Danielle Droitsch, Executive Director

Danielle has been working on river conservation since 1995. Danielle founded the Tennessee Clean Water Network, a statewide organization focused on implementation of the Clean Water Act followed by acting as a policy director for American Rivers’ Hydropower Reform Coalition in Washington DC. She has worked for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, the National Parks Conservation Association, and the Natural Resources Defense Council. She formerly was a member of the Alberta Water Council and is chair of the Alberta Environment Network Water Caucus. Danielle holds a degree in law from the University of Tennessee and a Bachelor of Science from James Madison University.

Joe Obad, Associate Director

Joe Obad has extensive experience in both communications and land use issues in Alberta. As former Conservation director with the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, he has consulted extensively with stakeholders across southeastern Alberta on land-use issues. He has worked to educate the public on science and land-use as project manager for initiatives such as Selected Ecological Resources of Alberta's Castle Carbondale and the Exploring the Castle Hiking Guidebook published by Rocky Mountain books. His policy briefs have significantly altered the practices of both industry and government. As a participant in the Land-Use Framework's Measuring and Evaluation Work Group, Joe brings a track record of connecting land-use science and policy to the LUF process. Joe has bachelors degrees in English and Education.

Julia Ko, Water Policy and Program Coordinator

A Masters of Environment and Resource Studies graduate from the University of Waterloo, Julia's research has focused on international development, land allocation, public participation, and integrated water resource management. Julia worked with the International Congress on Irrigation and Drainage in Beijing as well as with the University of Siegen for a European Commission funded project in Lao People's Democratic Republic and looks forward to bringing her expertise home to Canada. Julia will be addressing issues related to Alberta's water allocation system, Water for Life strategy, and Land-Use Framework. She looks forwards to the challenges ahead and to collaborating with water users of all shapes and sizes to find decisions that will be sustainable.

Carlos R. Garcia, Operations and Program Manager

Carlos is responsible for ensuring that the day-to-day operations of the organization (i.e. institutional / financial management, board and donor relations) operates in a smooth and seamless manner. He also implements priority programs such as our Alberta by Design land use initiative. Most recently, he served as Program Manger for UTSB Research directing the implementation of programs dedicated to the protection of Canadian national parks. His professional experience includes working for organizations such as: The United Nations University for Peace, The Ontario Social Development Council, The SmartWood Program of the Rainforest Alliance and the First Nation Community of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg (Quebec) - on various professional assignments ranging from being an instructor / visiting professor to serving as a principal researcher and assistant director. Carlos holds a bachelor's degree in environmental studies from York University and a master's degree in forest conservation from the University of Toronto.

Monica Zyla, Manager, Business Relations

As a Certified General Accountant, Monica has worked in the charitable sector since 1995 from social services, to education, to health, and now to the environment. Her extensive experience in working with Boards, financial management systems, and donor stewardship plans will allow Water Matters to focus on the business of caring for our watersheds. In addition to Monica's financial and leadership skills she will contribute to our ongoing projects in supporting and at times leading roles.

Dave Kalbfleisch, Web Architect

Dave is Water Matters' website magician who makes our e-newsletter look fabulous. Dave not only works with Water Matters but also the Pembina Institute and other not-for-profit organizations. Dave holds a Bachelor of Mathematics degree from the University of Waterloo.