent reviews of projects under the BC Environmental Assessment Act on behalf of provincial government and Indigenous communities.

Logan Thideman

IT Director and Partner

Logan is EDI’s IT Director. He oversees and directly contributes to our growing team of IT specialists, who are dedicated to keeping our EDI technology, data management, and communications running smoothly. Over his 10 years at EDI, Logan has helped with all aspects of technology at EDI. He was the lead developer of mPro, our inhouse program for data collection and management relating to environmental monitoring. He has also helped shape the development of wPro, a data management tool used by our Water Resources team.

Logan is an avid curler during the winter season, enjoys camping in the summer, and likes to travel whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Cameron Jackson, MSc, PBiol

Saskatoon Office Lead

Cameron is a Senior Biologist and Project Manager who leads our Saskatoon office. He has managed the environmental components of numerous power transmission, pipeline, oil and gas, wind energy, and infrastructure projects across Saskatchewan. Projects Cameron has worked on include environmental screenings, biophysical impact assessments, permit applications, environmental management plans, and environmental construction monitoring.

Cameron brings a proven ability to mobilize resources. He accomplishes this by engaging high performing teams, tracking budgets and deadlines, liaising with client, regulatory personnel and non-government agency personnel, consulting with land owners and Indigenous representatives, preparing and reviewing reports, and mentoring staff for career development.

Anne MacLeod, BSc, RPBio

Smithers Office Lead

Anne was born and raised in north-central BC and spent the first several years of her career working in Smithers. After taking a position with EDI, Anne moved to the Yukon, spending almost 10 years working as a wildlife biologist and project manager in EDI’s Whitehorse office. In 2021, Anne relocated back to BC to head up EDI’s office in Smithers.

As a Senior Terrestrial Biologist, Anne specializes in birds and terrestrial mammals, with additional experience in amphibians, terrestrial invertebrates, plants and ecosystems. By balancing practical research, applied science, and development planning, Anne focuses on the management of wildlife values within the context of resource development. She has developed and conducted field studies for a variety of birds, mammals, plants and ecosystems. Anne has successfully carried out several environmental baseline assessments and environmental impact analyses, and has designed mitigation and monitoring programs for a variety of species. She has provided effective advice to clients on regulatory issues and has worked with clients through all stages of the permitting process.

In her role as the Smithers office lead, Anne has led the growth of the new office to a team of eight biologists and environmental technicians. She provides strategic guidance to the local team and works with clients to successfully scope, manage, and execute projects.

Randy Morris, BNRS, MRM, RPBio, PAg

Vancouver Office Lead

Randy is the Vancouver Office Lead and a Senior Biologist with over 18 years of experience in environmental consulting. He holds a Master of Resource Management from Simon Fraser University and a Bachelor of Natural Resource Science from the University College of the Cariboo. Randy is a registered professional biologist and agrologist in BC, specializing in project management, environmental impact assessment, environmental management planning, and environmental permitting. His expertise also includes riparian areas protection regulation assessments, sediment and erosion control planning, and research and salvage of fish and amphibians.

Randy’s professional journey has introduced him to a diverse range of sectors and projects. He has successfully delivered environmental services to government agencies, resource developers, First Nation communities and land developers. His project portfolio encompasses urban development, clean energy initiatives (such as wind and solar), infrastructure projects, municipal developments, and provincial and federal environmental assessments across coastal BC and western and northern Canada. Randy’s leadership and expertise have been instrumental in managing complex initiatives that promote environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

Outside of work, Randy enjoys exploring the outdoors through activities such as mountain biking, snowboarding, and backcountry skiing, as well as spending time caring for his dogs. These activities reflect his passion for nature and an active lifestyle.

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