Meet the Team
Dave Russell, MBA
Chairman
Edmonton, Alberta
A true expert in the pipeline inspection industry, Dave is the developer and chief inventor of electromagnetic tools and technologies. With more than 52 years of experience, Dave holds four current patents (and eight total patents) and has earned the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Level III technical qualifications in electromagnetics, ultrasonics, and radiography. He is the author of numerous training manuals, including the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Electromagnetics Handbook. Dave is a contributing author to the first and second editions of the AWWA M77 Manual of Practice – Condition Assessment of Water Mains.
Evan West
Managing Director
Edmonton, Alberta
As the Managing Director of PICA, Evan takes his many years of experience running businesses with a foundation in unique and innovative technology and applies it to the Non-Destructive Testing services offered by PICA. Evan spent 26 years in the oil and gas services industry and focused primarily on real time surveillance and optimization systems for both gas and oil production operations. Evan is an innovator in the industry, developing a gas optimization lifecycle management product with his startup company, Menex Technologies. When Menex was acquired by Zedi Solutions, Evan oversaw various aspects of the business for Zedi, including the next generation of hydraulic rod pumping optimization systems for the industry. In 2018, Evan moved into various executive roles for both Zedi Solutions and Emerson Electric Canada after Zedi was acquired by Emerson in 2019. His vision aligns with the mission of PICA, as he is committed to extending the reliability and service life of critical pipeline infrastructure around the world by facilitating proactive inspections, maintenance, and surgical repairs on aging pipeline infrastructure.
Blade Senka
Operations Manager
Edmonton, Alberta
Blade is responsible for coordinating PICA field projects, crews, and equipment for projects throughout the world. Starting in 2014 Blade has been directly involved in the completion of over 100+ projects in the field as an RFT inspection field supervisor. Blade has extensive experience in pipeline pigging and inspection and is also a certified Gas Production operator. He is an integral part of creating solutions on how to perform complicated projects in the field for clients in the municipal water and wastewater, oil and gas, and mining industries.
Derek Brent
Vice President, Manufacturing
Edmonton, Alberta
Derek is involved in research and development for all of PICA’s in-line inspection (ILI) tools and builds most of the inspection equipment that is currently in use. He is also responsible for the electronic and mechanical maintenance and repair of PICA’s equipment. An electronics technologist by trade, he has been an invaluable member of the Russell NDE/PICA team since the 1980s.
Jake Regala
Manager, Data Analysis and Reporting
Toronto, Ontario
Jake manages PICA’s data analysis team, which includes quality control and timely submission of reporting deliverables. He is also responsible for assisting utility owners and engineering consultants with interpreting PICA’s condition assessment results. Jake has over 20 years of experience in pipeline inspections (PCCP and metallic pipes) using specialized NDT tools and EM data analysis.
Daniel Lingnau
NDE Technical Specialist
Edmonton, Alberta
Dan has over 25 years of experience in the NDE field and has overseen the completion of many projects for clients with high-risk pipeline infrastructure. His expertise with Remote Field Testing (RFT) has allowed him to contribute to the design and development of a fleet of PICA tools and methodologies for the inspection of “difficult to inspect” pipelines. Dan has been actively involved in the most up-to-date technology advances and has lent his innovative expertise to the designs of PICA’s NDE inspection tools for challenging inspection projects around the world.
Kris Embry
VP of Client Services
New Orleans, Louisiana
Kris is responsible for business development and project delivery throughout the U.S. He has 13 years of experience in the water and wastewater industries serving clients through all phases of project development and delivery, from budgeting and scope planning to the execution of the condition assessment and final report. Kris is a member and active participant of the Northern California (Norcal) Pipe Users Group, AWWA Water Main Condition Assessment Committee, and NASSCO Pressure Pipe Committee.
Vincent Shen
Business Development Manager
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vincent focuses on the inspection needs of water and wastewater mains for customers in British Columbia. He proposes customized solutions to fulfill client’s condition assessment goals and oversees the planning, implementation, and delivery of inspection projects. Vincent has extensive experience managing pipeline inspections and conditions assessment projects and more than 25 years of non-destructive testing experience.
Tim Andrews
Project Manager
New Orleans, Louisiana
Tim focuses on the free-swimming autonomous force main inspection needs of PICA customers. He has 20 years of customer-facing service industry experience and has been an integral part of the PICA team for more than two years. Tim holds an MBA, as well as an undergraduate degree in Finance.
Jeremy Wallis
Business Development Manager
Ottawa, Ontario
Jeremy has over 30 years of sales experience and more than 15 years in Haested water and wastewater software sales. He has provided discovery, solutions, and implementation services over a wide range of subsurface construction facilities as it pertains to city and base infrastructure projects.
Kevin Weeks
Business Development Manager
San Diego, California
Kevin has over a decade of experience in business development, operations management, and customer success. His expertise from over a decade in working in water and wastewater encompasses areas such as technology, business strategy, financial analysis, client retention, as well as team leadership. As a Business Development Manager at PICA, Kevin brings a wealth of experience, particularly in developing projects, leading diverse teams, and implementing successful business strategies. His proven ability to drive growth, combined with his adeptness in customer relationship management and process improvement, positions him well to contribute significantly to PICA’s success.
Scott Popovic
Engineering Specialist
Hamilton, Ontario
Scott is PICA’s solutions engineering specialist, working to facilitate the planning and execution of electromagnetic inspection projects. He is responsible for interfacing between asset owners and PICA’s technical services teams to develop detailed condition assessment strategies. In his over 10 years with PICA, Scott has been involved in all aspects of PICA’s inspection projects, from planning and execution through to report delivery.
