Candidate Bios

Director

Giles Demke

Mr. Demke has twelve years of experience in engineering design, facilities/infrastructure siting services, project inspection and project drafting/graphics management. He has led design and drafting support on water and wastewater processes and piping systems, with special emphasis on wastewater and water treatment plant design. In July of 2006, Mr. Demke accepted the position of Plant Maintenance Engineer for the Salt Lake City Wastewater Reclamation Facility where he currently works. He has a Utah Wastewater Operator Grade IV certification and is an active member of WEF and WEAU.

Matt Myers

Matt Myers came into the world 30 years ago with one goal: to annoy (and embarrass) his mother. Having perfected that art some time before his 19th birthday Matt turned his attention toward what he was truly born and bred for: working in the sewer. After completing his education at the University of Utah, Matt thought he was finally prepared for his true calling in life. Then he was asked to be the WEAU Membership Committee Chair, where his job was to use email to annoy the WEAU membership in general. Turns out he learned all he needed to know from his mom. Matt also helps on the Midyear Conference Committee. Prior to his work on the Membership Committee, Matt worked on the Student Activities Committee.  Matt currently works at South Davis Sewer District as an engineer and loves every minute of it. A vote for Matt is a vote for him not to barrage you with email anymore.

Mark Ogren

Mark Ogren has worked for Provo City's Water Reclamation Facility for twenty nine years. He has held several positions throughout career. He started his Waste Water Treatment career as a Plant Operator, then transferred to the Maintenance Department. He was later recruited to the City's Pretreatment Coordinator were he regulated local industrial dischargers. For the last twelve years he has been Provo's Water Reclamation Plant Manager, overseeing their 21 MGD advanced activated sludge and tertiary Treatment Plant. He graduated from Provo High School and later received his advanced education at Utah Valley University in Public Administration. He has instructed and participated in numerous environmental technology seminars and workshops. Completed extended learning programs from California State University Water Programs which include; Advanced Waste Treatment, Pretreatment Facility Inspection, Treatment of Industrial Waste I & II, and Utility Management. Has been a member of the Water Environment Association of Utah for twenty three years. He held various positions within the WEAU committees including the Pretreatment and Biosolids. Currently holds a Grade IV Treatment and Grade IV Collections, State of Utah Wastewater System Operator Certifications. Mark is the past President for Provo City's Employee Association, he has served three years on the employees Unclassified Civil Service Appeals Board. Mark and his wife Gina live in Provo were they raised their two daughters and son. Mark and his family enjoy outdoor activities including camping. Their passion is traveling the country enjoying the scenery and visiting new areas.

Jeff Weist

Jeff Weist is a manufacturer's representative for process and instrumentation equipment in the water and wastewater treatment industry since 1983.  Started Waterford Systems in 1989.   Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Utah.  Served as volunteer and board member in a number of community, educational and professional organizations in the past 25 years.  Active in scouting, little league, and church entire adult life.  2009 volunteer of the year in the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Department as a Sunday chaplain at the Salt Lake County Jail.  Displayed at 20 out of the last 21 WEAU conferences and attended 18 out of the last 20 national WEFTEC conferences.  Taught operator certification courses on disinfection for the Rural Water of Utah and AWWA Intermountain Section organizations for the past 24 years.  Enjoy mountain biking, hiking, working out at the Sports Mall.  Recently switched from a lifetime of Chevrolets to a Ford pick-up truck.  Married for 32 years with five outstanding children and two and a half wonderful grand children.  

PWO Candidate

Gary Hill

 Just a small town kid from a wheat farm in central Kansas. Blew the engine in my ol' 55 pickup here in Utah in 1979...guess we're not going back to Kansas, Toto...Joined Snyderville Basin Water Reclamation District in 1991, and am a Treatment Operator IV. Operator of the Year for Plant under 5 mgd. in 1998. I have served on the Biosolids committee since 2004, and have been chairman since May 2009. I have also served on various award committees throughout the years. Participant on Snyderville's Operator Challenge Team. I enjoy a good round of golf, working on my project 1964 GTO, and roaming around southern Utah. I still think biosolid use on farms, gardens, and landscapes is the environmental thing to do, and we still have a way to go to change public perception.

2010 Ballot (view/download pdf)

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