FOR COUNCIL Walter Kozak, P.Eng.
• Experience in factual communications about hydraulic fracturing • Ongoing viability of APEGA critical to members and the public • APEGA must steward intellectual capital in down times Walter (Wally) Kozak was born in Edmonton. While his life has taken him many places, it has always centred on Alberta. Upon graduation from the University of Alberta in 1977 with a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering, Wally enrolled as an M.I.T. with APEGA and joined BP Canada. This began a 40-year engineering career in upstream oil and gas. Road trips throughout Alberta and northeastern British Columbia characterized the early years of his career, occupied with well completions and tie-ins, and the field handling of facilities. As skills were demonstrated, production operations became an increased portion of the mix. After progressing through increasing responsibilities, Wally moved to business development for midstream processing and transportation. In 1989, Wally’s midstream experience earned him the opportunity to support business development for a North Sea offshore pipeline expansion. This began his overseas decade, which had Wally applying, adapting, and honing technical and management skills in new and differing geography, regulatory regimes, and social contexts. The focus of his work, primarily in Central and Eastern Europe, cycled back to upstream development and operations, including the emerging area of unconventional hydrocarbons. Wally learned that, while education and expertise are critical, sound professional practice requires a legal framework, current regulations and standards, and ethical codes of practice. To remain relevant, all of these must be subject to ongoing review and renewal, and above all, Alberta was—and remains—a fine example. In 2002, at the outset of the unconventional gas era, Wally joined Calfrac Well Services and gained experience in hydraulic fracturing. The early years featured rapid growth in the sector—and a steep learning curve for Wally. Increased activity meant increased visibility, and hydraulic fracturing faced negative public sentiment. As Engineering Manager, Wally became a resource for explaining the technology. To do this, he engaged with the Canadian Society for Unconventional Resources (CSUR) as Chair of the Technical Committee and a board director. He remains a director and is the current Chair of the board. In 2011, against a backdrop of increasingly vocal challenges, Wally took on his present role, Director of Industry and Government Relations for Calfrac. Frequently with peers in industry, government, and academia, Wally presents responsible upstream oil and gas development in factual, professional terms.
Wally’s first priority for APEGA Council is continuing good governance. Over his 40- year association with APEGA and through several cycles of the economy, this association has been an effective regulator of professional practice. It has been well-managed and financially prudent, and it has supported its members. It is essential to maintain this steady, reliable record
of delivery to maintain our professions’ self-regulation and governance. The ongoing viability of APEGA as a relevant and thriving organization is important to all members, regardless of their practice sector. It is also the cornerstone of maintaining government, public, and societal trust. Demonstrating the relevance to society of APEGA members and their organization also interests Wally. The increasing trend of skepticism toward institutions, professionals, and experts has too frequently manifested itself as a grasp for veto power rather than a process for informed communication and decision-making. As a regulator, APEGA can speak in general terms to the standards of qualifications for its membership and a literally professed code of ethics, without necessarily speaking either on behalf or in defence of members. Efforts in this area will provide additional relevance to members, aiding us in retention and recruitment. Regardless of one’s views, Alberta’s economy is highly dependent upon natural resources and will remain so for many years to come. By extension, APEGA and its members are also tied to the Alberta economy in varying degrees. As a regulator of the practices of engineering and geoscience, APEGA has a role in the stewardship of the intellectual capital represented by its membership for the benefit of members and the Alberta economy. Just as APEGA responded to high demand for professionals through various initiatives such as streamlining the review of foreign qualifications, today’s APEGA must strive to preserve intellectual capital through a period of low demand. While there is no single, simple solution, APEGA’s actions on this issue will contribute to society’s, the public’s, and members’ economic well-being and relevance.
SERVICE • CSUR director since 2005, chair since 2012
• PSAC Hydraulic Fracturing Committee, Chair, since 2012 • SAIT Bachelor Applied Petroleum Technology Advisory Committee since 2012 • Volunteer instructor Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing, 2005–2009
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