Celebrating 15 Scovan Stars who have been instrumental in our success since 2010.
Think of these individuals as the heart and soul of Scovan.
Over the years, they’ve helped build the company into what it is today. Some were here from day one, while others joined us from Gemini Fabrication. Their leadership, across all organizational levels, has been essential in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities. They are the ones we turn to, the ones who make us proud, and the ones we know we can count on. Here’s to our current stars – thank you for everything. We’re excited to have you leading the way as we look ahead to the next 15 years.
Matthew Hoblak, P.Eng., Director of Projects
Matthew has led various energy-related industrial projects, including designing and constructing new facilities and optimizing existing ones. In 2022, he became the Director of Sustainability Projects at Scovan, working with engineers and project managers to implement initiatives that align with the company’s goals. Matthew is the anchor behind some of Scovan’s most intricate projects and a trusted partner that our key clients rely on. Matthew excels in building connections – understanding needs, cultivating confidence, and consistently delivering results, even under pressure. His leadership helps propel our project success and create lasting client relationships. Matthew brings a calm, grounded perspective that keeps teams focused and on track. He personifies Scovan’s core value, Figure It Out: showing up, embracing the complexity, and charting the course forward.
Oliver Kohlhammer, P. Eng., VP, Projects & Products
Oliver has more than 14 years of experience as an engineer in the oil and gas industry in western Canada. He has played key roles in various energy-related industrial projects, including the design and construction of new facilities, as well as the debottlenecking and optimization of existing ones. Oliver’s impact at Scovan is defined by continuous improvement. From the Scovan Way to our daily processes, he actively looks for opportunities for improvement. Oliver is always willing to revisit ideas, including his own, to achieve better outcomes. His influence has significantly elevated our design standards and workflows, bringing clarity and structure to our deliverables. Oliver addresses challenges with a disciplined approach and constantly seeks ways to improve our work while remaining out of the spotlight. He is a quiet yet powerful force for positive change, strengthening Scovan through a desire to make things better.
Chris Stuart, PROGRAM DESIGN LEAD
Chris has worked on projects across all stages, including design, fabrication, and construction, with expertise in project leadership, detailed design, and development of specifications and standards. As a member of the innovation team, Chris has helped develop groundbreaking designs like PadX and HipVap while bridging the gap between engineering and fabrication. Chris’s leadership style centers on accessibility and investment in his team. He always strives to be a mentor and coach, keeping his door open and willing to invest whatever it takes to help the team succeed. Colleagues value his calm decision-making under pressure and ability to anticipate potential roadblocks before they materialize. Our core value, Figure It Out, represents his approach to every challenge – finding solutions where others might only see obstacles.
Alberto Cruz, P.Eng & P.E., SR. CIVIL ENGINEER
Alberto is a results-oriented professional with over 43 years of experience in design, construction, management, estimating, and procurement. Alberto’s technical stewardship and commitment to mentorship over the years have been invaluable. Alberto leads with quiet confidence, and his calm and positive nature fosters a collaborative atmosphere. He empowers his team through unwavering support and genuine empathy, acting as an enabler of their success. Known for his good vibes, he brings a powerful and uplifting energy to Scovan.
Blaine Owen, Sr. Electrical Engineer
Blaine has been instrumental in Scovan’s growth for over a decade. As a member of the original electrical team, his early contributions were critical to the design of the Lindbergh facility. Blaine shaped Scovan’s electrical direction as its first manager before shifting his focus to the intricacies of electrical design. He is a sought-after mentor, freely sharing the insights he’s gained over years of experience with other team members. Blaine’s positive attitude and collaborative spirit energize everyone around him, bringing good vibes and great energy to every interaction.
Matt Wall, P. Tech (Eng), Sr. Electrical Designer
As a senior electrical designer, Matt consistently raises the bar. He produces drawings of exceptional quality and strives to deliver nothing less than his best on every single project. Matt understands that true productivity comes from dedication and smart execution. He’s a testament to the power of focused effort in achieving exceptional results for Scovan.
Karim Atiyeh, P.Eng., Director of Projects
Karim specializes in thermal facilities and has experience in process design, detailed engineering, project management, and construction execution. Joining Scovan in 2017 as a Process Engineer, Karim rapidly ascended to Director of Major Projects, where he now oversees large-scale initiatives. His expertise includes process design, optimization, detailed engineering, project management, and construction execution. Karim’s calm demeanour and strategic approach to problem-solving have become his hallmarks, earning praise for his ability to coordinate cross-functional teams while creating an environment where all members feel valued and respected.
Scott Carson, Journeyman, Piping Superintendent
Scott has more than 25 years of experience in the oil and gas fabrication and facility construction industry, managing projects from groundbreaking to commissioning. Scott champions his team, ensuring they operate at peak efficiency. His leadership has been vital in successfully executing our PadX program and the IPC racks, demonstrating a remarkable ability to plan and organize for tangible productivity gains. Scott’s hands-on approach to managing his division sets a powerful example. He consistently drives his team and Scovan toward success. If Scovan’s values were embodied by individuals, Scott would undoubtedly represent Work Hard.
Shannon Blackmore, Structural Lead Hand
For over a decade, Shannon has been a fixture in the Ponoka shop, contributing six of those years to the Scovan team. As lead hand in structural fabrication for the past eight years, his impact is undeniable. With a strong focus on optimization, he continually tries to improve the workspace and empower his colleagues through training. Always anticipating future needs, Shannon’s proactivity makes him an essential part of the crew and an asset to Scovan.
Travis Churchill, Journeyman, Structural Superintendent
Travis has extensive experience in the oil and gas industry and a thorough understanding of all aspects of welding processes and procedures. Travis’s dedication to improving his division through optimized project workflows and processes has led to measurable improvements in PadX’s structural fabrication. Always eager to collaborate, Travis readily lends his knowledge and expertise to help overcome obstacles. His understanding of his department’s strengths makes him an integral leader and a trusted resource for guidance and support. For Travis, challenges aren’t roadblocks, they’re opportunities to Figure It Out.
Rob Williams, Manufacturing Manager
Rob develops strategies for on-site assembly and plans materials to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and with safety as a priority. He has established himself as a stabilizing force in Ponoka, guiding our fabrication team with his forward-thinking mindset. Rob combines his knowledge of Scovan’s operational history with a relentless pursuit of innovation. More than just a manager, Rob is a connector, building strong relationships with superintendents, craftspeople, and the wider Scovan team. A true embodiment of our core value, Disruption for the Better, Rob consistently challenges established processes to uncover more effective paths forward. His vision and drive have been essential in successfully launching our PadX manufacturing initiative.
Cody Gauthier, Assembly
Cody Gauthier has been a part of Scovan’s story for years. His ability to foresee challenges and mentor others helps promote learning and growth within the team. Cody challenges the status quo, actively looking for ways to innovate and improve to ensure that Scovan remains at the forefront. Our core value, Disruption for the Better, drives his ongoing quest for efficiency and breakthrough improvements in Scovan’s production.
Ryan Dionne, Assembly Manager
Ryan Dionne’s journey with Scovan began at the Ponoka facility. As Assembly Foreman, he quickly established himself as a leader. Our core value, Disruption for the Better, fuels his proactive approach to identifying areas for growth within the team. He’s a natural communicator who is skilled at translating vision into actionable steps and makes sure every team member understands and embraces Scovan’s principles. Ryan’s leadership style is about getting the job done and building a stronger, more innovative Scovan.
Christina Wiancko, Project Manager
For projects that demand clarity, Christina is the answer. She has effectively managed projects from proposal to field construction support and holds various certifications from NAIT and a 2015 Lead Auditor (CQI/IRCA) designation. Her sharp focus on scope, schedule, and budget translates directly into reliable deliveries that stakeholders trust. Christina’s leadership style is direct and emphasizes accountability, promoting an environment where getting things done is the priority. Her presence creates a powerful momentum that ensures teams work through challenges with precision and confidence.
Mike Schneider, Assembly Foreman
A valuable member of the Scovan team, Mike Schneider truly lives our Figure it Out core value. His leadership within the PadX team has been instrumental in shaping new employees’ understanding of our programs. Mike emphasizes the importance of individual control over one’s work, which has led to a deep sense of pride in workmanship and the overall quality of the assembled product. His efforts ensure that the Assembly team consistently delivers Scovan products that stand out for their excellence and attention to detail.
