Meet Some of Our Great People
Making Sure It's Clean:
Brian
Brian serves on a team of specialists at the refinery's Safety, Health and Environmental department. It’s Brian’s responsibility to help monitor wastewater from the plant to make sure it's crystal clear before being returned to the bay. He’s a trained engineer, with a degree in Engineering Geology from San Diego State University, and an MBA from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
"I like the fact that we’re so picky about water and air quality," he says. “This is the kind of place where the environment matters.”
That’s partly because this is our own backyard. When Brian’s not on the job, he enjoys kayaking the waters around March Point, as well as spending time with his wife Teryl, their daughter Tianna and son Michael.
"A lot of work, but I can’t imagine not doing it."
Sandra
Sandra, who works in the Quality Assurance Department at Shell's Puget Sound Refinery, is one of many employees who volunteer in the communities they call home. Sandra has been active for many years in organizations ranging from United Way to athletic teams. She and her husband Mark are among co-founders of the Anacortes Youth Sports Coalition, a non-profit group that provides critical funding for a variety of youth team activities. Like her work as a volunteer, Sandra takes her responsibilities at the refinery seriously. "We test effluent water each day before it goes into the bay," she said, adding that those in the lab "are like a little family. We make sure we meet permit requirements."
"Teamwork makes it all worthwhile."
Becky
A glance at the ribbons, photographs and posters covering Becky's office wall tells you she has the competitive spirit of a successful athlete. Take a closer look, and you see evidence of what is in her heart a passion for contributing to the lives of her friends and neighbors.
Becky is a member of the Information Technology Department at Shell's Puget Sound Refinery. Among her favorite pastimes outside of work is participation in the annual Multiple Sclerosis (MS) 150. The MS 150 is a 150-mile bicycle ride established to raise money for MS research. "Many people with MS participate as support staff in the event," said Becky. "Working with them and experiencing the support they give makes it all worthwhile."
A Wrench In His Hand:
Steve
Sometimes it’s obvious at an early age what a boy will grow up to become. Take Steve for instance. He’s a Machinist for the refinery, a man who helps keep acres of complex equipment running in top form.
"I was always the kind of kid who was curious about how things worked," he says. "Now I get to work on machinery, and get paid, besides. It’s a great job for a nuts-and- bolts guy like me."
Steve can’t seem to put down the wrench when he goes home, either. In his spare time he fiddles with an antique tractor and a race car. He even won a main event the first year he raced! (The car, not the tractor.)
Leading The Team:
Sue
Sue grew up in Michigan and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University in 1979. She has held several technical and management positions in the oil industry over the last 20 years, with ExxonMobil, the Williams Company and most recently Marathon Oil in Ohio. Sue came on as Shell PSR's General Manager in January 2006.
"I am very happy to come here to live in this spectacular part of the country," she says. "Some might accuse me of moving to Anacortes because it is so close to Canada. I’ve been a lifelong hockey fan." In addition to playing on a women's hockey team, Sue has also coached youth hockey teams.
Community involvement is very important to Sue, and she sits on the board of United Way of Skagit County, Padilla Bay Foundation and EDASC. "Community involvement is important not just for me, I believe it is important for everyone, and I am very pleased to see the level of involvement of team members at this refinery," said Sue.
*Sue photo courtesy of Steven Kennedy
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